7 The Chariot

Number 7  
water – cancer – emotions – 2nd Chakra

Our driver controls two powerful creatures, perhaps depicted as horses or oxen – in the Rider deck as something like Sphinxes, but however pictured, they represent the emotions. They are shown as great beasts to convey the overwhelming strength that is harnessed to the mind. The total image of the Chariot represents our body, our vehicle by which we navigate our way through this life, and the situation of the charioteer being the one in command is the ideal to strive for.

An inconscient, distracted wagoneer who has dropped the reins puts the horses in the driver's seat. Horses left to their own whims can, as may be imagined, bring about results of great chaos or damage.

Putting the metaphor aside, that's what we observe every day if seen only in the news; terrible things are done by people who allow themselves to be controlled by their emotions of desire, anger or fear. If left unchecked by some degree of wisdom they may run wild, quite literally. Passionate desire, whether for a dubious sexual liaison, intoxicants, or for any dangerous involvement such as political revenge, may over a period of time, or even instantly, bring with it disastrous consequences, which may involve a great many others too, such as attacks plotted by a heart stricken by the vengeance of a terrorist, and, or including wars plotted by governments stricken with ideals of acquisition.

These are examples of the extreme, but even low-level, everyday, 'normal' harborings of jealousy, envy, anger, hatred, revenge and nagging desires – all emotional afflictions of the mind which will keep it in a continual state of seething turmoil, and are the root causes of our generally disconsolate lives. Even a person who is otherwise cheerful and mostly free from the above-mentioned mind poisons may fall prey to an outburst of fury; out of a happy day, any situation could suddenly arise which enrages the mind, and without strict self-control violence could ensue, and the persons involved could find themselves in deep trouble in an instant. This is an example that can be understood by anyone, as we've all had those moments. If some temperance were applied, adverse responses could be avoided, even turned into a positive encounter. To bring the emotions to sphinx-like steadfastness is an excellent visualization, one that could provide that stability that's needed throughout life or when any unexpected condition arises.

The Chariot archetype is a good analogy because as any wagon-driver knows, training and caring for his animals requires much diligence, patience, and a stern hand; full command does not come easy. Reining them in and keeping them calm in the midst of the commotion that constantly arises on the road requires much attention and skillful means.

Everyone must apply some effort into acquiring self-control. Beyond that the work begins of eliminating altogether the very existence of these poisons of the mind and soul.In fact they have been clearly identified and documented since ancient times by the rishis and yogis of India as the obstacles to overcome in order to arrive at a deeply seated calm state of being. Only then may the highest stages of enlightenment begin to unfold without impediment.

To defer to the Dalai Lama once again, “Enlightenment is simply the permanent cessation of all negative emotional thought.” This is a direct quote from him and a profound statement in its simplicity – which if taken to heart may go a long way toward producing a happy and fruitful life, and a smooth transition to whatever lies beyond.

By Ananda G. Brady copyright 2011