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The Chariot is a great leap forward. It shows that we get away from our usual environment and walk our own way. For this, the desire for freedom, the search for lost paradise, or simply our pursuit of purpose, is the driving force behind this. The Triumph of the Triumph is the only Tarot card that depicts this journey as hopeful and joyful. In all other cases, we say goodbye to the heart and fear. Here, however, it is a matter of feeble, disobedient advancement, entrepreneurship and risk-taking. The card shows great skill in driving the car, but it also reflects our inexperience in the unknown world. Therefore, we must also interpret it as a warning not to overestimate our own power, not to be euphoric. Let's see in time that we have a lot to learn.

VII. THE CHARIOT

Atu VII refers to the zodiacal sign of Cancer, the sign into which the Sun moves at the Summer Solstice.

[Note that Cheth - Cheth 8-Yod 10-Tau 400-has the value of 418. This is one of the most important of the key numbers of Liber AL. It is the number of the word of the Aeon, ABRAHADABRA, the cypher of the Great Work. (See The Equinox of the Gods, p.138. Also The Temple of Solomon the King.) On this word alone a complete volume could, and should, be written.]

Cancer is the cardinal sign of the element of Water, [Hence St. John Baptist’s Day, and the various ceremonials connected with water.] and represents the first keen onrush of that element. Cancer also represents the path which leads from the great Mother Binah to Geburah, and is thus the influence of the Supernals descending through the Veil of Water (which is blood) upon the energy of man, and so inspires it. It corresponds, in this way, to The Hierophant, which, on the other side of the Tree of Life, brings down the fire of Chokmah.

The design of this present card has been much influenced by the Trump portrayed by Eliphaz Levi.

The canopy of the Chariot is the night-sky-blue of Binah. The pillars are the four pillars of the Universe, the regimen of Tetragrammaton. The scarlet wheels represent the original energy of Geburah which causes the revolving motion. 

This chariot is drawn by four sphinxes composed of the four Kerubs, the Bull, the Lion, the Eagle and the Man. In each sphinx these elements are counter-changed; thus the whole represents the sixteen sub-elements. 

The Charioteer is clothed in the amber-coloured armour appropriate to the sign. He is throned in the chariot rather than con ducting it, because the whole system of progression is perfectly balanced. His only function is to bear the Holy Grail.

Upon his armour are ten Stars of Assiah, the inheritance of celestial dew from his mother.

He bears as a crest the Crab appropriate to the sign. The vizor of his helmet is lowered, for no man may look upon his face and live. For the same reason, no part of his body is exposed.

Cancer is the house of the Moon; there are thus certain analogies between this card and that of the High Priestess. But, also, Jupiter is exalted in Cancer, and here one recalls the card called Fortune (Atu X) attributed to Jupiter.

The central and most important feature of the card is its centre - the Holy Grail. It is of pure amethyst, of the colour of Jupiter, but its shape suggests the full moon and the Great Sea of Binah. In the centre is radiant blood; the spiritual life is inferred; light in the darkness. These rays, moreover, revolve, emphasizing the Jupiterian element in the symbol.

VII. THE CHARIOT

Mars in connection with Sun or Mercur; Mars as symbol of enforcement combines with Sun as symbol for will or Mercur as the symbol of the way Zodiac: Cancer Tree of life: The way from Binah to Geburah Element: Water Number: 7 as the number of earthly and divine harmony (3+4), destiny, motion

The Chariot stands for combined powers, ready to move forward. It represents the dynamic principle and the human will to proceed, the ability to use the powers of life and keep the outer and inner balance. 

The Chariot shows a strong will, a strong personality, and at its best, victory and success. But it also is a symbol for controversial power, for contradictions that are not solved, but just controlled. In this, the trump also warns of overestimation and recklessness. With every new venture or beginning one should check carefully whether the desired goal is compatible with one's life and inner self. 

Additionally, the Chariot is a symbol for the armor we build up when moving forward in the process of self-assertion. It also alludes to the danger that we might mix this armour with our actual personality. 

So a negative aspect of the Chariot might involve understanding that the way of armed power isn't always the right one, that the controversial power inside may to be reconciled with one other, and not just controlled and surpressed.

Drive: The will to conquer, courage, victory 

Light: The awakening of powers, the way ahead, searching and finding one's place in life 

Shadow: Megalomania, insensivity, running against walls

VII. THE CHARIOT - Aries - Pursuit

Keywords: Cancer, New Beginnings, Good Change, Self-Examination, Meditation, Spiritual Path

Advice: The change ahead of you promises a fulfilling life for you. So be prepared and organize your relationships so far. There will be what you leave behind.

Question: What areas of your life are affected by change? Are you ready to close the old and pay attention to the new?

Suggestion: Find or create an environment of loving safety. Plan a shift or travel there. Now your body needs attention and purification.

Revelation: I am putting my life in order and getting ready to start over.

Analogies:

Ji-Ching: 4. Meng (Young Foolishness, Youthful Folly)

Mythology: The Sunshine (Phaeton, Ikarus, Bellerophon)

Keywords: breaking forces, pushing, pushing, hopeful departure, explosive force

Violence is the will of flesh dressed in metal. There is no protection against violence.

VII. THE CHARIOT

General Meaning

The Chariot Tarot card points to a triumphal feeling of freedom, as if the Charioteer is being paraded through the streets as a hero (or heroine). The card reflects congratulations for high achievement, and serves as a sign of empowerment.

Huge wheels and frisky steeds speed the rate at which the driver's will power can be realized. This kind of charge makes more of the world accessible to one ambitious enough to seize The Chariot's reins. But there is danger in this feeling of freedom, because of the increased rate of change and its power to magnify mistakes in judgment. As a seasoned warrior, the Charioteer is called upon to be extra attentive to the way ahead.

In the Reversed Position

When this card is reversed, it suggests that you may balk when you know you need to pick up the reins and take responsibility for setting your life in motion.

You know you could instigate change, but you haven't yet chosen to move toward it. You may be holding back for what feels like good reasons, but nothing is actually being imposed upon you; you do have other options. Own your own inner resistance instead of blaming circumstances.

In the Advice Positon

The Chariot advises that you be prepared for changes that might include a move or an opportunity to travel. The Charioteer travels light and stays open to fresh experiences that change with every valley or mountain pass.

You may be asked to live out of a suitcase and consider every place your home for a while. Be receptive to new people who come into your life. Most especially, become more fluid and taste the joys of freedom. The Charioteer is nothing if not self-sufficient.

Be prepared and self-contained for the changes that will sweep in and carry you with them.

Read more:

• » The Book of Thoth - A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians by Aleister Crowley.
• » Liber LXXVIII - On the Tarot - A complete treatise on the Tarot giving the correct designs of the cards with their attributions and symbolic meanings on all planes. - A description of the Cards of the Tarot, with their attributions, including a method of divination by their use.
• » Manuscript N - The Tarot - A Golden Dawn Manuscript - A Theoricus Adeptus Minor Paper.