The Chariot Tarot Card Meaning

The Chariot, in our words

The Chariot’s driving themes are initiative, determination, and willpower. We’ve replaced the charioteer with the classic Halloween monster, the mummy. He is seen standing rather than passively sitting, emphasizing the need for action and physically communicating his control over the situation at hand. He is depicted wearing the Nemes headdress, which was traditionally worn by Egyptian rulers, further symbolizing his stature as a leader who commandeers his own circumstances. This is also representative of his success and transcendental growth. He drives The Chariot without taking hold of the reins; there is no need for physical means of control. Instead, he uses self-discipline and intelligent creativity to maintain a forward direction, as conveyed by the crook and flail he holds in his hands.

The wooden structure in which he stands is pulled by two sphinxes, one black and one white. They symbolize the duality within us — positive and negative, masculine and feminine. These antagonistic forces are fickle, sometimes working together, but often pulling The Chariot in opposite directions, as can be seen by their orientations in this scene. It is the mummy’s strength and his resolve that guide these two figures into a common movement, leading them forward toward a single path. On the front of The Chariot lies the image of the goddess Isis, who is known for her great magickal power, cleverness, and fertility.

In the background lies a river, which represents the importance of remaining in flow with the universe while striving forward toward our desired goals and intentions. The stars above him signify his relation to divine understanding and the superconscious mind.