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

Seven of Swords	Four of Wands, Reversed	III – The Empress
Ten of Cups	Ten of Swords, Reversed	Two of Cups
Two of Wands	Ace of Pentacles, Reversed	Nine of Pentacles

 

 

 

 

Card 1: Seven of Swords

The Seven of Swords represents secrecy, deception, and strategic thinking. This card suggests you may be dealing with a situation where there is dishonesty, hidden motives, or someone trying to outsmart others. It indicates a need for caution and careful consideration, as things may not be as they appear on the surface. The image shows a figure sneaking away with swords, symbolising the act of taking what isn't freely given or trying to avoid detection. This card invites you to examine situations in which deception, avoidance, or evasion may be at play, whether from you or others.

While the Seven of Swords can indicate betrayal or trickery, it can also represent the need for cleverness and resourcefulness in difficult situations. Sometimes, this card suggests you rely on your wits and think outside the box to overcome challenges. It encourages strategic action, where you must be cautious about your approach, and mindful of how others may perceive your intentions. The card may also suggest a situation where you keep something to yourself for protection, advantage, or personal reasons. The Seven of Swords is a reminder to stay alert, gather the facts, and trust your intuition before making decisions.

In Relationships: The Seven of Swords suggests there may be secrets, dishonesty, or hidden agendas. This could be a situation where one partner is deceptive, hiding important information, or avoiding confrontation. Alternatively, it may point to hiding your feelings or avoiding an honest discussion about the relationship. The Seven of Swords calls for you to pay attention to what may not be said or seen, encouraging you to approach the relationship with awareness and discernment. If there is deceit, the card urges you to confront the truth and seek open communication. On the other hand, it may also suggest the need to be more transparent in your actions or to carefully consider the consequences of keeping things hidden.

In Work: The Seven of Swords can indicate dishonesty, theft, or unethical behaviour in the workplace. It may suggest that someone is trying to take credit for someone else's work, using manipulative tactics, or engaging in underhanded behaviour to achieve their goals. This card advises you to be cautious and observant of your professional dealings, as deceit or betrayal may be occurring. Alternatively, the Seven of Swords may suggest you adopt a more strategic, clever approach to achieve success, relying on your ability to navigate tricky situations with discretion and tact. The card encourages you to consider the ethical implications of your actions and avoid shortcuts that could lead to negative consequences.

Spiritually: The Seven of Swords suggests a need for greater honesty with oneself, as well as the potential for self-deception or avoidance of spiritual truths. This card invites you to examine areas of your life where you may be hiding from deeper issues or avoiding the truth. It may also indicate that you are relying on cleverness or avoidance rather than confronting your spiritual challenges directly. The Seven of Swords encourages you to reflect on whether you are being truthful in your spiritual practice and seek clarity in areas of your life that may be clouded by dishonesty or denial. It is a reminder that spiritual growth comes from facing the truth.

 

 

 

 

Card 2: 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 3: III – The Empress

The Empress represents fertility, abundance, nurturing, and creativity. This card embodies the power of creation in all its forms, whether the birth of new ideas, projects, or actual life. The Empress sits upon a throne adorned with symbols of nature, such as a crown of stars and a field of grain, indicating her connection to the natural world. She exudes warmth and compassion, representing the qualities of motherhood, care, and emotional support. She is a symbol of nurturing energy, encouraging growth and the flourishing of all that is tended to with love and patience.

Her flowing robes and the abundance of the natural world around her signify that the Empress brings prosperity and well-being. She holds a sceptre, symbolising her dominion over the material world, and sits amidst lush greenery, suggesting that fertility and growth are hers to command. The Empress represents the creative force that can transform ideas into tangible forms. She reminds us of the importance of self-care, nurturing others, and the healing power of love and empathy.

In Relationships: The Empress signifies a time of nurturing and care. It suggests that love will flourish when both partners express their emotions and support each other's growth. This card can indicate a deep, loving connection, or emotional abundance in one's romantic life. It may also point to the potential for starting a family, deepening commitment, or creating new foundations in relationships. The Empress reminds you to embrace love with an open heart and a spirit of generosity.

In Work: The Empress signals a time of creativity and growth in one's professional life. It suggests that hard work and nurturing will lead to fruitful results. This card can also indicate a period of abundance, where new opportunities will manifest. The Empress encourages you to care for your projects with patience and love, as this will lead to lasting success. She may also point to the importance of self-care and work-life balance to sustain long-term achievement.

Spiritually: The Empress represents the divine feminine energy and the spiritual aspects of nurturing, creativity, and abundance. It invites you to embrace your creative potential and nurture your inner growth. This card calls for a heart open to the blessings of the universe. The Empress also encourages connection with nature for spiritual nourishment. She embodies the nurturing force of the universe, reminding us that creation begins with love and care.

 

 

 

 

Card 4: Ten of Cups

The Ten of Cups represents emotional harmony, lasting happiness, and the fulfilment of love and family. Depicted as a happy family or couple standing beneath a rainbow of ten cups, this card signifies the emotional fulfilment that comes from loving relationships, deep connections, and shared experiences. The Ten of Cups suggests you have achieved or are on the verge of experiencing a time of emotional peace when love, happiness, and emotional security flourish. It reflects unity and alignment with yourself and those closest to you.

This card embodies emotional completion, where all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, and you feel a deep sense of gratitude and contentment. The Ten of Cups emphasises that emotional fulfilment is most meaningful when shared with loved ones, and it encourages you to cherish your relationships, creating peace and love within the family. It suggests emotional balance and joy are possible, not through external achievements alone, but through genuine connection, mutual respect, and love.

In Relationships: The Ten of Cups is one of the most positive cards, indicating emotional fulfilment, joy, and harmony. It may suggest that you are in or will soon experience a satisfying romantic relationship characterised by mutual love, support, and happiness. For those in committed partnerships, the Ten of Cups represents a time of growth and emotional connection when both partners are aligned and working together towards common goals. It may also suggest the possibility of starting a family. For singles, the Ten of Cups indicates that love and emotional fulfilment are within reach, suggesting that you may soon meet someone who brings you joy and companionship.

In Work: The Ten of Cups represents fulfilment through work that brings emotional satisfaction and harmony. It suggests you are in a position where you feel emotional contentment in your professional life, perhaps through collaboration, teamwork, or working for a cause you believe in. The Ten of Cups indicates that genuine success is not just about external accomplishments, but also about feeling valued, appreciated, and engaged with your work. This card may also reflect a work environment that feels like a family, where there is support, trust, and belonging. The Ten of Cups encourages you to find work that aligns with your emotional well-being, where you can experience fulfilment and joy in what you do.

Spiritually: The Ten of Cups represents alignment with one's higher self and a sense of peace and fulfilment in the spiritual realm. It suggests you have reached a state of spiritual harmony and connection, where you feel emotionally balanced, at peace, and in tune with the divine. This card encourages you to nurture your connections, whether through family, community, or personal practice, as it brings you a sense of fulfilment. It may also indicate a time when you feel emotionally supported and connected to the universe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: 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 6: Two of Cups

The Two of Cups represents love, unity, and partnership. As a card that embodies the union of two individuals, this card symbolises the harmonious connection between two people, whether romantic, platonic, or professional. Two individuals exchange a cup, reflecting mutual respect, love, and emotional understanding. The Two of Cups signifies the unity of opposites or complementary forces, creating a harmonious relationship built on mutual trust, affection, and shared values. It is a card of union, where the emotional energy flows freely between two people, fostering partnership and emotional fulfilment.

This card highlights the importance of emotional connection, communication, and empathy in relationships. The Two of Cups suggests you are experiencing or about to experience a powerful bond with another person who can bring joy, peace, and shared purpose. It encourages you to embrace this connection with an open heart and nurture the relationship with kindness, patience, and understanding.

In Relationships: The Two of Cups signifies a deep, harmonious connection between two people. This card indicates a time of mutual love, respect, and emotional balance. It can point to strengthening the relationship, with both partners working together to deepen their emotional bond and support each other's growth. The Two of Cups can also suggest the beginning of a new, meaningful romantic relationship where both individuals align in their values and desires. For singles, this card signals the potential for meeting someone with whom you share a strong emotional connection, possibly leading to a fulfilling relationship. It reminds you that love is about balance, equality, and the mutual exchange of care and support.

In Work: The Two of Cups represents a successful partnership or collaboration. This card suggests you may enter into a business partnership, project, or team dynamic that fosters cooperation, mutual respect, and shared success. The Two of Cups highlights the potential for fruitful alliances, where both parties bring complementary strengths and work together towards a common goal. This card encourages you to embrace collaboration, communicate openly, and approach your work relationships with empathy and respect. It may also indicate a time when you find emotional satisfaction and fulfilment in your professional life through supportive partnerships or working within a harmonious team.

Spiritually: The Two of Cups symbolises a deep, soul-level connection and the union of the self with a higher power or spiritual truth. This card suggests you are experiencing a period of spiritual alignment where your personal beliefs and practices are in harmony with your inner self. It can also represent a spiritual partnership, where two individuals come together with a shared spiritual purpose or goal, creating a sense of unity and support. The Two of Cups encourages you to cultivate spiritual connections that nurture and elevate your soul, whether through relationships with others or a deepened connection to your spiritual path. It suggests a time of healing and emotional balance, where you are open to receiving divine guidance and embracing love in all its forms.

 

 

 

 

Card 7: Two of Wands

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.

The Two of Wands suggests you have a vision of something larger and are beginning to take steps towards realising it. It encourages you to assess your goals and carefully consider the actions needed to bring them to fruition. This card often signals the beginning of a journey or a project that involves a degree of risk, as you venture beyond your comfort zone. The Two of Wands invites you to embrace your ambition and take a proactive approach. Still, it also reminds you to plan and consider possible outcomes before making significant decisions.

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 8: Ace of Pentacles, Reversed

The Ace of Pentacles represents new beginnings, material opportunities, and potential prosperity. This card embodies the energy of manifestation, stability, and abundance in the material world. As a seed of potential, the Ace of Pentacles signifies the start of a new project, venture, or opportunity that has the potential to bring lasting wealth, success, and security. The pentacle symbolises earthly resources, including wealth, career, and physical well-being, and the Ace represents the potential to turn these resources into something tangible and sustainable. This card suggests a new opportunity may present itself, whether it's a new job, investment, or a way to improve your physical or financial situation.

Reversed, the Ace of Pentacles suggests missed opportunities or a delay in manifesting material success. You may be struggling to create the stability or abundance you desire, or you may find it difficult to get a new project or venture off the ground. There may be a lack of focus on practical matters, or you may ignore the need for patience and discipline in your pursuit of material goals. The Ace of Pentacles reversed also indicates the potential for financial setbacks, wasted resources, or a missed chance for growth. The card urges you to reassess your approach, focus on long-term planning, and ensure you are taking steps to create lasting security and prosperity.

In Relationships: The Ace of Pentacles represents the potential for a stable, grounded, and secure relationship. This card suggests a fresh start in romance, one built on a foundation that offers long-term growth. It may indicate the beginning of a relationship that is practical, supportive, and has the potential to grow into something lasting and fulfilling. The Ace of Pentacles invites you to approach your romantic life with patience, understanding, and willingness to invest in the relationship's future. It may also point to the need to prioritise stability and trust within the relationship, ensuring that both partners are aligned in their goals and values.

In Work: The Ace of Pentacles signals the start of a promising new venture or opportunity for financial growth. This could manifest as a new job, promotion, business idea, or investment opportunity that offers the potential for long-term success and stability. The Ace of Pentacles encourages you to focus on building a solid foundation for your career, ensuring that your efforts are practical, well-planned, and sustainable. This card is a reminder that hard work, patience, and planning will lead to tangible rewards in the material world. You may be encouraged to take practical steps to secure your financial future or to invest in opportunities that have the potential to pay off in the long run.

Spiritually: The Ace of Pentacles represents the manifestation of abundance and alignment with the material world. This card suggests a grounding of spiritual practices or a new opportunity to integrate spirituality with everyday life. You may be beginning a new phase in your spiritual journey that allows you to connect more deeply with the material world while maintaining your values. The Ace of Pentacles encourages you to approach your growth with patience, discipline, and an openness to tangible results. It may also indicate the need to focus on grounding practices such as meditation, nature walks, or other activities that connect you to the Earth and your physical body.

 

 

 

 

Card 9: Nine of Pentacles

The Nine of Pentacles represents self-sufficiency, abundance, and the rewards of hard work. This card embodies the energy of enjoying the fruits of one's labour, celebrating personal achievements, and embracing the comforts of financial success. The figure on the card stands confidently in a beautiful garden, surrounded by wealth, flourishing plants, and a falcon perched on their arm—symbols of both material wealth and personal mastery. The Nine of Pentacles speaks to the satisfaction of having built a stable and prosperous life through one's efforts, where independence and security are the natural result of sustained focus and dedication.

This card suggests you may enter or experience a phase of enjoying the rewards of hard work. It signifies the confidence and self-reliance that comes from having created a solid foundation, whether in terms of career, finances, or personal growth. The Nine of Pentacles invites you to take pride in your accomplishments, bask in the luxury and comfort you have earned, and revel in the independence that comes with achieving self-sufficiency. It also encourages you to appreciate the beauty and richness in your life and cultivate gratitude for the abundance you have manifested.

In Relationships: The Nine of Pentacles suggests a time of personal fulfilment and independence. If you are single, this card signifies enjoying your own company, feeling content, and finding fulfilment within oneself rather than seeking validation from a partner. It represents self-love, confidence, and wholeness. The Nine of Pentacles indicates a healthy sense of independence and mutual respect between partners, where both individuals have their own sense of security and do not rely on one another for validation or fulfilment. This card emphasises that true love comes when one is already whole and complete on their own, able to contribute to the relationship from a place of abundance.

In Work: The Nine of Pentacles signifies financial stability, professional success, and personal accomplishment. It indicates a time when you are experiencing the results of your hard work, whether through promotions, recognition, or increased wealth. This card celebrates the confidence that comes with financial independence and the ability to enjoy the luxuries that hard work has earned. The Nine of Pentacles suggests you are now in a position to enjoy the fruits of your career success, whether that means achieving professional mastery or having the resources to take time for yourself. It speaks to a moment of contentment and appreciation for the abundance that has been built through persistence and dedication.

Spiritually: The Nine of Pentacles represents inner contentment, peace, and fulfilment. This card suggests you have reached a place of spiritual independence, where you are no longer reliant on external sources for validation or support. It signifies the rewards of inner growth and mastery, where you feel connected to your source of wisdom and guidance. The Nine of Pentacles encourages you to embrace your personal spiritual journey and take pride in the spiritual abundance you have cultivated. It is a reminder that spiritual fulfilment does not require outward validation, but comes from within—through self-awareness, growth, and inner peace.