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

I – The Magus	Eight of Disks (Prudence)	XVII – The Star
Two of Wands (Dominion)	Six of Wands (Victory)	Five of Cups (Disappointment)
XIII – Death	VIII – Adjustment	XVIII – The Moon

 

 

 

 

Card 1: I – The Magus

(Mercury, Beth)

The Magus of the Thoth deck radiates dynamic energy, the force of will and intellect that shapes reality. He corresponds to Beth, the house, signifying the power to create structure and form. Governed by Mercury, the Magus represents the mastery of communication, skill, and adaptation, embodying the ability to transmute thought into action.

The Magus stands amidst the elements he commands. Around him swirls the wand, cup, sword, and disk, each imbued with vibrant, electric energy. His figure exudes movement and control, as though he exists in a state of constant creation. Above him, the winged caduceus—the rod of Hermes—rises as a symbol of unity and transformation. The beam connecting heaven and earth signifies the infinite cycle of energy and potential.

In Relationships: The Magus suggests magnetic attraction and the ability to manifest deep, meaningful connections. It emphasises the importance of clear communication and aligning intentions with actions to nurture relationships.

In Work: This card signifies mastery and the ability to manifest success through focus and skill. It advises you to harness your talents and act with precision and intention to achieve your goals.

Spiritually: The Magus represents the awakening of personal power and the alignment of the microcosm and macrocosm. It is a call to take responsibility as a conscious creator in the divine play of existence.

When ill-dignified: The Magus warns of manipulation, overconfidence, or a scattering of energy. You are urged to examine your motives and ensure your actions serve the highest purpose, avoiding the temptation to misuse your gifts.

 

 

 

 

Card 2: Eight of Disks (Prudence)

Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Virgo

card symbolises the diligent, focused work required to master one's material environment. It depicts a series of disks, with an emphasis on the process of refining, perfecting, and honing one's skills. This image reflects the application of sustained effort, practice, and attention to detail in the material world, where you are engaged in the step-by-step work needed to manifest your goals into tangible results.

This card highlights the importance of persistence, discipline, and dedication to improving one's material circumstances. The Eight of Disks signifies transforming raw potential into success, emphasising that mastery comes through effort and attention to the finer aspects of one's work. It encourages you to focus on the task at hand, work diligently, and refine your skills to achieve mastery and accomplishment in your endeavours.

The influence of the Sun in Virgo brings an energy of meticulousness, emphasising the importance of detail, precision, and practical application. The Eight of Disks reminds us that success in the material realm comes not from shortcuts or superficial efforts, but through careful, sustained effort that builds over time.

In Relationships: The Eight of Disks suggests careful work and effort. To thrive, the relationship may require patience, commitment, and attention to detail. This card encourages you to invest in the relationship over time and work towards its long-term stability.

In Work: The Eight of Disks represents hard work and mastery of one's craft. It indicates that success will be achieved through consistent effort, attention to detail, and refining one's skills. This card encourages patience and a methodical approach to achieving career goals.

Spiritually: The Eight of Disks symbolises the steady work needed to improve one's spiritual practice. It suggests that your spiritual path requires dedication and the consistent application of effort. Mastery comes through practice, discipline, and attention to the details of spiritual growth.

When ill-dignified: The Eight of Disks can suggest a lack of focus or a tendency to overwork without seeing results. It may indicate inefficiency, burnout, or excessive attention to minor details at the expense of the bigger picture. You may be putting in too much work for too little return.

 

 

 

 

Card 3: XVII – The Star

(Aquarius, Heh)

The Star represents hope, inspiration, and the flow of divine energy. Associated with Heh, the window, this card symbolises clarity and the opening of the soul to cosmic light. Aquarius, the zodiac of vision and humanitarian ideals, imbues the card with themes of enlightenment and universal connection.

The central figure is a nude woman, representing purity and vulnerability, pouring water from two vessels—one onto the earth and the other into a pool, symbolising the balance between spiritual and material realms. Behind her, a radiant star dominates the sky, surrounded by smaller stars, signifying guidance and hope. The background, rich with blues and violets, evokes the tranquillity of the natural world.

In Relationships: The Star suggests healing and renewed hope. It encourages you to trust in the flow of love and remain open to its guidance.

In Work: This card signifies inspiration and creative potential. You are advised to trust your intuition and align your efforts with a higher vision.

Spiritually: The Star symbolises a connection to the divine and the flow of universal energy. It calls you to share your gifts and have faith in the cosmic plan.

When ill-dignified: The Star warns of disillusionment, a loss of faith, or a failure to see one's potential. You are advised to reconnect with your inner light and trust in the process of renewal.

 

 

 

 

Card 4: Two of Wands (Dominion)

Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Aries

The Two of Wands, subtitled Dominion, represents the fiery energy of Mars in Aries. It symbolises the dynamic assertion of will, confidence, and the power to take control. The card depicts two crossed wands, each topped with ram heads, symbolising Aries' fiery, pioneering energy. Flames emanate from the wands, emphasising the active, forceful nature of this card. This card is about asserting dominance and taking decisive action. It reflects an intense drive to establish control over one's environment and push forward boldly. It is a card of raw, active energy, demanding focus and determination.

In Relationships: The Two of Wands indicates the need to make decisions about the future of a relationship. It represents contemplating the potential paths ahead, whether to deepen the connection or to explore new opportunities.

In Work: This card signifies a choice or decision that must be made regarding one's professional life or creative pursuits. You are encouraged to look beyond the immediate horizon and assess which path will bring the greatest fulfilment.

Spiritually: The Two of Wands symbolises the crossroads of spiritual growth. It suggests a time of decision, where you must choose the direction you will take on your spiritual journey.

When ill-dignified: The Two of Wands may indicate indecision, stagnation, or a lack of commitment. You might be overwhelmed by choices or hesitant to take action. It advises you to focus and take decisive steps to move forward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: Six of Wands (Victory)

Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Leo

The Six of Wands represents triumph, success, and the confidence that comes with achieving a hard-won victory. The card features six wands arranged in a harmonious and balanced pattern, radiating energy and stability. Flames burn brightly at the intersections, symbolising the dynamic, victorious energy of Jupiter's expansive influence paired with Leo's bold, charismatic nature.

This card signifies the rewards of perseverance and effort, along with the recognition of those achievements by others. It is a moment of celebration and validation, where personal success aligns with public acknowledgment. The Six of Wands also reflects the importance of leadership, generosity, and using one's influence to uplift and inspire others. It encourages you to savour your accomplishments while remembering the responsibility that comes with triumph.

In Relationships: The Six of Wands indicates positive recognition. There may be a public celebration of a commitment or the successful overcoming of obstacles. It represents mutual admiration and respect.

In Work: This card signifies a well-earned victory in professional life. You may receive praise, promotion, or recognition for your efforts. It suggests your hard work has been acknowledged, and you are on the path to greater achievements.

Spiritually: The Six of Wands represents a moment of spiritual triumph. It indicates that you have navigated challenges and are now reaping the rewards of your efforts. It is a time of affirmation and confirmation of your spiritual path.

When ill-dignified: The Six of Wands may indicate a hollow or fleeting victory. It can also suggest pride, arrogance, or overconfidence in the face of achievement. You might focus too much on external validation rather than the deeper satisfaction of personal growth. It cautions against becoming self-important.

 

 

 

 

Card 6: Five of Cups (Disappointment)

Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Scorpio

The Five of Cups represents emotional sorrow, disappointment, and a focus on the negative aspects of an emotional situation. It speaks to moments of grief, regret, or mourning, especially when someone is caught up in the emotional aftermath of a loss.

The five cups are arranged in a pentagram formation. The arrangement of the cups signifies emotional disconnection or frustration, with the structure symbolising a closed, introspective emotional state. This card suggests a focus on what has been lost, often pointing to emotional difficulty or missed opportunities. However, the upright cups hint at the possibility of new emotional experiences or opportunities that may be overlooked because of the current focus on loss.

In Relationships: The Five of Cups represents grief or emotional loss. There may be feelings of disappointment or regret, and you may be mourning a past relationship or the end of a particular phase. It's important for you to remember that healing and new emotional opportunities are available if you choose to focus on them.

In Work: The Five of Cups suggests emotional setback, loss, or failure. You may have experienced disappointment in your career, but the card also encourages you to focus on opportunities that remain. The Five of Cups is a reminder that there are always new directions to explore, even when setbacks occur.

Spiritually: The Five of Cups can represent emotional pain or disillusionment with the spiritual journey. You may be mourning your perceived failures or feeling disconnected from your spiritual practices. However, the card encourages a shift in perspective, reminding you to look towards healing and renewal.

When ill-dignified: The Five of Cups can represent prolonged grief or an inability to move past emotional loss. You may be stuck in a cycle of self-pity or emotional stagnation, failing to see the positive opportunities that remain. There may be an excessive focus on the negative aspects of a situation, hindering emotional recovery.

 

 

 

 

Card 7: XIII – Death

(Scorpio, Nun)

Death represents transformation, endings, and the profound renewal that arises from letting go. Associated with Nun, the fish, this card symbolises the regenerative cycles of life and the eternal flow of existence. Scorpio, the zodiac of intensity and rebirth, infuses the card with themes of metamorphosis and profound emotional depth.

The figure of Death is a skeletal figure wielding a scythe, harvesting the forms of life to make way for growth. Surrounding him are figures dissolving and reforming, emphasising the continual cycle of destruction and creation. Fish swim in the background, symbolising the life force that persists through change. The overall imagery is dynamic and alive, with a swirling interplay of light and shadow reflecting the transformative energy of this card.

In Relationships: Death signifies the end of a relationship or the transformation of its dynamics. It encourages you to release what no longer serves you, allowing space for growth.

In Work: This card indicates a major transition or the end of a phase. You are advised to embrace change and view endings as opportunities for renewal.

Spiritually: Death symbolises the shedding of old identities and the rebirth of the soul. It calls you to embrace transformation and trust in the process of spiritual evolution.

When ill-dignified: Death warns of resistance to change, fear of endings, or an inability to move forward. You are advised to confront your fears and trust in the natural cycles of transformation.

 

 

 

 

Card 8: VIII – Adjustment

(Libra, Lamed)

In the Thoth deck, the card traditionally known as Justice is renamed Adjustment, reflecting the dynamic nature of balance and the constant recalibration required to maintain harmony. Associated with Lamed, the ox-goad, it represents the guidance and discipline needed to align oneself with universal truth. Libra, the zodiac of balance and fairness, infuses the card with its themes of equity and measured judgement.

The central figure of Adjustment is a serene androgynous figure holding a sword while balancing on their toes, between a balanced pair of scales. The sword symbolises the piercing clarity of truth, while the scales represent the cosmic law of cause and effect. Their poised stance is framed by geometric patterns, emphasising precision and the mathematical order of the universe. Behind them, a brilliant green background evokes the idea of renewal and the living equilibrium of nature.

In Relationships: Adjustment highlights the importance of honesty, fairness, and mutual accountability. It encourages you to communicate openly and seek a balanced dynamic.

In Work: This card suggests success will come through careful analysis, ethical decision-making, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. It warns against cutting corners or ignoring the consequences of actions.

Spiritually: Adjustment signifies alignment with divine truth and the quest for inner harmony. You are called to reflect on your actions and ensure they are in alignment with your highest principles.

When ill-dignified: Adjustment warns of imbalance, dishonesty, or an inability to take responsibility for one's actions. You are advised to confront uncomfortable truths and restore equilibrium through introspection and accountability.

 

 

 

 

Card 9: XVIII – The Moon

(Pisces, Qoph)

The Moon symbolises illusion, intuition, and the mysterious depths of the subconscious. Associated with Qoph, the back of the head, this card delves into the primal and instinctual aspects of the psyche. Pisces, the zodiac of dreams and mysticism, enhances the card's themes of mystery and emotional depth.

The imagery is haunting and enigmatic. A path winds through barren terrain, flanked by twin towers that suggest gateways to the unknown. Above, the moon dominates the sky, casting an eerie light that obscures as much as it reveals. Crawling on the path is a scarab beetle carrying the solar disk, symbolising the emergence of light from darkness. The waters below teem with life, representing the fertile chaos of the subconscious.

In Relationships: The Moon represents emotional complexity and hidden dynamics. It encourages you to trust your intuition and uncover underlying truths.

In Work: This card suggests uncertainty or confusion. You are advised to navigate carefully, relying on intuition and patience to discern the best path forward.

Spiritually: The Moon symbolises the journey through the subconscious and the mysteries of the soul. It calls you to explore your inner depths and embrace the wisdom found in dreams and intuition.

When ill-dignified: The Moon warns of deception, confusion, or fear of the unknown. You are advised to confront your fears and seek clarity amidst uncertainty.