Chariot as a Person (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Chariot is the card of triumph, success, determination, and action. The Chariot shows a brave warrior standing tall in his chariot. He is all about taking charge and moving forward. He is not about thinking or feeling, but about doing. Although this is a great card to get in a financial or career reading, it bodes more ominously for matters of love. 

The Chariot knows what he wants and how to get it. Although the two sphinxes in the front of the carriage are pulling in different directions, the Chariot has a strength of steel. He pushes them to go his way and to follow his will. 

Upright Chariot as a Person

If the Chariot appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person enjoys being in charge, and having everything balanced and under control. It is astrologically associated with Cancer, the sign of motherhood, home, and possessiveness. Because Cancer is a feminine sign, this card carries a passive, receptive energy. We all have a little bit of both energies expressed in a balanced way, regardless of which gender we identify as. Because this is a Major Arcana card, some of these defining traits make up a major part of their identity. So, for example, being “in charge”, be it as a leader or as a parental figure, will play a major role in who they are, or how they view themselves. Note that they may not reveal this side to you at the beginning stages of your relationship, to others, or ever.

For physical characteristics, the Chariot as a person represents someone who can be very controlled in the way that they present themselves. This person always adheres to dress codes, and you will never catch them making a fashion faux pas. If you invite them to a costume party with a set theme, this is that person who not only takes your dress code seriously, they will go all out, and prepare their look for weeks. They’re very particular about what image or message they want to convey to the world through their physical presence. There’s also something balanced in their appearance. In some cases, they may enjoy wearing a monochromatic wardrobe and having a monochromatic interior. This person might literally have a thing about vehicles. They may have a car or motorcycle that they cherish. 

For emotional characteristics, the Chariot as a person represents someone who is assertive and well-balanced. They’re always open to seeing the other side of an argument. They are focused and motivated, much like the Magician when drawn upright. They may appear to charge after whatever they want, but make no mistake: they never rush into anything. Traditionally depicted as a military charioteer steering a pair of sphinxes, they will have a well-thought strategy. They’re determined to be victorious in whatever they pursue. They are one of the most ambitious and hardworking people you will ever know. 

For careers, the Chariot can represent someone who works at a car or transportation company, or work as a mechanic. They may also be in the military or specialize in security. Because a Chariot represents victory and active, masculine energy, they may be a motivational speaker. The Chariot is an odd, yet well-balanced energy as it is an incredibly masculine-toned card, yet it is ruled by the mothering, feminine, and serene Cancer. They may be in a nurturing, healthcare, or childcare field, but with a masculine twist. For example, they may be an EMT, a counselor at a juvenile detention center, or a psychiatric nurse trained who specializes in working with potentially violent patients. 

The Chariot as a person represents someone who makes you feel safe. Much like the Emperor, The Chariot also has a way about them that reassures people that they have everything under control. Traditional depictions of The Chariot card well usually depict a black sphinx and a white sphinx, symbolizing an ability to maintain balance. In a world that is becoming increasingly polarized, this person is a breath of fresh air in that they tend to be willing to listen to opposing views. They will tend to not immediately cancel somebody just because they disagree with them. They still see humanity in even the most misguided people they encounter. This card is astrologically associated with compassionate Cancer, so it really shouldn’t be any surprise that this person has an unconditional love for humanity.

Chariot Reversed as a Person

If the Chariot reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person expresses the Chariot’s energy in negative extremes. This person can either be out of control, or they might have some control issues. They may be prone to black and white thinking. It’s their way or the highway. Because this is a Major Arcana card, some of these traits will be inherent aspects of their identity. Good or bad, nobody is perfect and people can change, if they choose to.

For physical characteristics, the Chariot reversed as a person represents someone who can be overly aggressive. Whereas the upright Chariot has an air of being perpetually calm and composed, in the reverse, they can have a chaotic energy. They may use their vehicle as a status symbol. For some of them, they could have issues with road rage or reckless driving. This is the type of person who is overly obsessed with going to the gym. This is the type of person who will throw a fit if something messes up their very particularly curated interior. They may make you take your shoes off before getting into their car.

For emotional characteristics, the Chariot reversed as a person represents someone who is overly controlling. This card is astrologically associated with the possessive sign Cancer. If you’re romantically involved with this person, they will be the type that will want to know where you are 24/7, what you’re doing, and who you’re doing it with. Like the Empress in reverse, they can be a smothering parent. They control their children’s lives, because they live vicariously through them. Unlike the well-balanced upright Chariot, everything this person does is “on steroids.” Their temper is extra, and their obsession with cleanliness is extra. Unlike the Hermit who is just hard on themselves, the reversed Chariot tends to place their pressure on others. 

For careers, the Chariot reversed can represent someone who works in chaos, they might either be a control freak or completely lack self-discipline. They’re very ambitious though, and they will do whatever it takes to get to the top. In addition, they are usually terrible leaders. They can be a manager for a car manufacturer. They are someone who creates a hostile work environment, and even encourages the toxicity because it “keeps employees competitive and on their toes.” They will have relentless, even inhumane, work targets. Whatever career this person pursues, they will embody the more negative extremes of the Chariot’s Cancerian energy. If you work for this person, and you have health issues, good luck: they will have zero compassion. 

The Chariot reversed as a person represents someone who makes you feel both controlled by them, and out-of-control personally. Their favorite manipulation tactic is “divide and conquer.” However, they won’t directly get involved with the drama they instigated. Unlike the Magician who enjoys getting actively involved in the drama, the Chariot in reverse likes to maintain their composure. They love to sit back with their popcorn, watching the drama unfold in the drive-in theater that is life, while they reap the benefits of the discord. Some of these people may do this just for their own amusement. Everything is a power trip with this person.

Conclusion

For love readings, The Chariot can often be a tough card to swallow, because so often it says what we do not want a reading to say. However, there is good in every card. You can find the good in the Chariot by channeling its confidence and self-love into your own life. This energy can go in a very positive direction if you let it. Let it make you stronger, faster, and more dazzling in your own gorgeous attractiveness. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.