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

Three of Swords, Reversed	Seven of Pentacles	XIV – Temperance, Reversed
Four of Wands, Reversed	II – The High Priestess, Reversed	Ace of Swords, Reversed
XIII – Death	XVIII – The Moon	Five of Pentacles

 

 

 

 

Card 1: Three of Swords, Reversed

The Three of Swords represents heartbreak, emotional pain, and sorrow. This card is often associated with feelings of grief, loss, or betrayal, particularly in relationships. It signifies the piercing of the heart by harsh truths or painful experiences, such as the end of a relationship, a betrayal by a loved one, or a difficult emotional revelation. The image of three swords piercing a heart symbolises the depth of the pain, yet it also suggests healing is possible after the storm. This card is a reminder that emotional suffering, though painful, is often a part of the human experience and can lead to growth and the eventual release of old wounds.

Reversed, the Three of Swords can indicate lingering emotional pain, but it may also signify the beginning of the healing process. The reversal suggests you are letting go of past hurts, although the healing may still be in progress. The Three of Swords reversed can also indicate an avoidance of dealing with emotional pain, suggesting that you may be repressing your feelings rather than allowing yourself to grieve. This card reversed invites you to confront unresolved pain to heal and release old emotional wounds. It may also signal that the worst has passed, and recovery is underway.

In Relationships: The Three of Swords signifies emotional heartache, often due to betrayal, separation, or miscommunication. This card may indicate a breakup, an affair, or a painful realisation about a relationship. You may be experiencing sorrow from an old relationship or facing current heartbreak. The Three of Swords encourages you to allow yourself to grieve and acknowledge your emotions, knowing that healing is a process. This card reminds you that you deserve love that is honest, supportive, and nurturing. Though difficult, the Three of Swords offers a moment of introspection where you can learn from experiences and prepare for emotional renewal.

In Work: The Three of Swords suggests emotional pain. This could be a situation of betrayal or disappointment, such as being passed over for a promotion, dealing with workplace conflict, or facing a setback in a project or business venture. The Three of Swords advises you to confront the emotions that come with professional disappointments, recognising that, though painful, these experiences can lead to personal and professional growth. It also emphasises the need to heal and move on from situations that no longer align with your values or goals. The card may also indicate that it is time to get out of a toxic work environment and focus on self-care and emotional recovery.

Spiritually: The Three of Swords represents healing after emotional pain or trauma. This card suggests you may be struggling with spiritual or emotional wounds, possibly stemming from experiences, betrayals, or disappointments. The Three of Swords encourages you to acknowledge the pain and allow it to guide you towards greater wisdom and self-awareness. This card reminds you that healing is necessary for spiritual growth and that confronting your emotional wounds leads to greater inner strength and resilience. The Three of Swords also calls on you to release any spiritual or emotional baggage preventing you from going forward.

 

 

 

 

Card 2: Seven of Pentacles

The Seven of Pentacles represents patience, assessment, and the long-term view. This card embodies the energy of re-evaluating progress and taking a moment to reflect on the work and effort invested so far. It depicts a figure looking at a garden or crop they've cultivated, considering the growth that has occurred and pondering whether the investment of time and resources has been worth it. The Seven of Pentacles asks you to pause and assess your progress, take stock of what you have achieved, and determine whether your efforts are leading you towards the desired outcome. It is a card of reflection, patience, and understanding that rewards take time to manifest.

This card suggests you may be at a point where you are wondering whether your work is paying off, or whether you need to make adjustments to achieve the desired results. It can also indicate that rest or contemplation is necessary before proceeding, as rushing or forcing results can lead to burnout or dissatisfaction. The Seven of Pentacles encourages you to trust the process and have patience, knowing that growth and progress often unfold gradually. It is a reminder that sometimes taking a step back and assessing the bigger picture is essential to ensuring continued success.

In Relationships: The Seven of Pentacles suggests you may be reflecting on the progress of your relationship. This card can indicate a need to reassess where the relationship is heading and whether it is yielding the desired results. You may question whether you have invested enough effort, or if more work is needed to nurture the relationship. It may suggest that the relationship has reached a plateau or both partners are pausing to consider their future together. The Seven of Pentacles encourages patience and contemplation, reminding you that love, like any long-term endeavour, requires ongoing effort and time to flourish. It invites you to reflect on whether the relationship is fulfilling and worth continuing to invest in.

In Work: The Seven of Pentacles signifies a time of assessment, where you take stock of the work you've put into your professional endeavours. It can indicate that you have been putting in significant effort over time and are now reflecting on the progress you've made. The card encourages you to consider whether the work you are doing is leading you towards the outcomes you desire, or if changes need to be made to align your efforts with your goals. The Seven of Pentacles suggests that success is often built through sustained effort, and sometimes it is necessary to take a step back, re-evaluate, and make adjustments before continuing forward. It encourages patience and persistence, reminding you that rewards may take time to materialise.

Spiritually: The Seven of Pentacles represents a time of reflection and evaluation on the spiritual path. You may question your progress in your spiritual practice or life journey. This card invites you to pause and evaluate whether you are moving in the direction you want to go or need to adjust your approach. The Seven of Pentacles suggests spiritual growth is a gradual process that requires patience and consistent effort. It encourages you to trust that your efforts lead towards a deeper understanding, even if the results are not apparent. The card asks you to consider whether you are invested in your spiritual journey and whether you are allowing enough time and space for growth and transformation.

 

 

 

 

Card 3: XIV – Temperance, Reversed

Temperance represents balance, harmony, moderation, and healing. This card embodies the principle of integrating opposites and finding equilibrium within oneself and in the world. An angel or ethereal figure pours water from one cup to another, the imagery of Temperance suggests the blending of two elements to create something harmonious. The flowing water symbolises the steady flow of energy, while the angel's wings and serene expression point to a divine guidance in achieving harmony. This card teaches the importance of moderation, patience, and self-control in all areas of life.

Reversed, temperance can indicate imbalance, excess, or a lack of harmony in your life. It suggests you may be overindulging in certain areas, whether in emotions, behaviours, or actions, leading to stress, burnout, or disharmony. This card reversed warns against extreme reactions, impulsiveness, or trying to force situations to align with your desires. It can also indicate a failure to find middle ground in relationships or work, leading to conflict or dissatisfaction. Temperance reversed encourages you to reassess your approach, seek a more balanced and measured path, and take the time to heal areas of your life that feel out of alignment.

In Relationships: Temperance suggests that balance and harmony are key in your relationship. It may indicate the need for moderation in how emotions, time, and energy are shared between partners. This card encourages you to avoid extremes—whether in expectations, communication, or attachment—and instead find a balanced approach that fosters mutual respect, understanding, and patience. Temperance speaks to a steady connection, where both partners support each other's growth while maintaining their individuality. It can also indicate healing in relationships, whether overcoming challenges or finding a new sense of balance and understanding between two people.

In Work: Temperance signifies a time for finding balance in one's professional life. This card encourages you to manage your workload, relationships, and responsibilities with grace and moderation, avoiding burnout and stress. It may suggest the need for collaboration or the blending of unique skills or talents to achieve success. Temperance reminds you that steady, thoughtful progress, rather than hasty or extreme actions, is the key to long-term success. This card can also point to a need for healing in the workplace, whether it's resolving conflicts or restoring calm to a stressful environment.

Spiritually: Temperance represents the pursuit of inner balance and integration. This card invites you to align your physical, emotional, and spiritual selves into a harmonious whole, finding peace through moderation, patience, and acceptance. It encourages you to seek spiritual growth through balance rather than extreme practices or rigid beliefs. Temperance suggests that spiritual enlightenment can be achieved when the seeker is in harmony with both the inner self and the external world. It is a reminder that the path to spiritual fulfilment is about maintaining balance and being open to divine guidance.

 

 

 

 

Card 4: Four of Wands, Reversed

The Four of Wands represents celebration, harmony, and the achievement of a milestone. The fourth card in the Suit of Wands signifies a moment of joy and recognition, where efforts have led to a secure foundation. Depicted as a celebration or wedding, the Four of Wands marks a time when you can relax and celebrate your successes. The card shows people dancing, celebrating, or standing under a wreath of flowers, symbolising the completion of a task or project achieved with unity and collaboration. The Four of Wands is about coming together to mark a significant achievement or a period of peace.

Reversed, the Four of Wands can indicate disharmony, instability, or a disruption in peace. You may experience conflict or tension in your personal life, relationships, or work. It may suggest the delay of a celebration, or that security is being undermined. The reversed Four of Wands can also indicate that you are struggling to feel at home or comfortable in your current situation, whether it's a romantic relationship or your professional environment. It encourages you to address any issues preventing harmony and work towards creating a more stable and peaceful foundation. This card reminds you that while obstacles may arise, you can restore balance and reconnect with your inner sense of peace.

In Relationships: The Four of Wands indicates a joyful, stable, and harmonious period. This card often symbolises milestones such as engagements, weddings, or moving in together, as it represents a time when the couple has reached a significant moment of unity and celebration. It can also indicate a relationship that brings security, peace, and mutual support. For those in long-term partnerships, the Four of Wands can signify a period of renewed stability, where both partners feel more connected and aligned in their shared goals. For those who are single, this card suggests a happy, stable relationship may be on the horizon, one that offers both emotional fulfilment and belonging.

In Work: The Four of Wands indicates the completion of a major project or a professional milestone. It marks a time of celebration for the hard work and teamwork that has gone into achieving a goal. This card signifies recognition, security, and the reward of efforts well spent. It may suggest that you are in a period of consolidation, where your career is solidifying, and you can take a moment to relax and enjoy the stability you've worked hard to create. The Four of Wands also points to a time when collaboration, support from colleagues, or a sense of community at work leads to greater success. It's a reminder that both individual effort and collective support are necessary for long-term success.

Spiritually: The Four of Wands represents peace, stability, and the celebration of one's personal growth. It indicates a period of contentment and spiritual alignment where you feel grounded and secure in your path. This card can suggest harmony and integration between different aspects of the self, such as mind, body, and spirit. The Four of Wands encourages you to celebrate the progress made on your spiritual journey and enjoy the peace and balance you have achieved. It may also represent a time with a supportive spiritual community or finding peace in your connection with others who share your beliefs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: II – The High Priestess, Reversed

The High Priestess represents intuition, wisdom, and the subconscious mind. This card embodies the mysteries of the unseen and the inner knowledge that transcends logic and reason. She sits between two pillars, one black and one white, symbolising balance and duality. Behind her is a veil decorated with pomegranates, which suggests hidden knowledge and the gateway to deeper understanding. Her serene expression invites you to connect with the voice within.

Reversed, the High Priestess can indicate a blockage or disconnect from one's intuition or inner wisdom. It may suggest that you are ignoring your gut feelings, choosing logic or external influences over your inner knowing. This card reversed may also signal secrecy, deception, or hidden truths yet to be revealed. It urges you to pay attention to what is being left unsaid or to uncover hidden information. Reversed, the High Priestess calls for greater self-awareness and trust in the subconscious mind.

In Relationships: The High Priestess calls for listening to one's inner wisdom in matters of the heart. It suggests you may need to trust your intuition or inner voice, rather than relying only on external circumstances. This card can indicate a deep connection or a relationship in a period of mystery or uncertainty. It encourages introspection and observation, rather than impulsive action, to navigate the emotional and intuitive aspects of love.

In Work: The High Priestess encourages you to trust your inner wisdom when making career decisions. It may signal a time when knowledge and insight, rather than outward action, are necessary to move forward. This card suggests that sometimes the best way to approach career growth is through reflection, careful observation, and connecting with your deeper instincts. The High Priestess may also indicate hidden opportunities or knowledge available, but not yet revealed. Patience and trust in your intuition will be key in navigating the path forward.

Spiritually: The High Priestess represents spiritual growth and the pursuit of higher knowledge. She invites you to embrace the deeper mysteries of life—to seek enlightenment through inner reflection, meditation, and connection with the subconscious. She symbolises the unfolding of wisdom from a connection to the divine and the unseen realms. The High Priestess encourages a journey of introspection, intuition, and spiritual depth.

 

 

 

 

Card 6: Ace of Swords, Reversed

The Ace of Swords represents clarity, truth, and mental breakthroughs. As the embodiment of raw intellectual power, this card signifies the arrival of new ideas, insights, or a moment of sudden realisation that cuts through the confusion. The sword, as a symbol of intellect and communication, shows that you are being presented with a fresh perspective, the potential for mental clarity, or an opportunity to engage with truth clearly and directly. The Ace of Swords offers the energy of a sharp mind, clear intentions, and the ability to face challenges with a straightforward approach.

Reversed, the Ace of Swords can indicate confusion, dishonesty, or mental blockages. The reversal suggests you may be struggling to see things clearly, either because of internal confusion, miscommunication, or being caught in illusions. It may also indicate that you are avoiding the truth by not speaking up or denying a reality that needs to be addressed. The Ace of Swords reversed encourages you to seek clarity and be honest with yourself and others. It suggests the need to clear away the fog and allow direct communication to guide you towards understanding.

In Relationships: The Ace of Swords represents clear communication, honesty, and truth. This card signals a time when you or your partner may need to have an important conversation that cuts through misunderstandings or brings clarity to a situation. The Ace of Swords encourages you to speak your truth openly and directly, clearing the air and removing any confusion or deception. This card may also indicate a breakthrough in understanding each other's needs or desires, where clarity leads to a stronger emotional connection. The Ace of Swords reminds you that honesty is essential in love and that addressing hard truths with clarity can bring about profound change and growth.

In Work: The Ace of Swords suggests a new intellectual breakthrough or a fresh idea that could lead to success. It may signify the beginning of a new project, endeavour, or direction in the professional realm based on strategic thinking and clear communication. This card encourages you to use your mental abilities to tackle problems, solve challenges, and move forward confidently. The Ace of Swords often indicates the start of something where clarity of purpose and mental focus are key. You may be called to speak up, lead with logic, or bring a new perspective to your career, potentially leading to greater success.

Spiritually: The Ace of Swords signifies clarity of thought and the pursuit of truth on a deeper level. This card indicates you may experience a moment of spiritual awakening or a surge of insight that cuts through confusion or previous misconceptions. The Ace of Swords invites you to seek truth, challenge old beliefs, and engage with spirituality from a place of intellectual clarity and personal integrity. This card also encourages you to embrace the power of your mind in your spiritual practice, suggesting that mental clarity and an open mind are essential for spiritual growth. It represents the potential for enlightenment, where new understanding can lead to profound transformation.

 

 

 

 

Card 7: XIII – Death

Death represents transformation, endings, and rebirth. It is a symbolic death, signifying the end of one phase of life and the beginning of another. A skeletal figure on horseback with a scythe reminds us that change is inevitable and letting go of the old makes room for the new. It signifies the natural cycle of life, where death is a transition, not an end. This card calls for releasing what no longer serves, allowing you to shed old habits or beliefs holding you back from growth.

Death may appear when you face a period of significant change or the need to release attachments. It encourages you to embrace these transitions with trust and understanding, knowing that they are part of the cycles of life. The end of something can be an opportunity for renewal, as old patterns give way to new possibilities. Death is not to be feared but embraced as a natural part of the journey of life.

In Relationships: Death signifies the end of a phase, which could be a breakup, a transformation in how two people relate, or letting go of old patterns that no longer work. This card indicates that the relationship may be going through a period of change, and it encourages you to embrace that change rather than resist it. Death invites rebirth—whether the opportunity to renew the relationship by letting go of baggage or the possibility of closing the chapter to make space for new, healthier connections. This card reminds us that endings, though painful, are necessary for growth and new beginnings.

In Work: Death signifies a major transformation, signalling the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It may indicate the closing of a professional project, a career change, or a shift in goals or direction. While this may initially feel unsettling, Death suggests this change is an opportunity for growth through an alternative career path, a different role, or a fresh approach to work. This card encourages you to release old ways of working or thinking that no longer serve you and embrace the unknown with an open mind. Death signals that sometimes it's necessary to let go of the old to make space for new opportunities and success.

Spiritually: Death represents the ultimate transformation, the shedding of old identities, and the continual evolution of the soul. This card speaks to the process of spiritual rebirth, where you may be called to let go of outdated beliefs or practices that no longer resonate with your higher self. It encourages you to embrace the process of spiritual evolution, where each phase of life offers the opportunity to transform and grow in new ways. Death invites the seeker to release the attachments that bind them to the material world and focus on inner growth, understanding that spiritual evolution is a continual process of shedding and renewal.

 

 

 

 

Card 8: XVIII – The Moon

The Moon represents intuition, illusion, the subconscious, and hidden truths. It invites you to explore the realm of the unconscious mind, dreams, and intuition. A moonlit landscape with a wolf and a dog howling at the moon, a path winding through rocky terrain, and a crab emerging from the water symbolises the mysterious and sometimes deceptive nature of the mind. The moonlight casts shadows, obscuring as much as it illuminates. It invites you to look beyond appearances to understand deeper meanings or hidden emotions. This card suggests there may be illusions, confusion, or uncertainty in a situation, and it encourages you to trust your intuition to navigate through the unknown.

The Moon calls for introspection, asking you to explore your inner world and pay attention to your dreams and emotional responses. It signals a time when the mind may be clouded or things are not what they seem on the surface. The Moon invites you to trust your inner wisdom and be cautious of deception and self-deception.

In Relationships: The Moon suggests there may be confusion, misunderstandings, or illusions. It could indicate that one or both partners are hiding their feelings, or there are secrets to be revealed. This card warns against jumping to conclusions or making assumptions based on surface-level information. The Moon encourages open communication and honesty, urging you to trust your intuition and dig deeper into your emotions. It can also signify a period of emotional uncertainty or mood swings, where clarity may come only after introspection and reflection. This card asks you to be patient with yourself and your partner.

In Work: The Moon suggests there may be hidden factors or uncertainties surrounding a work situation. It encourages you to look beyond the surface. There may be deception, miscommunication, or unclear motivations at play, and you should be cautious about trusting everything you hear or see. This card can also indicate a time of emotional vulnerability in the workplace, when intuition may be more reliable than logic. The Moon invites you to listen to your gut feelings and avoid making decisions without understanding the situation. It may also point to a need for creative or intuitive solutions, as the path forward may not be clear.

Spiritually: The Moon represents the journey into the subconscious mind and the exploration of hidden aspects of the self. This card calls for introspection, inviting you to uncover and confront your fears, desires, and unresolved emotions. The Moon encourages you to pay attention to your dreams, intuition, and inner messages, as these may hold the keys to spiritual growth. However, it also warns of illusions and misleading thoughts, urging you to approach your spiritual journey with caution and awareness. The Moon signifies that the path to enlightenment may be shrouded in mystery, and you must trust your inner wisdom and intuition to guide you.

 

 

 

 

Card 9: Five of Pentacles

The Five of Pentacles represents hardship, struggle, and being left out in the cold. This card embodies the energy of material or financial loss, insecurity, and isolation. It depicts two figures walking through a snowy landscape, disconnected from the warmth and comfort of a nearby building, symbolising being excluded, abandoned, or not supported. The Five of Pentacles suggests you may experience difficulty, whether financial instability, health problems, or emotional lack. The card invites you to reflect on how you view scarcity and struggle and recognise that hardship, while challenging, can also present opportunities for growth and resilience.

This card can point to feelings of fear, scarcity, or loneliness, as you may feel you are facing challenges alone. It's also a reminder that help and support are often closer than you may realise. The building in the background, though it may seem out of reach, represents the possibility of assistance or refuge that can be found if you are open to seeking it. The Five of Pentacles encourages you to avoid becoming too focused on your struggles and be willing to reach out for help or to change your perspective on your situation.

In Relationships: The Five of Pentacles may indicate feelings of isolation or abandonment. You may experience distance from your partner and feel unsupported or misunderstood. This card can also point to financial struggles affecting the relationship, such as job loss or instability, which can lead to feelings of insecurity or worry. The Five of Pentacles advises you to communicate openly with your partner and address any issues causing emotional distance. It encourages you to be open to receiving help or support from your partner, rather than suffering in silence.

In Work: The Five of Pentacles suggests you may be facing financial difficulty, job insecurity, or a lack of recognition in your professional life. This card indicates you may feel disconnected or unsupported in your career or may be struggling to find your footing after a setback. The Five of Pentacles urges you to reach out for support, whether seeking new opportunities, asking for help, or finding ways to strengthen your financial situation. This card also serves as a reminder that difficult times are temporary and that with perseverance and a shift in perspective, you can recover from hardship.

Spiritually: The Five of Pentacles suggests a feeling of spiritual dryness, isolation, or abandonment. You may experience doubts about your faith or disconnection from your spiritual path. This card can also indicate feeling disconnected from the support of a spiritual community or unsupported in your personal beliefs. However, the Five of Pentacles invites you to recognise that even in times of spiritual struggle, help and guidance may be closer than you think. This card encourages you to reach out for support from your spiritual community, mentors, or resources that can help you regain connection, faith, and purpose. The card reminds us that spiritual growth often comes through overcoming difficult periods, and that seeking help or guidance during times of spiritual challenge can lead to deeper understanding and healing.