VII - THE CHARIOT
Upright Meaning: Ambition, energy, travel, reward, victory, self-control, triumph against the odds, achievement through effort, assertion.
Represents:Your mind conquering your emotions.
Reversed: Cancer. Illumination, insight, emotional, sensitive, protection, tradition, nurturing, home, security, family, caring for animals.
Ages: Twenty-eight to thirty-one. Achievement through effort, self-mastery.
TL;DR: Up: Ambition Down: Nurturing
In this post we take a closer look at card number seven of the Major Arcana, the Chariot. This card features a large wheel and a pair of dogs as a reference to the traditional RWS Chariot artwork depicting a man riding a dog-drawn cart. The star-printed curtains framing the wheel are inspired by the decoration of the chariot in the RWS deck as well.
The Chariot aims to remind us of our ambition. It represents victory, reward, and triumph over the odds that may have been stacked against you. I also like to think of it as the “long game” card; things in life don’t often happen as quickly as we may expect or need them to, but sometimes that means we haven’t done enough work or we haven’t earned that reward yet. This is not a card of instant gratification, but a reality check that sometimes you have to grind for a while before you succeed. Consider your willpower, drive and determination in the face of a challenge or change in your life. Remember that it’s not necessarily about enduring the things that happen to you, but taking control to get the results you want.
The Chariot is associated with the astrological sign of Cancer. The key concepts behind Cancer are illumination, protection, and insight. When the Chariot is pulled in reverse, Cancer comes forward and urges you to tap into your nurturing and emotional side. Where the Chariot focuses on the long game or journey and your self-discipline in achieving a goal, Cancer gives a gentle reminder not to become aggressive or overbearing. Maybe you need to take a step back from all the hard work you’re doing and put some effort in at home, whether it be by nesting or sprucing up your space, engaging with family and/or nuturing your children/parter, or even taking care of animals and providing that protection and security for others. Often times we can find ourselves so caught up in the daily race towards success that we forget about the people or animals in our life that also need us. There is a time for determination and focus on triumph, and also a time to allow ourselves some down time with loved ones. Balance is key!