Archangel Michael - The Chariot VII

Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck
The Chariot VII


Myths are full of famous chariots.  The god Helios
carries the Sun in his golden, brilliant chariot
across the sky every day.

The Egyptian god Ra, steered the boat of the sun
across the sky and back to the gates of dawn down
the Nile every night.

In the Bhagavad Gita, the god Krishna drove Arjuna's
chariot and gave him illumination.

Another name for The Chariot is Victory
or Willpower.

Archangel Michael is the conqueror of the dragon.
He represents Willpower.
He wields the Sword of Righteousness and represents
the seemingly cold blade of detachment.

The traditional image of the Chariot is that of a chariot
drawn by two horses.  A black horse and a white horse.
The opposites of duality and man's nature.
Here we have Michael, he-who-is-like-God
and the dragon : symbolizing the seeming opposites of duality
and of man's nature : both divine and mortal.
The challenge is to unite these two in oneself
and on the journey of spiritual unfoldment.

When we interpret the religious stories metaphorically,
they have so much more depth and meaning.  When seen
metaphorically they really bring home the potential
that we all possess and they remind us that within each
one of us lives a Being which is larger than life itself.

The dragon is a recurring motif in Christianity and other tales.
In Buddhism we see the image of the goddess Quan Yin riding
on the dragon's back.  In the Vatican museum there are many
many images of winged dragons.  The dragon relates to
the image of the serpent and the winged serpent.

Image from www.goddessgift.net


Students of world myth and its symbolism tell us that
great events in the natural history of the world and humanity,
has become part of the collective unconscious.  These
events are stored as living symbols and images and they
are then appropriated by our legends, traditions, stories
and of course religions.

Historical context illuminates the true meaning
of symbols.  When placed in its historical context,
stories and myths can be understood properly.
This does not detract from their importance nor
their profound psychological and spiritual significance.
In fact, it reveals so much more depth and meaning
which is feared or ignored through superstition and ignorance.

The winged serpent has been a symbol for enlightenment
since ancient times.


Jesus said, "The Pharisees and the scribes have taken the keys of knowledge (gnosis) and hidden them.
They themselves have not entered, nor have they allowed to enter those who wish to.
You, however, be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves" - (Gospel of Thomas)