The Chariot Tarot Card Meaning: Upright & Reversed

When the Сhariot card appears in your reading, it's like life handing you the reins - your moment to move forward with courage. The 7th Major Arcana is also associated with the astrological sign of Cancer.
Beyond its general significance in love, career, health, and relationships, this guide will explore the Chariot’s role in Yes/No questions, as a card of Advice, and as the Card of the Day. For a personalized reading, consider consulting an online psychic chat.
General meaning
The Сhariot card Tarot often describes a person who is “on the crest of a wave.” The qualities of this card are courage, honesty, persistence, the concentration of spiritual forces, willpower, and self-control.
The Charioteer moves unwaveringly towards his goal (there are no doubts since the choice on the previous Arcana has already been made). He is completely focused on achieving it and makes every effort to do so, without being distracted by extraneous things.
The meaning of the card
The Сhariot card in a reading is a card of conscious intentions. What they are, the surrounding cards can suggest. But in any case, this is the intention to “get going,” “move forward,” and “take control of the matter.”
The Charioteer is collected and focused on what he is doing, without being distracted by external interference. The armor protects him from the world.
Chariot card (Seventh Arcanum) represents taking conscious control of your life through determined effort, often pushing yourself to heroic limits. The figure here brims with restless drive, constantly seeking fresh challenges and uncharted territory to conquer.
To decipher the Chariot Tarot reading in its classic, upright position, the following keywords can be used:
- Forward movement, breakthrough.
- Intellect, willpower, reason.
- Determination and persistence.
- Motivation.
- Focus, concentration.
- Control.
- Ambition, desire for success.
- Self-discipline.

Interesting information
- Alternative names in reading: Charioteer, Vehicle of Hermes, Lord of the Triumph of Light, Child of the Almighty Waters.
- Type & number in Tarot: 7 Major Arcana.
- The upright meaning: Victory, swift progress, ambition, travel.
- The reversed meaning: Chaos, defeat, obstacles, loss of control.
The position of the card
The Chariot card's meaning changes completely depending on whether it appears upright or reversed in a reading.
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Upright position When the Chariot appears upright, it shows someone who can conquer any challenge and make major progress toward their goals. This person takes decisive action and solves problems standing in their way.
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Reversed position The Chariot Tarot reversed card in readings is an unfavorable sign. It indicates defeat, failure, and setbacks. Well-laid plans fall apart at the last minute, and good fortune disappears. It may warn of potential troubles at work, business problems, legal issues, or struggles with substance abuse.
Love & relationships
- Upright position
If the Chariot love falls to a single person, it may indicate that now is not the best time to create a relationship. Fate awaits something else - self-development, strengthening positions, expanding knowledge and spheres of influence, in general, solving life problems of a different plan. Try to concentrate on your path and mark some achievements.
The Chariot love card of great personal strength, self-control, and life management. The Chariot person has a goal and acts on it, but whether this goal is connected with the relationship is still a question. Maybe he is motivated by something else. The surrounding cards can give a hint. Surrounded by the corresponding cards, the Vehicle of Hermes can foreshadow both a love affair (especially a road or resort romance) and moving to a new apartment.
At the same time, the 7th Arcana can speak specifically about a couple. In this case, it emphasizes the issues of power and control over life. When supported by positive cards, the Chariot card helps resolve conflicts, smooth over disagreements in relationships, and gives everything a fresh boost of momentum.
- Reversed position
Perhaps it's time to take a break. The Arcana predicts that by accumulating unspent sexual energy, you can make a breakthrough in the work sphere.
Is the Chariot a "Yes" or "No" in questions?
In the "Yes/No" readings, the Chariot card is the answer "Yes!" This powerful card signals that your dreams are within reach - with focused action, you'll make real progress toward your goals.
The powerful and fast-paced Tarot Chariot card gives in Tarot readings its recommendation - the path to success has already been determined, but you will have to make an effort. It is worth preparing for obstacles. The 7th Arcana says that the time has come to show all your willpower, discipline, and perseverance.
Card of the Day
- Upright position
Chariot as outcome meaning - today is about taking decisive action. Success comes from bold moves, not hesitation. Important tasks will be completed efficiently, and lingering conflicts may finally be resolved. The card encourages you to trust your instincts and seize opportunities.
- Reversed position
You may feel like things are slipping out of your control. Progress is stalled, and obstacles seem overwhelming. Instead of forcing outcomes, take time to analyze the situation thoroughly before acting.
Chariot as advice
- Upright position
The Chariot card, as a rule, falls to winners in life. Even if now it seems that some things are going wrong or not the way you want, in the end, everything will turn out for the better. It is essential to believe in the best outcome and continue working.
- Reversed position
When reversed, the Chariot advises caution. Prepare for potential difficulties and refrain from unnecessary risks.

Work & career readings
- Upright position
The Chariot career signifies career advancement, recognition, and success. It also represents leadership roles, competitive business environments, and seizing new opportunities.
- Reversed position
Chariot career progress stalls - projects may face delays, or you might feel stuck in your current role. Poor management or lack of direction could be to blame. Business travel may be stressful or unproductive.
The Chariot card in financial readings
- Upright position
Change of residence. In finances, your situation could improve significantly, but it’ll take determined effort and time. Bold moves and consistent energy will pave the way for better stability and growth. One of the ancient meanings is victory, pride, and luxury.
- Reversed position
Finances become unpredictable - budgeting issues or unexpected expenses may arise. Reassess your spending and avoid impulsive decisions to prevent further problems.
Chariot in health readings
- Upright position
The Chariot is an indicator of robust health and vitality. It is equally good for the body and spirit. The appearance of the Vehicle of Hermes is good for a person who has finally decided to take up sports or quit an old bad habit ("to defeat the inner enemy"). Talking about illness, the Chariot foretells recovery.
- Reversed position
When the Chariot's feelings card appears reversed, it can signal various health challenges, from sports injuries to immune system imbalances caused by viruses or improper treatment. It may also point to emotional struggles like 'achievement burnout' or postpartum depression.
7 Major Arcana combinations
- The Fool: A journey, unexpected changes, or a fresh start.
- The Magician: Career success, strong willpower leading to victory.
- The High Priestess: Intuitive clarity, gaining wisdom, divine guidance.
- The Hanged Man: Letting go of the past to move forward.
- The Lovers: With the Chariot card of love, it means a fated romantic encounter or deep soul connection.
Wands Combinations | Cups Combinations | Swords Combinations | Pentacles Combinations |
---|---|---|---|
Ace of Wands: Impulsive actions, rushing into decisions. | Ace of Cups: Emotional fulfillment. | Ace of Swords: Mental burden, harsh realizations. | Queen of Pentacles: Good fortune, financial stability. |
King of Wands: A wake-up call. | King of Cups: Mystical energy. | Four of Swords: Burnout - seek rest and renewal. | Three of Pentacles: Joy, collaborative success. |
Queen of Wands: Full command over your life's direction. | Queen of Cups: Strong intuition. | Six of Swords: A new challenge or adventure is ahead. | Seven of Pentacles: An ex returning, revisiting the past. |
Knight of Wands: A new ambition or passionate pursuit. | Nine of Cups: Empty promises, superficial emotions. | Ten of Swords: A medical procedure or a painful ending. | Eight of Pentacles: A new career opportunity or skill development. |
Two of Wands: Business expansion, strategic growth. |