Meet the Cards: The Chariot

Or in this case THE CANOE. Number seven — a mystical, magical number — in the Major Arcana. To fully randomize your deck, shuffle it seven times before a reading and stay focused on your path.

• Symbolism: Hard work and Victory.
• Element: Water (see Tarot Elements)

What I See:

This is very much a water elemental card. I love it. Coming to the desert from the lushness of the Pacific NW, this card calls me home with the orca whales (guardians of the sea in some myths), the salmon, and the eagle. I think of vision quests, paying heed to the emotional landscape, and traveling at our own pace. The man in the card is focused, looking forward. Hmm…goal setting anyone? How apropos as we round the corner toward the new year.

Light (upright) Reading:

Set the goal, take the first steps, and your guides will be at your side to help along the path.

• Keywords: Determination, Success, Inner Peace, and Self-Discipline.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of opposing ideas bringing conflict.

• Keywords: Inconsiderate, Clinginess, Insecurity, and Moodiness.

Plots:

Obvious plot possibilities of vision quests, pilgrimages, and crusades would work well. On the flip side, how about a homecoming or victory parade? You could even focus on a simple family vacation. Or perhaps a honeymoon cruise. How about a “road less traveled” story?

You could focus on the number seven. The seven virtues. The seven deadly sins. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. An alchemist’s seven metals. The seven notes in a musical scale. The seven colors of a rainbow. The seven chakras.

• Themes: Focus, Independence, Initiation, Rite of passage, Endurance, Success, Finding/Creating a place in the world, or An outward journey that reflects an inner one of change. (Hmm, that last one sounds like a character arc doesn’t it?)

Characters:

Brings strength, will, and courage to the task at hand.

• Archetype: Warrior, Hero, or Animus (the male element in the female unconscious) — Vogler refers to this as the Shapeshifter.

The Shapeshifter archetype is also a catalyst for change, a symbol of the psychological urge to transform. ~The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler

• Mythical Figures: Apollo, Oedipus, Sinn, and Tamuz.

The personality enneagram, a nine-pointed array of personality types, might also be a useful reference for character building.

The Chariot is E7: Epicure, Enthusiast, Visionary, Dreamer, and/or Generalist

• Self Image — I am happy
• Passion — Gluttony, Over-indulgence, or Charlatanry
• Virtue — Sobriety
• Narcissistic Trap — Idealism
• Avoids — Pain
• Speaking Style — Garrulous or Story-telling

E7 people are ruled by their head. They need to understand the pattern of events, where all the pieces fit in the puzzle of life, and are often detached from their emotions. Their objectivity may hide feelings of isolation or confusion.

Additionally, look up one of the Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) for personality traits.

Like you, the charioteer in the Chariot card is a driving force and he’s determined to move forward. ~Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

About these ads