This is a card of…

Ego

Confidence

Announcement

Accolades

Self-possession

“The actions of confidence come first; the feelings of confidence come later.”

-Russ Harris, The Confidence Gap

Key VII is one of the most complex and multi-layered cards of the first line. It is time to ride out boldly into the world- but to do so will require mastery of our drives and emotions. It will also require some apparatus for self-protection.

The Chariot is the card of the mature ego. Ego gets a bad rap these days, keeping us as it does from experiencing our oneness with the universe. But a healthy ego is a vital thing, particularly when we set out to claim our place in the world.

Of course, ego has some… shall we say, catches. If you are feeling the confidence of this card, awesome. Go get ’em, tiger! But do keep in mind the tradition of the Romans when their heroes rode their chariots through cheering crowds: a slave would stand behind the hero to whisper in his ear, “Remember, thou art mortal.”

The traditional image on this card is ambiguous because we only see one still moment. The charioteer stands straight and tall facing forward. His steeds (sometimes sphinxes) have no reins and are pulling in different directions. Does this say that the figure’s confident posture is not warranted as his steeds are about to tear his chariot apart? Or does his stable posture indicate that he does not need reins, through his strong intention he has control of everything in this picture? This vehicle is directed by the strength of his will and focus.

The Chariot is the card of training wheels being removed. It is about arriving in an arena to prove yourself. If you’re feeling a little shaky about standing on your own, take some encouragement from our proud charioteer. Confidence and ego will not win the contest for you- but without them you will certainly lose.

Advice:

Keep steady focus.

Know you can achieve it.

Know you are not perfect.

Warning:

Fear can keep you from great achievement. Push past it.

When it’s someone else’s turn, let them take it.