7 – The Chariot

The central theme of The Chariot is willpower set into motion. It represents victory achieved through discipline, focus, and forward movement despite opposing forces. In traditional imagery, the charioteer stands still while horses (or sphinxes) of opposing colors pull forward, emphasizing that control is mental rather than physical. The chariot is often crowned by a canopy of stars, suggesting higher purpose, reminding us that this card is not about travel or conquest, but about direction guided by intention. The strength represented here is not bestowed as a gift, but forged through adversity.

The Chariot speaks to the ability to move forward when life has narrowed the path, to hold one’s course against the relentless pull of contradiction and loss. It honors those who govern themselves with grace, refusing bitterness, choosing openness over withdrawal, and meeting hardship without surrendering their vitality.

This card reminds us that true victory is not measured by speed or domination, but by the quiet authority of a spirit that remains generous, directed, and fully alive even when circumstances impose limits.

In my rendering of this card I used an image of a stormy sky as symbolism for the transcendence of the mind and spirit over earthly obstacles. The turbulence of the clouds suggests the uncontrollable nature of adversity and misfortune that lies behind, not ahead. It is especially significant to me that this photograph was taken by the son of the woman who posed for the character of the charioteer—a woman partially paralyzed by stroke, yet possessed of a spirit and life force that shines like a beacon of strength and self-mastery, inspiring those around her with her joy, courage and humanity. 

Although my model for this card moves through the physical world in a wheelchair, I in no way intended the chariot to be an analog to any means of transportation, as the card is not about physical movement, nor does it represent conveyance of any sort. Instead it is about the power of the mind, the spirit and the will to remove obstacles, to shape our lives and pursue our goals, and to overcome adversity and hardship through perseverance.