Key words: Motion, Decision, Balance, Focus, Defences, Direction, Victory, Will, Assertion, Union of Opposites, Self-belief, Clarity, Speed, Technique, Flexibility

"Man maintains his balance, poise and sense of security only as he is moving forwards" - Maxwell Maltz

Welcome to the pacy Chariot card. He thunders into your life with velocity and focus in mind.  How else will he win the race and beat the other competitors to the finish line? But it isn't just his desire to win that carries him to victory. There are a number of factors to consider with this charismatic card, and it helps to consider yourself as that proverbial charioteer before they can become clear.

Firstly, what are you wearing?

Didn't expect that did you?! It may appear to be a frivolous question, but a good charioteer needs protective items of clothing. What if he falls off? However, if he clads himself in a full suit of armour then he'll weigh down his chariot and tire his horses. So how does he get the balance right?

As the Chariot relates to the sign of Cancer, he asks you to consider your defences in a personal and emotional sense. You may have needed a protective outlook in the past, but now is the time to ask yourself if there is anything that can be relinquished. Overprotection will affect your ability to react well. On the other hand, there may be areas that are too exposed to vulnerability that could do with a bit of padding. We may need to reshuffle our armour so that we have movability, lightness and sensible protection.

Also, how well behaved are your horses? The horses represent strong motivational forces within us. We can't push too hard, or we'll take risks that could topple us, and our energetic horses will tire too early. Yet, we cannot hold back either or we won't get going. We require great balance, this time between forward thrust and conservation of energy. The Chariot asks, 'Are you being efficient with your efforts?  Are you both relaxed and alert? Can you adapt in the moment? Are you focussed and confident of your end goal?'

Often in a reading, the horses can also represent opposing directions in which we want to travel.  If we don't bring them into alignment, we won't get anywhere at all. How can we compromise these divergent forces into one clear direction? Sometimes, a third motivation, previously hidden from view is the real answer. I call this the 'hidden happiness horse'.  Until this compromise is happily struck, be cautious though as we need to be conscious of placing speed over placement.  Bear this in mind when driving anywhere.  Traditionally the Chariot can refer to transport, particularly the fast variety, like cars. 

Our most significant mode of transport ,however, is our own body. The Chariot asks us whether we are being too inactive or paradoxically, if we are demanding too much of ourselves. Stress or lethargy will scupper this athletic energy. Our primary goal is to align ourselves with the concentrating on right now, just like the charioteer.  We keep our goal in the back of our mind and focus our passionate horses towards the finish line. If our chariot is well maintained, we need only concern ourselves with being in a good position. Then we can look to the road ahead with care and determination.

In a spiritual sense, the Chariot requires us to be decisive in our aims, confident in our self-belief and have faith in our own ability to manifest our goal. He knows that his relationship with the energy of success will crown him a winner, because he can already see himself on the podium.

Finally, when all the preparation is done, he can optimise his chance of getting to the finish line at record-breaking speed. If the Chariot is your card of the moment, then only a sense of forward motion can bring you victory. He is designed to move capably and with smooth rapidity. You are being signalled to follow his example.

Maybe your race has yet to start. If so, now is the time for preparation. Or maybe you are flat out already. So now is the time for concentration and flexibility. Either way, readiness is key.

Remember, that this race is not about your competition. All champions are more than their talent. They run the race of their personal dreams. You too are about to fly forward, towards your heart's desire with a re-invigorated force. How much do you want it?

Ready, set, GO!