The Chariot & The Star
The Chariot & The Star
Analysis:
There is an emphasis on celestial elements in each scene. In The Chariot, we see stars adorning the canopy, a crown made of stars, and a zodiacal belt. In The Star, we can observe 7 small stars and 1 large star. The blue background in The Star is similar to that of the Chariot's canopy and in each image, we see that the stars are above our central figures.
The Chariot is the 7th Major Arcana and in The Star, we can see 7 small stars.
On the charioteer's shoulders, we see a side profile of a face and in The Star, we can observe that figure with a side profile.
Both figures have blonde hair. The marked difference between them though is that one figure is fully clothed, armored, and closed-in while the other is completely nude and out in the open.
There are Egyptian elements visible in each scene. In The Chariot, we see the two sphinxes and in The Star, there is an Ibis on the tree in the background.
Water, trees, grass, and wings (winged disk & Ibis) are visible in each scene.
While each figure is engaged in different activities, we can see that the activity involves the manipulation of two other forces - the Sphinxes and the vases.
Speaking of the vases, there appears to be a shared theme around vessels playing out in each scene. In The Star, we see two vessels pouring and collecting water. In The Chariot, the chariot is the vessel to the charioteer, which also speaks to the way in which spirit inhabits matter (another form of vessel). The Chariot is also ruled by cancer, which is symbolic of the crab who also carries a vessel, being the shell.
Another way to look at the idea of the vessel is to think of it as an enclosure, and this idea connects to the Hebrew letter associated with The Chariot which is Chet, meaning Fence. A fence, like a chariot, like the shell of a crab, like the body that contains the spirit, all speak to forming borders, boundaries, or containers. In complementary opposition to this is The Star, which is depicted in an open field. The Hebrew letter associated with The Star is Tzaddi, which means fishhook. So here we have the combined idea of a defined and formed thing, both seeking and being sought by a greater force. In this way, The Chariot may be the physical manifestation of us treading a divinely led path, while The Star may be the internal impulse pulling us forward and guiding us along.
The starry canopy of The Chariot can be said to resemble the sky goddess Nut/Nuit, who some refer to as the "Lady of the Stars." In ancient Egyptian thought, the arms and legs of Nut marked the four cardinal directions to designate the boundaries of space and time, much like the letter Cheth (ח) suggests a fence, or a field of enclosure, and the four pillars of the canopy encase the driver of The Chariot. The classical arched figure of the goddess can even be said to resemble the letter Cheth itself. It was believed that Nut guided the course of the Sun, whom she swallowed each night and re-birthed the following morning, and protected him in his travels, much like the shell of the crab associated with the sign of Cancer. Though the Egyptian solar deity Ra traveled across the sky in his heavenly barques, or boats, it is interesting to note that the ancient Greek solar gods Helios and Apollo were believed to make the same journey in chariots. Some even suggest that the driver of The Chariot is a depiction of Apollo, which makes sense when we consider that the Sun reaches its zenith when it enters into the sign of Cancer at the summer solstice.
What do YOU see???
Possible Interpretation:
There are greater, cosmic forces at play, and while perhaps subtle or unseen, they are guiding and encouraging us always. We can sense these forces present when we are deeply engrossed in important work, are alignment to our calling, are feeling inspired or have entered into a flow state. The Chariot and The Star speak to precise and deliberate movement in the direction of our true purpose and higher calling. But, consistency, action and dedication must also harmonize with meditation, receptivity and slowing down to hear the direction in which we are being called.