| The Chariot is the eighth card in the sequence of the | | | | sphinxes of differing colors, although there are many |
| tarot deck. Much like the Lovers card before it, the | | | | Chariot images that feature traditional horses instead. |
| Chariot also has much to do with the realm of the | | | | The two different color sphinxes symbolize opposing |
| emotions. However, it is important to note that the | | | | poles - positive and negative, dark and light, et |
| emotions involved are no longer in their pure, | | | | cetera. The fact that the chariot driver has |
| unfettered form anymore. The Chariot is about the | | | | successfully harnessed them and used their innate |
| productivity and power that comes about once one | | | | power to convey himself from where he is to where |
| learns to control, channel, and tame his emotions and | | | | he needs to be symbolizes the triumph of the human |
| instincts. Only once you are able to gain mastery | | | | spirit over challenge, adversity, instinct, and |
| over yourself can you then hope to gain control over | | | | irrationality. |
| the world around you or any of the people in it. | | | | The image as a whole serves to remind us that |
| The Chariot teaches us that the way to such | | | | although we as humans need our emotions to be our |
| mastery is through diligent self discipline, making the | | | | driving force in the world, they are not the |
| use of a military symbol for the ideals this card | | | | productive forces they can be unless they are |
| represents incredibly appropriate. Much like the military | | | | properly harnessed and put to good use. Instead of |
| promotes self control and resiliency through tough | | | | giving in to grief, anger, or other strong emotions and |
| tactics so that new recruits can better triumph under | | | | letting them consume us, we can channel them into |
| pressure, the Chariot shows us the way to | | | | productive activity that makes us better people. |
| achievement and fulfillment through self-control and | | | | When the Chariot makes an appearance in a tarot |
| self-awareness. When we learn the lessons it teaches | | | | spread, it typically signifies the presence of a situation |
| once and for all, we're not only better survivors in | | | | in which similar mastery over one's emotions and |
| the face of life's adversities, but more complete | | | | instincts is called for. The querent should not allow his |
| beings as well - ready for anything life can possibly | | | | energy to be wasted by self-pity, idleness, or fear. |
| throw at us. | | | | Instead, he should understand that he is being asked |
| The traditional tarot image of the Chariot depicts a | | | | to stand up, take control of himself for the better, |
| regal male figure riding within the chariot itself. The | | | | and soldier on into the future with his chin up. |
| vehicle itself is usually shown as being pulled by two | | | | |