Fire, aim!

We talked about manifestation and will under card 1. The union of inspiration and focused action. This theme continues with the Chariot, but this time we are firmly in the “focused action” stage. If you have ever procrastinated you will know what it feels like to be the opposite of this card!

The Chariot symbolizes the forward-moving energy you can get from your sacred focus. Knowing exactly where you want to go and putting your weight behind it. This card often shows black and white animals pulling the Chariot. They are opposing forces working together towards a common goal. Although your butterfly mind might want to travel in different directions and you may have many ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’, what is important is that all opposing energies within you are moving in the same direction. You can control your butterfly mind by reining it in.

It is about accomplishment, especially in a socially accepted way. But it is also about the process and the hard work involved. Although the Chariot may be a symbol of a well-known artist, it also tells the story behind how they got there, including the rejections and failures and the determination to keep going and try again. The Chariot’s essence is their focus, which was what pulled them through.

This card is now called “The Archer” in the Wildwood Tarot. It depicts a woman holding back a bow with her arrow pointed at her target. That taut bow is full of passion. It is so full of intent. So much intention.

It all comes down to having a purpose, the intention we saw in the Magician. Without knowing your why, you can’t focus. The Chariot could be used to symbolize the creation of a manifesto and the organization of ideas in order that you can take focused action.

Advice from the Chariot

If you have the ability to concentrate and find the strength to go for it, there is so much you could accomplish on your own. This card is here to support you in that endeavor. This card reminds you about your strength and courage, and encourages you towards the goal that you love.

The Chariot is often a symbol of battles and obstacles. You will face setbacks and difficulties on your way to success. This card encourages you to keep going. This card is one of determination and hard work.

This is a straight-forward card. Here’s how you can achieve your goal. It will be difficult and it will take focus. Are you ready?

Key words and concepts

Focus

Focused action

Confidence and self-belief

Drive, commitment and determination

Get super clear about your goals

For what you believe

Activism

Overcoming obstacles

Passionate, hard work

Courage

Here are some common symbols

Armour (doing battle)

Black and white animals pulling the chariot (focusing opposing energy)

Riding without reins (driving forwards with sheer force of will)

The movement of the chariot itself

Crescent moons

6. The Lovers

Choose love

What does the word “love” mean? This card will challenge you to think critically about what “love” means and how it manifests in your life and the world around. It could be romantic or sexual love, but it can also represent friendship, family, love for one another, and love as an active principle. This, according to the old saying, “makes all the world go around”.

Love is a verb. It is an active and evolving thing. It can only be understood when it is expressed. How can we show love? How can you show love? How can you express your love and attract it into your life?

Consider acts of kindness, generosity, tolerance and compassion that will show you you are loved. Respect is how you treat people you love. There are always compromises and sacrifices in any partnership.

The other important concept of the Lovers card, is love. It asks you to make loving, caring, and compassionate decisions.

Imagine how falling in love can make you feel your best. You are able to bring out your creativity, kindness, and romance. The best in us all is attracted to love.

The Lovers also focuses on dualities and multiplicities. Any kind of partnership is built on the principle that love can be more than its parts. We create roles within our relationships and are part of something greater – it’s us, the other person/people and the energy of the whole relationship.

Advice for Lovers

The Lovers card challenges you to choose love and to make loving, caring, and compassionate decisions. The Lovers card will always appear in readings about difficult decisions. It’s encouraging you to make courageous, honest decisions. To do what is right for you.

This is just a repetition of what I have said before: Love can be a verb. While love is a feeling, what is more important is how you express it. It is how you express it.

How can you also love yourself? Are you able to love yourself enough? Enough to be compassionate and not beat yourself up. You are able to attend the printmaking class that you know will make you happy.

It’s a simple question asking you to make a choice. Listen to your heart and follow.

Key words and concepts

All kinds of love

Making heart-centered choices

Do the right thing

Show compassion

Partnerships and relationships

Self-love

Being your ‘best self’

Here are some common symbols

Roses are a symbol of love

Angel (transcendence, choosing the ‘higher’ path)

A sense of completeness is when two or more parts create a whole.