The Chariot represents force and control, dealing specifically with emotions. This card is about emotional discipline, not repression, but the powers of the mind to shape the desires of the heart, and direct them into meaningful expression. The charioteer will not sweep his emotions under the carpet, but will train them for his own use. Without discipline the horse would run wild and go in whatever direction they choose. Emotions are similar; we need passion to fuel our creative energy, but undisciplined passion leads to chaos.
The sword represents the male principle of action, the lotus the female principle of receptivity - a balance. The moon emotions, the horses passion, and the man logic.
A Course In Miracles perspective.
They extreme ups and downs of our emotions are caused by our inconsistent and often incongruent beliefs warring inside of us. We are unaware of the cause of the disquiet, but feel it keenly. The desire for Love and the fear of Love, if held in the same mind will cause erratic behaviour or feelings, until the beliefs are aligned, consistent behaviour is impossible.
"Everyone makes an ego or a self for himself, which is subject to enourmous variation because of it's instability. He also makes an ego for everyone else he perceives, which is equally variable." Ch 4.ll,2. ACIM
