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

Eight of Cups	Ace of Coins	Seven of Cups
Deuce of Batons	Knight of Coins	IIII – The Emperor (L'Empereur)
XVIII – The Moon (La Lune)	Four of Swords	XI – Strength (La Force)

 

 

 

 

Card 1: Eight of Cups

The Eight of Cups signifies departure, emotional growth, and the courage to leave behind what no longer serves. It is a card of seeking deeper meaning.

Symbolism: This card shows cups arranged symmetrically, with intertwining vines and floral decorations. The structured yet somewhat rigid design reflects an order that may feel confining, symbolising the need to step away from stability for something more fulfilling. The central flower suggests a guiding light or inner calling, reinforcing the theme of seeking deeper meaning beyond the familiar.

In Relationships: Moving on from a relationship that no longer fulfils you or reassessing your emotional needs.

In Work: Leaving a secure position to pursue something more meaningful. Trust your instincts to guide you.

Spiritually: The card encourages the seeker to embark on a quest for truth, leaving behind superficial comforts.

When ill-dignified: Fear of change, stagnation, or clinging to the familiar. It warns against resisting the call to evolve.

 

 

 

 

Card 2: Ace of Coins

The Ace of Coins symbolises the pure essence of material abundance, stability, and potential. It represents the seed of prosperity and the opportunity to build a strong foundation for success.

Symbolism: A single coin stands at the centre, adorned with floral motifs and a rectangular border. Its design reflects wealth and harmony, suggesting that prosperity is aligned with natural order and balance.

In Relationships: A grounded and stable beginning where trust and security are prioritised.

In Work: A promising opportunity or new venture in the material realm, offering long-term potential for success.

Spiritually: The card reflects alignment with earthly abundance and the ability to manifest your spiritual aspirations in tangible ways.

When ill-dignified: Missed opportunities, greed, or focusing only on material gain. It warns against neglecting deeper values in pursuit of wealth.

 

 

 

 

Card 3: 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 4: Deuce of Batons

The Deuce of Batons represents planning and the initial stages of action. It symbolises the tension between potential paths and the courage required to step forward.

Symbolism: Two batons intersect, adorned with foliage that hints at growth and duality. The symmetry of the design reflects stability but also implies the need for decision-making.

In Relationships: A partnership at a crossroads, where mutual goals must be clarified.

In Work: Strategic planning and weighing options for growth. It's a call to act decisively.

Spiritually: The card signifies a moment of reflection, urging you to align choices with your higher purpose.

When ill-dignified: Indecision, hesitation, or lack of direction. It warns against delaying action because of fear of failure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: Knight of Coins

The Knight of Coins represents steady progress, responsibility, and dedication. He embodies a practical, methodical approach to achieving long-term goals.

Symbolism: The Knight rides a sturdy horse, following a coin that floats directly above his horse's head. His armour and deliberate posture symbolise caution and persistence. The horse's grounded stance reflects his reliable nature.

In Relationships: A loyal and dependable partner who may be slow to express emotions but values commitment. It encourages building a relationship through consistent effort.

In Work: Progress comes through hard work, patience, and attention to detail. It's a time to focus on long-term goals rather than quick results.

Spiritually: The Knight reminds the seeker to approach spiritual growth with discipline and a grounded perspective.

When ill-dignified: Stubbornness, stagnation, or excessive caution. It warns against being overly rigid or resistant to change.

 

 

 

 

Card 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 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.