VIl.
THE CHARIOT
Primary
principle--Use of inner will
Sign
correspondence-Cancer
Description--A
princely
figure is driving a chariot drawn by two sphinxes---one black, one white. The
Chariot is an- other card that speaks to us about the human struggle with
duality. This is the battle we face between our urge for the higher life of the
Spirit and the creation of the proper forms for expression of our personality.
The Prince/Charioteer is crowned with an
eight- pointed star. Numerologically, eight is an important number, indicating
the orientation of the creative urge towards material abundance (crowns,
castles). In the Buddhist doc- trine, this star represents the "Eight-fold
Noble Path," which guides us to proper actions. The Prince/Charioteer is
protected and influenced by the Soul (the lunar semi-circle on each of his
shoulders). He is thus the symbol for the wisdom of the Inner Guide, leading us
towards fusion of the opposing forces in our lives. On his chest is a square,
symbol of "foundation" and representative of the number four. When we
speak about a structure being 'four-square," we mean that it is balanced,
strong, and ready to receive the weight of added experiences. It is through the
wisdom we obtain in our efforts to harmonize opposites that we create the right
set of personal values for our lives. The Chariot is a card indicating goal
orientation - goals that are accomplished through the right blending and use of
physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual forces, a foursome that creates a
proper foundation for growth.
The Prince/Charioteer carries all the
symbols that arm him with the inner knowledge of Divine Law: alchemical symbols
cover his skirt, and astrological glyphs appear on his belt. We may also
interpret these alchemical symbols as representing the transformative dynamics
of the personality; after all, the goal of the alchemist is to turn lead into
gold. The astrological signs are representative of the Cosmic Presence the
Prince/Charioteer takes into battle. The sphinxes relate to the understanding of
the patterns of nature, since they fuse the animal nature of material life and
the mental nature of humanity. The Prince/Charioteer holds a spear in an armored
glove, showing that he has the courage to enter into the battle to resolve
duality. His other hand is uncovered, indicating his readiness for peace and
harmony. The symbols on the Chariot itself are quite potent and beautiful. The
wings indicate the perception by the rational mind of the nature of Spirit (the
solar disc at their center); the spinning top (or weaving spindle) is still,
indicating a peaceful pause in the creation process.
In
the reading-The Chariot represents the use of inner will and
intelligence to accomplish personal goals. Anything that the querent sets out to
do will be accomplished. The person will overcome anyone or anything that stands
in the way of achievement. The querent's intentions are pure, with a sense of
disciplined focus.
Reversed-This
card can represent conflict and problems due to opposing ideas and aims,
either coming from another party or found within oneself The querent can become
over- powered by opposition and lack of experience. He or she may also be
confused and indecisive about what route to take to resolve the current
situation.
Exoteric
meaning-Mastering
all opposing forces through will power and intelligence. Correct use of will and
clarity of motive or intentions.
Esoteric
meaning-Merging
the personal will with Spirit to create the correct forms for one's creative
drive. Purely personal goals are being sacrificed or transformed for the greater
goals of the Spirit.
~from
the "Pocket Guide to Tarot" by Alan Oken
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