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

V – The Pope (Le Pape)	XVII – The Star (L'Étoile)	Deuce of Cups
Six of Batons	Five of Swords	XXI – The World (Le Monde)
Valet of Cups	Seven of Swords	Deuce of Swords

 

 

 

 

Card 1: V – The Pope (Le Pape)

The Hierophant bridges the earthly and the divine, symbolising tradition, spiritual guidance, and the transmission of sacred knowledge. He represents the connection between the seeker and a higher truth through structure and ritual.

Symbolism: The Hierophant sits between two pillars, a gesture of blessing extended towards two kneeling figures below him. His triple cross sceptre represents spiritual authority, while the two fingers pointing to his heart suggest access to divine mysteries. His serene expression reflects wisdom tempered with compassion.

In Relationships: A relationship built on shared values. It can also signify guidance or mentorship within a partnership.

In Work: Success through adherence to structure, tradition, or established methods. Seek advice from a mentor or institution.

Spiritually: The Hierophant invites the seeker to explore established spiritual paths, finding wisdom in teachings passed down through generations.

When ill-dignified: Dogmatism, resistance to change, or blind adherence to tradition. It warns against sacrificing individuality for conformity.

 

 

 

 

Card 2: XVII – The Star (L'Étoile)

The Star is a card of hope, inspiration, and renewal. It symbolises divine guidance and the gentle flow of healing energy after hardship.

Symbolism: A nude figure kneels beside a stream, pouring water onto the land and back into the source, representing the cyclical nature of renewal and the flow of inspiration. Above her, stars shine brightly, offering hope and illumination.

In Relationships: Healing and harmony. It suggests vulnerability and openness to connection.

In Work: Inspiration and the emergence of new opportunities. A time for trust in your creative vision.

Spiritually: The Star invites you to align with your higher purpose, finding peace in the guidance of the cosmos.

When ill-dignified: Doubt, loss of faith, or feeling disconnected from inspiration. It warns against losing hope during challenging times.

 

 

 

 

Card 3: Deuce of Cups

The Deuce of Cups symbolises emotional unity, balance, and harmonious partnerships. It represents the coming together of energies in love, friendship, or collaboration.

Symbolism: Two elegant cups stand symmetrically, connected by a shared floral motif, symbolising the bond between two entities. The balanced design reflects harmony and mutual respect.

In Relationships: A romantic bond deepens, or a new partnership begins with mutual understanding and affection.

In Work: Collaboration and teamwork thrive, fuelled by shared values and trust.

Spiritually: The card reflects the union of dualities within oneself, urging the seeker to embrace inner harmony.

When ill-dignified: Disconnection, imbalance, or strained partnerships. It warns against selfishness or a lack of reciprocity in relationships.

 

 

 

 

Card 4: Six of Batons

The Six of Batons signifies victory, recognition, and the successful culmination of efforts. It represents the rewards of perseverance and leadership.

Symbolism: Six batons form a balanced crossing configuration, with lush foliage growing at their intersections. The design exudes vitality and harmony, symbolising triumph after struggle.

In Relationships: Mutual support and shared successes bring relationships into greater harmony.

In Work: Recognition for hard work and leadership. This card heralds well-earned success and public acclaim.

Spiritually: A time of alignment and confidence in your spiritual journey. Celebrate how far you've come.

When ill-dignified: Vanity, arrogance, or misplaced pride. It warns against resting on laurels or seeking validation at the expense of integrity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: Five of Swords

The Five of Swords signifies conflict, tension, and the cost of victory. It reflects the complexities of human interaction, where ambition and ego can lead to hollow triumphs.

Symbolism: Four curved blades form an oval frame around one straight sword, with floral details disrupted by their arrangement. The imagery suggests discord and the difficulty in maintaining harmony.

In Relationships: Disputes or misunderstandings. It highlights the importance of humility and compromise.

In Work: Office politics or struggles for dominance may create tension. Focus on ethical choices and long-term goals.

Spiritually: The card challenges you to evaluate the price of your actions and realign with your inner truth.

When ill-dignified: Manipulation, deceit, or unnecessary hostility. It warns against prioritising personal gain over integrity.

 

 

 

 

Card 6: XXI – The World (Le Monde)

The World is the culmination of the journey, representing fulfilment, harmony, and unity. It signifies the integration of all aspects of life and the successful completion of a cycle, opening the way to new beginnings.

Symbolism: A central figure dances within a laurel wreath, symbolising victory and wholeness. The four corners often depict symbolic creatures (the lion, ox, eagle, and man), representing the elements, the fixed signs of the zodiac, or the four faces of a cherubim. The wreath signifies completion and eternity.

In Relationships: A harmonious, complete relationship or fulfilment of long-term goals in love. It reflects unity and shared purpose.

In Work: The successful culmination of a project or phase. Recognition and achievement mark this time of completion.

Spiritually: Le Monde invites the seeker to embrace the interconnectedness of all things, celebrating unity with the divine and readiness for new journeys.

When ill-dignified: Incompletion, stagnation, or feeling unfulfilled despite external success. It warns against losing sight of the bigger picture or resisting closure.

 

 

 

 

Card 7: Valet of Cups

The Valet of Cups represents emotional curiosity, creative exploration, and the beginnings of intuitive or artistic growth. He invites a playful and open-hearted approach to life, encouraging you to embrace wonder and imagination.

Symbolism: The Valet gazes into a beautifully adorned cup, symbolising reflection and curiosity about his inner emotional world. His youthful posture indicates receptivity to new feelings, intuitive insights, and creative inspiration.

In Relationships: This card signifies the beginnings of a new connection or the renewal of emotional bonds. It encourages an open heart and a willingness to explore your feelings with vulnerability and joy.

In Work: The Valet suggests an opportunity to pursue a creative or emotionally fulfilling path. It highlights the importance of nurturing ideas and remaining receptive to inspiration.

Spiritually: The Valet symbolises a journey of emotional discovery, urging you to remain open to intuition, creative expression, and messages from within.

When ill-dignified: Emotional immaturity, naivety, or an unwillingness to confront deeper feelings. It warns against being overly idealistic or dismissive of intuition.

 

 

 

 

Card 8: Seven of Swords

The Seven of Swords symbolises strategy, cunning, and the challenges of navigating complex situations. It reflects the need for careful planning but warns of dishonesty or shortcuts.

Symbolism: Seven swords form a slightly chaotic arrangement, reflecting the complexity of the situation. One blade is framed by six. The decorative elements hint at the potential for creative solutions amid disorder.

In Relationships: Secrecy or hidden motives. Open communication is key to avoiding misunderstandings.

In Work: Strategic thinking is required, but ensure your actions align with your ethical standards.

Spiritually: The card challenges you to face your truths rather than evading responsibility.

When ill-dignified: Deception, betrayal, or self-sabotage. It warns against dishonesty with oneself or others.

 

 

 

 

Card 9: Deuce of Swords

The Deuce of Swords symbolises balance, duality, and the tension of decision-making. It represents a moment of stillness before action, where the mind seeks clarity amidst opposing forces.

Symbolism: Two curved blades cross symmetrically, forming a stable yet tense arrangement. The floral designs in the space between them suggest that harmony can emerge through directed thought and balance.

In Relationships: A crossroads where choices must be made, often involving compromise or addressing hidden issues.

In Work: A need to weigh options. Progress depends on thoughtful analysis and avoiding haste.

Spiritually: The card reflects the need to reconcile inner dualities to achieve mental and emotional peace.

When ill-dignified: Indecision, avoidance, or emotional detachment. It warns against stagnation or failure to confront the truth.