The Chariot
The Chariot, embodied by the harpy eagle, symbolizes strength, ferocity, vigilance, and the will to overcome obstacles. Upright, it urges decisive action, self-confidence, and forward progress—reminding you that planning must be followed by movement to change your course. Reversed, it warns of powerlessness, misplaced aggression, or dwindling momentum, suggesting caution, reassessment, and possible course correction. Overall, the card calls for harnessing inner resolve to pursue victory while remaining alert to when prudence and a change of direction are necessary.
Keywords
The Chariot
Animal
Harpy eagle
Fun Fact
Harpy eagles are magnificent predatory birds and can carry off prey as large as fourteen pounds. Harpy eagles are monogamous and pairs may mate for life, usually breeding once every two years and living in enormous nests that they continually add onto over the course of their lives.
Keywords
Victory, Self-Confidence, Progress
Reversed Keywords
Powerlessness, Aggression, Moderation
Meaning
A harpy eagle proudly surveys the world around it from upon its perch. Harpy eagles are very deadly and very commanding creatures, and this nature only empowers their symbolism of strength, ferocity, and alertness. Because of their status as an endangered species, they understand all too well what it means to forge their own path and continuously fight the good fight. The Chariot reminds us that we must take a proactive stance in overcoming our personal obstacles. We can plan our future steps and express our feelings about a situation, but it’s only through action where we can change the course of our lives.
Upright Meaning
When upright, the Chariot demands the user take action to see their goals to fruition. This is not a card of passivity—don't rest easy on your laurels when there are steps to be taken and challenges to be won. Just as the heroes of yore set out on their journeys to test themselves against fate, so too should you embrace the struggles ahead. There will be challenges, but you'll be ready for them. Whether the journey is metaphorical or literal, forge bravely on! Your path is set, and though the way is not entirely clear, it is yours to conquer. At the end of it all, you will gaze upon your victories as if they were the armor of defeated foes resting upon trophy poles.
Reversed Meaning
When reversed, the Chariot suggests that the journey ahead, fraught with obstacles and challenges, may be too much for the user to contend with at the moment. Now is not the time to run headlong into danger. Take a moment to think about your situation and review your plans. Amend them if necessary. You might feel brave enough to tackle your troubles alone, but you would do well to tread carefully. This position can also imply that the user has lost steam in an ongoing venture. Evaluate where along the way you began to lose motivation and think about what you're trying to achieve. Perhaps you need to take a different direction to get back on track.
Visual Description
A large white-headed hawk stands centered on a circular wheel decorated with an eight-pointed star, its yellow talons gripping the rim. The bird's body is black and white with a banded tail, and it faces slightly to the left against a deep purple, star-speckled sky. Two crescent moons flank the wheel and sinuous, ribbon-like clouds drift through the background; at the bottom the words THE CHARIOT appear in gold lettering.
Oriens tarot
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