Tarot Tid Bit: The Chariot

What’s on the Card?

The Charioteer stands in his sphinx-pulled purveyance. A starry canopy stretches over his head and a star graces his crown. Crescent moons decorate his shoulders and he holds a scepter. A winged sun above a shield decorates the front of the chariot.

What does it all mean?

The chariot represents opposing forces. The sphinxes are male and female, black and white. They are pulling in opposite directions and it’s the charioteer's job to get them moving in the same direction. He has the favor of the universe (all the celestial symbols shown) and, therefore the ability to bring order to the situation. Both his scepter and crown signify authority. The winged sun is a protection symbol that keeps him from losing control. Under this is a shield decorated with a lingam yoni (male-female balance).

It’s a struggle. It’s going to be difficult but it can be done through sheer determination…whatever it is. You have the protection of the cosmos and the authority to take control.

Interpretations: determination, bringing difficult circumstances under control, pulled in different directions, focus is needed

Comparative Tarot: Catch a Ride on These Chariots

The top right Chariot is from the Morgan-Greer Tarot. The charioteer’s crown is adorned with stars and his shoulders sport the crescent moons found on the Rider Waite Smith. His scepter is propped on his arm because he has his hands full controlling a black and a white horse pulling in opposite directions. This burly man has everything under control.

Next up is the Egyptian Art Nouveau Tarot. This card does have a black and a white sphinx. However, they are both female. The charioteer holds a spear in lieu of a scepter and a lion skin cape is draped over his shoulders. Both of these things speak to his authority. The starry tapestry hangs from the back of the chariot representing the blessings of the cosmos.

Now for the strange little chariot from the Tarot of the Enchanted Garden. The horses appear to be the front and back of the same animal. Sort of a Pushmi-Pullyu (pushmi-pullyu - Wiktionary, the free dictionary). These are certainly opposing forces. A star hangs over this charioteer's head indicating he is blessed by the heavens. He holds a scepter topped by an orb reminiscent of a full moon and on his shoulders is a crescent moon opposite of a rising sun. These show more duality and approval of the universe.

Tarot Tidbits are short, hopefully informative, looks at the cards of the Tarot.