Of all the cards in the Major Arcana, I feel like the Chariot is the first in the story of the Fool's Journey that truly represents the individual. It is, perhaps, the first real instance of "control" in Tarot. All of the cards that came before have prepared us for this point. We've learned about our emotions and trusting our intuition (The High Priestess and The Empress); we've learned about rules, structures, discipline, and routine (The Emperor). We've gained institutional knowledge (secular and spiritual) from The Hierophant. The Lovers has taught us the importance of choice and has given us the freedom to learn from our failures.

That brings us to The Chariot. This is where we've taken all the tools we've been given and set out on our own. It's like the world has kicked us out of the nest and said, "Fly bitch." This is why the themes of self-control, self-discipline, determination, and willpower are so prevalent in this card. Without them, that outward road is going to end up leaving you stranded on the shoulder or couch-surfing in your parents' basement.

The traditional representation of The Chariot shows a charioteer being pulled by two sphinxes (one black, one white). They represent the opposing forces in our lives: the Ego and Id, yin and yang, conscious and subconscious. In place of reins, the Charioteer holds or wand or scepter, indicating the use of his own willpower and self-control to steer his ride. The Charioteer leaves his city behind him, a reference to "leaving the nest" and creating your own path in the world. His tunic is decorated with crescent moons on his shoulders, indicating reliance on intuition, and the stars in the carriage's cover remind him of his place in the world and to remain humble and faithful to his task.

Message of the Day: I was having a conversation with my husband yesterday about how frustrated we get by the choices that are made by people we care about. We hear about the situation, see the choices made, and see the consequences of their actions. As a 3rd party, it is easy for us to see the road ahead and analyze the risks that come with the available choices. However, as a 3rd party, we do not have the emotional complications of the person making the choice. We can advise and support because we are detached from the situation and, really, at the end of the day, are personally unaffected by the decisions.

As someone watching the choices, there is often a sense of judgement on our part. How could there not be? The whole idea of advice is saying, "If this were my choice, this is what I would do." And when they don't do what you would do, it's very easy to think, "Dumb bitch," but pat them on the back and console them. We love them, after all.

But what we need to remember is that we, as humans, are very much single, individual creatures. In the grand scheme of themes, I am myself, and while I am a part of an integrated society and socialize with others, I have my own thoughts, beliefs, ideas, and behaviors.

I am my own unique creation.

I am the sum of my desires, my intelligence, my experience, my mistakes, and my victories. Others may try to influence me and guide me, but it is MY choice whether I adopt their nuggets o' knowledge or just smile and nod. You can judge me all you want, but in the end, I'm going to do what I feel is best for me, regardless of the potentially harmful nature. When I get burned, I'll learn (hopefully). Until then, my mistakes are mine to make. So love me, but let me grow in my own way.

Welcome to parenthood, amiright?

It's so hard to allow your kid to make their own choices knowing that not only are they going to royally fuck up, but that they may not learn all the lessons the first time. We do our best to play the parts of the first six cards in the Major Arcana to equip them with the skills they need to make good choices: a strong moral compass, an understanding of right and wrong, a strong sense of compassion and empathy... but when they are left to their own devices and have to navigate their best friend listening to a song that drops the 'n-word' repeatedly... choices are not so black and white. They can be conflicted and, really, have to decide what to sacrifice: a close friendship or a little bit of that moral conviction. It can be upsetting and seem unfair that they have to make a choice like this. Maybe they are smart enough to say, "Bruh. Turn that shit off. It's offensive." Let's hope. And really, all we can do is hope.

I feel like there comes a time when we realize we need to step back and let go of some of our need for control of others. We need to not only allow others to make their own mistakes, but be okay with them making mistakes. We become a spectator of sorts. And as long as they are not being overly reckless where there is the endangerment of life/limb/liberty, they should be free to do as they choose. That is where the concept of "natural consequences" comes in: get burned by touching something hot and you'll stop touching it.

Likewise, we have the choice to decide how their mistakes affect us. We can be hurt, angry, or disappointed... but still love them too (that's why we feel hurt, angry, or disappointed). But if we can find a way to uncouple those emotions, then it becomes much easier to let go of the reins and trust that their ride is going to take them where they need to go.

So The Chariot is asking us today:

• Whose reins are you trying to hold that you need to let go of?
• What were some of the difficult choices you've had to make in your life where you feel the teachings of life left you unprepared? How did you steer through that?
• How do you love and support someone and still comfortably allow them to fuck up on their own?
• Where is your Chariot taking you in your life? Do you need to show more control or place more trust in Universe?

Decks shown above:

• Saturday Morning Tarot
• The Modern Way Tarot
• Cosmic Cycles Tarot

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