Comic Strip Spread

 

 

Difficulty: Easy

Note: This spread works best with decks like the Diary of a Broken Soul or Surrealist Tarot because they display scenes rather than pips and do not use reversals.

The Comic Strip Spread is a simple nine-card chronological spread that looks like a page of a comic book. This method should be used to get a glimpse of the future as it would pan out naturally. It may be insightful to use this spread in coordination with biorhythms. The spread is easy to read as a storyboard, just like a comic strip.

The main subject is apparent in the first card, while the story plays out through the following tarot cards.

It is important to pay particular attention to the cards and the relationships with their neighbours. Notice which directions the cards are facing, and how they interact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Comic Strip Reading

XVIII – The Moon (La Lune)	XIIII – Temperance	Ten of Coins
X – The Wheel of Fortune (La Roue de Fortune)	King of Cups	Valet of Batons
Queen of Swords	IIII – The Emperor (L'Empereur)	XI – Strength (La Force)

 

 

 

 

Card 1: XVIII – The Moon (La Lune)

The Moon symbolises intuition, mystery, and the subconscious. It reflects the realm of dreams, illusions, and emotions, inviting you to explore the depths of your psyche and confront hidden truths.

Symbolism: The Moon casts its dim light over a mysterious scene: a dog and a wolf howl beneath its glow, representing the duality of tame and wild instincts. A crayfish emerges from the water, symbolising the hidden depths of the subconscious rising to the surface. The two towers suggest boundaries between reality and the unknown.

In Relationships: Emotional complexity, hidden dynamics, or the need to trust your intuition. Beware of illusions or misunderstandings.

In Work: A period of uncertainty or unclear direction. It encourages careful reflection and trusting inner instincts over external noise.

Spiritually: The Moon calls for introspection and exploration of the shadow self through dreams, intuition, and subconscious symbols.

When ill-dignified: Confusion, deception, or fear of the unknown. It warns against being lost in illusions or succumbing to anxiety.

 

 

 

 

Card 2: XIIII – Temperance

Temperance embodies balance, harmony, and the art of blending opposites into a unified whole. It is a card of moderation and integration, calling for patience and the gentle flow of energies.

Symbolism: An angelic figure pours water between two vessels, symbolising the interplay of opposites and the alchemical transformation process. One cup is blue, and the other is red, suggesting a balance between the material and the spiritual.

In Relationships: Harmony and mutual understanding within relationships. It suggests compromise and blending energies for a greater whole.

In Work: A need for patience and adaptability. Success comes through steady effort and the balancing of resources.

Spiritually: Temperance invites you to harmonise opposing aspects of your being and align with the universal flow.

When ill-dignified: Imbalance, impatience, or excess. It warns against pushing too hard or failing to find equilibrium.

 

 

 

 

Card 3: Ten of Coins

The Ten of Coins symbolises legacy, prosperity, and long-term security. It reflects the culmination of efforts to create a stable and abundant future for yourself and others.

Symbolism: Ten coins are arranged in a pair of X's, forming a harmonious and interconnected pattern. The abundance of detail reflects wealth, tradition, and the enduring rewards of hard work.

In Relationships: A stable and enduring partnership that focuses on building a shared future. It suggests family or community ties.

In Work: The successful completion of a project or the establishment of lasting financial security.

Spiritually: The card reflects the integration of material success with spiritual fulfilment, encouraging gratitude and generosity.

When ill-dignified: Materialism, stagnation, or the fear of losing what has been built. It warns against clinging to tradition at the expense of growth.

 

 

 

 

Card 4: X – The Wheel of Fortune (La Roue de Fortune)

The Wheel of Fortune symbolises the ever-turning cycles of life, fate, and destiny. It teaches the importance of adaptability and trust in the rhythms of change.

Symbolism: The wheel is adorned with figures ascending and descending, representing the rise and fall of fortunes. Its circular motion evokes the cyclical nature of existence, while divine forces implied by the card's design suggest that some aspects of life are beyond human control.

In Relationships: Changes in relationship dynamics or the appearance of new opportunities. Trust in the flow of events.

In Work: A shift in circumstances, often bringing unexpected opportunities. Stay flexible and open to change.

Spiritually: The Wheel of Fortune reflects the interconnectedness of life's cycles, encouraging surrender to the divine plan.

When ill-dignified: Resistance to change or clinging to outdated patterns. It warns of losing perspective during times of transition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: King of Cups

The King of Cups represents emotional balance, wisdom, and leadership. He embodies the ability to guide others with kindness and understanding while maintaining his own emotional stability.

Symbolism: Seated on his throne with a serene expression, the King holds a cup, symbolising emotional authority. The structure around him reflects his connection to intuition and emotional balance.

In Relationships: This card signifies a stable and emotionally mature partner or dynamic. It encourages fostering relationships built on mutual respect, trust, and emotional stability.

In Work: The King highlights leadership through emotional intelligence and wisdom. It suggests guiding others with compassion and remaining calm in challenging situations.

Spiritually: The King represents the harmony between intellect and emotions, urging you to channel your emotional stability into guiding yourself and others with integrity.

When ill-dignified: Emotional suppression, volatility, or manipulation. It warns against using emotional influence for selfish gain or allowing inner turbulence to disrupt your leadership.

 

 

 

 

Card 6: Valet of Batons

The Valet of Batons signifies the spark of inspiration, youthful enthusiasm, and the potential for growth. This card invites curiosity and encourages embracing the unknown with an adventurous heart.

Symbolism: The Valet stands tall, holding a large club as if discovering his power for the first time. His gaze forward is bright and inquisitive, embodying the spirit of exploration. The background suggests open horizons, symbolising untapped potential and the excitement of new ventures.

In Relationships: This card indicates fresh, playful energy in relationships, the thrill of beginnings, or the curiosity that fuels deeper connection. It encourages openness to new experiences and creative ways of building bonds.

In Work: It heralds opportunities for learning, experimentation, or pursuing passion. The Valet advises you to take the first steps with optimism, trusting that exploration will lead to growth.

Spiritually: The Valet represents the seeker at the beginning of their journey, filled with wonder and the readiness to embrace inspiration and guidance.

When ill-dignified: Impulsiveness, naivety, or lack of direction. It warns against abandoning curiosity out of fear or letting inexperience lead to recklessness.

 

 

 

 

Card 7: Queen of Swords

The Queen of Swords represents wisdom, clarity, and the ability to make balanced decisions through intellect and discernment. She encourages a blend of compassion and reason when approaching challenges.

Symbolism: Seated with poise on her throne, the Queen holds her sword upright, a symbol of her unwavering commitment to truth and fairness. Her serene expression and elevated position suggest clarity of thought and emotional maturity.

In Relationships: This card reflects fairness, honesty, and emotional clarity. It highlights the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining open, respectful dialogue.

In Work: The Queen advises making thoughtful, well-informed decisions. She represents the ability to lead with integrity and insight, even in challenging situations.

Spiritually: The Queen symbolises the wisdom gained from life's trials and the mastery of using intellect to navigate emotional and spiritual truths.

When ill-dignified: Coldness, rigidity, or harsh judgements. It warns against being detached or being a jerk in your interactions.

 

 

 

 

Card 8: IIII – The Emperor (L'Empereur)

The Emperor embodies structure, authority, and the power of order. He is the architect of stability, encouraging discipline and leadership in the material world.

Symbolism: The Emperor's throne and square-shaped setting symbolise structure and the solid foundation of his rulership. The sceptre and orb he holds reflect his control over earthly domains. His gaze is firm and unyielding, emphasising responsibility and focus.

In Relationships: Stability, loyalty, and shared goals define relationships under the Emperor's influence. It may also indicate a partner with strong authoritative traits.

In Work: Success through organisation, discipline, and strategic planning. Leadership is both a gift and a responsibility.

Spiritually: The Emperor teaches the balance between setting boundaries and allowing the divine to flow within the constraints of the physical world.

When ill-dignified: Rigidity, stubbornness, or misuse of power. It warns against being controlling or dismissive of emotional needs.

 

 

 

 

Card 9: XI – Strength (La Force)

Strength symbolises the mastery of inner strength, courage, and the harmonisation of primal instincts with spiritual awareness. It teaches that true power lies in patience and understanding rather than brute force.

Symbolism: A figure calmly opens the jaws of a lion, symbolising the mental strength required to tame one's baser instincts. The figure's composed expression reflects confidence and inner control. The lion embodies raw energy and passion, while the gentle interaction suggests a balance between wildness and refinement.

In Relationships: Emotional resilience and understanding strengthen relationships. It may indicate a need for patience and compassion in matters of the heart.

In Work: Triumph through determination and calm perseverance. Success comes from maintaining focus and self-discipline.

Spiritually: Strength reflects the integration of instinct and higher consciousness, inviting you to connect with your inner power.

When ill-dignified: Impulsiveness, weakness, or unchecked aggression. It warns against letting fear or uncontrolled passions take the lead.