#7: The Chariot
The Chariot is the card of determination, momentum, and personal victory. It represents willpower, discipline, and the ability to move forward despite obstacles. This is the energy of pushing ahead, taking control, and steering your life in the direction you choose. In queer spaces, The Chariot symbolizes resilience—the strength to carve your own path, overcome adversity, and move forward with purpose. It reminds us that success is not just about speed but about staying aligned with our deeper intentions.
UPRIGHT
Determination, willpower, control, momentum, victory, overcoming obstacles
REVERSED
Lack of direction, feeling stuck, loss of control, self-doubt, internal conflict
The Chariot Overview
The Chariot represents the drive to succeed, fueled by both discipline and passion. This card appears when you are moving toward a goal and need to stay focused, ensuring that external forces do not pull you off course. The Chariot does not rely on luck—it is about effort, perseverance, and knowing when to take control.
For those navigating personal growth, identity, or major transitions, The Chariot is a reminder that movement is progress, even if the path isn’t always clear. It asks: Are you driving your life forward, or are you letting circumstances steer you? When you take the reins, you become the author of your own journey.
Symbolism and Imagery
The Charioteer – A figure in armor, representing protection, confidence, and control over one’s destiny.
The Two Sphinxes (Black & White) – Represent opposing forces (logic vs. emotion, past vs. future) that must be balanced to move forward.
The Starry Canopy Overhead – Symbolizes divine guidance and the greater vision guiding your journey.
The City in the Background – Represents where you have been and what you are moving away from.
The Lack of Reins – Shows that control comes from inner will, not external force.
Upright Meaning
Upright, The Chariot is a sign that you are in control of your path. It indicates progress, ambition, and the ability to overcome challenges through sheer determination. This card reminds you that success comes from effort—stay focused, keep moving forward, and trust that you have the strength to reach your goals.
In a reading, ask yourself: Am I taking control of my life, or am I letting external factors dictate my direction? Where am I being called to move forward with confidence?
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, The Chariot suggests feeling directionless or struggling with control. You may be facing internal conflicts, self-doubt, or an inability to push through challenges. This card can also warn against forcing something before it’s time. The key is to regain balance—determine what is truly within your control and what is not.
In a reading, ask yourself: Where am I feeling stuck, and why? Am I trying to force something instead of allowing it to unfold naturally? What can I do to regain momentum?
Final Thoughts
The Chariot reminds you that success is not just about speed—it’s about direction. You are the one steering your life, and the more you trust in your own ability to navigate, the smoother the journey will be. Stay determined, stay focused, and know that forward is forward, no matter the pace.
#7: The Chariot
Queer and Transgender Meaning
The Chariot is unstoppable momentum—the drive to move forward despite obstacles, the sheer force of will that carries you toward your truth. It is determination, resilience, and the refusal to be anything less than who you are. This card reminds you that transition is not about waiting for permission—it is about claiming your path and never looking back.
UPRIGHT
Determination, resilience, forward movement, success, confidence, momentum
REVERSED
Self-doubt, obstacles, fear of failure, feeling stuck
The Chariot and the Trans Experience
The Chariot is the energy of moving forward no matter what. It is pushing past doubt, past external resistance, past the fear that tries to keep you in place.
For trans people, The Chariot represents the sheer willpower it takes to transition. It is the fire inside that refuses to be extinguished, the drive to keep going even when things feel impossible. It is the moment you take action—whether that is coming out, starting hormones, changing your name, or simply deciding that you will no longer live for anyone but yourself.
This card reminds you that transition is not passive. It requires effort, courage, and the willingness to take the reins of your own destiny. The Chariot asks: Where are you holding back? How can you take control of your path?
Symbolism and Imagery
The Chariot’s imagery is all about power, movement, and control.
A warrior riding a chariot – A symbol of victory and determination. This is transition as an active force—one you must direct with purpose.
Two sphinxes or horses pulling the chariot – Often shown as one black and one white, representing opposing forces. This symbolizes the internal and external struggles of transition, which must be balanced in order to move forward.
A starry canopy overhead – Cosmic guidance. Your path is divinely guided, even when it feels chaotic.
A square on their chest – Grounding. Despite the movement, The Chariot remains steady, reminding you to stay rooted in your truth.
Upright Meaning: Moving Forward With Determination
When The Chariot appears upright, it is a sign that momentum is on your side—keep going.
For trans people, this might mean:
Taking action in your transition – This is not the time to hesitate. Move forward with confidence.
Overcoming obstacles – You may face challenges, but you have the strength to push through.
Claiming autonomy – Steering your own course, making your own decisions, and refusing to let anyone else dictate your path.
Confidence in your identity – Owning who you are without apology.
This card reminds you that you are unstoppable.
Reversed Meaning: Feeling Stuck or Doubting Your Path
When The Chariot appears reversed, you may feel blocked, directionless, or afraid to move forward.
For trans people, this can look like:
Feeling lost in your transition – Not knowing what steps to take next.
Doubting your progress – Wondering if you are moving "fast enough" or doing things "right."
Letting external forces control you – Allowing others' opinions to dictate your choices.
Losing motivation – Feeling exhausted by the emotional and physical toll of transition.
The Chariot reversed is a call to reclaim control. You are the one driving this journey—do not give up now.
Final Thoughts
The Chariot is pure trans resilience. It is the refusal to be stopped, the fire that keeps burning even when the world tries to put it out.
This card says: Keep going. You are stronger than any obstacle.