The Occult Symbolism of The Chariot in Tarot
The Chariot, numbered VII in the Major Arcana, symbolizes willpower, determination, victory, and the mastery of opposing forces. More than just movement, The Chariot represents the disciplined direction of energy, the triumph of spirit over matter, and the conscious navigation of life's journey.
Rooted in alchemy, Kabbalah, astrology, and Hermetic wisdom, The Chariot is the vehicle of the soul, guiding us toward self-mastery, purpose, and success through focused intention. It is the card of those who take control of their destiny, emotions, and challenges, refusing to be swept away by external forces.
Card Imagery and Symbolism
Each element in The Chariot card holds deep esoteric significance, symbolizing aspects of spiritual, mental, and physical mastery.
1. The Charioteer (The Warrior of the Soul)
The charioteer represents the conscious self, the warrior within, the one who controls the forces of life.
His crown of stars signifies divine wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, and connection to higher realms.
His armor represents protection, resilience, and the lessons learned through experience.
The square on his chest symbolizes the element of Earth, showing that he is grounded yet spiritually driven.
2. The Chariot Itself (The Vehicle of the Soul)
The chariot represents the body as the vessel for the soul’s journey.
It is a merkabah (divine chariot), a sacred vehicle for spiritual ascension in Jewish mysticism.
The canopy of stars connects the charioteer to higher consciousness and celestial guidance.
3. The Two Sphinxes (Opposing Forces)
The black and white sphinxes symbolize duality and balance—conscious and subconscious, light and dark, will and instinct.
Unlike horses, the sphinxes do not move on their own—they must be guided through inner will and mastery.
4. The Crescent Moons on the Shoulders (Lunar Influence)
The charioteer wears two crescent moons, symbolizing the waxing and waning of emotions, intuition, and the cycles of life.
This represents the need to align both intellect (charioteer) and emotion (moons) to move forward successfully.
5. The Wand Instead of Reins (Control Through Willpower)
The charioteer holds no reins—instead, he controls the vehicle through focused intention and spiritual force.
This represents the triumph of consciousness over brute force.
6. The City in the Background (The Past and Comfort Zone)
Behind the chariot lies a city, representing the familiar world the charioteer has left behind.
This signifies the courage to leave comfort zones in pursuit of higher goals and greater mastery.
Numerical Significance (VII)
The number 7 is associated with spiritual mastery, divine order, and the hero’s journey.
It is the number of completion and initiation (7 chakras, 7 planets, 7 Hermetic principles).
The Chariot is the test of self-mastery, symbolizing the ability to align opposing forces and move forward with purpose.
Archetypal and Occult Connections
1. The Chariot as the Warrior of the Soul
The Chariot embodies the hero’s journey—the moment where one must take charge of destiny and push forward despite obstacles.
It represents the Warrior archetype, the one who has mastered himself and is now ready to conquer the external world.
The Charioteer is often compared to Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, guiding Arjuna’s chariot on the battlefield of life.
🔮 Esoteric Question: Am I actively directing my life’s course, or am I letting external forces pull me in different directions?
2. The Chariot and Kabbalah: The Path of Cheth (ח)
In Kabbalah, The Chariot corresponds to the Path of Cheth (ח), which connects Binah (Understanding) to Geburah (Strength & Discipline).
Cheth means "fence" or "enclosure", symbolizing protection, self-discipline, and the ability to contain opposing energies within a controlled structure.
This path represents the mastery of duality (wisdom vs. force) to move forward on the Tree of Life.
🔮 Kabbalistic Question: Am I using discipline and structure to move forward, or am I letting chaos take the reins?
3. The Chariot and Astrology: Cancer (The Emotional Warrior)
The Chariot is ruled by Cancer, the sign of protection, emotional resilience, and deep inner strength.
Cancer’s cardinal water energy shows that the Charioteer must harness emotions as fuel for movement instead of being ruled by them.
Like Cancer’s hard shell, The Chariot represents inner fortitude and the need to shield oneself from distractions and illusions.
🔮 Astrological Question: How do I balance my emotions and intellect to move forward with clarity?
4. The Chariot and Alchemy: The Marriage of Opposites
The Chariot represents the alchemical stage of Conjunction, where opposing elements (fire & water, sun & moon) merge into one force.
This symbolizes mastery of duality—balancing instinct with control, passion with discipline, spirit with matter.
🔮 Alchemical Question: Am I integrating my inner opposites, or am I being pulled apart by conflicting desires?
Spiritual and Psychological Lessons of The Chariot
1. The Power of Will and Determination
The Chariot teaches that success is achieved through focused willpower.
It reminds us that our greatest obstacles are often internal, not external.
🔮 Self-Inquiry: Am I taking full control of my life, or am I letting my fears and doubts hold me back?
2. Mastering Duality
The two sphinxes represent inner conflicts that must be controlled.
The Chariot teaches integration—not choosing one side over the other, but guiding both toward a unified goal.
🔮 Self-Inquiry: How can I align my opposing forces—mind and heart, logic and intuition—to move forward?
3. Leaving the Comfort Zone
The city behind the charioteer represents the safety of the past.
The Chariot teaches that growth only happens when we step beyond the familiar.
🔮 Self-Inquiry: Am I ready to move beyond my comfort zone to achieve my goals?
4. Discipline and Emotional Mastery
The Charioteer controls the chariot not with force, but with presence, self-awareness, and inner discipline.
This card teaches that mastery over the self leads to mastery over the external world.
🔮 Self-Inquiry: Am I letting my emotions drive me, or am I guiding them with wisdom and discipline?
Final Reflection: Becoming the Charioteer
If you were to fully embody The Chariot’s wisdom, how would your life change?
Am I taking control of my life’s direction, or am I letting external forces lead me?
What opposing forces in my life need to be balanced for me to move forward?
Am I acting from a place of confidence and discipline, or am I hesitating out of fear?
How can I strengthen my willpower and resilience in the face of obstacles?
What victory am I striving for, and what must I do to achieve it?
Conclusion: The Chariot as the Vehicle of Destiny
The Chariot is the archetype of mastery, focus, and forward movement. It teaches us that success is a result of discipline, inner balance, and decisive action. By working with this archetype, we learn to overcome obstacles, integrate our dual nature, and drive forward with courage and determination.
