Anyone Else in a Chariot Year?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 02 Sep 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Sillanza	02 Sep 2004
After some noodling, and a copy of Tarot for Your Self as a guide, I discovered that I'm in a Chariot year. And so is my husband. I won't begin to bore you with the details of what's happened to us so far this year, but let's just say it's ranged from good old fashioned disasters to losing body parts. It makes me nervous for when the Tower year rolls around! Are any other Chariot year people finding the same thing?

Trogon	02 Sep 2004
Uh... Sillanza, I don't mean to sound contradictory here, but it sounds to me like you are having a Tower year. To me, the Chariot is more about keeping things under control. I think of the Chariot as being a card of winning out over adversity, being in control of yourself and keeping yourself on the right track, so to speak. This is, of course, a very boiled-down version of what the card means to me, and there are a lot of facets to this card, but to me it's mostly a more positive card than the events you're describing. Well... unless it were reversed.

Sulis	02 Sep 2004
I agree with Trogon - I tend to think of the Chariot as a card of taking control, getting things back on track - winning against adversity and getting things moving in the way you want them to - through strenghth of character. You sound as though you and your husband are having a nightmare time......Losing body parts :eek: I've never heard of a Chariot year like that - I hope it gets better -sounds as though it can't get much worse :) Love Sulis xx

WolfSpirit	02 Sep 2004
I am also in a Chariot year, but I look at the year card concept very critically at the moment. Some things that happen can also be ascribed to another card, but if I want to I can see the Chariot in my year as well. I don't think it is the only influence though. So far the year has not been very momentous, I have had to do some work to keep myself on track but not excessively. Right now I see an interesting change (or possibility for change) on my way :) but it feels more like Fool than Chariot to me. Well my day card today was the Fool and I feel its energy all over. I don't see i am particularly in control at the moment but neither am I losing control. But let's see what the rest of the year brings.

Sillanza	02 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Trogon I think of the Chariot as being a card of winning out over adversity, being in control of yourself and keeping yourself on the right track, so to speak. Both of those interpretations (which I draw as well from the Chariot) are accurate in describing the choices we've had to make to deal with some of these events. For example, is it better to live with something that causes you pain, or screw up your courage and cut it out? We could have easily given up on our goals set for this year given the many setbacks, but we've stayed the course. I expected potholes in the road, but not crater-sized ones! Who knew that in a Chariot year, your scope of things to keep an eye on isn't limited to your chariot, but extends to the horses, any cargo you might be carrying, the hounds that are doubtlessly pursuing you and the road ahead. Now I'm starting to think of the Chariot as the "keep it together, man!" card!

vicksie	03 Sep 2004
I’m currently in a Chariot year too, and I think the major theme for me has been control. Let’s put it this way: I’m not by nature the most wilful of people. I tend to be quite passive, and I will yield to people on a lot of issues. Particularly where my parents are concerned… whether they are conscious of it or not, they do attempt to manipulate me into fulfilling what they think should be my goals in life, i.e. going to university, working in the world of finance, and making a small fortune to support them in later life. I hasten to add, that I have no such plans, such desires are alien to me, and all I want to do is go live in a hut somewhere and write a novel. Anyway, lately they have taken the money that I was supposed to be getting this year, hidden it away in a bank account, and said I can only have it when I go to university. This is their latest plan you see… However, despite my morbid fear of bank clerks and employment, I have opened my own bank account, found myself a job (in a store selling tarot cards!), given up the university place I should’ve been starting soon, and am planning to save up and go travelling next year. In other words, I am finally establishing control over my own life. These may sound like trifling matters, but for me they’re significant steps. Also, as far as winning out over adversity goes, I managed to get straight A’s on my final exams this year (I’m really not trying to sound arrogant, honestly ;)), despite suffering almost constant panic attacks for the entire preceding month, and despite having failed all of the exams last year (Lovers year – I was somewhat distracted from my studying by a tempestuous Leo).

Trogon	03 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by vicksie However, despite my morbid fear of bank clerks and employment, I have opened my own bank account, found myself a job (in a store selling tarot cards!), given up the university place I should’ve been starting soon, and am planning to save up and go travelling next year. In other words, I am finally establishing control over my own life. These may sound like trifling matters, but for me they’re significant steps. Hmmm... hardly trifling matters. I'd say that you're making some very significant choices about controlling your own life and what you're going to do with it. Very Chariot-like. ;) WTG! Quote: Originally posted by Sillanza Both of those interpretations (which I draw as well from the Chariot) are accurate in describing the choices we've had to make to deal with some of these events. For example, is it better to live with something that causes you pain, or screw up your courage and cut it out? We could have easily given up on our goals set for this year given the many setbacks, but we've stayed the course. I expected potholes in the road, but not crater-sized ones! Who knew that in a Chariot year, your scope of things to keep an eye on isn't limited to your chariot, but extends to the horses, any cargo you might be carrying, the hounds that are doubtlessly pursuing you and the road ahead. Now I'm starting to think of the Chariot as the "keep it together, man!" card! Ah... yes Sillanza. I can see your point here now. Thank you. But you know... I don't know about trying to characterize an entire year's worth of experience and living with just one single Tarot card. I mean, I can see, perhaps, identifying the way a single day went with one card in a general way. But to boil down an entire year's worth of joy, pain, life lessons, mistakes, triumphs, new friends coming into your life, old friends leaving, births, deaths, wins, losses, etc... and to try to fit all that into one card? I think that could be rather difficult for me. 78 cards is barely enough for all of that... that's why I use reversals. ;) Still, I suppose I would have to admit, that many times there is kind of a "theme" or common thread that might run through a person's life for an entire year... so, maybe I'm wrong... it has happened before. ;)

WolfSpirit	03 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Trogon But you know... I don't know about trying to characterize an entire year's worth of experience and living with just one single Tarot card. I mean, I can see, perhaps, identifying the way a single day went with one card in a general way. But to boil down an entire year's worth of joy, pain, life lessons, mistakes, triumphs, new friends coming into your life, old friends leaving, births, deaths, wins, losses, etc... and to try to fit all that into one card? I agree with you, Trogon. For me there is definitely other things this year than Chariot. In retrospect it is possible to see something Chariot-like in all that has been going on; but I could see something of all the other majors in it as well.

jlbvt	03 Sep 2004
Would sombody reiterate how we find out which year we're having? I have done it before, and I think this might be my chariot year. I don't remember...

WolfSpirit	03 Sep 2004
I think you can find it in this thread: http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12687&highlight=year+card I only know because last year was a Lovers year for me.

blackroseivy	03 Sep 2004
When in a Chariot year, look out for the potholes of life. ;)

jlbvt	03 Sep 2004
Nope, I'm in a star year. Hmmm.

Ravenswing	04 Sep 2004
Yep. It's a Chariot year for me. I've come out of a Lovers' year where I've had some real BIG decisions to make-- the greatest one right on the first day of that year... Now this year I'm finding the Chariot is about biulding Will, not having Will. And keeping to the path that has been decided upon during my Lovers' year. I've had lots of obstructions and distractions along the way so far. Not too smooth a ride. I'm slowly learning when to pull the reins and when to give the horses their head... Next year should be interesting. Will it turn out to be Justice or Strength??? fly well Raven

anubis	04 Sep 2004
i've justice year... By the way, may i ask what is it in for me for this year?

MeeWah	04 Sep 2004
Chariot Year. Although previous year of 6-The Lovers required decisions & thus active & busy, I knew this to be the year in which those decisions would see their implementation & on-going choices. The pace stepped up & require a very conscious presence. Thus focus, discipline & foresight characteristic of this year more so given that encountered in personal & business. The tone of "if ye snooze, ye lose". Encompasses seeing what is; what may lie ahead; taking charge/assuming an authoritive position; making difficult decisions on the fly; biting the bullet. A sense of needing to be in the driver's seat--new to me as the natural inclination to be more of a behind-the-scenes person. Actively the head of household & leading a department at work--both cases "by default". The motto is "Be prepared to do whatever" as keeping it all together is a constant as well as the "Expect the unexpected".

oceanpoetry	19 Dec 2004
I found this thread through a search, will be starting my Chariot year in 2005. Its interesting, I can see how all of the choices and changes made during the Lovers year will play, looking ath the challenge of balancing opposing forces, guiding the chariot.

huredriel	19 Dec 2004
This is really interesting as I believe I'm supposed to be in a Chariot year in 2005 as well. This year has definitely been about choices too.

other	19 Dec 2004
According to my studies, you find your year card by adding together your birthday date and month + the current year. For example, my birthday is August 25, so I would add 8+ 25 (=33) + 2004 = 2037, then add all that together as: 2 + 3 + 7 = 13. I'm coming out of my Hanged Man year and, yes, I have been STRUNG UP this year...for my own good. (I'm actually seeking out people right now to chat with who are in the same year and about to enter the "Death" year.) You can also calculate your "Spirit Card" by adding together your entire birthday (day, month & year) and finding the corresponding Major Arcana card to help guide you in undertanding yourself, but I haven't found that to be as helpful -- we're all so complex, ya know?

Red Emma	19 Dec 2004
[quote=vicksie]I’m currently in a Chariot year too, ... Let’s put it this way: I’m not by nature the most wilful of people. I tend to be quite passive, and I will yield to people on a lot of issues. Particularly where my parents are concerned… However, despite my morbid fear of bank clerks and employment, I have opened my own bank account, found myself a job (in a store selling tarot cards!), given up the university place I should’ve been starting soon, and am planning to save up and go travelling next year. In other words, I am finally establishing control over my own life. These may sound like trifling matters, but for me they’re significant steps. [quote] Sounds as if you've got them little steeds under tight control. Wonderful story, tremendous gumption, shy or not.

other	19 Dec 2004
Red Emma - congrats on your job selling Tarot! Is it fun??

Michelle	19 Dec 2004
Which is the correct way to figure out your year card ? Do you add the numbers like this : 4+1+4+2+0+0+4 =15 or 4+14=18+2004=2022 =6 I'm so confused. I'm sure I'm making this way more complicated than it actually is. Thank you :)

Red Emma	19 Dec 2004
other wrote: Red Emma - congrats on your job selling Tarot! Is it fun?? Thanks, other. I wish I had the energy or the guts, but it was Vicksie. Now there's a gutsy lady!

TemperanceAngel	19 Dec 2004
I just realised I am in a Chariot year, for some reason I thought it was Strength....that's not until July 2005, sheesh, what a six months already....

Ulfdis	20 Dec 2004
Egads! My Chariot year was 2003, and it was terrible. Like Country-Western Classic Song terrible. My dog died. My Grandma died. I couldn't find work. My car got reposessed and my house foreclosed on. Bad, bad, bad. This year, a Strength year for me, has been one of healing... sort of. Trials and tribulations coming down the pipe this year have not been as severe, and I've had the ability to handle them a bit better. 2005 will be a Hermit year for me, and with my birthday being January 1st, it's fast approaching. My early New Year's toast: Hope the Chariot has better news for y'all than it did for me!

other	20 Dec 2004
Michelle wrote: Which is the correct way to figure out your year card ? Do you add the numbers like this : 4+1+4+2+0+0+4 =15 or 4+14=18+2004=2022 =6 It is my understanding that it is the latter, not the former. But I'm relatively new to Tarot, so you might want to get a second opinion!!

other	20 Dec 2004
PS: If I calculate mine in the former way: 8+2+5+2+0+0+4, it works out to be my World Year and believe you me, 2004 was NOT my World Year!!! :)

Michelle	20 Dec 2004
Thank You :).

WalesWoman	21 Dec 2004
Well, it feels like my Chariot year is getting into gear...I think it begins at the time of my conception than my birth, like this month...which is close to the new year anyway. It sure seemed like the lover's year began at the beginning of the year rather than around my birthday. Lover's year definately was about choices, but so far no real earthshaking major ones, mostly just having trouble deciding anything. But it also seemed like the Lover side of our relationship improved, and changed our relationship to what the Lover's is supposed to be about, unity via balance & harmony. Maybe I was just making the right choices at the right times. This is how I figured out my year... ***01 Date +**08 Month +2004 Year = 2013 = 2+1+3 = 6

Moongold	21 Dec 2004
other wrote: It is my understanding that it is the latter, not the former. But I'm relatively new to Tarot, so you might want to get a second opinion!! I think for year cards if the number is under 22 you don't reduce down to 6. Your year card would probably be 15.

Michelle	21 Dec 2004
Thank you , Moongold :).

BlueLotus	21 Dec 2004
Moongold wrote: I think for year cards if the number is under 22 you don't reduce down to 6. Your year card would probably be 15. I had always held this concept myself. My year card for 2004 was 15 which I didn't reduce to '6', thus it was my 'Devil' year. This was a not altogether optimistic year, due to the events that took/still taking place during this year, but I am also wary, and not really looking forward to the coming year, my # 16, 'Tower' year, which some people like to think of as the shadow side of the 'Chariot' year.

Sulis	22 Dec 2004
2005 will be a Chariot year for me and I'm really looking forward to it. I did a 'What's ahead of me' throw a few days ago; it was one of those readings that really hit home and felt meaningful. The Chariot reversed came up in th 'What I need to confront' postition. I've felt like I've been watching from the sidelines of my life for a while now, I'm really looking forward to getting that Chariot upright this year. Love Sulis xx

MeeWah	22 Dec 2004
I have been in a Chariot Year since late February though felt its influence prior. & like it despite its busyness. Interestingly, been drawn to 16-The Tower, too, so I see that as part of the spectrum of the energy pattern. Some things have been accomplished & there are miles to go yet, but it has been a good year for implementing insights & decisions of the previous year.

MeeWah	22 Dec 2004
Ulfdis wrote: Egads! My Chariot year was 2003, and it was terrible. Like Country-Western Classic Song terrible. My dog died. My Grandma died. I couldn't find work. My car got reposessed and my house foreclosed on. Bad, bad, bad. This year, a Strength year for me, has been one of healing... sort of. Trials and tribulations coming down the pipe this year have not been as severe, and I've had the ability to handle them a bit better. 2005 will be a Hermit year for me, and with my birthday being January 1st, it's fast approaching. My early New Year's toast: Hope the Chariot has better news for y'all than it did for me! Ulfdis: The account of your Chariot Year sounds more like its "negative" aspects. Or even as shades of The Tower (1+6 = 7) where the life is revamped; re-arranged & forces one to take stock. Each year presents as a culmination of the previous years. Thus, it all depends on what issued before a particular year. In your case, I can see where a Strength Year could be healing, as things tend to balance eventually after the smoke & debris are over. My last Strength Year presented surprising challenges, so am curious to see what develops as I shall be in a Strength Year in 2005.

Ulfdis	23 Dec 2004
MeeWah wrote: Ulfdis: The account of your Chariot Year sounds more like its "negative" aspects. Or even as shades of The Tower (1+6 = 7) where the life is revamped; re-arranged & forces one to take stock. Each year presents as a culmination of the previous years. Thus, it all depends on what issued before a particular year. In your case, I can see where a Strength Year could be healing, as things tend to balance eventually after the smoke & debris are over. My last Strength Year presented surprising challenges, so am curious to see what develops as I shall be in a Strength Year in 2005. MeeWah, that makes a lot of sense. I will have to look in my old journal and notes (if I can find them). If I remember right, the Tower showed up in a lot of readings around that time, which is no surprise. One of the good things coming from my Chariot year is that it was my partner's love and support and our combined wills and faith that got us through it. She was in a Fool year until August, when she moved into a Heirophant year. I'm not sure yet how that ties in, so we'll probably be discussing it together.

The Anyone Else in a Chariot Year? thread was originally posted on 02 Sep 2004 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.