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

XVIIII – The Sun (Le Soleil)	Three of Batons	Four of Swords
Five of Coins	Four of Cups	Seven of Swords
V – The Pope (Le Pape)	Seven of Cups	Seven of Coins

 

 

 

 

Card 1: XVIIII – The Sun (Le Soleil)

The Sun represents joy, success, and clarity. It is the card of illumination and vitality, promising growth, harmony, and the fulfilment of goals through clarity and connection.

Symbolism: Two children stand joyfully under the radiant Sun, surrounded by a protective wall. The Sun itself symbolises divine energy and enlightenment, while the figures reflect innocence, unity, and shared happiness. The vibrant rays evoke abundance and the thriving life force.

In Relationships: Mutual happiness, harmony, and a joyful connection. Relationships flourish under the light of clarity and love.

In Work: Success and recognition achieved through positivity and effort. It suggests a time of clarity and accomplishment.

Spiritually: The Sun calls for embracing the light within and aligning with your true purpose, radiating joy and love outward.

When ill-dignified: Arrogance, burnout, or overexposure. It warns against taking blessings for granted or letting ego overshadow gratitude.

 

 

 

 

Card 2: Three of Batons

The Three of Batons signifies expansion and the realisation of early progress. It is a card of growth through exploration and the courage to venture into new realms.

Symbolism: Three batons interlace harmoniously, with flourishing leaves that reflect growth. The triangular crossing suggests stability in motion, as progress unfolds from a solid foundation.

In Relationships: Relationships flourish through shared aspirations and mutual support. It may indicate exploring new horizons together.

In Work: Initial successes lead to broader opportunities. This card encourages continued effort and long-term vision.

Spiritually: A reminder to expand your perspective and trust the journey towards greater understanding.

When ill-dignified: Frustration or delays in progress. It warns against complacency or overconfidence.

 

 

 

 

Card 3: Four of Swords

The Four of Swords symbolises rest, recuperation, and mental clarity achieved through stillness. It reflects the need for pause before taking further action.

Symbolism: Four curved swords form an oval frame, with interwoven bindings at the top and bottom, creating a sense of structure and containment. At the centre of the composition, a single blooming flower emerges, symbolising peace, recovery, and renewal. The flowing curves and woven intersections suggest a more organic approach to rest and contemplation. The imagery highlights the importance of finding harmony within stillness, reinforcing the idea that mental clarity arises when balance and inner peace are embraced.

In Relationships: A period of emotional detachment or taking space to reflect on a relationship's direction.

In Work: A time for rest or strategic planning. Progress will come after regrouping and gathering strength.

Spiritually: The card invites retreat into meditation or introspection to realign with higher truths.

When ill-dignified: Stagnation, resistance to rest, or avoidance of necessary reflection. It warns against burnout or neglecting self-care.

 

 

 

 

Card 4: Five of Coins

The Five of Coins symbolises hardship, scarcity, and the challenges of material or emotional instability. It invites resilience and the recognition of available support.

Symbolism: Five coins form an X, reflecting imbalance and disruption. The floral embellishments suggest that growth is possible, even in difficult circumstances.

In Relationships: Struggles often involving feelings of neglect or emotional distance. It calls for mutual support and understanding.

In Work: Financial or professional difficulties that require perseverance and resourcefulness.

Spiritually: The card reflects the challenges of feeling disconnected from abundance, urging the seeker to rediscover faith and community.

When ill-dignified: Despair, self-pity, or a refusal to seek help. It warns against isolating yourself during difficult times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: Four of Cups

The Four of Cups signifies a moment of refined contemplation, a pause to appreciate the richness present while considering what more could enhance emotional fulfillment. It suggests a life abundant in comforts yet calling for deeper engagement to rediscover true pleasure.

Symbolism: Four cups form a balanced and harmonious structure, symbolising emotional stability and refined satisfaction. Their symmetry suggests a state of ease but also the potential for indulgence to lead to complacency. The imagery encourages a conscious appreciation of luxury and the pursuit of deeper emotional refinement.

In Relationships: A period of emotional contentment that may lead to a desire for something more profound. This is a time to rekindle passion, indulge in shared pleasures, and cultivate the richness of connection.

In Work: A phase of stability and success where motivation must now be fueled by inspiration rather than necessity. Seek new heights of creative fulfilment and elevate your ambitions beyond the merely comfortable.

Spiritually: The card calls for a refined awareness of the beauty and abundance in life. It encourages gratitude, mindfulness, and the pursuit of deeper emotional and spiritual fulfilment beyond material satisfaction.

When ill-dignified: Overindulgence, boredom, or taking things for granted. It warns against becoming too accustomed to comfort and missing the opportunity to elevate life to an even greater level of richness.

 

 

 

 

Card 6: 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 7: 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 8: Seven of Cups

The Seven of Cups represents imagination, choice, and the allure of possibilities. It warns of illusion and the importance of discernment when faced with multiple options.

Symbolism: Seven cups form an intricate pattern, their arrangement suggesting complexity and the uncertainty of choices. The floral embellishments evoke imagination and the pull of dreams, both promising and deceptive.

In Relationships: Idealisation of a partner or confusion about what you desire.

In Work: Opportunities arise, but careful evaluation is needed to separate genuine prospects from illusions.

Spiritually: The card reflects the richness of the inner world but calls for grounding and clarity in spiritual pursuits.

When ill-dignified: Overwhelm, fantasy, or escapism. It warns against being paralysed by options or losing touch with reality.

 

 

 

 

Card 9: Seven of Coins

The Seven of Coins signifies patience, evaluation, and long-term planning. It reflects the need to assess progress and make adjustments for future growth.

Symbolism: Seven coins are arranged in an uneven pattern, with budding leaves suggesting slow but steady growth. The design emphasises reflection and the rewards of cultivation.

In Relationships: A relationship enters a reflective phase, where mutual effort and commitment are assessed.

In Work: Progress may feel slow, but perseverance and thoughtful adjustments will yield results.

Spiritually: The card urges the seeker to remain patient and trust the process of spiritual growth.

When ill-dignified: Impatience, dissatisfaction, or poor planning. It warns against abandoning efforts prematurely or ignoring the need for evaluation.