Upright, The Chariot card is all about taking action and staying the course. The Chariot card also shows that to succeed, you must have determination and commitment.
This card warns against inaction, and motivates us to get going even if we don’t know what the outcome will be. That first step can be the hardest, but it’s often the most important. It can also represent a hard journey, but one that’s worth it in the end.
When it’s reversed, The Chariot card can stand for inaction or a lack of confidence, or it can represent a lack of determination or perseverance. Are you scared to take that first step because of what the outcome might be? Are you putting in the effort to see a change in your life?
The reversed Chariot card can help you confront hard questions like these and see where it’s time to take a plunge. On the other hand, the reversed Chariot card can also tell you to slow down.
It can be a warning that you’re being overaggressive or making harmful or selfish decisions to get what you want. If you’re fixated on one goal, like improving your love life, you may also be neglecting other things, like your career or health.
Reading this card using the “blocked/restricted” reversed card meaning
Let’s talk about how to read the reversed Chariot card when it shows up in your reading.
First, you can use the “blocked/restricted” method. When you read your reversed cards this way, you’ll look for an obstacle related to the upright meaning of the card that is blocking or restricting your progress.
For example: If you pull the reversed Chariot card when thinking about your health, you may realize your inaction is standing in the way of your progress.
Ask yourself what is keeping you from taking the next step.
Maybe you’ve wanted to take up yoga or pilates, but you’re worried because you have no experience. It’s tough to get started with something new, especially if we think we might embarrass ourselves.
The reversed Chariot card reminds you that if you don’t take that first step, you’ll get nowhere. It can help motivate you to get moving and think of solutions like leaning on a friend for support by bringing them with you to your first class.
Reading this card using the “opposite” reversed card meaning
You can also read your reversed Chariot card using the “opposite” meaning. When you read your reversed tarot cards like this, you’re looking for the opposite of the upright meaning of the card.
In the case of The Chariot, instead of determined action and focused willpower, we’re talking about fear, and a feeling of powerlessness. Here, the reversed Chariot card can help you realize and come to terms with your fear or the places you feel disempowered.
Are you hesitant to move forward because you’re worried about the outcome? Or are you standing still because you don’t feel like you have the power to change the situation?
Say you pull the reversed Chariot card when thinking about your love life. Maybe you’re recently divorced and you’ve just entered into a new relationship.
You may need to ask yourself if you’re really happy with this new person, or are you just afraid of being alone? It may be a reminder that while having a regular partner can be very comforting, there’s also value to be found in being single.
Being on your own helps you to learn about and redefine yourself, but it can be scary if you’re used to having someone to fall back on. It may also be that you haven’t fully mourned the previous relationship and are choosing to distract yourself with someone new instead.
This gives you an opportunity to reflect and think about what you want to do differently in the future. The reversed Chariot card can help you recognize your fears and motivate you to move past them. It reminds you that If this relationship isn’t what you really want, don’t stay in it just to feel safe.
Reading this card using the “worse” reversed card meaning
A third method to read your reversed Chariot card is using the “worse” reversed card meeting. When you read the cards like this, you put the upright meaning of the card in a negative light.
For The Chariot, this means that you are taking action, but you may be moving too quickly, or becoming too fixated on a single goal. Here, the reversed Chariot card can encourage you to slow down, or shift your focus to distribute your attention among different areas of your life.
For example, if you pulled the reversed Chariot card when thinking about your finances, it could indicate that you’re becoming too focused on making or saving money. Of course, money is important, but becoming obsessed with finances can be unhealthy.
Maybe you’re so fixated on making and saving money that you’re becoming greedy or anti-social. Are you taking advantage of others’ generosity when you go out for dinner or drinks, or are you focusing so much on making money that you’re ignoring other things, like your friendships?
The reversed Chariot card will encourage you to find a balance between focusing on your finances and the rest of your life. Lay out your budget and stick to it, but don’t forget to have some fun and build connections along the way.
Reading this card using the “no/not” reversed card meaning
A fourth method to read your reversed Chariot card is using the “no/not” card meaning. Here, you put “no” or “not” in front of the upright meaning of the card.
For The Chariot card, this means “no action” or “no willpower.” You’re lacking these things, and they’re necessary to get what you want.
Say you pull the reversed Chariot card when thinking about your career. Perhaps a new position opened up at your company, but you were hesitant to apply for it, or maybe leadership has been looking for someone to organize work events or take part in a committee, but you were afraid to volunteer.
It will take extra work on your end, but making the decision to step into these roles could be huge for your career. The reversed Chariot card can help you examine where you’re not taking advantage of the opportunities in your life.
It’s necessary to take action and stay the course if you want to see actual change. The reversed Chariot card tells you to go for that promotion and put yourself out there, even if you’re not sure what’s going to happen.
In the worst case scenario, you’ll still gain some experience and get people to pay attention to you. In the best case scenario, you may get a raise and a fancy new title.