Tarot Card Combination
The Chariot+Strength
戰車 & 力量
The union of The Chariot and Strength signifies a powerful synthesis of will and passion. This pairing represents the mastery of opposing forces through disciplined emotional control (Water) and raw, courageous heart (Fire). It is the alchemical formula for victory, where inner conviction fuels outward momentum. You are called to harness your deepest feelings with fierce determination to overcome obstacles and steer your destiny with unwavering focus.
This combination, rooted in the sequential Majors 7 and 8, depicts a profound psychological and spiritual process. The Chariot (Water) symbolizes the containment and direction of the unconscious, emotional tides. Strength (Fire) represents the primal, passionate will that tames instinct not through force, but through compassionate fortitude. Together, they describe a journey where one must first establish control (The Chariot) before learning the higher lesson of gentle, enduring power (Strength). The sequence suggests mastery is not an end but a gateway to integrating one's animal nature. The resulting energy is transformative 'steam'—the volatile product of water meeting fire, capable of great propulsion and change.
Elemental Analysis
Water (Chariot) meeting Fire (Strength) creates steam, a symbol of potent transformation and latent power. Water seeks to contain and channel; Fire seeks to consume and radiate. Their interaction is one of creative tension—the emotions are not extinguished by passion, nor is passion diluted by feeling. Instead, they produce a volatile, energetic force that must be carefully harnessed, representing the conversion of inner conflict into directed, motive power.
Numerology Insights
The sum 15 (7+8) reduces to 6 (1+5), echoing The Lovers, but its primary vibration is one of dynamic change and experimentation. In the Tarot, 15 is The Devil, suggesting the need to consciously master the material and instinctual drives that these two cards respectively navigate. It implies the freedom achieved through confronting and synthesizing duality.
Reversal Meanings
The Chariot Reversed
The Chariot reversed indicates a loss of direction, willpower scattered by emotional turmoil, or internal conflicts stalling progress. The water element floods, suggesting being overwhelmed by feelings or circumstances, leading to inertia, retreat, or a reckless lack of control in one's forward thrust.
Strength Reversed
Strength reversed reveals a deficit of inner fortitude. The fire is dampened, showing weakness, insecurity, or the misuse of power as brute force or manipulation. It can indicate being dominated by fear, anger, or base instincts, rather than mastering them with compassionate courage.
Both Cards Reversed
With both reversed, a profound crisis of agency ensues. Emotional confusion (Chariot Rx) paralyzes action, while depleted inner resources (Strength Rx) prevent recovery. This suggests surrender to external pressures, toxic dynamics, or one's own unchecked impulses. It warns of burnout, defeatism, or a complete loss of moral and directional compass.
Spiritual Guidance
Spiritually, this duo signifies the integration of the lower self (represented by the lion of Strength) with the conscious will (the charioteer). It is the path of directing one's entire being—instincts, emotions, and intellect—toward a sacred goal. The process generates the 'steam' of transformation, purifying the soul through the friction of disciplined practice (Water) applied to passionate devotion (Fire).
Yes/No Reading Guide
The combined energy is a strong, qualified 'Yes.' However, this yes is contingent upon the active application of disciplined will and courageous heart. Success is assured only if you harness your passions with control and face challenges with calm fortitude. It is a yes of earned victory, not passive fortune.
Historical & Mythological Context
In the Marseille tradition, Strength (La Force) as card 8 precedes the Hermit, while the Chariot (Le Chariot) as card 7 follows the Lover. Their sequence was fluid until the Golden Dawn solidified the 7-8 order, emphasizing a progression from conquering external worlds to mastering internal beasts.
Daily Affirmation
"I direct my passions with courage and my courage with heart."
Practical Advice
Consciously unite your emotional intelligence with your courageous heart. Set a clear destination (Chariot), then pursue it not with aggression, but with the unwavering, gentle persistence of Strength. Allow the creative tension between your feelings and your drive to propel you forward.
Things to Watch
Beware the temptation to let passion become recklessness or disciplined control become rigid domination. The balance is delicate; steam under excessive pressure without release can lead to a destructive explosion.
Individual Card Meanings
The Chariot
戰車
The Chariot depicts a warrior standing in a chariot pulled by two sphinxes—one black, one white—representing opposing forces that must be controlled and directed. This card embodies triumph through willpower, the ability to overcome obstacles through sheer determination. The charioteer does not hold reins; he controls the sphinxes through force of will alone. When the Chariot appears, victory is possible, but it requires focus, discipline, and the ability to harness conflicting energies toward a single goal. Move forward with confidence and purpose. The obstacles before you will yield to your determination.
View full meaning →Strength
力量
The Strength card shows a woman gently closing a lions mouth—not through force, but through patience, love, and inner power. This card represents the strength that comes from compassion rather than aggression. It speaks of courage, but the quiet kind—the bravery to face our fears, tame our inner beasts, and handle difficult situations with grace. When Strength appears, you are called to approach challenges not with brute force but with patience, understanding, and gentle persistence. Your inner strength is greater than any external obstacle. Trust in your ability to overcome through love rather than fear.
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