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JANUARY 2010

The Chariot, KEY VII, Major Arcana

by Peggy Firth, Certified Tarot Master

The overall impression of this busy image shows an angelic warrior surrounded with many occult symbols in a chariot that does not appear to be travel worthy. Perhaps movement is merely a mental idea. The charioteer also appears to control black and white sphinxes of the Rider Waite deck (above), combining animal and human attributes of light and dark natures. However, these sphinxes are resting on the ground and appear to be facing in opposite directions.

Black and white horses of the Robin Wood deck (left) appear to be pulling the chariot as the canopy waves in the wind.

The charioteer represents independence, strength, and self-determination. A similar classical winged victory statue shows a female figure representing victory over the inner and outer forces.

The charioteer appears in the foreground with a city behind a high wall in the background symbolizing the veil that separates the visible from invisible. Thought forces are the vehicle through which all plans, ideas, designs and inventions enter into the material field.

A number of symbols surrounding the charioteer imbue all of the inner powers of man.
Key 7 – Transformation
Starry crown – power and control
Crest with wings (higher qualities), solar disk (light force), cross (spiritual) and yoni and lingam (opposites)
Zodiacal symbols on the canopy – Starry and magical forces
Armor breast plate – A dynamic and powerful being
Cube on breastplate – Alchemist symbol of perfection and wholeness
Wheels - wheels of change
Quarter moons on shoulders – Inner security
Wand with gold tip – Magical power and strength
Canopy of stars -

Upright Meaning:
The Chariot card indicates an abundance of inner action precluding physical action
Gaining control of one’s instincts
Using willpower, passion and self-determination to create one’s good
Control of direction in life

Reversed meaning:
Distraction(s) cause inner confusion
Sense of direction or self-development is challenged
Develop a plan of action or set a goal
Locked into a situation
Take more responsibility

Law of Karma

Karma (Sanskrit) “act, action, performance” in Indian religions and philosophy is the concept of action or deed that causes a cycle of cause and effect. This idea originated in ancient India and is practiced in Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhism. In these teachings humans have free will to chose good or evil.

The Law of Karma is intentional, deliberate and willful action that determines our experience and situation in life. Every action must have a reaction and is recorded through many lifetimes. “As one sows, so shall one reap.” Therefore, according to the Law of Karma, actions that are wholesome will ultimately receive a wholesome reward. Conversely, unwholesome activity, thoughts and behavior will eventually bring about unwholesome, painful results. The soul knows that we are not permanently harmed on this earth since our lives are very short in the scheme of universal space-time.

The effects of karma may be evident in our current life or over several lifetimes. We are also able to enjoy the fruits of our actions when karma occurs within our present lifetime. For example, if you make a decision to avoid harmful substances and pursue a profession, the result would be a better lifestyle, less stress from financial woes and a greater feeling of accomplishment. A long term karmic outcome would be dependent on relationships that repeat experiences over several lifetimes. For example, if you hurt a family or friend in a previous lifetime you may experience a similar hurt by a family or friend in this lifetime. Your soul differs in many ways from your personality/ego. Accumulated wisdom, non-judgement, compassion, a love of all life and our divine nature are the key aspects of the soul.

You may explore karma with your querent as a way to understand present influences and situations that keep repeating. Learning life lessons, healing relationships and becoming a better steward of one’s economic and emotional life involves working on one’s karma.

You can emphasize that your querent has free will to make any changes in his or her life. The statement, “You create your reality” speaks of this truth and places responsibility onto the querent.