Cancer and The Chariot

The Chariot card is connected to the archetype of Cancer. At first, this may feel like a bit of an oxymoron. Cancer’s archetype is connected to the caregiver, nurturing, emotional depths, and the love of family and home. The Chariot card, on the other hand, exudes determination, forward movement, and conquering obstacles with confidence. This contradiction is mirrored by the two horses pulling the chariot. One horse is black, symbolizing shadow or the unconscious. The other is white, signifying light or consciouness.

How do these work together? I believe it has to do with the ability to harness your power by knowing your why. What is driving you? What are you aware of? Where might there be some incongruency? What is underneath these motivations?

We often set goals to attain a certain sense of stability and security for ourselves and our loved ones, and this is where these two archetypes connect. We aren’t taking on challenges for the thrill of it, although we may find it thrilling to conquer some form of opposition.

However, when facing our fears head on, there can be a swell of emotions that threaten to overwhelm us. Cancer is ruled by the Moon, and we are often unconscious to some of our security needs. We may connect to the times when we didn't feel safe and/or didn’t get our needs fulfilled. So, Cancer, like the crab, tends to sidle up to things and not go directly at something. The Chariot energy may help us take decisive action and to embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth.

The Chariot reminds us that self awareness gives us options. By knowing that it is a challeng to be direct, we can explore strategies that give us some latitude when we’re going after something we want. Ambition signals a strong desire for something. Consider how the Moon rules the tides and the strong pull we feel when we emotionally are connected to something or someone. By connecting the emotion to the goal, we may find the oomph we need to propel ourselves forward.