A Pedestrian’s View of the Chariot
Exploring variations in Tarot card imagery is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with differing facets of a card’s themes. For example, the Chariot is frequently described as a card of will, mastery, victory, self-determination, and other assertive qualities.
The Llewellyn Tarot and the Initiatory Tarot of the Golden Dawn Chariot cards express these ideas with armored charioteers maneuvering their spirited steeds. The Initiatory Tarot of the Golden Dawn emphasizes the challenge of staying on course. The black and white horses can symbolize the higher self and our primal instincts pulling in opposite directions while the charioteer unifies them to maintain momentum, thus illustrating mastery over the self.
The Ludy Lescot Chariot card features a very different image. Someone is resigned to fate and being carted away rather than taking the reins and charging forward. Instead of having drive, they are being driven. At first glance this card may seem all wrong. However, I think it illustrates some of the more challenging or shadowy aspects of the Chariot card. After all, the Ludy Lescot Tarot does have a more shadowy and gothic theme. The card depicts a person who isn’t taking control of their life and is allowing themselves to be controlled by another person. Many decks show a struggle for control, but few show resignation, defeat, or apathy, and I think that these concepts are excellent interpretations for an ill-dignified Chariot. Conversely, the more positive spin on this card could indicate that it’s okay to rest, grieve, or recharge and let someone else “do the driving” when you need a break.
Alternatively, we could focus on the charioteer in the image. We cannot see his face, but clearly he is moving forward. This perspective illustrates that he is giving someone a ride, or more generally, a helping hand. Therefore, the card could encourage assisting others when we are in a position to do so. I think this is another important message that the Ludy Lescot Chariot brings forward. Sometimes we are so focused on our goals and getting to where we need to be that we get tunnel vision and lose sight of those around us. There is a balance to be struck between asserting our needs and tending to the needs of others, and that certainly rings true with the concepts of balance and control that traditionally go along with the Chariot card.
Another unique take on the Chariot can be seen in the Bohemian Animal Tarot. In this deck the carousel animals are leaping off of the carousel to chart a new course. I like how this emphasizes breaking a routine and pushing onward. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, especially if it’s familiar and comfortable, but we miss out on fresh scenery and new experiences if we always stay in our comfort zone.
Appraising a card from multiple decks, especially a card that you find particularly challenging or one dimensional, can be a very beneficial exercise. Sometimes I find myself getting a bit stale and falling back on common interpretations for certain cards and looking at some fresh imagery can help me to shake things up.
What are your impressions of these Chariot cards? I’d love to read your opinions. I plan to do more posts about innovative or unusual depictions of cards, and I welcome requests.
Happy shuffling!
Decks used in this post:
Llewellyn Tarot
Initiatory Tarot of the Golden Dawn
Ludy Lescot Tarot
Bohemian Animal Tarot
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