Charioteer archetypal image (Tarot)

The encounter of the psyche with the emblem of the driver of a passenger-bearing vehicle (boatman, coachman, charioteer, and all the modern equivalents) reflects a particular state of consciousness. It is one of the most important archetypes experienced in mental life and is found in the myths of many peoples, often expressed in the form of a celestial chariot that can descend and ascend through the heavens. In the Tarot, the 7th card of the Greater Arcana (22 trump cards) represents one version of the chariots of the gods. Here it is depicted as horse-drawn and canopied. It's sole occupant is a crowned figure. The canopy is adorned with stars as is the crown. Theologically, the charioteer represents the Lord of Hosts; mystically it is the Self which is affiliated to this symbolic role of ruler of the universe by virtue of its spiritual mastery. It also the potentiality of that mastery and so can represent to the foot-weary pilgrim (in Tarot, the Fool) the possibility of "motoring". However, riding the Chariot may be considered as an emblem or condition encountered only after initiation (represented in the Tarot as card number 6, the betrothal or "lovers").

The correspondence of the charioteer emblem in the Kabbalistic Paths of Wisdom is said to be the relationship or transition between the Sephiroth called strength or judgement (Geburah), intelligence or understanding (Binah), thus forming one of five links between the second triad of emanations with the triad or trinity of the first three.