Element: Water
Astrological Sign: Cancer
Planet: Moon
The tarot card for 2023 is the Chariot. As we continue to witness the big astrological changes that started in 2021 and end this year, we will encounter new levels of transparency, nuances and challenges that this tumultuous era includes. Ethics and integrity will continue to be the focus as we carry on reckoning with repressive systems that hold society back from evolving in a more equitable way.
2022 was the year of the Lovers, card 6 in the Tarot. Sixes restore harmony, balance and give and take. Seven is considered a magic number related to individuality and creative pursuits. Seven signifies that some battles must be waged, and we must rise to the occasion when faced with a challenge. In the Major Arcana, the Fool is technically the first card, though its number is 0. The final card is the World (21). In the Major Arcana each card has a numerical association with an assigned number in the Tarot. The Chariot’s is 7.
Tarot + Numerology
There are 56 cards in the Minor Arcana of the Tarot. 40 are numbered cards, and there are 16 court cards. The 40 numbered cards are separated into 4 suits: Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles. These are the traditional names for the suits, however, you will frequently find variations for their names in different decks. Each suit runs from Ace (the first card) to 10.
In numerology, each number coincides with a particular set of overarching themes.
Ace = opportunity, new beginnings, potential
2 = balance, duality
3 = growth, creativity
4 = manifestation, stability
5 = change, conflict
6 = communication, harmony
7 = reflection, knowledge
8 = mastery, accomplishment
9 = fulfillment, attainment
10 = end of a cycle, renewal
When we add each number in 2023 consecutively the result is the number 7.
2 + 0 + 2 + 3 = 7
For the Minor Arcana, the suit for 2023 is the Sevens. As with the Chariot, Sevens call for taking control of difficult situations, learning how to handle ourselves when under duress, and find a way to preservere. The Sevens invite us to hold on and stay in our truth. Sevens ask us to demonstrate what we’ve learned, and how we apply that to how we deal with unexpected circumstances.
The Chariot
In the Rider/Smith/Waite Tarot – which most modern decks are based on – a person on a chariot is depicted in the center of a parade akin to Roman processions for heroes returning to celebrate success in battle. The brave warrior stands inside a chariot wearing armor decorated with moons. Their armor symbolizes the mastering of emotions and invulnerability. The crescent moons adorning the charioteer’s armor symbolize what is manifesting. Their tunic decorated with a square represents willpower and alchemical symbols which convey spiritual transformation. Atop the charioteer’s head is a crown of laurel decorated with stars. The crown symbolizes success, spiritual evolution and victory.
Six-pointed stars blanket the sky, representing the charioteer’s connection to the divine will of the celestial realm as well as possibilities as vast as the universe. In front of the chariot are black and white sphinxes, each pulling in the opposite direction. The figures of the sphinxes represent the dualistic nature of our existence. Being a human in the world means that we can both be sure of ourselves and completely insecure at the same time. We both love and hate and live with emotional and intellectual wisdom that can often stand in direct opposition to one another.
Although the figure seems to be driving the vehicle, we see that they aren’t holding the reins. In one hand they hold a wand (as does the figure of the Magician). Unlike the Magician, this charioteer doesn’t hold it raised above their head. Despite the efforts of the sphinxes to go in two opposite directions, the charioteer doesn’t feel the need to control the heavens: their willpower and mind alone allow them to hold things together and control whatever opposing forces might come.
In the Chariot card, the symbol from all the previous cards in the first line are represented. As mentioned previously, the wand symbolizes the Magician, the star-studded laurel wreath indicates the Empress’s crown, the sphinxes, veil, and the water represent the High Priestess. The lingam and yoni symbols recall the Lovers and the city in the background allude to the Emperor, while the shoulder plates represent the Hierophant.
The Chariot represents movement into the future as well as mastery of the here and now. In order to achieve real progress, moving forward is essential. The chariot is the perfect vehicle of determination for the charioteer to wield total control over. In the background, a wide, flowing river demonstrates that going with the flow and the rhythm of life is essential in order to make it to victory. The chariot seems huge in comparison to the town in the background. This shows that the charioteer’s willpower bears more weight than the rules of society. The charioteer is leaving safety and structure in the dust as they propel themselves onward and outward of their comfort zone. The water behind them suggest the intuition they have developed in order to guide their choices.
While the chariot itself is associated with movement, and the charioteer seems to be speeding towards action, the chariot itself sits still with its wheels in water. There isn’t any real movement yet, but the possibility is there. The wheels resting in water link the charioteer with the unconsciousness that is energetically absorbed from the water. Despite this connection, the chariot also sits on land creating a barrier from direct unfettered connection with stronger forces. This could mean that there might be a few more things that need to be done in order to really get things going.
In the hero’s journey of the Tarot, the Chariot shows us the arrival of the fully formed personality. The life lessons found in the earlier cards have been learned and put into use. The hero has passed the struggles of adolescence, coming out on the other end wiser having learned from experience and self-knowledge. They are past the creation of self, and are now an adult who is seeing success as well as a certain amount of admiration. Now, a sense of contentment and newfound confidence is possible. Unlike the adolescent, the hero is not a victim of their emotions. Instead, they demonstrate control over opposing forces symbolized by the sphinxes.
Meanings
Upright:
control, drive, movement, travel, moving house, road openings, overcoming obstacles, self-control, mastery over situations, willpower, direction, determination, success, action, progress, moving ahead
The Chariot is seen as a “half-way through the journey” card. This card stands for personal maturity, reaching goals by using ambition, conviction and focus, as well as facing difficult challenges. The Chariot represents strength, willpower and determination. We’ve reached the appropriate level of maturity to make sound decisions that match up with the values we’ve learned to cultivate during the Lovers year of 2022. Now, we are at the stage to act on what we have chosen to do.
We have come of age (so to speak) and now are ready to push our life forward to victory. We are ready to take control of our fate, and are prepared to excel at all costs. The Chariot is victorious, willful and optimistic. It is also referred to as Victory or the Centurion in certain Tarot decks. This card is also associated with Cancer in the zodiac.
Cancer is the cardinal sign of summer, which represents new beginnings, drive and determination. Cancer is known for focus and fortitude in planning a course of action. Cancer’s cultivated intuition aligns with the Chariot’s honed abilities of discretion, which helps in navigating conflict. The charioteer is clothed in armor, while Cancer’s symbol the Crab is shielded by its shell. Cancer is a water sign, which is reflected in the river in the tarot card. Both Cancer and the Chariot share the Moon as their ruling planet, which further aides their intuitive proclivities. This link between the Chariot and Cancer helps to inject some hope into an otherwise hopeless situation as well as getting past setbacks.
We are the boss, and are in charge of steering ourselves in the direction that is best for us. The Chariot shows up when major life decisions have to be made. The Chariot asks us to take the leap and follow our intuition down the path that we need to take. This requires a certain sense of fearlessness, especially if you’re more on the naturally cautious side. The prospect of taking the leap can feel terrifying. Plus, knowing that you’re going to have to sit with the decision you make is downright panic-inducing at times. But the Chariot asks us to do what makes us feel the most empowered. It tells us that we must be fiercely determined in our pursuit of our dreams. Ultimately, we know what’s right when we listen to our self-needs and will feel empowered by having taken charge of our own situation.
The Chariot is also associated with wanderlust, and finding space to breath. Travel and transport are associated with this card, and opportunities to get out and explore a little will be optimal this year. The Chariot tells us that we must trust our instincts and take decisive action. The Chariot implores us to not take no for an answer, demanding instead that now is the time to step up to get what is ours. Like the sphinxes represent the contradictions and duality of life, it’s up to us to hold it together when opposing forces clash as we face these bumps in the road head on.
Reversed:
self-discipline, opposition, lack of direction, lack of control, bloodthirstiness, loss of control, controlling others, control issues, wanting to give up instead of taking charge, not wanting to face present challenges, oppression, war
When upright, the Chariot gives us permission to keep going with our endeavors and overcome anything that stands in our way. When reversed, the Chariot signifies coming up against roadblocks that lead to frustration and defeat. The Chariot Reversed shows up when challenges are preventing us from achieving our goals. This can inevitably lead to feeling defeated, loss of motivation and lack of commitment. Momentum can get lost, willpower gets deflated and the situation gets out of control. While the Chariot carries extreme willpower, not all things can be achieved by willpower alone.
Therefore, it’s essential that if we experience roadblocks in our journey that we reevaluate the situation and consider a new plan of action. This is a great opportunity to check in with ourselves and consider what matters most, what the reasons are for certain challenges having arisen and what we can learn from the experience as an opportunity to overcome the hurdles we must face.
The Chariot Reversed can also signal that we are attempting to micro-manage every little thing. This doesn’t work, because no matter how in control we seem to be the more out of control everything feels. It’s never enough. This requires us to let up on our grip so that things can play out as they may. Now isn’t the time to close ourselves off from help. Letting go of guilt or shame and allowing ourselves to be brave enough to ask for help is a cultivated skill. Now is an excellent time to work on that and unpack why we might feel shame asking for help from others. Maybe it’s not our ideal fantasy, but cultivating trust and being able to reach out when we need to is just as important as our sense of pride.
In order to proceed through the peaks and valleys of the journey, emotions must be kept in check. Ambition does not mean that we need to act like hell hounds to get what we want. We must balance our softer side with our need to be “the best”. This also requires that we balance our self-confidence and our self-doubt. Over-ambition can lead to less than high vibrational behavior. The sign of true success means not having to cut others down in the process, and not constantly looking over our shoulders, paranoid that others on their own journey are trying to take us down in ours.
It is vital that we cultivate an approach to life that prioritizes emotional honesty and integrity, non-competitiveness and tenderness. However, the Chariot comes up when that approach isn’t possible. The Chariot supports us in active battle, competition and the fight itself. It tells us that there is a time for everything, and sometimes the time is right for battle. This requires us to treat ourselves softly, and work towards shielding our tender emotions from the barbs we encounter when standing up for ourselves. When focusing on our internal workings we can discover our authentic intentions that best align with our higher vibrational selves. Taking up a meditation routine can help us to align our energy with our goals. This will come in vital when it is time for us to do battle and defend our truth.
Interpretations
Now that we see that the meaning of the Chariot is linked to its strong willpower, we can interpret that this Tarot card of the year signifies that going forward we must control situations that come our way by drawing from our personal resources of strength. The Chariot informs us that the situations we face in the coming year will include contradictions that will call on us to rein things in as a quick solution. It will be necessary to face the fact that some things won’t be able to come together perfectly, and some situations just need to be held under control. The Chariot reassures us that by utilizing maturity, understanding the power of speech, how it affects others, and applying that to daily life will help us stay strong as 2023 rolls along. Success is a subjective concept, and everyone’s definition of it is different. By just dealing with problems as they arise, the Chariot gives us permission to see this as victory. Taking control of our existence is a political act, and it takes maturity to achieve this.
Overcoming obstacles and triumphing against the odds is a major theme of 2023. The Chariot tells us that we are able to complete or achieve an important project as long as we stay focused and maintain our confidence. No negative self-talk that lets our – as RuPaul says – “inner saboteur” take the reins should be accepted. All of this goes back to maintaining the self-discipline it takes in order to complete the tasks we need to do to work towards our goals. This isn’t the time for cutting corners or taking short cuts. Our conviction and strength will be tested this year, but victory is in reach as long as we make sure to follow through with our pursuits.
The Chariot is an encouraging card that cheers us on as we set our objectives and use our inner fortitude to bring our projects to fruition. Doing so will require that we put on our suits of armor and go to battle. It’s natural to feel uncomfortable about all of this when this might not sit well with our nature. For a lot of us, summoning up this chutzpah will trigger big time imposter syndrome. Sometimes the saying, “Fake it ‘til you make it” makes a useful mantra when facing the challenges of a Chariot year.
It is important to use this time as an opportunity to tighten the reins and focus on becoming more disciplined in working towards our goals. Feeling powerless as we watch the rights of trans and non-binary people being stolen left and right, the continued state sanctioned violence targeting Black and Brown communities, young people attacked by zealous gun-toting reactionaries and all the myriad horrors of ecocide is incredibly demoralizing. In order to keep going, we must focus on what we do and do not have control over. While it’s important to take part in any way in any action geared towards pushing back against issues that are vital to us, it is equally important to practice mindfulness and not fall into a doomscroll pit of despair allowing our worries to overtake everything. This does no help to our psyches or the well of strength we must draw from in order to keep going. When our wells run dry, we dehydrate, and everyone knows we cannot live long without quenching our thirst. Don’t fixate on what you can’t change, instead focus on what you have control over. Look into ways in which you can improve the situation, and then work your way outwards.
Now more than ever we must set strong boundaries. In order to get what we’re after, believing in ourselves, who we are, and what we stand for is key. The Chariot calls on us to summon up our courage and work on being assertive. During 2022 – The year of the Lovers – we established who we are and what we stand for as we developed and established core personal values. In 2023, we’re being called to defend and uphold them.
The Chariot card represents travel, particularly the road trip variety. This year could involve more travel and spontaneous journeys. Many of us are ready to get out of our day-to-days and go on an adventure. For many, finding the means to travel will be a difficulty this year due to things like inflation and imposed airline fees. We should also consider the environmental impact traveling entails (just keep in mind who the super-polluters are – they’re usually either yachts owned by the extremely rich or oil companies), and travel according to our own personal sense of responsibility.
Like 2022, traveling in 2023 will present difficulties that we see reflected in the Chariot. Despite detours, we will have to draw upon our personal strength and maturity in order to reach our destinations. That means treat airplane staff and service industry workers with respect at all times.
Now is time for all types of movement beyond recreational travel. This year of movement could even hint at possible relocation. Changing career or study paths is encouraged by the Chariot. However, it’s essential to always remember that you are the one behind the wheel of the driver’s seat and it is you who is in charge of your fate. In 2023, it’s up to you to make the choices that you need to this year. Again, this requires a mature approach and self-knowledge. When those are applied, you are ready to achieve your dreams.
The Chariot reassures us that even though the road ahead may be riddled with potholes and the work is difficult, we will succeed as long as we stay focused and work on trusting ourselves. The 7th card of the Tarot cannot stress enough that goals will be achieved only when we are fully committed to pursuing them. The reins of 2023 are in our hands, and it is up to us and us alone to make what we want to manifest happen. Now is not the time to be passive. Sitting back and waiting for opportunities to present themselves will not cut it. To make the most of 2023 sticking to the course and staying focused despite the odds is key. There will be times when we’ll be pulled in different directions as a test of our fortitude. Distractions are always at the ready everywhere, and will have to be coped with. Despite whatever may try to drag us down it’s up to us charioteers to rise above and hold on to our dreams. This year we are being invited to step into the driver’s seat to venture towards pursuing what matters to us. The Chariot cheers us on in pursuit of happiness.
Sources
Esselmont, Brigit, “The Chariot Tarot Card Meanings.”, Biddy Tarot, www.biddytarot.com/tarot-card-meanings/major-arcana/chariot/.
Miro, Shaheen, Reed, Theresa, Tarot For Troubled Times, Red Wheel/Weiser Books, 2019, p123, p213
Pamita, Madame, Madame Pamita’s Magical Tarot: Using the Cards to Make Your Dreams Come True, Red Wheel/Weiser Books, 2018, p211 – 212
Pollack, Rachel, Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Book of Tarot, Thorsons/HarperCollins Publishers, 1997, p64 – 69
Snow, Cassandra, Queering The Tarot, Weiser Books, 2019, p24 – 26
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