A powerful, high energy and fast paced card, the Chariot symbolises determination, focus, willpower and reaching those goals that you have set your mind to. With a slight animal theme in this selection of Chariots, lets explore the interpretations of these three artist’s very different takes on the card’s meanings. 

Siolo Thompson has created line drawings with water colour from hand-ground pigments on handmade paper. Her images mix animal and human forms in the Otherkin Tarot and for her portrayal of the Chariot she has chosen a mermaid reigning in two large fish. The creatures pulling the Chariot are typically shown as one dark and one light, symbolising the opposing forces in our lives. The charioteer steers these forces with the sheer willpower of the mind, as there are normally no reigns pictured. In this image however, there are reigns, crossed over each other as the fish swim in circles around the mermaid. She has a calm face, but her eyes look downwards, her arms appear a little tense like she is struggling to control the fish. The Chariot can often represent attaining goals - often in a professional or financial context as we impose our wills on our external world. As the mermaid focuses her energy and mind on controlling the fish, she may be losing sight of the other things and people around her. 

In contrast, the Charioteer in Olivia Rose’s Mind’s Eye Tarot appears to be calm, collected and confident in knowing exactly where she needs to go. The winged eyes are driving her forward towards success. It looks as those she is already victorious, her head held high, she stands up straight in her chariot, safe under her roof, she could also close the curtains around her. Without even looking, she knows exactly what she wants, where to go and how to get there. She is ambitious, and is not letting anyone else take the reigns in her life, instead she drives herself forward with focus and sheer willpower to reach her goals. 

Back to the animals and an image with the addition of a little humour. A cat stands in a chariot, radiating golden light, as it hurtles down a hillside at full speed, being pulled by two large dogs. This cat need no reigns. This cat is in charge. Enter the Mystical Cats Tarot by Lunaea Weatherstone and Mickie Mueller. The pathway is stoney and dusty, but nothing is going to get in the way. This cat is on a mission, it’s a challenge, but taking action, setting ideas in motion, focussing their attention and not letting anyone interfere is what’s getting this cat moving forward according to it’s plan. The cat might be smaller and weaker than the dogs, but it’s the willpower and determination to take control with focused intention that makes this charioteer so successful. Those dogs look tired, but this cat looks totally serene!

The Chariot is a sign that you can achieve your goals, maybe you’re even already there. The key is focused attention, determination and will power and not letting anything or anyone distract you or get in the way. It’s your life and you are in charge, so make a plan, gather what you need, and drive yourself forward with confidence.