Cards of the Major Arcana: The Chariot – Justice – The Hermit

Today, we will present three more cards from the Major Arcana of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. Together, they represent determination, fairness and introspection in the Tarot.

The Chariot card symbolises determination, control, and the overcoming of obstacles. It encourages taking charge of one's destiny through confidence and willpower. This card often signifies physical and emotional movement, as well as a journey towards victory.

The Justice card represents fairness, truth, and the law of cause and effect. It highlights the importance of accountability and making balanced decisions. It urges reflection on moral choices and emphasises integrity in all dealings to ensure that fairness prevails.

The Hermit card signifies introspection, solitude and inner guidance. It encourages self-reflection and the pursuit of wisdom. It suggests retreating from external distractions in order to explore deeper truths and gain clarity about one's path and purpose in life.

The following are extracts from the author's book on Tarot. You can find further information about the book in the notes.

Card VII of the Major Arcana: The Chariot

In almost every Tarot deck, the card with the number seven is an image of movement and departure. In the Rider-Waite Tarot, a man stands on a two-wheeled chariot pulled by two sphinxes, one black and one white, which symbolise duality.

The driver of the chariot is ready to set off. He is wearing armour and a star-studded crown. The canopy above him is adorned with stars, representing the cosmos. Behind him lies a city, or rather a fortress. The card's true meaning is departure, which is always associated with leaving the familiar and the safe.

Similarly, the conflicting forces within one's own soul must be 'tamed', otherwise progress will grind to a halt. The goal must be reached and the path to it must be mastered. Once the journey is underway, however, it is safe under the stars, which is why the card also signifies victory, success or achieving a goal. ... End of excerpt.

Card VIII of the Major Arcana: The Justice

The card with the number eight has a somewhat frightening effect on the enquirer due to its depiction of the law, reminiscent of Justitia. Like the High Priestess, Justice sits on a throne in front of two pillars, depicted as a crowned woman wearing a dark red robe. She meets the viewer's gaze calmly and matter-of-factly.

In her raised right hand, she holds a sword, while her left hand holds the famous scales of justice. However, unlike the patroness of worldly law, she is not blindfolded, meaning she can see.

While the card refer to court hearings and matters of justice, as well as unresolved issues, it primarily symbolises a different kind of justice and judgement. This requires weighing up the facts and making a decision with open eyes. While the Lovers relied on their hearts, the focus is now on the mind. ... End of excerpt.

Card IX of the Major Arcana: The Hermit

A solitary figure stands in a desolate landscape, wearing a plain coat. He holds a lantern, which is the only source of light in the scene. This is the Hermit, a recluse who has turned his back on the material world.

In the Rider-Waite Tarot, card IX is depicted in muted colours. The old man with the white beard does not look up. The light does not illuminate a path he wishes to take. It shines only for him and his contemplations. This is exactly what it is: the inner self. The Hermit has, so to speak, 'disconnected' himself from worldly events. He looks inwards to find answers.

If you ask 'why', you will find most of the answers within yourself, because your soul sometimes reveals itself in strange ways. This Arcanum therefore advises us to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life ... End of excerpt.

Would you like to find out more? Eleonore's book offers valuable guidance on using Rider-Waite Tarot cards. You can read some excerpts here:
– Using Tarot cards as a guide: Explore the wisdom of the Rider-Waite deck
– Mistakes when dealing with Tarot cards: The right way to use the Tarot
– How to interpret the hidden significance of Tarot cards: The Major Arcana
– Try swinging a pendulum. Communicate with your inner self
– Cards of the Major Arcana: The Magician – The High Priestess – The Empress
– Cards of the Major Arcana: The Emperor – The Hierophant – The Lovers

© 'Cards of the Major Arcana: The Chariot – Justice – The Hermit. Exploring the determination, fairness, and introspection in the Tarot': A series of essays by Eleonore Radtberger (translated by Izabel Comati), 10/2025. Image credit: Pressenet.