Symbolizing: The Chariot

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 09 May 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Thirteen	09 May 2004
Symbolizing: The Chariot And our 3 weekly threads continue, examining the symbolism in the Majors. What you like and what you don't. What you feel ought to be there...or not. For this thread, the Chariot. Just answer one or more of the following: 1) What elements from any Chariot card from any deck do you feel BEST symbolize the Chariot? (Example: "I've always loved decks where the Chariot is in motion....") 2) What elements common to most Chariot cards in most decks do you really feel are all WRONG for the Chariot? (Example: "I've NEVER liked horses. I prefer sphinxes...") 3) What symbol have you always felt was right for the Chariot Card, but you've yet to see it? (Example: "I'd like to see griffins...."). You don't have to answer all the above, but do offer some "why's?" as to what you answer. Why don't you/do you like horses? What do the animals pulling the chariot mean that feels/doesn't feel like the Chariot to you?

Pook	12 May 2004
I really like, in The Fey Tarot, that the chariot is crossing a bridge. The Chariot, to me, has meant crossing from a purely physical existance to a healthy and active combination of the physical and mental. I think that the bridge is a wonderful symbol of a passageway from one way of thinking to other, more enlightened ways. Also...something else that just occurred to me....in war, soldiers always seem to want to control the bridge. Victory brought about by controlling supply routes.... And one more thought. I really don't like decks that show horses (or any animal pulling the chariot, for that matter) with reins. The Chariot should be directed and controlled mentally and should not be harnessed or reined in.

Inana	14 May 2004
Im joining these symbolizing threads... Better late than never. I totally hate the cards where the chariot has no wheels. The RWS is one of the most I dislike… so rigid and stuck. How is one supposed to move that chariot if it has no wheels? I like the typical Marseilles depiction with the two horses, black and white, each one looking at a different side. Opposites. There I can see the charioteer trying to control his life by having to give those animals (thoughts, decisions, feelings) a direction in order to move. I also like the Star(s) he has over his head as a symbol of guidance. And the armour is important, cause all the turmoil and conflict is inside his will and nobody but himself can see it, the others just see control.

firemaiden	14 May 2004
If I am to reduce the Chariot card to its most important essence, for me that would be the two oppositely-coloured animals pulling something. For me they can be horses, sphinxes, swans, cats, dogs, whatever, they can be red and blue, or white and black, but they most be colours which represent opposites. Yesterday I saw a lady strolling in the park with one white and one black dog pulling her, attached with leashes. Aha! The Chariot! I thought. Edited to add: Motion, or immobility, that is fine. I prefer the immoveable chariot myself, because the absurdity of it underscores the interior nature of the voyage.

skytwig	15 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by firemaiden Edited to add: Motion, or immobility, that is fine. I prefer the immoveable chariot myself, because the absurdity of it underscores the interior nature of the voyage. Then you must enjoy the Thoth chariot, firemaiden..... I was visiting 49 Chariots to get a quick view of Chariots I have liked and disliked.... I realized that I like motion generally.... the 'posed' chariots look odd to me..... I do like the Thoth chariot, but I see alot of motion in the "Wheel" in the Chariotiers lap (he is meditating to 'travel' :) ) I also want to see a wheel somewhere on the card... the wheel(s) seem important to me... and maybe that is why I like the Thoth card so much, the movement of the Wheel is a vital part of moving forward spiritually.... it is more beyond our control than we often like to admit..... (we humans who toy with mastery.... ) As for animals..... yes I tend to like them somewhere on the card, but I like the Haindl card too ..... maybe beccause the card shows a depth.... How does one symbolize depth or passion, both which seem vital to the Chariot card?

firemaiden	15 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by skytwig Then you must enjoy the Thoth chariot, firemaiden..... It comes from the Marseille. I love that the wheels are perpendicular to the direction of travel. Its so absurd, and so perfect. Although I notice that the horses of my Camoin Marseille are both blue. (Hmmm what happened to Plato's allegory of the soul?) Maybe it suffices that they are pulling in opposite directions. p.s. did you forget this thread?

The Symbolizing: The Chariot thread was originally posted on 09 May 2004 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.