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

XVII – The Star (L'Étoile)	Four of Coins	Three of Swords
Deuce of Swords	Deuce of Batons	X – The Wheel of Fortune (La Roue de Fortune)
Nine of Batons	Queen of Batons	III – The Empress (L'Impératrice)

 

 

 

 

Card 1: 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 2: Four of Coins

The Four of Coins represents stability, security, and the consolidation of resources. The square flower in the centre suggests a firm foundation but also warns of rigidity or excessive attachment to material possessions.

Symbolism: Four coins form a square, symbolising solidity and structure. The simplicity of the arrangement reflects material grounding, while the lack of movement suggests potential stagnation.

In Relationships: A relationship built on stability, but one that may lack spontaneity. It calls for finding balance between security and emotional openness.

In Work: Financial or professional stability, but a need to avoid becoming overly conservative or resistant to growth.

Spiritually: The card invites you to ground yourself but warns against clinging too tightly to the material world.

When ill-dignified: Greed, possessiveness, or fear of loss. It warns against hoarding resources or stifling growth due to fear of change.

 

 

 

 

Card 3: Three of Swords

The Three of Swords represents heartache, loss, and learning hard lessons. It signifies growth through adversity and the necessity of confronting unfortunate truths.

Symbolism: This card features a single central sword surrounded by an oval frame formed by two curved swords. A central sword stands upright, symbolising clarity, truth, and decisive action, while the encircling swords create a sense of containment or conflict. The presence of floral elements growing from the sword's base suggests that pain and struggle can lead to personal growth and renewal. The structure emphasises resilience, balance, and the ability to overcome emotional hardship through wisdom and perseverance.

In Relationships: A time of heartbreak, betrayal, or separation. Healing comes through acknowledging and processing the pain.

In Work: Disappointment or setbacks in a project or partnership. The card encourages resilience and learning from challenges.

Spiritually: The card signifies the transformative power of emotional trials, urging the seeker to find wisdom in suffering.

When ill-dignified: Lingering grief, self-pity, or refusal to move on. It warns against being trapped by sorrow or blaming others.

 

 

 

 

Card 4: 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: 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 6: 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 7: Nine of Batons

The Nine of Batons represents resilience, endurance, and the ability to protect what has been achieved. It reflects the final push before completion.

Symbolism: Nine batons intertwine in a dense arrangement, without foliage due to the weight of the structure. The card suggests strength under pressure and determination in adversity.

In Relationships: Protecting your emotional boundaries or working through challenges.

In Work: Hard work and vigilance are necessary to see a project through to completion.

Spiritually: The card reminds you of your inner strength and the importance of perseverance on the spiritual path.

When ill-dignified: Burnout, defensiveness, or a reluctance to seek help. It warns against isolating yourself in times of struggle.

 

 

 

 

Card 8: Queen of Batons

The Queen of Batons represents creative leadership, warmth, and the nurturing of ideas and relationships. She inspires confidence and demonstrates the power of blending intuition with action.

Symbolism: Seated on her throne with a commanding yet approachable presence, the Queen holds her baton with purpose. The aura of growth and vitality surrounds her, emphasising her connection to creativity and nurturing energy.

In Relationships: The card signifies loyalty, passion, and the deepening of bonds through mutual inspiration. It suggests a partner who brings warmth and confidence to the relationship.

In Work: It highlights leadership, creativity, and the ability to inspire a team or execute a vision with determination and grace.

Spiritually: The Queen calls for alignment with your inner fire, trusting your intuition to guide your creative and spiritual pursuits.

When ill-dignified: Overconfidence, manipulation, or burnout. It warns against using charm for selfish gains or losing balance in the pursuit of ambitions.

 

 

 

 

Card 9: III – The Empress (L'Impératrice)

This card signifies the creative force in its most abundant and fertile form. It represents growth, nurturing, and the life-giving power of nature.

Symbolism: Her sceptre symbolises authority rooted in creativity and love, while the shield bearing an eagle emphasises vision and protection. The Empress's seated posture on her throne exudes a sensual yet controlled energy, symbolising the harmony between fertility and structure. Her crown and flowing robes represent her connection to divine beauty and earthly abundance.

In Relationships: The blossoming of love or a nurturing, supportive relationship. It is a call to cultivate affection with care and patience.

In Work: A time of prolific creativity and the manifestation of projects. Trust your ability to bring ideas to fruition.

Spiritually: The Empress guides you to honour your divine creative potential, celebrating the interplay between spirit and matter.

When ill-dignified: Overindulgence, stagnation, or excessive control. It warns against smothering growth or being consumed by material concerns.