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

Knight of Cups, Reversed	Knight of Pentacles, Reversed	Two of Wands, Reversed
Ten of Swords, Reversed	Three of Cups	Five of Cups, Reversed
VIII – Strength	V – The Hierophant, Reversed	IX – The Hermit

 

 

 

 

Card 1: 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 2: Knight of Pentacles, Reversed

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.

Reversed, the Knight of Pentacles can indicate stagnation, a lack of progress, or a rigid approach to goals. You may be stuck in a routine that feels monotonous or uninspiring, or you may be hesitating to move forward due to fear of failure or an overemphasis on caution. The reversed Knight of Pentacles may also suggest a reluctance to take responsibility or an inability to follow through with commitments. It can also indicate a tendency to focus too much on material pursuits, neglecting other important aspects of life. The reversed card urges you to reassess your approach, avoid getting bogged down by perfectionism, and take more action towards your long-term goals.

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 3: Two of Wands, Reversed

The Two of Wands represents planning, decision-making, and exploring possibilities. As the second card in the suit of Wands, it marks the stage where inspiration and initial excitement develop into a more thoughtful, strategic approach. Depicted as a figure between two tall staffs holding a globe and looking out over a vast landscape, the Two of Wands symbolises a moment of looking ahead and considering the future. This card indicates you are standing at a crossroads, contemplating your next steps and weighing your options. The globe represents the world of possibilities, while the staffs represent the energy and determination needed to move forward.

Reversed, the Two of Wands can indicate hesitation, indecision, or a lack of confidence to move forward. It may suggest you are feeling stuck or unable to make a decision about your future or may be avoiding taking the necessary risks. The reversed Two of Wands can also signify a fear of failure or a reluctance to step outside your comfort zone. This card advises you to overcome self-doubt and take action, reminding you that planning and preparation are important, but you must also be willing to take the leap and trust your instincts. It can also suggest you focus too much on what could go wrong instead of the potential rewards, urging you to regain perspective and confidence.

In Relationships: The Two of Wands suggests you are at a decision-making point in your romantic life. You may be contemplating whether to move forward with a relationship or whether it's time to explore other possibilities. This card indicates a strong sense of attraction and potential, but you may need to make a choice or assess how your desires align with the reality of the relationship. For those already in a partnership, the Two of Wands may indicate a time of expansion, where both partners are considering new directions together. It encourages exploration, communication, and mutual decision-making. This card can also indicate that you are contemplating a long-distance relationship or a shift in the dynamics of an existing relationship.

In Work: The Two of Wands represents planning, foresight, and taking the first steps towards a larger goal. You may be considering a new professional opportunity, expanding your business, or exploring an alternative career path. This card suggests you have already gained some experience or knowledge and are looking ahead to the next stage of your professional journey. The Two of Wands encourages taking calculated risks and boldly pursuing new opportunities. It also reminds you to be patient, as success may require careful planning and thoughtful consideration. This card can indicate that you are preparing to step into a leadership role or begin a new venture, but thoughtful consideration of the options is necessary before making a decision.

Spiritually: The Two of Wands signifies a moment of self-reflection and contemplation on the path ahead. This card invites you to look at your spiritual journey and consider what you desire to manifest. It may indicate a time when you are weighing different spiritual practices or philosophies, trying to determine which path feels most aligned with your higher self. The Two of Wands encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and explore new spiritual experiences or ideas that may broaden your understanding of yourself and the universe. It also symbolises the need for inner exploration and preparation for the next phase of spiritual growth. You may be considering whether you are ready to make a deeper commitment or take the next step on your spiritual path.

 

 

 

 

Card 4: Ten of Swords, Reversed

The Ten of Swords represents painful endings, betrayal, and hitting rock bottom. This card signals a time of tremendous distress, often indicating that a situation has reached its peak of destruction, and the only way out is through the aftermath. The image depicts a figure lying face down with ten swords piercing their back, symbolising the ultimate betrayal or defeat. The Ten of Swords signifies a crisis or a moment where you feel like everything falls apart, and you are at the lowest point possible. However, it is important to note that the Ten of Swords also marks the completion of a cycle, meaning that while the end is painful, it is also the beginning of a new chapter.

Reversed, the Ten of Swords suggests that the worst of the pain has passed, and you are beginning to heal from a difficult situation. The reversal indicates that you are emerging from emotional or mental distress, and the worst is behind you. While the scars may remain, this card encourages you to focus on recovery, understanding that the healing process is underway. It may also suggest that you are still in the final stages of letting go of a painful situation, but knowing that a new chapter is beginning and that you have the strength to move forward.

In Relationships: The Ten of Swords suggests the painful end of a relationship, possibly involving betrayal, dishonesty, or emotional devastation. You may experience the finality of a breakup, a sense of loss, or the painful realisation that a relationship is no longer serving your well-being. This card indicates a time of heartache but also signals the end of a difficult emotional journey. The Ten of Swords urges you to release any attachment to the past and allow yourself the time and space to heal. While this card represents a painful ending, it also holds the promise of emotional liberation and the opportunity to rebuild your sense of self and open yourself up to future relationships.

In Work: The Ten of Swords represents a significant failure, burnout, or the collapse of a professional endeavour. You may have experienced a career setback, loss of a job, or the failure of a project. This card signals the end of a phase in your work life, often due to betrayal, poor decisions, or circumstances beyond your control. While the Ten of Swords can represent a moment of defeat, it also suggests this is the conclusion of a difficult chapter. The card encourages you to accept the end of the situation and focus on the lessons learned, knowing that from this point forward, you can move on to more fulfilling professional opportunities.

Spiritually: The Ten of Swords indicates spiritual crisis, despair, or the shattering of old beliefs. You may be going through an intense period of doubt, loss, or a profound sense of disconnection from your spiritual path. This card represents the breaking down of old structures and ways of thinking, which can feel devastating but is necessary for growth. The Ten of Swords invites you to embrace this spiritual death and let go of outdated beliefs or attachments that no longer serve you. Though painful, this is an opportunity for rebirth, allowing you to reconnect with your true self and the divine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: Three of Cups

The Three of Cups is a card of celebration, community, and emotional fulfilment. It represents friendship, reunions, and the bonds that connect us to others. This card depicts three women raising their cups in a celebratory toast, symbolising the collective joy from shared experiences and emotional connection. The Three of Cups is about coming together with others, celebrating achievements, and embracing the support and love of close-knit relationships. It invites you to recognise the importance of community, connection, and the joy of celebrating life's moments with others.

This card highlights the significance of shared happiness and mutual support. It suggests you are in a time of emotional alignment, surrounded by friends, family, or loved ones who bring positive energy and a sense of belonging. The Three of Cups reminds you to cherish and nurture the relationships that bring joy into your life and celebrate the beauty of togetherness.

In Relationships: The Three of Cups signifies joy, celebration, and harmony. It can indicate a time of emotional fulfilment within a relationship when both partners share mutual respect, fun, and emotional connection. This card suggests love is flowing freely, and you and your partner are in a time of mutual happiness and affection. For singles, the Three of Cups suggests that social gatherings, celebrations, or events could lead to a meaningful connection or the blossoming of new love. It can also point to the importance of maintaining close friendships and nurturing relationships outside of romance, as these connections will enrich your emotional world.

In Work: The Three of Cups signifies teamwork, collaboration, and shared success. This card suggests you are working well with others, and your efforts are supported by a network of colleagues, friends, or partners. The Three of Cups highlights the power of community and collaboration in achieving professional goals, encouraging you to celebrate milestones and successes with others. It may also indicate a time when you receive recognition or support from a team, group, or network, leading to greater opportunities for growth and advancement. The card encourages you to value the contributions of those around you and celebrate collective achievements.

Spiritually: The Three of Cups represents a time of emotional and spiritual fulfilment through connection with others. It suggests you may find strength and insight in community, whether through spiritual groups, friends, or shared practices. This card highlights the importance of emotional support, group experiences, and collective celebrations in your spiritual journey. The Three of Cups encourages you to honour your spiritual connections with others and seek out groups or communities that align with your spiritual values. It also signifies a time of joyous spiritual discovery and the emotional rewards of sharing your path with like-minded individuals.

 

 

 

 

Card 6: Five of Cups, Reversed

The Five of Cups represents loss, grief, and emotional disappointment. This card depicts a figure standing before three spilled cups, symbolising feelings of sorrow or regret as two cups remain upright behind them, representing remaining emotional support or opportunities being overlooked. The Five of Cups is a card of emotional pain and mourning, pointing to a time when you may be dwelling on mistakes, missed opportunities, or the emotional pain caused by loss. It can indicate mourning, disappointment, or a tendency to focus on what has gone wrong, leaving little room for hope.

Reversed, the Five of Cups indicates emotional recovery, healing, and a shift away from grief. You may be starting to let go of disappointments and open up to the emotional opportunities that lie ahead. This card reversed suggests that while you may have faced significant loss or regret, now you are in a position to heal, move forward, and regain hope. It may also indicate a need to process and release any lingering emotional wounds to make room for new emotional growth. The reversal of this card calls for you to acknowledge and release the past.

In Relationships: The Five of Cups signals feelings of regret, loss, or emotional heartbreak. It may point to a relationship that has ended, an emotional struggle, or lingering sadness over a past love. You may be grieving the end of a connection or dwelling on disappointments within your current relationship. This card encourages you to process your sorrow and heal from old wounds while recognising that not all hope is lost. The Five of Cups suggests that while it's important to mourn, it's equally important to recognise the potential for new love or emotional healing. For singles, the Five of Cups may indicate that you still hold onto heartaches, preventing you from moving forward in new relationships. The card advises you to heal and open your heart to new possibilities.

In Work: The Five of Cups suggests regret, disappointment, or a feeling of loss related to professional endeavours. You may be mourning a missed opportunity, an unmet goal, or a setback in your career path. It can represent a time when you feel you've failed or made mistakes, causing you to focus on what has gone wrong rather than what remains. The Five of Cups encourages you to acknowledge your emotional pain but also reminds you to look at the opportunities still available. The remaining cups symbolise the potential to turn things around, learn from mistakes, and use the experience as a stepping stone for future success. The card advises you to be open to growth and healing in your professional life, not consumed by regret.

Spiritually: The Five of Cups represents emotional pain, grief, or letting go of old spiritual beliefs or practices that no longer serve you. It may signify a period of mourning, where you feel disconnected from your spiritual path or are experiencing doubt. However, the Five of Cups also suggests that spiritual healing and renewal are possible, and that you should focus on what remains and the potential for spiritual growth. This card encourages you to look beyond disappointments and be open to new spiritual experiences or insights that may lead to healing and renewal. It is a reminder that spiritual recovery can come after periods of turmoil.

 

 

 

 

Card 7: VIII – Strength

Strength represents courage, resilience, patience, and control. It embodies the power of taming inner fears, overcoming adversity with gentleness, and having the fortitude to face challenges with grace. A woman calmly holding the jaws of a lion signifies the balance between power and compassion, where strength comes not from force, but from a sense of inner calm and self-confidence. The woman's serene expression conveys that this strength is not aggressive, but is instead the ability to remain composed in the face of difficulty, harnessing personal power through self-discipline and understanding.

This card represents the courage to face life's challenges, persevere with patience, and trust in the process of growth. Strength reminds us that resilience is built from within, and that sometimes the greatest strength lies in showing vulnerability and compassion rather than exerting dominance. It is an invitation to approach difficult situations with kindness, both towards oneself and others, and trust that inner strength will carry you through.

In Relationships: Strength speaks to the power of patience, understanding, and unconditional love. It suggests you may be called upon to show compassion and support, particularly in times of difficulty or uncertainty. This card signifies the need for gentle, yet firm, emotional strength in navigating challenges, and reminds you that love is based on mutual respect, trust, and the ability to remain calm and supportive through all circumstances. It encourages you to act from a place of empathy, understanding that love is about partnership and compassion.

In Work: Strength represents the inner resilience needed to overcome obstacles and persevere in the face of professional challenges. It suggests your path to success will require patience, determination, and a steady hand in difficult situations. This card advises you to rely on your inner strength, confidence, and emotional intelligence to navigate challenges in the workplace, whether dealing with difficult colleagues, demanding tasks, or career setbacks. Strength encourages you to move forward with grace and conviction, trusting that inner resilience will lead you to success.

Spiritually: Strength signifies the mastery of the self, the ability to conquer one's inner demons, and the courage to follow one's spiritual path. This card calls you to dig deep within yourself for the fortitude to face your fears, heal emotional wounds, and cultivate peace. Strength emphasises that true power comes from compassion, inner harmony, and the ability to work through difficulties with faith and patience. It invites you to trust your spiritual journey and allow understanding to guide your growth.

 

 

 

 

Card 8: V – The Hierophant, Reversed

The Hierophant represents tradition, spiritual guidance, conformity, and the pursuit of higher knowledge. It embodies the connection between the material and the spiritual worlds, serving as a bridge between earthly concerns and divine wisdom. The Hierophant, a spiritual leader sits between two pillars, symbolising the balance between different belief systems or realms of existence. He holds a sceptre and makes a gesture of blessing, representing his role as a guide to spiritual enlightenment and as an authority on sacred teachings.

Reversed, the Hierophant can indicate a rejection of traditional values, questioning established belief systems, or feeling trapped by convention. It may suggest that you are struggling with the pressure to conform or feeling disconnected from a spiritual or moral framework. This card reversed encourages you to explore new ways of thinking and seek personal truth, even if it goes against societal norms or expectations. It also suggests the need to break free from dogmatic thinking and find spiritual guidance that resonates with you.

In Relationships: The Hierophant speaks to the importance of tradition, commitment, and spiritual alignment. It may indicate that you seek a relationship grounded in shared values, moral beliefs, or spiritual practices. This card may also suggest the need to commit to a relationship in a formal or traditional manner, such as marriage, or to honour the teachings that come from longstanding cultural or familial expectations. The Hierophant reminds us that relationships can thrive with mutual respect, understanding, and adherence to shared principles.

In Work: The Hierophant suggests you may need to follow a structured path or seek guidance from an established authority in your field. It may mean that success can be achieved through conformity to established norms, practices, and systems. This card encourages you to pursue your professional goals with discipline and a respect for tradition, while also considering mentorship or further education to deepen your knowledge. The Hierophant may also point to a career in teaching, counselling, or religious or spiritual fields, where the transfer of knowledge is central.

Spiritually: The Hierophant represents the pursuit of spiritual knowledge through structured systems, such as religion, philosophy, or spiritual teachings. This card invites you to seek wisdom from established sources through sacred texts, a religious leader, or a disciplined spiritual practice. The Hierophant suggests the path to enlightenment can be found by following tradition, honouring teachings, and connecting to a community of like-minded individuals. It also emphasises the importance of faith, devotion, and moral integrity on the spiritual path.

 

 

 

 

Card 9: IX – The Hermit

The Hermit represents solitude, introspection, wisdom, and guidance. It embodies the search for inner truth and deeper understanding through reflection and self-examination. An older figure carrying a lantern and a staff walks alone, symbolising the solitary journey towards enlightenment. The lantern represents the light of wisdom, illuminating the path ahead, while the staff signifies support and the strength gained through life experience. This card suggests a retreat from the external world to seek answers within and find clarity through introspection.

The Hermit invites you to step back from distractions, slow down, and embrace moments of solitude. It encourages personal growth through reflection, spiritual seeking, and the pursuit of knowledge that can only be found within. The Hermit is a guide, showing that wisdom comes not from external sources, but from within one's heart and mind, developed through self-discovery and careful contemplation.

In Relationships: The Hermit signifies a period of introspection, where you may need to take time for yourself before moving forward in a relationship. It suggests a need to step back and reflect on what you seek in love, away from external influences or distractions. This card encourages you to connect with your inner desires and values, understanding yourself better before committing to a romantic relationship. The Hermit also reminds us that love must start from within, and that personal growth and self-awareness are key to building healthy, fulfilling partnerships.

In Work: The Hermit suggests a time of reflection, seeking deeper meaning or purpose in one's professional life. It may indicate the need to step away from daily work life to gain clarity on one's true calling or long-term goals. This card encourages you to trust your intuition and wisdom when making career decisions and not rush into new opportunities until you have reflected on what will bring you true fulfilment. The Hermit can also point to a career in teaching, counselling, or research, where the act of guiding others or seeking knowledge is central to success.

Spiritually: The Hermit represents the pursuit of inner wisdom and enlightenment. This card invites you to withdraw from the noise of the world and focus on your inner spiritual journey. The Hermit encourages you to trust your intuition, meditate, and seek answers through spiritual practices such as prayer or self-reflection. It emphasises the importance of self-discovery and the belief that enlightenment comes from within. The Hermit also suggests that guidance from a spiritual mentor or teacher may be helpful, but the ultimate truth must be found in solitude.