MeeWah
It seems fitting to continue the study discussions with 7-The Chariot--especially since the discussions of both 16-The Tower (which can be seen as the flip-side/card of The Chariot) & 6-The Lovers (which precedes The Chariot). Also a current personal interest in The Chariot of its energy pattern, its possible influences & significances.
The Tower thread can be found here:
http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?threadid=28628
The Lovers thread, here:
http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?threadid=28872
As with all of the card images of The Vertigo, the alternative style that characterizes the deck is evident in The Chariot:
http://www.area23.org/perdition/reverie/tarot/major_frameset.html
Oft characterized as an ancient means of transportation in the form of a chariot or some resemblance of same, this Chariot manages to both contradict the traditional concept & yet retains haunting echoes of the traditional.
The prominent image is a profile line drawing of a horse's head & neck, its mane flowing behind. The lines appear to be made with a continuous, graceful & quick brush stroke--suggestive of motion & speed. The horse's countenance expressive of intent or singular purpose, emphasized by the single large eye staring ahead as if wholly focussed reaching his destination. Key words: determination; persistance; endurance.
Within the confines of the horse's head can be seen a vague shape reminiscent of the fossil/bones seen in The Fool & elsewhere. Perhaps a reference to The Fool embarked on a journey &/or as metaphor for The Fool's journey. A disembodied yet solid hand loosely holds reins of red--red evocative of the vital life force or energy that propels &/or drives one on a journey or a mission.
The lack of tension in the reins suggests the unseen driver or charioteer has given the horse his "head". Leaving the horse to move at will--indeed, The Chariot can represent the will & its application. Through the bottom portion of the horse can be seen the blurred shape of a single wheel. Its lack of definition attests to the speed of the horse's pace & its corresponding effect on the unseen vehicle that create such a blur of motion wherein both animal & vehicle move too fast to be seen clearly. Whilst speed may be a factor, adapting to changing conditions is also a factor or one may stumble or fail to make headway.
The vague shapes in the foreground & background suggestive of structure or structural influences that may either encourage or impede. High overhead in the left-hand corner is a dark disk radiating blotches of yellow that hint of both the Sun's energy, its life-giving rays & of the Sunflower, a sun-seeking flowering plant that grows to great height. Key words/phrases: direction; endeavour; reaching for a goal or the sky is the limit.
The appearance of The Chariot can pose as a statement, an invitation/opportunity or as a challenge. One may be literally in the driver's seat or at the mercy of forces beyond the immediate control; going along for a ride. It can represent the path/course of the life; a figurative expression or a literal vehicle.
As a Year Card, it both tantalizes & challenges.
The Tower thread can be found here:
http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?threadid=28628
The Lovers thread, here:
http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?threadid=28872
As with all of the card images of The Vertigo, the alternative style that characterizes the deck is evident in The Chariot:
http://www.area23.org/perdition/reverie/tarot/major_frameset.html
Oft characterized as an ancient means of transportation in the form of a chariot or some resemblance of same, this Chariot manages to both contradict the traditional concept & yet retains haunting echoes of the traditional.
The prominent image is a profile line drawing of a horse's head & neck, its mane flowing behind. The lines appear to be made with a continuous, graceful & quick brush stroke--suggestive of motion & speed. The horse's countenance expressive of intent or singular purpose, emphasized by the single large eye staring ahead as if wholly focussed reaching his destination. Key words: determination; persistance; endurance.
Within the confines of the horse's head can be seen a vague shape reminiscent of the fossil/bones seen in The Fool & elsewhere. Perhaps a reference to The Fool embarked on a journey &/or as metaphor for The Fool's journey. A disembodied yet solid hand loosely holds reins of red--red evocative of the vital life force or energy that propels &/or drives one on a journey or a mission.
The lack of tension in the reins suggests the unseen driver or charioteer has given the horse his "head". Leaving the horse to move at will--indeed, The Chariot can represent the will & its application. Through the bottom portion of the horse can be seen the blurred shape of a single wheel. Its lack of definition attests to the speed of the horse's pace & its corresponding effect on the unseen vehicle that create such a blur of motion wherein both animal & vehicle move too fast to be seen clearly. Whilst speed may be a factor, adapting to changing conditions is also a factor or one may stumble or fail to make headway.
The vague shapes in the foreground & background suggestive of structure or structural influences that may either encourage or impede. High overhead in the left-hand corner is a dark disk radiating blotches of yellow that hint of both the Sun's energy, its life-giving rays & of the Sunflower, a sun-seeking flowering plant that grows to great height. Key words/phrases: direction; endeavour; reaching for a goal or the sky is the limit.
The appearance of The Chariot can pose as a statement, an invitation/opportunity or as a challenge. One may be literally in the driver's seat or at the mercy of forces beyond the immediate control; going along for a ride. It can represent the path/course of the life; a figurative expression or a literal vehicle.
As a Year Card, it both tantalizes & challenges.