Rider Waite Card Meaning - The Chariot

V11 - The Chariot - Movement, Change and Conflict

The Chariot is the most ancient of vehicles, and all the great warriors of mythology gallantly rode them. The Chariot was forged for war; it is a war machine, and its rider is a General of war. The Waite-Smith design incorporates a great many arcane symbolisms, including the two sphinxes that pull the Chariot. These sphinxes are a polar pair, one black and white, and suggest that the commander victoriously commands power over two opposing forces.

The Chariot signifies conquest in the day-to-day battles of life. There is harnessed control and the ability to subdue two opposing forces. The Chariot shows winners in the day-to-day skirmishes of life. Travel may be an issue.

Reversed, the card reads defeat. It can also indicate indecisiveness with the questioner standing at a crossroad and pulled between two opposing forces, or it can mean that two opposing forces are clashing and an all-out battle is raging out of control. Travel plans may be canceled, most likely because of trouble with a vehicle.