DAILY TAROT: THE CHARIOT.
Will. Stillness within Movement, Movement within Stillness.
VII. THE CHARIOT.
This card represents Will. Stillness within Movement and Movement within Stillness.
The number is VII (7) and is the 8th Card in the Major Arcana.
HOW TO CONSIDER THE TAROT
For an introduction to this series and an outline of how to appreciate Tarot, in a very different paradigm to what one may be used to, the reader is encouraged to familiarise themself with the following post: How to Appreciate Tarot—a Hermetic guide to Semiotics & Allegory
NUMEROLOGY & NUMBERS
Numerology is the study of numbers. If mathematics is the language and the grammar, geometry is the syntax and poetry, and numbers are the base letters.
For Pythagoras, the number 7 symbolized the integration of the universe, encapsulating the spiritual and the material. The harmonics of music, which were central to Pythagorean philosophy, also emphasized the importance of 7 through the diatonic scale's structure—seven distinct notes.
7 is a prime Number
The number VII(7) is the number of the Fundamentality of Existence:
7 Continents, 7 Oceans;
7 Colours of the Rainbow;
7 Notes in an Octave;
7 days of the Week / 7 days of Creation (Judeo-Christian Mythos);
7 main Planets of Hellenistic Astrology;
7 Rishis of Vedic Astrology;
7 Chakras;
7 Deadly Sins / 7 Virtues of the Christian Mythos;
7 Hermetic Laws.
Numerologists consider 7 as indicating a period of introspection and overcoming personal barriers, underscoring the need for self-discipline and control, as well as the spiritual quest to integrate disparate elements of one’s character into a victorious and coherent whole, which can be described as the project of Will.
The Pythagorean school saw the human soul’s progression in terms of a journey through seven stages, analogous to the 7 levels of musical harmony, which could lead one to a higher state of awareness and understanding. Similarly, mastery of the heart-mind-body complex according to the Tantric and Yogic systems is also predicated around the 7 prime chakras.
Carl Jung identified seven as a significant number in the process of individuation, representing stages of psychological growth and understanding.
According to Hermetic tradition, Divine Logos is arranged in 7 Principles or Laws.
GEOMETRY & SEMIOTICS
Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and their use or interpretation, the systematic study of sign processes and the communication of meaning.
The seven-sided polygon and the seven-pointed star are geometric figures that symbolize the integration of the universe’s mystical properties. The heptagram, often used in mystical and magical traditions, is thought to draw protective circles around things deemed sacred and represents the synthesis of the material and the spiritual.
THE MENORAH
In Jewish mysticism, there are seven heavens and 7 earthly paradises. The Menorah, a profound symbol in Judaism, has 7 branches, representing universal completeness and enlightenment.
The Flame in Jewish mysticism is the will or power of self, that can be wild and uncontained but is considered contained as a candle. The 7 candles are thereby related to the 7 chakras, implying that there are 7 aspects of self-mastery that constitute Will.
THE MERKABA
Merkaba in Hebrew means Chariot (of God) and is the common word for chariot.
The Merkaba is a term and symbol from mystical Jewish traditions, particularly Kabbalah. The word itself combines two Hebrew words: “Mer” meaning light, “Ka” meaning spirit, and “Ba” meaning body. Together, Merkaba is interpreted as the “light spirit body” or “chariot”, and it refers to a divine light vehicle allegedly used by ascended masters to connect with and reach those in the higher realms, which is another name for Will.
In broader esoteric traditions, the Merkaba is visualized as a complex geometric figure comprising two interlocking tetrahedrons (three-dimensional triangles), one pointing upwards and the other downwards. This shape is often depicted as rotating in opposite directions and is believed to be a vehicle that can facilitate travel between different dimensions of reality or spiritual realms.
THE SQUARE
The Square features prominently as a symbol in THE CHARIOT card. There is a white or silver Square on the breastplate which represents The Squared Circle, integrating The Infinite into The Manifested. The Chariot itself and the Canopy are squares/cubes symbolizing Form, stability, structure, and the material world. The square is a representation of groundedness and order, echoing the charioteer’s mastery over the physical realm and his ability to bring divine will into manifestation.
“Squaring the Circle” is a classical problem in geometry that entails constructing a square with the same area as a given circle using only a finite number of steps with a compass and straightedge, a task that is considered impossible mathematically because it requires the construction of a length equal to the square root of π (pi), a transcendental number that cannot be constructed with such basic geometric tools.
However, beyond its mathematical implications, “Squaring the Circle” has rich symbolic meaning, especially in mystical, philosophical, and alchemical traditions:
The circle often represents the divine, the infinite, and the spiritual realm, whereas the square represents the earthly, the finite, and the material world. Squaring the circle symbolizes the harmonization and integration of these opposites.
In alchemy, squaring the circle is often associated with the philosopher’s stone, the substance that could transform base metals into gold and grant eternal life. It signifies the ultimate goal of spiritual transformation and enlightenment, turning the imperfect into the perfect.
In various esoteric traditions, it is a symbol of the completion of the Great Work, the journey of self-realization and the reconciliation of the spiritual and material aspects of existence.
This aligns with the charioteer's role as a master of Will and direction, navigating the material world with spiritual insight and control. The presence of the square signifies balance, stability, and the successful union of spiritual purpose with earthly action.
ARCHETYPE & FORM
The 3 invoked archetypes of THE CHARIOT card are Gilgamesh, Arjuna and The Conqueror.
GILGAMESH (ARCHETYPE)
Gilgamesh in one sense can be considered the quintessential Hero archetype. Gilgamesh was the legendary Sumerian king, demi-god, and hero, whose story is a profound exploration of the themes of heroism, the limits of human potential, and the existential journey of self-discovery. The Chariot in Mesopotamian culture signifies royalty, which was always a sign of divine heritage, and equally a symbol of power and martial prowess.
In the epic of Gilgamesh, the hero uses his chariot in all his herculean trials in which he is victorious, most notably during his adventures with Enkidu, including their journey to the Cedar Forest to confront Humbaba, the monstrous guardian set by the gods, which implies the relationship with victory. Gilgamesh’s chief friend and ally is Enkidu, a primal ‘wild man’ created by the gods to thwart Gilgamesh. They clash initially in a titanic struggle but become closer than brothers. Enkidu represents the raw instinctual side of humanity, the inherent wildness in all humans before they rise in Consciousness and Will to a more elevated civil state. Humbaba is the monster appointed by the gods to guard the sacred realm, representing the shadow aspects of the human psyche—those aspects of the self and society that are hidden and must be confronted and overcome.
ARJUNA (ARCHETYPE)
Arjuna, the great warrior prince from the Indian epic Mahabharata, embodies the archetype of disciplined skill and moral integrity. Arjuna’s journey is guided by Lord Krishna, who serves as his charioteer and spiritual guide. This partnership symbolizes the fusion of divine guidance with human endeavour. Arjuna represents the internal struggle between spiritual duty and emotional ties. His chariot becomes a symbol of the path of righteousness, driven by a balanced mind and the pursuit of dharma, which is Duty/Purpose.
THE CONQUEROR (ARCHETYPE)
A Chariot is a Throne for a King of Action, in the Field. The Conqueror archetype is the master of the field of contest, embodying both strategic brilliance and martial prowess. The charioteer, represents mastery over the field of contest, mastery over themselves, and mastery over the creatures that draw the chariot, they forces they command which includes mastery of the physics and mechanics by which the chariot moves—the reins, the axle, the wheels.
The Conqueror conveys the power of the City in the Field, the authority of the King and the General, who remains still, even as they move. Famous conquerors were always depicted in Chariots, in victory or amidst battle to convey not just their authority, but their martial prowess and their ability to retain their composure in the midst of adversity and challenge.
EMERGENT SYNOPSIS
The combination of Gilgamesh, Arjuna, and The Conqueror archetypes in THE CHARIOT card creates a narrative of mastery, heroism, and disciplined leadership.
Gilgamesh, representing the quintessential Hero, brings forth themes of divine heritage, martial prowess, and the journey of self-discovery. His chariot is a symbol of his royal power and the victory achieved through confronting and integrating the shadow aspects of the self, as exemplified by his relationship with Enkidu and their battle against Humbaba.
Arjuna embodies the disciplined warrior guided by divine insight, highlighting the fusion of human effort with spiritual guidance. His chariot, driven by the balance between duty and emotional ties, symbolizes the pursuit of righteousness and the moral integrity required to navigate life's battles.
The Conqueror archetype underscores the mastery over the field of contest, representing strategic brilliance and martial prowess. The chariot here is a throne of action, symbolizing the authority and control over oneself and the forces one commands, emphasizing the conqueror’s ability to remain poised amidst chaos.
Together, these archetypes weave a powerful narrative of victory through self-mastery, strategic brilliance, and the integration of divine guidance with human effort.
ETYMOLOGY & LANGUAGE
Vertical shallow Etymology finds the nearest root words and leaves it at that. Deep and Wide Etymology reaches down and laterally, to explore the full essence of meaning that is related to the word.
The word ‘Chariot’ originates from the Late Latin word ‘carrus’, meaning a wheeled vehicle. This term is further traced back to the Gaulish ‘karros’, which refers to a type of wagon or cart used by the Celtic people.
The Latin root ‘carrus’ is closely related to the Proto-Indo-European root *kers-, meaning to run. This association highlights the primary function of a chariot as a vehicle of speed and mobility, crucial in both transportation and warfare. The concept of swift movement and agility is integral to the archetypal and symbolic significance of the chariot.
In ancient cultures, the chariot was not just a means of transport but also a symbol of power, prestige, and divine authority. In Greek, the word for chariot is ‘harmma’, reflecting its importance in Homeric epics and classical mythology where heroes and gods alike used chariots in their journeys and battles.
The chariot’s association with war and conquest is further emphasized in Sanskrit, where the term ‘ratha’ refers to a chariot used in warfare and royal processions. This term is notably used in the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, where chariots are central to the depiction of heroic deeds and divine intervention.
The symbolic representation of the chariot extends to its depiction in various mythologies. In Roman mythology, the god Mars (god of War) is often depicted riding a chariot, symbolizing martial prowess and conquest. Many other deities in Norse, Celtic, and Greek mythologies are associated with Chariots, which denote their divine rate and range of movement.
Exploring further, the chariot’s etymological roots and historical significance reflect its role as a vehicle of transformation and journey. It symbolizes the dynamic interplay between movement and control, the mastery of forces both within and without.
The phrase “to be in the driver’s seat” is a modern idiomatic expression derived from the historical significance of the chariot. It signifies being in control or having the power to direct a situation, mirroring the charioteer’s command over the chariot and the journey it undertakes. This idiom, along with the chariot’s rich etymological and cultural background, underscores its enduring symbolism of mastery, direction, and the pursuit of goals.
HEBREW ETYMOLOGY
Merkaba in Hebrew means Chariot (of God) and is the common word for chariot.
The Merkaba, is a term and symbol from mystical Jewish traditions, particularly Kabbalah. The word itself combines two Hebrew words: “Mer” meaning light, “Ka” meaning spirit, and “Ba” meaning body. Together, Merkaba is interpreted as the “light spirit body” or “chariot”, and it refers to a divine light vehicle allegedly used by ascended masters to connect with and reach those in the higher realms, which is another name for Will.
APPEARANCE & ARRANGEMENT
THE CHARIOT card features a determined, victorious figure standing confidently within a chariot, which is drawn by two sphinxes, one black and one white. The charioteer is clad in battle armour adorned with symbols of the moon, stars, and a white square on his breastplate. On his head, he wears a crown adorned with an eight-pointed star.
The chariot itself is adorned with a canopy of white stars on a blue field. In his right hand, the charioteer holds a wand or sceptre, and his left hand is often open. Above the charioteer, a blue canopy adorned with stars, drawn in the front and suspended as a veil behind the two posts at the back. Behind the charioteer, a city lies in the distance.
The sphinxes sit attentively, ready to move at the command of the charioteer.
EGREGORE & ESSENCE
Egregore is an esoteric concept representing an emergent archetypal thought-form that arises from collective thoughts.
THE CHARIOT card represents Will, The Stillness Within Movement. The Light Spirit Body.
Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror. But you are eternity and you are the mirror.
Kahlil Gibran
The Integration of Dualities. The essence is Form and Flow and The Nature of Will: Duality of Stillness and Movement. The Chariot is the embodiment of Stillness within Movement, the charioteer is the essence of Movement within Stillness.
THE UNFOLDING
A Chariot is a Throne for a King of Action, in the Field. The Golden wheels & Golden Axle of the Chariot are the axis of the forces of Duality and Dharma which comprise Life and Existence.
Here we see depicted the essence of Form and Flow & The Nature of Will: Duality of Stillness and Movement, and the integration of Duality.
THE CHARIOTEER
The Chariot and Charioteer are the microcosm of the the macrocosm.
The 8-pointed Star Crown on the forehead above a laurel wreath. Compass and Star symbolise navigation and direction, self-direction. The 8-pointed star signifies that the self-mastery aspect of the charioteer is a means to an end, the end being the fulfilment of purpose, entelecheia, actualisation or Telos.
The Moons on the Epaulets, facing outwards, one comedy, one drama. Moons depict the law of Rhythm.
The Square depicted on the breastplate and also the shape of the Chariot and the Canopy itself are The Squared Circle, which represent integrating the infinite into the manifested.
The Zodiac Belt. Depicting Leo, Cancer, Sagittarius and The Moon. (See the ASTROLOGY Section)
Fins on the Vambraces represent Pisces.
The sceptre in hand represents the Wand of power, one of the four tools of the Magician.
THE CHARIOT
The Chariot itself represents directed actualisation, drawn by/harnessed to two Sphinxes: Guardians of the Mysteries, the duality of Dualities—Yin & Yang, Masculine & Feminine.
The Charioteer is the master of the Sphinxes, the forces (two pillars of the Temple) of creation lie at the driver’s feet, the embodiment of integrated Duality.
The Canopy is comprised of Four pillars and two Veils. The drawn veil of Stars in the front and the closed veil behind. The Veil drawn, but he also guards a Veil, suggesting he is a protector of The Temple, the sacred veil of the mysteries.
The Wheel on an axle, on a shield, beneath a device of two wings spanning an orb which refers to Divine Inspiration (wings) and the divine Ordering Principle, and together comprise the Light Spirit Body which is the literal definition of Merkaba, which means The Divine Chariot
Curiosity and Self-Permission are the two wings of the Soul.
The winged sun above the shield/crest therefore depect the guiding oversoul which is the Divine destiny that guides the soul.
The Shield itself is the concept of Aegis, or divine sanction. This indicates that the device on the shield, that is, the Red wheel and axis on the White Field represent the nature of cyclic turning, revolution, and movement, further echoing the principle of the Integration of Duality.
The city in the Background (across the river) signifies that The Charioteer is beyond the Law & Justice of the city.
SYMMETRY & SEQUENCE
Within the deck, there are symmetries and connections between the cards, defined by their appearance in sequence, their numerical allocation and/or thematically by the relationship of their symbols, archetypes and other essentialities.
The integral symmetry of this card comes to us in several ways.
The motif of the Moon appears three times in the Major Arcana. The first is as a crescent in the THE HIGH PRIESTESS card, which depicts a seated priestess with a crescent moon partially veiled by her robes. The second time we see the crescent moon as the epaulettes of the shoulders of the driver of THE CHARIOT.
In the context of this sequence, THE HIGH PRIESTESS represents Duality and the Passive Feminine principle and THE CHARIOT represents the Will and the Active Masculine Principle.
THE MOON as a luminary shines only with the light it receives from the Sun, and then it cycles through phases from the new moon to the full moon and so on.
The symbolism of the Two Pillars is strongly depicted in all three cards.
ALCHEMY
Alchemy explores the transformative and mystical processes that turn the base into the sublime, symbolizing the journey from raw essence to spiritual enlightenment. In the context of Tarot, it offers a complimentary framework for interpreting the profound alchemical symbolism embedded within the cards, revealing deeper layers of meaning through the interplay of elemental and metaphysical transformations.
THE CHARIOT ITSELF
Alchemists often used chariot imagery to symbolize the ascension from the material to the spiritual.
THE CHARIOT in this context represents directed actualization, a vehicle of transformation that integrates the forces of duality and directs them towards a unified purpose. In alchemy, the chariot can be seen as the vessel that carries the adept through the stages of transformation, symbolizing the journey from base matter to the philosopher's stone, the ultimate expression of spiritual enlightenment.
THE BLACK AND WHITE SPHINXES
The sphinxes pulling the chariot are emblematic of opposing forces, akin to the alchemical principles of Sulphur and Mercury, which must be harmonized and directed to achieve the Great Work. Their dual nature represents the necessary balance and control over inner conflicts and external challenges, essential for personal and spiritual transformation.
THE SQUARE
The Square, representing the Squared Circle in alchemy, symbolizes the integration of the infinite (the circle) into the finite (the square). This signifies the adept's ability to bring higher spiritual truths into manifest reality, a key aspect of the alchemical process.
Each of the symbols in THE CHARIOT card corresponds to a metaphor with Alchemical context which is related to the theme of the alchemical journey of transformation, mastery and integration of Dualities.
KABBALAH & JUDAIC MYSTICISM
MERKABA
Merkaba in Hebrew means Chariot (of God) and is the common word for chariot.
The Merkaba, is a term and symbol from mystical Jewish traditions, particularly Kabbalah. The word itself combines two Hebrew words: “Mer” meaning light, “Ka” meaning spirit, and “Ba” meaning body. Together, Merkaba is interpreted as the “light spirit body” or “chariot”, and it refers to a divine light vehicle allegedly used by ascended masters to connect with and reach those in the higher realms, which is another name for Will in Kabbalistic terms.
GEMATRIA & ALEF-BET
In the Hebrew Alef-bet, the 7th letter is Zayin. Zayin means "weapon" or "sword," representing power, struggle, and the ability to cut through illusions. It also embodies the concept of sustenance and nourishment, as the root of the word can also mean "to sustain."
This notion lends THE CHARIOT a sense of dynamic action and the overcoming of obstacles. The charioteer's journey is one of cutting through barriers and forging a path forward with determination and clarity. The sword, or weapon, signifies the necessary tools and attributes required to navigate challenges and assert one's will effectively.
Zayin is also associated with the number seven, which in Jewish mysticism is deeply connected with spiritual perfection and the divine order of creation. This connection underscores the idea of aligning one's actions with a higher purpose and striving towards spiritual and worldly victories.
SEPHIRA & THE KABBALISTIC TREE OF LIFE
The Seventh station on the Tree of Life is NETZACH meaning Victory. Netzach is situated on the pillar of Mercy and represents endurance, eternity, and the perseverance needed to achieve lasting success. It is associated with the emotional drive and the sustained effort required to overcome challenges and achieve one's goals.
Netzach's placement on the Tree of Life indicates its role in balancing the raw force of Hod (Glory) on the opposite pillar. Together, Netzach and Hod symbolize the dynamic balance between endurance and splendour, action and reflection. Netzach is also linked with the idea of leadership and the victorious nature of the charioteer, who must not only possess the will to win but also the endurance to sustain efforts through prolonged challenges.
In the paradigm of the Sephirotic Tree as a pathway of actualisation and ascension of the soul, Netzach signifies the continuous effort and determination required to ascend spiritually. It is the station where the aspirant learns the importance of persistence and the relentless pursuit of their divine purpose, embodying the energy and drive necessary to achieve spiritual and material victories.
This duality of Zayin and Netzach points to the fundamental aspects of THE CHARIOT: the power to cut through obstacles and the endurance to sustain one's journey toward victory. This alignment with the divine order and the relentless pursuit of one's goals encapsulates the essence of the charioteer’s path, combining strength, strategy, and sustained effort to achieve ultimate success.
HERMETIC LAWS & CONCEPTS
THE CHARIOT as number 7 (VII), also being the 8th card of the Major Arcana implies the whole set of Hermetic Principles as well as the Masculine aspect of the Gender Principle. The Number 8 invokes the concept of Octave, implying Will as the Chariot of Transcendence.
ASTROLOGY
The Hellenistic astrological insight cannot be divorced from the mythological context with which it shares archetypal relevance.
THE CHARIOT card encodes several relationships with Astrology:
At the belt of Charioteer is the Zodiac, depicted are Leo, Cancer, Sagittarius and The Moon. The Fins on the Vambraces indicate Pisces.
THE EIGHT-POINTED STAR
The Eight-pointed Star Crown on the forehead above a laurel wreath represents the unification of celestial guidance and victory. The compass and star symbolize direction, orientation, navigation and higher purpose. See THE STAR.
THE CHARIOT
In Hellenistic astrology, transits describe the movement of planets through the zodiac and their interactions with each other at specific angles, known as trines, squares, sextiles, oppositions, and conjunctions. Each zodiac sign is ruled by a major planet, and these interactions influence our lives. As an example, when a planet nears a conjunction with the sun, it undergoes a process similar to alchemical combustion, where it is overwhelmed by the sun’s energy. However, if this planet is in a sign it rules, it is somewhat protected from the full effect as if it is in its own chariot. A planet being its own chariot in this way renders it somewhat immune to the full effects of the transit that would normally apply, by virtue of having its own Will insulated from the interaction with the planet and forces it is in current relationship to.
This idea can be related to THE CHARIOT card in tarot. The chariot represents a mitigating vehicle of Will, providing insulation from the changing forces and influences of the world which are always in flux, and as with the astrological transits, can be detrimental or oppositional to our Will. Just as a planet in its own sign is shielded from the sun’s intense energy, THE CHARIOT symbolizes how Will is the factor by which we can not necessarily master Nature and the Universe but at least not be subject to them, master ourselves.
THE CHARIOTEER
The Zodiac Belt of the charioteer depicts Leo, Cancer, Sagittarius and The Moon.
Leo: The fixed Fire sign, ruled by the Sun which signifies the polarity of Self. Leo signifies the Direction of Spirit: Ascending and Transcending.
Cancer: The cardinal Water sign, ruled by the Moon which represents Fortune and the concept of Waxing & Waning. Cancer signifies the Direction of Soul: growing down into the World.
Sagittarius: The mutable Fire sign, ruled by Jupiter which represents the establishment and preservation of Order and the capacity for Expansion. Sagittarius signifies a Duality of Nature and a Duality of Order. Sagittarius is the Centaur Archer, half man half beast, with its bow and arrow trained on the heavens.
The Moon is a luminary which represents both Fortune and the Waxing and Waning nature of Fortune.
The Epaulettes of the Charioteer are two faces of the Moon, which depict the polarities of Fortune: Comedy & Tragedy. They depict the law of Rhythm, the cyclical nature of life’s experiences, and emotional balance.
The fins on the vambraces symbolize Pisces, ruled by Neptune. Pisces is the mutable water sign and represents the collective dream, the boundlessness, the fluid and protean nature of water and imagination. Neptune is the Deity of the Ocean and the Seas, the foam of which gave birth to Venus who represents The Path of Desire, Divine Order and Aesthetics.
This connection to the exultant expression of Pisces and Neptune highlights the charioteer’s ability to navigate the waters of the subconscious, harnessing intuition and spiritual insight to guide the chariot. It suggests a deep, intuitive understanding of the journey and the need to integrate the spiritual and the material, Fire and Earth, through the mediating nature of Water and Air.
MYTHOS & LOGOS
THE CHARIOT card in the Tarot evokes the archetypal chariot motif from an array of mythology and folklore related to gods and heroes from the Sumerian, Judaic, Greek, Vedic, Celtic, Egyptian, and Chinese cores of mythos as well as many others.
Here are some examples to consider:
THE MAHABHARATA
Mahabharata, one of the greatest epic tales from Indian mythology, details the great battle of Kurukshetra between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, two groups of cousins who play central roles in the Indian epic. In the narrative we encounter Arjuna, the third Pandava prince, and Krishna, the divine charioteer and incarnation of the god Vishnu in discourse from within Arjuna’s war chariot.
The battle of Kurukshetra is a climactic event in the Mahabharata. On the eve of the battle, Arjuna, one of the greatest warriors, is filled with doubt and moral dilemma about fighting against his own kin. In this moment of crisis, Krishna, serving as his charioteer, delivers the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the epic.
The metaphor of battling one’s own kin has relevance to the spiritual adherent who has to contend with the will and interests of that which we feel a part of such as our bodies and our environment. The spiritual quest is often framed as a battle to conquer the lower nature.
As the two stand in their chariot on the battlefield, Krishna imparts spiritual wisdom and guidance to Arjuna, addressing his doubts and urging him to fulfil his Kshatriya (warrior) duty/dharma without attachment to the results.
The chariot here is more than a vehicle; it becomes a moving platform for divine counsel and philosophical discourse. It symbolizes the human body, with Krishna (the divine self) guiding Arjuna (the individual self) through the battles of life.
PHAETON AND THE CHARIOT OF THE SUN
In Greek mythology, Helios is the god of the sun, often depicted driving a golden chariot across the sky. This daily journey is a vivid representation of the sun’s path and plays a central role in several myths.
Helios’ chariot ride is more than a mere traversal of the sky. Each morning, Helios rises from the ocean in the east, driving his chariot pulled by four fiery horses across the heavens to the western ocean, where he descends and rests for the night. This journey is a powerful metaphor for the indomitable Will of the cosmos which sustains the ordering principle by which the World is ordered and illuminated.
The chariot of Helios is not just a vehicle but a symbol of his immense power and the light that illuminates the world. The horses’ fiery nature underscores the intense energy and life-giving force of the sun. The daily journey represents the unwavering constancy of the sun’s presence and the order it brings to the world.
One day Helios’ son Phaethon is both eager and desperate to prove his divine heritage and begs his father to let him drive the chariot for a day. Despite his father’s warnings about the extraordinary discipline required to master the four fiery horses, Phaethon insists.
At first, he manages admirably but soon he discovers that he is unable to control the powerful steeds. The chariot veers wildly, scorching the earth and creating deserts, and then rising too high, causing a deep freeze. In response to the chaos, Zeus strikes Phaethon down with a thunderbolt, and he falls to his death in the river Eridanus (the River Po). The thunderbolt is an archetypal device that depicts divine inspiration, but also sudden divine correction.
Phaeton’s name literally means brightness. The implication is that brightness (consciousness) alone is not sufficient to master the chariot of Will of the supreme ordering principle.
The chariot here symbolizes the immense power and responsibility that come with divine authority, and the dire consequences of underestimating such power.
THE VISION OF EZEKIEL
The Judeo-Christian mythos includes the account of the Chariot of Ezekiel, which represents a supreme order of Divine Will. In the Book of Ezekiel, the prophet describes a vision of a chariot composed of angels and ‘wheels’, and moved by the spirit of the 4 living creatures. This chariot is a divine manifestation of God’s will and power. The wheels are described as “a wheel within a wheel,” with “eyes all around,” implying omniscience, omnipotence and infinity.
The creatures in Ezekiel's vision (often interpreted as Cherubim) have four faces—those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. The same four creatures or angels are depicted in THE WORLD and THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE.
The elements of Ezekiel’s vision can also be interpreted through astrological and alchemical lenses. The creatures can be linked to the fixed signs of the Zodiac—Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius—which anchor the spiritual lessons of THE CHARIOT in the constancy and power of these fixed astrological influences. Alchemically, the vision embodies the transformation of the base (physical reality) into the noble (spiritual insight), aligning with the process of mastering and directing primal forces.
THE CHARIOT invites us into a reflection of Will and Mastery, where the path to Victory unfolds through discipline, balance, and directed effort. The charioteer stands as a symbol of human potential and the capacity to harness both internal and external forces to achieve one’s Telos—one’s actualised purpose.
THE CHARIOT, a moving throne of action, reminds us that true mastery is not just about control over external circumstances but also about the inner harmony and command over one’s own nature. The charioteer guides the chariot by having a rein on the dual forces of creation: light & dark, masculine & feminine, conscious & unconscious. True success requires the integration and alignment of all aspects of the self.
Facing THE CHARIOT, we are brought face to face with the quality and essence of Personality at the heart of our own journey toward self-mastery and actualisation. The charioteer’s crown, adorned with the eight-pointed star, symbolizes clarity and alignment of orientation and navigation. His armour, marked with the symbols of the moon and stars, speaks to the importance of aligning with cosmic rhythms and the deeper truths of the universe.
Through THE CHARIOT, we are invited to honour our own struggles and triumphs. The sphinxes at the feet of the charioteer remind us that dualities must be harmonized to move forward effectively. We are encouraged to cultivate both the strength to act and the wisdom to reflect, balancing the active and passive, the conscious and the subconscious, to create a path of purposeful movement.
In this sacred audience, where Will and Determination appear as mastery, we find a reflection of our own journey toward self-actualization. We are called to embrace the challenges and harness our inner and outer resources to drive toward our highest aspirations, recognizing the chariot as both a vehicle of conquest and a symbol of our continual evolution and self-improvement—the light spirit body.
The title image depicts a motif of The Light Spirit Body, suspended over the aegis of divine sanction, a white field on which turns the red wheel and axle, associated with the dynamic relationship between Movement and Stillness, Fundament and Emergence, whereby the Infinite is expressed into the manifested world. Will is the chariot that carries us through the trials of life, and the course of matter, guided by the light of our higher purpose.
If you are interested in joining me for an integrated exploration of your own Archetypes, Symbolism, Mythos, Totems and Astrology via the Hermetic lens, and have an appetite for something deeper and more mature, schedule a call.
The Chariot is a Carriage, by definition an action or campaign aimed at establishing or preserving an Order / ordering, in alignment with Divine Law, that is sanctioned by the Gods, or under the Divine Aegis.
THE CHARIOT is also about a shadow reality: to live and operate outside the city, to carry your temple and your throne and your charge of authority with you is to be outside The Law. What steers the charioteer true?
This is the hermetic principle of Reluctance, we experience this as Sacred Doubt.