We see a formidable hero, dressed in armor, in a very stone-like Chariot, made all the more valiant by the fact that he is riding Sphinxes and not Horses. The Chariot marks that time when you decide that you need to step out and go on that quest. The Charioteer is all armored up, but like the crab the Charioteer is armored and gentle, emotional and sensitive. He demonstrates the most important aspect of courage. Courage is not the absence of fear that one may feel, but the ability to move and act despite it. The Charioteer may have his doubts and his fears, but he has decided that he will go on to make that journey and be ready to fight whatever comes his way, and therein lies his heroism.
The Sphinxes are colored black and white representing opposing points of view, and they want to go separate ways. Sometimes we need to make our way forward, but do not know where we are headed. That indecision can keep people paralyzed, or stuck where they are. The Charioteer has chosen to move forward to find his path no matter what. That is in itself a moment of victory. He may conquer all or may hit an obstacle, but for now, in his decision to make that leap, he is a hero. The Chariot is a strange one, not only on the account of it being driven by Sphinxes but also as there are no reins. The Charioteer controls them by sheer willpower. When we start a journey and leave behind our comfort zone, we need our will-power to be resolute and strong enough to push us through. Courage is a choice, and will-power is definitely what fuels it. It is persistence, dedication and hard work that will bring about success. The armor of the Charioteer reminds us that sometimes in life we need to wear masks to protect ourselves and make sure that our emotions are balanced by logic to survive. The Chariot is the suggestion to look within and see if we are balancing our emotions and our logic. For now, you are a hero, to leave the safety of your comfort zone (the city behind him), navigate through emotions (the moat) and to get into a Chariot driven by Sphinxes. Stay on your path forward, and move with determination. This first step of overcoming your fears and beginning your journey has already made you a success.
Meditation on The Chariot
"All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination." Earl Nightingale
"Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties." Erich Fromm
What uncertainty are you facing? Are you willing to let go of your comfort zone and move on? Do you know what you truly desire? Have you set up a map to get there? Are you ready to move on despite the fear, and ride The Chariot?
Images Used on The Site. Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, known also as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902. c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc