In the practice of therapeutic tarot, the Major Arcana cards offer profound guidance and insight for self-discovery and healing. The Chariot, a symbol of victory, determination, and conscious action, stands out as a powerful archetype for those on a journey of healing and growth. This article explores The Chariot's significance and its relevance to trauma-informed therapy, deep healing, Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, Jungian considerations, and its therapeutic value in modern life.
Understanding The Chariot Archetype Therapuetically:
The Chariot represents victory, determination, and the power of taking conscious action. It embodies the energy of uniting opposing forces for a greater good, achieving success, and moving forward with confidence. The Chariot also signifies the importance of mindfulness in recognizing when we are off course and steering ourselves back to our soul's path. It is a reminder that the universe gifts us opportunities to become the person we want to be and to push ahead with inspired action.
The Chariot Archetype and Trauma-Informed Therapy:
Trauma-informed therapy focuses on creating a safe and empowering environment for individuals to heal from past traumas. The Chariot's themes of determination, conscious action, and mindful focus resonate deeply with this therapeutic approach, offering valuable insights for both therapists and clients.
Key Points:
Determination and Commitment: Trauma survivors often face significant challenges in their healing journey. The Chariot encourages clients to stay determined and committed to their path, reminding them that victory and healing are possible.
Mindful Focus: Trauma can disrupt our sense of direction and purpose. The Chariot emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in recognizing when we are off course and taking conscious steps to realign with our true path.
Empowerment: The Chariot symbolizes the power of taking control of one's life and making value-oriented decisions. This aligns with the goals of trauma-informed therapy, which seeks to empower individuals to reclaim their agency and move forward with confidence.
The Chariot Archetype and IFS Therapy:
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, focuses on understanding and harmonizing the various parts of our psyche. The Chariot's energy of uniting opposing forces and moving forward with determination aligns well with the principles of IFS therapy.
Key Points:
Self-Energy: In IFS therapy, the Self is seen as a source of calm, compassionate, and confident leadership. The Chariot embodies this Self-energy, encouraging clients to harness their inner strength and determination to guide their healing journey.
Integration of Parts: Just as The Chariot unites opposing forces, IFS therapy helps clients integrate and harmonize the different parts of their psyche. This process involves understanding and healing wounded parts, leading to a more unified and empowered self.
Conscious Action: The Chariot emphasizes the importance of taking conscious action towards one's goals. IFS therapy supports this by helping clients make value-oriented decisions that align with their true self and higher purpose.
The Chariot Archetype and Jungian Considerations:
From a Jungian perspective, The Chariot can be seen as an archetype of the Hero's Journey, representing the stage where the hero takes control of their destiny and moves forward with purpose and determination. Carl Jung's work emphasized the importance of integrating various aspects of the psyche to achieve wholeness, and The Chariot embodies this process of uniting opposing forces.
Key Points:
Hero's Journey: The Chariot represents the hero's stage of taking control and moving forward, embodying the determination and conscious action needed to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth.
Integration: Jungian psychology focuses on the integration of the conscious and unconscious mind. The Chariot symbolizes this integration, encouraging individuals to unite their inner conflicts and move forward with a sense of wholeness.
Self-Actualization: The Chariot's journey is one of self-actualization, where individuals align their actions with their true self and higher purpose. This aligns with Jung's concept of individuation, the process of becoming one's true self.
Therapeutic Value of the Chariot Archetype in Modern Life:
In our fast-paced modern world, The Chariot's archetype offers valuable lessons and guidance for achieving balance, focus, and determination. It encourages us to take conscious action, set meaningful goals, and pursue them with confidence and perseverance.
Key Points:
Balance and Focus: The Chariot reminds us to maintain balance and focus in our lives, recognizing when we are off course and making adjustments to realign with our true path.
Determination and Perseverance: In the face of challenges and setbacks, The Chariot encourages us to stay determined and committed to our goals, reminding us that success is possible with perseverance.
Empowerment and Agency: The Chariot empowers us to take control of our lives, make value-oriented decisions, and move forward with confidence and purpose.
Therapuetic Application: Chariot Visualization Exercise
One effective tool to integrate The Chariot's wisdom into therapeutic practice is the Chariot Visualization Exercise. This meditation can help clients and therapists connect with their inner determination and mindful focus, fostering a sense of empowerment and direction.
Steps:
Create a Sacred Space: Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Take several deep breaths to center yourself.
Visualize The Chariot: Imagine The Chariot card before you, symbolizing victory, determination, and conscious action. Feel the presence of this powerful archetype.
Reflect on Your Journey: Think about your healing journey and the challenges you face. Consider areas where you may need to harness more determination or realign with your true path.
Embrace Self-Energy: Visualize the Self-energy within you, radiating confidence and strength. Imagine this energy guiding you forward, uniting opposing forces within you and empowering you to take conscious action.
Affirmation: Repeat the mantra: “I choose who I am becoming, and I run towards it.” Feel the determination and commitment in these words.
Reflect: Take a few moments to reflect on any insights or feelings that arose during the meditation. Journal about your experience if it feels right.
Evidence-Based Support:
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Research emphasizes the importance of creating empowering and supportive environments for trauma survivors. The Chariot’s focus on determination and empowerment aligns with these principles, promoting a proactive approach to healing (Herman, 1997; Courtois & Ford, 2009).
IFS Therapy: Studies on IFS therapy show its effectiveness in treating trauma-related symptoms by helping clients integrate and harmonize their internal parts (Schwartz, 2019; Anderson & Stewart, 2020).
Mindfulness and Empowerment: Research indicates that mindfulness practices can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma, while empowering individuals to take control of their healing journey (Kabat-Zinn, 2003; Keng et al., 2011).
Resources for Further Exploration:
Books:
"Internal Family Systems Therapy" by Richard C. Schwartz provides a comprehensive guide to IFS therapy.
"The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" by Bessel van der Kolk explores holistic approaches to trauma healing.
"Tarot and Psychology: Spectrums of Possibility" by Arthur Rosengarten offers insights into integrating tarot with psychological practices.
Online Resources:
The Trauma Center at the Justice Resource Institute (https://www.traumacenter.org/) offers resources and training on trauma treatment.
The Internal Family Systems Institute (https://ifs-institute.com/) provides information, workshops, and training on IFS therapy.
Insight Timer (https://insighttimer.com/) is a meditation app with guided practices for mindfulness and empowerment.
Professional Organizations:
The American Psychological Association (APA) offers resources on trauma psychology and evidence-based therapies (https://www.apa.org/).
The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) provides education and networking for professionals working with trauma survivors (https://www.isst-d.org/).
By embracing the wisdom of The Chariot, therapists and clients can foster a deeper sense of determination, mindful focus, and empowerment on their healing journey. The Chariot invites us all to take conscious action towards our goals, align with our true path, and move forward with confidence and purpose.
With love, AGLOW
Stacy Ruse, LPC, RYT, EMDR & IFS Consultant
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AGLOW is a global hub for therapists and the world. Led by trauma expert Stacy Ruse, LPC, providing courses, consultation, and counseling services. Specializing in EMDR, IFS, Yoga, & Transpersonal therapies to inspire therapists and individuals alike.
Stacy Ruse, LPC, is an esteemed Evergreen EMDR & IFS-Institute Consultant, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), and founder of Aglow Counseling. Stacy teaches a therapeutic style that is characterized by the art of EMDR & IFS therapies with a transpersonal twist, transcending the conventional boundaries of traditional therapy. Her holistic approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit allowing individuals to tap into their innate resilience and ignite their personal transformation journey. As a trauma expert, national and international trainer, and clinical consultant, Stacy's approach is deeply rooted in trauma-informed methodologies.
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