Yeehaw, my friends! As 2022 draws to a close and we move out of the energy of the Lovers who ruled over the last 12 months, we’re galloping into 2023 and the year of the Chariot. Calculated by adding the single digits of the incoming year 2 + 0 + 2 + 3 which gives us the number 7, the number of the Chariot, this powerful major arcana card represents the energy of the year ahead. As a card of willpower and victory, it indicates tackling big projects, diving in with determination, and most importantly, achieving a successful outcome! Are you ready?
When the Chariot appears, it signifies victory is at hand. By working with willpower and unshakeable determination, we’re galloping towards success. Even if we do meet a pothole or two, it won’t stop us. A great energy for the upcoming year, right?
Confidence and control are the keywords for Chariot energy. Regardless of the situation in 2023, if you wield your willpower, challenges and obstacles won’t stay in your path for long. The Chariot is skilled at leveraging opposing forces and using them to his best advantage, so to get the best out of this bold energy, self-discipline is vital. Work hard and keep a tight hold on your determination. If you do, when faced with difficulties, you’ll emerge victorious. At times, it may be a tough ride, and you’ll wonder if you’ve got what it takes to push ahead, but the answer is yes, you most certainly do! The battles with which you may wrangle will only make you stronger—as long as you nurture the belief you have the inner strength to withstand adversity.
In 2022, the Lovers asked for us to connect with our personal belief systems and values. (You can read that blog here.) Now that we’re emerging from this cycle, we have a deeper understanding of who we are and what we stand for. Take a moment to reflect on 2022 with these prompts:
How does the You of this time last year compare to the You of the present? What changed, and what can you attribute it to?
Did you boldly stand up for your beliefs and wants? And did you make any major life shifts to attain these needs? How did it make you feel?
What events strengthened your connection to yourself, or others? What did you learn about yourself?
It may have been a tumultuous year for some, especially if the Lovers energy impacted relationships and stirred up unexpected change in that area of your life. But as we move into 2023, maturity and self-growth are on board, and with that, we’re armed and ready to tackle projects that will impact our lives greatly. The Chariot calls for boldness and assertion, so we must ensure we clearly express our needs and wants. Now that we're emerging from a year with the Lovers, those demands may be startling in their clarity. If not, make time to contemplate on what your personal goals are for 2023, and how you want to be as a person when you reach the end of the year.
Aggression can sometimes creep in with the Chariot, and while tempering impulses is important, squashing down that part of our human nature isn’t healthy. I mentioned opposing forces earlier, and here’s where that comes into play. Anger—potentially caused by frustration when you’re not galloping ahead as hoped—should be channelled creatively. Instead of lashing out, or shoving it down, work to master it. Redirect that passion into something more productive and positive. Note how the figure driving the chariot in the card isn’t holding reins. Instead, he steers with sheer will-power, confidence, and determination. He’s the one in total control—not the vehicle in which he stands. If you can keep this in mind when challenges arise, you’ll quickly learn to master any aggressive impulses and redirect them to positive action.
In Relationships and Love, the Chariot indicates a time of going after your own dreams and goals. If you’ve given your all to others and relationships, you may find yourself growing impatient with all you’ve sacrificed, and realising the time has come for the focus to turn to you and your needs.
Within challenging relationships this may appear as reaching a stalemate, where although you both want to take it to the next level, opposing forces leave you wondering if you can sustain the situation, or even steer it in the necessary direction. Honest communication will be required in this instance, and perhaps a return to the Lovers and the lessons they asked of us.
For those seeking love, the message is to grind on. Don’t give up on your criteria or lower your standards, because what you seek will come. Your determination will bring you the relationship you deserve.
When it comes to Work, Career, and Finance matters, the Chariot indicates more responsibility and control. You may find yourself taking on a leadership or management role where discipline and hard work will be required. You’ve got what it takes, as long as you maintain self-belief and remember to express your needs and wants. Hard work will earn you the respect you deserve and bring you closer to your career goals.
For those pursuing a career related goal, whether that be a career change, or securing a new role, the message from the Chariot is to keep driving ahead and to not give up on your dreams. Remain focused on what you want, and avoid shrinking yourself in order to fit into someone else’s box. Take the lead with opportunity by investigating the company or situation to ensure it provides what you need to progress. If it won’t serve your better good, pass on it!
In terms of finances, the Chariot calls for discipline. Be clear on spending power, avoid splurging, and if making financial decisions, ensure you gain solid information before investing.
In the areas of Health and Well-being, the Chariot reflects strength in energy and motivation, so if you’ve been considering taking up a new fitness plan, 2023 is the year to accept the challenge; you’ll make great progress. Couch to 5K, anyone?
If ill-health is an issue, then know you have the inner strength to overcome the situation. Willpower will be your greatest medicine.
Spiritually, the year of the Chariot may see you wobbling on your path of faith. Once again, self-discipline and willpower will be your allies. Stay focused on studies and personal goals. Others may attempt to sow seeds of doubt, but if you’re confident in your beliefs and clear on your mission, they won’t tug you away from your path. It's healthy to be open to opinion, but listen to your gut. If you sense a tug of discomfort, ask yourself why.
Overall, 2023 is set to be the year when we move forward in a big way. Over the next few weeks, get clear on what YOU want. Dream big. Don’t worry about the ‘how’, simply pour all your wants and needs onto the page to form a picture of where you want to be a month, year, and even five years from now. Work with daily affirmations to keep that Chariot determination burning. Here are a few examples:
I am in control of my future.
I am steering myself towards an abundant and fulfilling life.
I am focused and determined.
Day by day, I manifest my dreams into reality.
You might also find inspiration from these quotes. If they do strike a chord with you, consider writing one in your journal or where you'll get to see it daily.
“If you have willpower, then you can change anything. It is usually said that you are your own master.” – Dalai Lama
“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be.” – George Sheehan
“If you are going through hell, keep going.” - Winston Churchill
An unfailing success plan; At each day’s end, write down the six most important things to do tomorrow. Number them in order of importance, and then do them. - Unknown
The Chariot Tarot Spread
Grab your tarot or oracle cards and try out this spread to get to grips with how Chariot energy will impact your 2023. Ensure you journal the reading and your interpretations so you can look back on it as 2023 develops. Did you journal for the Lovers last year? If so, take a look at how it compares to this reading. There may be similar themes, or an entirely new energy.
So as we say goodbye to 2022, an action-orientated year waits to greet us. What are you driving to achieve, and are you excited for the challenge? If you want to share your goals for the Chariot year, you can find me at julie@creativesoultarot.com I love a natter, especially when it’s tarot related, so drop me a line if you’re feeling chatty.
Do you have a topic you’d like to see featured on the blog? Maybe you'd like to write a guest blog article on tarot or a creative subject? If so, let me know. Our creative community is wide and deep, so don’t be shy! The more we share our wisdom and experiences, the more we spread the love.