The Chariot Tarot Card Meaning: Upright, Reversed & Love

The card hits the table with the energy of a starting gun. A warrior stands tall in a chariot drawn by two sphinxes—one black, one white—pulling in different directions, yet somehow moving forward as one. The Chariot has arrived, and it doesn't do "maybe." It does victory.

The Chariot is card number 7 in the Major Arcana, representing willpower, determination, triumph over obstacles, and the fierce focus needed to steer through life's toughest terrains. This is the card of overcoming—no matter what stands in your way.

Quick Reference

Upright Meaning

When The Chariot charges into your reading upright, the message is clear: you can do this, but you'll need every ounce of willpower you've got. This card doesn't promise an easy ride. It promises that if you stay focused, disciplined, and determined, you will prevail.

The Chariot is about harnessing opposing forces. Those two sphinxes represent conflicting emotions, desires, or circumstances—and your job is to hold the reins and steer them in one direction. Maybe you're torn between head and heart, security and adventure, or two competing priorities. The Chariot says: find the middle path and drive forward with conviction.

This is also a card of momentum and progress. Whatever you've been working toward is gaining speed. Don't slow down now. Keep your eyes on the goal, maintain your discipline, and trust that the finish line is closer than it appears.

Reversed Meaning

The Chariot reversed is a stalled engine. You may feel stuck, directionless, or unable to control the circumstances around you. The determination that normally propels you forward has been replaced by frustration, self-doubt, or scattered energy. Everything feels like it's pulling you in different directions with no resolution.

This reversal can also signal aggression or trying to force outcomes. Not everything responds to brute willpower. If you've been pushing too hard—in work, in relationships, in life—The Chariot reversed asks you to ease off the gas. Sometimes the path forward requires surrender, not more force.

The Chariot in Love & Relationships

If you're single: The Chariot in love suggests you may need to actively pursue what you want rather than waiting passively. Put yourself out there with confidence and clarity. However, be mindful of being too aggressive or goal-oriented in romance—love isn't a conquest. Balance determination with genuine openness.

If you're in a relationship: This card can indicate working through a challenge together with shared determination. If your relationship has hit a rough patch, The Chariot says you can overcome it—but both of you need to steer in the same direction. It can also mean a relationship moving forward quickly—travel together, a big move, or hitting a new milestone.

The Chariot in Career & Finances

The Chariot is a powerful career card. It signals promotions, victories, and breakthroughs through hard work and focus. If you've been grinding toward a goal, this card says the payoff is coming. Stay disciplined. Your ambition is your greatest asset right now, and others are noticing your drive.

Financially, The Chariot encourages taking control. Create a clear financial plan and execute it with discipline. This is a good time for ambitious financial moves—negotiating a raise, launching a side income, or aggressively paying down debt. Focus and determination will yield results.

The Chariot as Advice

Take the reins. Stop waiting for circumstances to align perfectly. Stop hoping someone else will solve your problem. The Chariot demands that you take control of your situation with unwavering focus. Yes, it's hard. Yes, the forces pulling you apart are real. But you are stronger than your obstacles. Grip the reins, set your course, and charge forward.

Card Combinations

• The Chariot + Strength = Unstoppable power. Willpower meets inner courage—you can overcome absolutely anything right now.
• The Chariot + The Moon = Driving through confusion or emotional fog. Trust your instincts even when the path ahead is unclear.
• The Chariot + The Wheel of Fortune = A turning point that rewards your persistence. Momentum shifts in your favor after a period of effort.

Explore more:

• Major Arcana Deep Dive
• Complete Tarot Card Meanings List