by Isabella Vale
The Chariot might not be the first card that springs to mind when asking about someone’s feelings, but when it shows up, oh it has something powerful to say. It’s not soft and poetic like The Lovers or dreamy like The Moon. The Chariot speaks of momentum, will, and emotional drive.
When I see this card appear in a reading focused on emotions, for example, “How is this person feeling about moving forward with me?” it often reflects a strong internal force. Whether it’s attraction, purpose, or internal conflict, The Chariot doesn’t sit still. It moves.
Let’s unpack what it might mean in both upright and reversed positions.
Upright: Determined, Motivated, and Ready to Act
When The Chariot appears upright in a feelings reading, it suggests someone who feels clear, focused, and determined. These emotions aren’t passive, they come with a desire to take action. It could mean they’ve made up their mind about you, or that they feel motivated to pursue something with real intention.
This isn’t always a warm-and-fuzzy card, though. The person might be channeling their emotions into control and forward movement. They may feel things deeply but not express them in a vulnerable way. Instead, they’re pushing forward, focused on a goal, and that goal might be you.
Sometimes The Chariot can reflect someone who’s emotionally composed on the surface, but has a storm of motivation or passion bubbling underneath.
Reversed: Inner Turmoil, Control Issues, or Emotional Resistance
Reversed, The Chariot’s energy becomes more complicated. It might mean the person is feeling emotionally overwhelmed or stuck, unable to move forward the way they want to. Sometimes they may be battling with themselves, part of them wants to charge ahead, and part of them is pulling back.
There can also be control issues at play. Perhaps they’re trying to suppress or direct their feelings too tightly, afraid of losing control. Or they may be resisting emotion altogether, staying busy, charging ahead in life, and ignoring the pull of the heart.
In some cases, The Chariot reversed might show someone who has strong feelings but is not ready to act on them. They may need to resolve some internal conflict before their emotions can fully align with their actions.
My Take
To me, The Chariot in a feelings reading is about emotional direction. It’s about someone deciding which road to take — and how fast they’re willing to go. It’s not the most emotional card in the deck, but it’s powerful when it comes to choices, action, and emotional willpower.
When I pull this card for myself, it often shows up when I’ve made an emotional decision and need to follow through. It reminds me that feelings don’t always need to be soft — they can be bold, clear, and full of momentum.
Sometimes love looks like standing still and listening. Other times, it looks like grabbing the reins and trusting your heart to guide you forward.
With grounded heart and steady motion,
Isabella Vale