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

Six of Swords	King of Swords, Reversed	King of Cups
Eight of Pentacles, Reversed	Knight of Wands, Reversed	Eight of Wands, Reversed
Knight of Cups, Reversed	Knight of Pentacles	XVI – The Tower, Reversed

 

 

 

 

Card 1: Six of Swords

The Six of Swords represents moving forward from a difficult situation. This card signals leaving behind a time of hardship or emotional turbulence and heading towards calmer, more peaceful waters. It suggests you are healing or recovering from a challenging experience, and while the road ahead may still require effort, there is relief and optimism as you start moving forward. The image depicts a figure traveling across a body of water in a boat, with swords representing the mental challenges or emotional baggage left behind.

The Six of Swords is a card of progress and recovery, encouraging you to leave behind what no longer serves you and focus on the promise of a new beginning. It reminds you that while the past may have been difficult, the future holds the potential for growth and peace. This card encourages you to embrace change, even if it is uncomfortable, knowing that moving forward will bring you closer to resolution and emotional balance. It is a reminder that the healing journey may not be quick or easy, but every step towards the future brings you closer to the calm you seek.

In Relationships: The Six of Swords suggests moving on from emotional pain or difficulties. This card indicates that you are healing, leaving behind old hurts or a toxic relationship to find peace. The Six of Swords may signal the end of a difficult period in love, a time you are finally ready to move on and open yourself up to new possibilities. It encourages you to let go of the past, release emotional baggage, and trust that the journey towards healing will lead to healthier and more fulfilling relationships. This card is a reminder that sometimes the best way forward in love is to move away from situations that no longer align with your well-being.

In Work: The Six of Swords indicates a period of transition when you are moving from a challenging work situation or difficult project towards a more favourable environment. This could involve leaving a job, moving to a new position, or changing career paths for greater satisfaction or stability. The Six of Swords signifies a shift, where you distance yourself from old problems and focus on your growth and success. It is a reminder that while change may be intimidating, it often leads to progress and opportunity. The card encourages you to move forward confidently, knowing the journey will bring you closer to your goals.

Spiritually: The Six of Swords represents a journey of recovery and growth. This card suggests you are leaving behind limiting beliefs, old wounds, or difficult spiritual experiences to find peace, balance, and clarity. It may indicate a period of spiritual renewal when you distance yourself from past traumas or negative influences and focus on your path of personal development. The Six of Swords encourages you to trust your spiritual journey, knowing that each step forward brings you closer to a higher understanding or inner peace. It is a reminder that healing takes time, but the journey towards enlightenment is worth the effort.

 

 

 

 

Card 2: King of Swords, Reversed

The King of Swords represents authority and intellectual power. This card embodies a figure who is not just intelligent but also disciplined and fair. As the master of his intellect, the King of Swords is a strategist, someone able to think critically, make logical decisions, and lead with wisdom and integrity. His sword symbolises truth, communication, and rational thought, and he uses these qualities to rule with honesty and justice. This king is known for his ability to detach from emotions and approach situations objectively, making him an effective problem-solver, leader, and advisor.

Reversed, the King of Swords suggests a misuse of power, poor judgement, or a lack of clarity in communication. You may be struggling to make decisions or acting with manipulation, harshness, or intellectual dishonesty. The reversed King of Swords can indicate someone who is overbearing, cold, or rigid in their thinking, leading to conflict or misunderstanding. Perhaps, you may find it difficult to detach from emotions when objectivity is needed. This card, Reversed, urges you to examine your motives and communication style and bring balance back to your intellect and emotional awareness. It may also indicate a need to seek counsel or guidance from someone with a clearer perspective.

In Relationships: The King of Swords represents clear communication, fairness, and rational decision-making. This card suggests you may need to approach your romantic life maturely, detaching from emotional impulses and focusing on open communication. The King of Swords values honesty and will not tolerate deceit or manipulation. He seeks a partner who can engage in intellectual conversation and mutual respect. While this card may point to a relationship built on solid communication and intellectual connection, it can also indicate a need to avoid being detached or unemotional in love. The King of Swords reminds you to strike a balance between reason and emotional depth in your relationships.

In Work: The King of Swords signifies a position of leadership, decision-making, or authority. You may be in a role where you must lead with intellect, communicate clearly, and make complex decisions. This card suggests your success is tied to your ability to think critically, maintain fairness, and remain objective. The King of Swords also encourages you to embrace your intellectual strengths, whether in a position of power or a field requiring analysis and strategy. It may also indicate the presence of a mentor or advisor who embodies these qualities. The King of Swords could indicate a legal, academic, or advisory role where logic and communication are paramount.

Spiritually: The King of Swords represents wisdom, higher knowledge, and authority. You may be seeking greater understanding or guidance, and this card encourages using your intellect and discernment to find the answers you seek. The King of Swords urges you to be truthful with yourself and seek spiritual growth through disciplined study, meditation, or inner reflection. This card can indicate the need for spiritual leadership, either as you take on a guiding role for others or seek a mentor who can help you navigate your spiritual path. The King of Swords reminds you that spiritual insight comes not just from emotion but from the disciplined and thoughtful exploration of truth.

 

 

 

 

Card 3: King of Cups

The King of Cups represents emotional mastery, compassion, and wisdom. As a ruler of the suit of cups, this king embodies the perfect balance between emotion and intellect, demonstrating how to navigate the realm of feelings with maturity, understanding, and composure. He is a figure of emotional authority, someone who has learned how to handle intense emotions without being overwhelmed. The King of Cups is empathetic and caring, but he knows when to show restraint and when to express his feelings, always maintaining control over his emotional responses.

This card symbolises emotional stability, where you are encouraged to approach situations with a rational mind, compassionate heart, and sense of emotional awareness. The King of Cups calls on you to step into your emotional maturity, cultivating balance in your personal and professional lives. His presence suggests the need to channel emotional wisdom, offering guidance and support to others, while also being true to your feelings. He invites you to lead with love, showing empathy and understanding, yet always staying grounded and composed.

In Relationships: The King of Cups represents a strong emotional connection based on mutual respect, understanding, and balance. This card suggests you may experience a relationship where emotional maturity and stability play a central role. The King of Cups is supportive, compassionate, and capable of offering guidance and comfort in times of need while maintaining emotional composure. This card indicates a period of emotional harmony, where both partners communicate openly, understand each other's needs, and offer unconditional love and support. The King of Cups encourages you to express your feelings with integrity and approach love with a calm, steady heart.

In Work: The King of Cups suggests you are or will soon be in a position of leadership, where your emotional intelligence, wisdom, and empathy will be highly valued. This card indicates you may be called upon to guide others, offering support, mentorship, or emotional guidance in your professional environment. The King of Cups represents a leader skilled in their field who can manage relationships, build trust, and create a harmonious atmosphere. This card also emphasises the importance of maintaining emotional balance in the workplace, ensuring you do not allow stress, pressure, or conflict to affect your emotional state. The King of Cups advises you to rely on your emotional intelligence to succeed, leading with compassion, patience, and wisdom.

Spiritually: The King of Cups represents emotional and spiritual maturity, along with a strong connection to the higher self. This card suggests you may have reached a stage in your spiritual journey where you can approach your path with understanding, balance, and inner calm. The King of Cups encourages you to trust your emotional wisdom and intuition, knowing that your feelings can serve as a guide towards spiritual fulfilment. This card also suggests the need for emotional healing for you or those you serve, encouraging a compassionate, healing approach to others on their spiritual journey. The King of Cups teaches that spiritual growth is not just about intellectual understanding but also mastering the emotional realm with love, empathy, and wisdom.

 

 

 

 

Card 4: Eight of Pentacles, Reversed

The Eight of Pentacles represents diligence, mastery, and concerted effort. This card embodies the energy of hard work, skill-building, and dedication to one's craft. It depicts a figure working hard at their craft, chiselling away at a piece of wood or metal, focusing intently on their task. The Eight of Pentacles suggests you are putting in the work and effort to improve your skills, whether in your career, creative endeavours, or personal development. It speaks to the importance of perseverance and the value of continuous learning and improvement.

Reversed, the Eight of Pentacles may indicate a lack of focus, poor work habits, or feeling stuck in a repetitive cycle. You may be struggling with motivation, feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand, or not putting in the effort to achieve your goals. It can also suggest a tendency to cut corners, be careless, or avoid the work required for growth. The reversed Eight of Pentacles advises you to assess whether you are committed to your work and evaluate if your efforts are aligned with your long-term goals. It may also suggest the need to re-evaluate your approach or seek guidance to go forward with more clarity.

In Relationships: The Eight of Pentacles suggests you may be putting in significant effort to nurture and grow your relationship. This card indicates you are dedicated to making the relationship work, focusing on improving communication, understanding, or other important aspects. It may also suggest that you are working through challenges or learning more about your partner, to build a deeper and more lasting connection. The Eight of Pentacles encourages you to work to cultivate love, whether by making small efforts to show affection, communicating openly, or working together to resolve conflicts. Success in love, like any other endeavour, requires attention, care, and a commitment to growth.

In Work: The Eight of Pentacles signifies concerted effort, where you are dedicating yourself to improving your skills or advancing in your profession. This card suggests you are in a phase of apprenticeship or learning, perhaps acquiring new knowledge or expertise to further your career. It may indicate that you are refining your craft, mastering a particular aspect of your job, or working diligently to complete a project with a high level of quality. The Eight of Pentacles encourages you to continue to dedicate yourself to your work, as success in this area will come from consistent effort, attention to detail, and a commitment to personal growth. The card may also suggest you are on the path to becoming an expert in your field, with the potential for recognition or achievement.

Spiritually: The Eight of Pentacles represents a time of disciplined effort and growth in one's spiritual practice. It is a time when you dedicate yourself to improving your understanding or honing your spiritual practices. This card suggests you are engaged in learning, whether studying sacred texts, meditating regularly, or engaging in rituals or practices that deepen your connection to the divine. The Eight of Pentacles encourages you to remain dedicated and patient, as spiritual growth requires ongoing effort and the willingness to refine your approach. The card reminds you that spiritual mastery is a continuous journey and each small step contributes to greater understanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: Knight of Wands, Reversed

The Knight of Wands represents boldness, adventure, and pursuing goals with passion and vigour. It embodies the energy of someone fearless, dynamic, and determined to move forward in their pursuits, no matter the obstacles. This card signifies action, enthusiasm, and a fiery drive to achieve one's ambitions. Depicted on horseback, charging forward with a wand in hand, the Knight of Wands is on a quest, eager to conquer challenges and explore new frontiers. His energy is contagious, and his confidence in the face of uncertainty encourages you to act decisively and boldly in your own life.

Reversed, the Knight of Wands can indicate impulsiveness, recklessness, or a lack of focus. You may be acting without thinking through the consequences, rushing into situations without adequate preparation, or pursuing too many projects at once. This card warns against getting swept up in the excitement of new opportunities without considering the long-term impact. The reversed Knight of Wands also suggests a loss of momentum, where you are feeling stuck, lacking the drive and energy needed to move forward. Here, you are encouraged to reassess your goals and reignite your passion with a more grounded approach. It may also indicate frustration from feeling like things are moving too slowly or not at all.

In Relationships: The Knight of Wands indicates a time of passionate energy and adventure. For those in committed relationships, this card suggests a renewed sense of excitement, spontaneity, and enthusiasm. It may represent a period of rekindled passion, where both partners are eager to explore new facets of the relationship or take risks together. For those who are single, the Knight of Wands can signify a fast-moving romantic encounter filled with excitement and intensity. However, the Knight of Wands may also point to a tendency for relationships to be temporary, encouraging you to be mindful of how quickly things progress. This card reminds you to stay true to your desires while seeking a balance between passion and stability.

In Work: The Knight of Wands represents bold action, ambition, and the drive to succeed. This card signifies a time when you should take decisive action towards your career goals. The Knight of Wands is determined, fearless, and ready to face challenges head-on, suggesting that you should embrace new opportunities, take risks, and pursue ventures confidently. It can also indicate a new, exciting job or project that requires energy and enthusiasm. While this card encourages fast movement, it also warns against rushing into things without planning. You are encouraged to harness your energy wisely, balancing excitement with practicality to avoid burnout or missteps.

Spiritually: The Knight of Wands signifies intense growth and spiritual exploration. You may feel a pull to expand your consciousness, take risks in your spiritual practices, or go on a journey of self-discovery. This card encourages you to follow your inner calling with excitement and confidence but approach spiritual exploration with an open mind and a sense of purpose. The Knight of Wands represents a spiritual quest, full of new experiences and insights. It's a time to embrace change, seek new wisdom, and venture beyond your comfort zone while staying true to the heart's deepest desires.

 

 

 

 

Card 6: Eight of Wands, Reversed

The Eight of Wands represents swift action, progress, and movement. The eighth card in the Suit of Wands indicates a period of rapid development, where things are moving quickly, and you may experience urgency or excitement. Depicted as eight wands flying, the Eight of Wands suggests momentum is building and your goals or desires are quickly taking shape. It signifies a time when things are moving fast, and the energy around you is dynamic and focused. The Eight of Wands encourages you to act decisively, as delays or hesitation may cause you to miss out on opportunities.

Reversed, the Eight of Wands can indicate delays, slow progress, or miscommunication. The energy of this card may be blocked, suggesting that things are moving more slowly than you would like or obstacles are preventing forward movement. The reversed Eight of Wands may also signify confusion or lack of clarity about which direction to take. It can suggest a period of waiting or uncertainty, where you may feel frustrated by the pace of developments. This card advises you to be patient and adaptable, as the situation may require some time to come to fruition. The reversed Eight of Wands encourages you to focus on clearing any barriers or miscommunication that may be hindering progress and remain open to eventual swift movement when the time is right.

In Relationships: The Eight of Wands indicates rapid movement or a sudden shift. This could mean an unexpected romantic gesture, a fast-moving event such as a new relationship, or a significant breakthrough in an existing one. The card suggests things will progress quickly, and you may feel that things are moving at a pace you didn't expect. The Eight of Wands can signify a period of growth and transformation, where things are picking up speed, possibly leading to greater intimacy or commitment. For those who are single, this card points to the possibility of a whirlwind romance or fast developments in a potential partnership. It encourages you to embrace the excitement of love and stay open to where it may lead.

In Work: The Eight of Wands represents fast-moving opportunities, progress, and success that comes swiftly after a period of planning or hard work. This card can indicate an upcoming breakthrough, such as a new job offer, a promotion, or a significant career advancement. The Eight of Wands signals that things are moving quickly, and you must be prepared to act fast to seize opportunities. It may also suggest that projects or initiatives are speeding up, requiring you to stay focused and efficient. The card encourages decisiveness and adaptability, as the pace of success may demand quick thinking and prompt action. It is a reminder that now is the time to capitalise on the momentum and take advantage of opportunities.

Spiritually: The Eight of Wands signifies rapid progress and a time of spiritual acceleration. You may experience breakthroughs, moments of clarity, or heightened awareness. This card represents a time when understanding is advancing at a fast pace, and you may feel as if you are receiving a surge of inspiration or guidance. It suggests you are in a period of heightened energy, when spiritual growth is happening quickly. The Eight of Wands encourages you to stay receptive to spiritual messages and guidance, acting swiftly on intuitive nudges or insights. It signifies that you are on the right path and should trust the flow of progress.

 

 

 

 

Card 7: Knight of Cups, Reversed

The Knight of Cups represents emotional pursuit, romance, and following one's heart with passion and conviction. This card embodies a figure determined to chase after their dreams, desires, and ideals, often in the realm of love, creativity, or spiritual growth. The Knight of Cups signifies a time when you are feeling inspired, motivated, and driven by your emotions or a sense of purpose. This knight rides a horse while holding a chalice, symbolising a quest for emotional fulfilment, passion, and emotional connection.

Reversed, the Knight of Cups may indicate emotional instability, unrealistic expectations, or being swept away by fantasies or illusions. The reversal suggests you may be acting impulsively or idealistically without considering the consequences, which could lead to disappointment or heartache. It may also signify a lack of emotional direction or a tendency to avoid responsibility in relationships or other emotional matters. The Knight of Cups reversed invites you to ground your emotions and be more discerning in your pursuits, particularly in matters of the heart. It calls for a more balanced approach, ensuring that emotional impulses are aligned with reality and practicality.

In Relationships: The Knight of Cups represents a romantic and idealistic approach. This card suggests you may be on the cusp of experiencing a romantic encounter or a period where emotions are passionate and transformative. The Knight of Cups brings the energy of a romantic adventurer, someone willing to do whatever it takes to express their love, woo a partner, or follow the call of the heart. For those already in relationships, this card may indicate a renewal of passion, a deepening emotional connection, or heightened romance. The Knight of Cups urges you to be open to the emotional flow, allow love to guide you, and take inspired action in love without hesitation.

In Work: The Knight of Cups suggests you may be pursuing a path that aligns with your passions, creativity, or emotional fulfilment. This card represents the pursuit of work that feels meaningful or emotionally rewarding, rather than simply chasing external rewards or recognition. The Knight of Cups may indicate a project or job involving creative expression, emotional intelligence, or helping others, suggesting that you are guided by a calling. This card encourages you to take inspired action in your career, follow your intuition, and stay true to your dreams, even if the path is unconventional.

Spiritually: The Knight of Cups signifies a time of emotional and spiritual exploration, where you are called to trust your intuition. This card suggests you may be on a quest for deeper meaning, inspired by a spiritual ideal. The Knight of Cups invites you to embrace your emotions as a gateway to spiritual growth, encouraging you to follow your heart and intuition. This card can also represent the need for creative or artistic expression as a form of spiritual practice, where you connect with your higher self through imagination, art, or music.

 

 

 

 

Card 8: Knight of Pentacles

The Knight of Pentacles represents dedication, responsibility, and long-term goals. This card embodies the energy of steady progress, diligence, and practicality in the face of challenges. The Knight of Pentacles rides resolutely through a field, with a pentacle firmly in hand. The image suggests the knight is on a clear mission, focused on material success, stability, and security through disciplined effort and attention to detail. This card speaks to the value of persistence, hard work, and a no-nonsense approach to achieving goals.

This card indicates you may be in a phase where you are committed to a long-term project or goal. The Knight of Pentacles emphasises the importance of staying patient, reliable, and consistent, as success will come over time through steady effort. While progress may seem slow, the Knight reminds you that lasting achievements are built upon a foundation of discipline and careful planning. This card encourages you to stay grounded, focus on your responsibilities, and avoid rushing through tasks. It's a reminder that slow and steady progress leads to lasting results.

In Relationships: The Knight of Pentacles suggests a steady, committed approach. This card indicates loyalty, responsibility, and a willingness to work through challenges to build a lasting partnership. The Knight of Pentacles may signify a partner who is dependable, supportive, and focused on creating a stable future together. For those seeking love, the card may suggest the need for patience and careful consideration in forming new connections. This knight embodies the idea of love built over time, with both partners working together to create a solid foundation for a secure, long-term relationship.

In Work: The Knight of Pentacles signifies a disciplined, methodical approach to professional life. You may be in a phase where you focus on building long-term stability and security in your career, whether that involves working hard at a job, pursuing further education, or steadily progressing towards career goals. The Knight of Pentacles encourages you to stay on course, even if the path seems slow or challenging. This card underscores the importance of consistency, hard work, and attention to detail. Success will come through a steady commitment to responsibilities and a patient, pragmatic approach to career advancement.

Spiritually: The Knight of Pentacles suggests a grounded, practical approach to spiritual growth. It indicates a time of steady progress and commitment to spiritual practices, such as meditation, prayer, or other forms of personal development. This card encourages you to focus on building a strong, consistent foundation, taking time to develop your beliefs and practices at your own pace. The Knight of Pentacles advises you to approach your spiritual journey with patience and a commitment to growth, knowing that deepening your connection to spirituality requires consistent effort and discipline.

 

 

 

 

Card 9: XVI – The Tower, Reversed

The Tower represents sudden upheaval, destruction, and revelation. This card symbolises the collapse of established structures that were built on unstable foundations. A tall tower being struck by lightning, with people falling from it, signals that something in your life is about to be drastically altered, often through unexpected events or revelations. While the image may appear dramatic, the Tower invites a necessary shake-up or disruption that clears the way for transformation. The destruction is not meant to be detrimental, but to reveal the truth and tear down false beliefs, patterns, or illusions that no longer serve your best interests.

Reversed, the Tower can indicate resistance to change or a fear of upheaval. You may be avoiding the collapse of an outdated structure, clinging to what is familiar out of fear of the unknown. This card reversed warns that delaying or denying the inevitable changes will only lead to greater chaos in the future. The reversed Tower also speaks to the possibility of avoiding the truth, which may be keeping you trapped in an illusion. It encourages you to face the situation head-on, release your attachment to the old, and embrace the transformation required for personal growth and freedom. The Tower reversed suggests the sooner you accept the need for change, the sooner you can rebuild on a stronger foundation.

In Relationships: The Tower indicates a sudden and unexpected change—this could be an argument, a breakup, or a moment of shocking revelation that forces both partners to confront underlying issues. While the upheaval may be painful, it offers an opportunity to rebuild the relationship from a more authentic place, free of illusions or false expectations. The Tower urges you to face uncomfortable truths and let go of outdated beliefs or patterns preventing the relationship from developing. This card can also signify a need to release unhealthy attachments to make way for a more genuine connection.

In Work: The Tower suggests an unexpected disruption in your professional life. This could be a sudden job loss, a major shift in a project, or the breakdown of a system that no longer works. The Tower indicates that a structure built on unstable ground is collapsing, and while this may initially seem like a crisis, it is ultimately a catalyst for change and growth. You are encouraged to embrace the chaos as an opportunity to reassess your goals and approach, shedding old methods or beliefs that no longer align with your vision of success. The Tower signals the need for radical change, pushing you to step outside your comfort zone and embrace radical new possibilities.

Spiritually: The Tower represents a profound awakening, where your beliefs or worldview may be shattered to make room for deeper understanding and enlightenment. This card invites you to confront the illusions or false constructs that have kept you from seeing the truth of your spiritual path. The Tower represents the moment of revelation that breaks down the ego, allowing the individual to see things more clearly. It is a reminder that spiritual growth often requires moments of upheaval, where the old self is destroyed to make way for the new. The destruction of the old is essential for the emergence of wisdom and self-awareness.