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

XVII – The Star	Knight of Cups	Ace of Wands
Prince of Cups	Prince of Wands	Two of Wands (Dominion)
Eight of Wands (Swiftness)	IX – The Hermit	XII – The Hanged Man

 

 

 

 

Card 1: 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 2: Knight of Cups

Element: Fire of Water

Astrological Correspondence: Pisces

The Knight of Cups represents the dynamic pursuit of emotional fulfilment and creative inspiration. As Fire of Water, he embodies the passionate drive to explore the depths of emotion and intuition, combining heartfelt intensity with purposeful action. The Knight is a noble figure on horseback, holding a cup with a crab aloft, symbolising his quest for emotional truth and romantic ideals.

The influence of Pisces enhances his sensitivity, imagination, and connection to the mystical and unseen. This pairing infuses the Knight's journey with dreamlike qualities, urging you to follow your creative visions and emotional aspirations, even if they seem intangible or challenging.

The Knight of Cups encourages you to actively pursue your dreams and ideals with courage and determination. He warns, however, against being swept away by fantasies or unrealistic expectations. By channelling his fiery passion and watery intuition, the Knight inspires a balanced approach to emotional and creative endeavours, driven by both heart and purpose.

In Relationships: The Knight of Cups indicates a person full of romantic fervour and idealistic love. He is the quintessential lover, pursuing relationships with enthusiasm and passion. This card may indicate an individual ready to express their love in bold, dramatic ways, or a situation in which love and romance are pursued with intensity and excitement.

In Work: The Knight of Cups suggests you may embark on a path driven by emotional inspiration or creative passion. It can also represent a time of emotional pursuit when you follow your desires or dreams, whether in the arts, healing, or another area that requires deep emotional engagement.

Spiritually: The Knight of Cups indicates a journey of emotional or spiritual discovery. It suggests you are exploring your inner world and seeking to understand deeper emotional or spiritual truths. This card encourages you to follow your heart, trusting your intuition to guide you.

When ill-dignified: The Knight of Cups can indicate emotional instability or impulsive romantic decisions based on fleeting desires. You may become too idealistic, leading to emotional disillusionment. It could also point to a tendency to act out of emotional intensity without considering the consequences or to chase after unattainable dreams.

 

 

 

 

Card 3: Ace of Wands

(Root of Fire)

The Ace of Wands bursts with raw, fiery energy, representing the essence of creation, power, and new beginnings. This card features a radiant, explosive pillar of fire, emanating brilliant golden flames. The flames twist and curl into serpentine forms, symbolising uncontained potential, primal force, and the dynamic nature of inspiration. Surrounding jagged lightning bolts reinforce the card's theme of sudden illumination and transformative energy. This is the unfiltered essence of fire—pure will, passion, and the unstoppable drive to bring something new into existence.

In Relationships: The Ace of Wands signals the beginning of a passionate and dynamic relationship, full of energy and potential. It represents the excitement of a new romantic connection or the rekindling of a passionate bond.

In Work: This card suggests a surge of inspiration or the start of an exciting new project. It encourages you to take bold action and trust in your creative abilities to manifest your ambitions.

Spiritually: The Ace of Wands represents the spark of spiritual awakening or a new phase in spiritual growth. It urges you to trust your inner fire and seek alternative paths of enlightenment and self-expression.

When ill-dignified: The Ace of Wands can indicate a lack of direction, wasted energy, or premature enthusiasm. It cautions against rushing into new ventures without a solid foundation or purpose. You should reflect on whether your creative impulses are grounded or merely fleeting.

 

 

 

 

Card 4: Prince of Cups

Element: Air of Water

Astrological Correspondence: Scorpio

The Prince of Cups represents the dynamic interplay between intellect and emotion, where Air's exploratory nature merges with Water's depth and intensity. As Air of Water, he embodies a figure of emotional complexity and intellectual curiosity, driven by a quest for deeper meaning and truth, pulled by an eagle. He is depicted as a charioteer navigating turbulent waters, holding a cup that symbolises his pursuit of emotional and spiritual insight.

This card highlights the active force of intuition and the transformative power of emotions guided by intellectual focus. The Scorpio influence intensifies his inner depth, imbuing his journey with passion, determination, and a willingness to explore the unknown realms of the heart and soul.

The Prince of Cups invites you to harness your emotional wisdom and channel it into meaningful action. While his intensity and curiosity can lead to profound insights and transformative experiences, he also cautions against becoming consumed by emotional extremes or illusions. He inspires you to balance your emotional depth with clarity and purpose, pursuing your desires with confidence and integrity.

In Relationships: The Prince of Cups represents someone idealistic, emotionally expressive, and perhaps on a quest for love or emotional fulfilment. This card can indicate someone emotionally open but who may be swept away by their emotions or desires for romantic ideals.

In Work: The Prince of Cups can point to a career path that requires creativity, intuition, and emotional intelligence. He may represent a person who uses their emotional depth and insight to drive their professional goals or a time when you are pursuing a career that aligns with your emotional passions and desires. However, the Prince also suggests ensuring you stay grounded, as you could become distracted by your emotional dreams or ideals.

Spiritually: The Prince of Cups speaks to an emotional journey where intuition and feelings guide you. This card indicates you are on a spiritual quest to connect more profoundly with your emotions and intuitive wisdom. It suggests a time of emotional exploration propelled by intellectual curiosity and the search for higher truths.

When ill-dignified: The Prince of Cups can indicate emotional instability or a tendency to act impulsively based on fleeting feelings. You may become overly idealistic, leading to disillusionment when reality doesn't align with your fantasies. There may also be a tendency to escape into emotional distractions, rather than facing challenging feelings head-on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: Prince of Wands

Element: Air of Fire

Astrological Correspondence: Leo

The Prince of Wands represents the intellectual and communicative aspects of Fire, where mental energy and creative passion converge. As Air of Fire, he embodies the visionary thinker who brings dynamic ideas, plans, and strategies to life with inspiration and daring. The Prince is a passionate and courageous individual, full of bold concepts and the drive to translate them into action.

This card symbolises the spirit of adventure and enterprise, where creativity is channelled into purposeful movement. It is a card of intellectual boldness, where ideas ignite like wildfire and are swiftly translated into reality. The Prince of Wands is a figure of immense energy, filled with determination and enthusiasm to take on challenges, initiating projects with great confidence. He encourages you to embrace the power of your thoughts and ambitions, and act decisively in the pursuit of your goals.

In Relationships: The Prince of Wands represents passion and excitement. This can indicate a fast-moving romance full of desire and adventure, but it can also imply someone committed to the thrill of pursuit rather than steady emotional intimacy. The Prince is often the impulsive lover, driven by the desire for adventure or novelty.

In Work: In the professional world, the Prince of Wands is an energetic and bold leader, pushing projects forward with enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose. He represents the catalyst for action, the one who brings ideas into motion. However, this card also warns that rushing forward without a solid plan can lead to burnout or missed opportunities.

Spiritually: The Prince of Wands can indicate intellectual exploration or philosophical inquiry. You may seek ways to expand your mind, often through bold or unconventional means. The card may also represent an energetic search for truth or personal enlightenment.

When ill-dignified: The Prince of Wands can indicate mental restlessness, hasty decisions, or an excessive focus on novelty at the expense of deeper commitment. You may be easily distracted or prone to acting on impulse without thinking through the consequences. This card warns against reckless behaviour or a lack of foresight in your actions.

 

 

 

 

Card 6: 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 7: Eight of Wands (Swiftness)

Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Sagittarius

The Eight of Wands represents rapid movement, clarity, and the acceleration of progress towards a goal. The card depicts eight wands arranged in a balanced, geometric pattern, with bolts of lightning radiating outward to emphasise speed and precision. Mercury, the planet of communication and intellect, combines with Sagittarius' expansive, forward-moving energy, creating swift momentum and purpose.

This card signifies the culmination of processes that have been set into motion, where obstacles are cleared and events unfold quickly. It reflects clarity, the alignment of ideas, and the efficient execution of plans. The Eight of Wands encourages you to remain focused and adaptable as opportunities arise and situations evolve rapidly. It is a card of dynamic energy, progress, and the swift resolution of matters.

In Relationships: The Eight of Wands signals rapid developments. This could be the fast movement of a romantic connection, where things move forward at an exciting pace. It suggests a period of enthusiasm, with events unfolding quickly.

In Work: This card indicates a time of swift progress and advancement. Opportunities and breakthroughs are moving rapidly, and you should be prepared to act quickly to seize them. It represents momentum and a time of positive growth.

Spiritually: The Eight of Wands suggests you are about to experience a rapid shift or insight. Things are moving quickly in your spiritual journey, and you should be open to the rapid flow of inspiration, growth, or change.

When ill-dignified: The Eight of Wands may signify haste or impulsivity, suggesting that you are rushing into something without adequate preparation or thought. It could also indicate a lack of direction, where events are moving too fast for you to maintain control. It advises slowing down and reassessing the situation before proceeding.

 

 

 

 

Card 8: IX – The Hermit

(Virgo, Yod)

The Hermit represents the seeker of inner truth and the wisdom gained through solitude and introspection. Associated with Yod, the hand, this card embodies the divine spark of creation and the active quest for enlightenment. Virgo, the zodiac of analysis and service, lends the Hermit its meticulous and introspective energy.

The Hermit is a lone figure cloaked in red, symbolising both the concealment and revelation of profound mysteries. He holds a glowing lantern containing a star, representing the union of opposites and the illumination of divine wisdom. A serpent coils around the cosmic egg, an emblem of transformation and esoteric knowledge. In the foreground, a radiant yellow glow symbolises enlightenment, while the crop around him suggests the fertile soil of the unconscious mind.

In Relationships: The Hermit suggests introspection or solitude. It encourages you to seek clarity and the understanding of your own needs before reengaging with others.

In Work: This card indicates the value of independent effort and the importance of inner guidance. You are encouraged to trust your own wisdom and focus on long-term goals rather than immediate results.

Spiritually: The Hermit represents the solitary journey of self-discovery and pursuit of higher knowledge. It calls you to turn inward and seek truth through meditation and reflection.

When ill-dignified: The Hermit warns of isolation, excessive withdrawal, or a reluctance to share one's insights. You are advised to balance your introspection with meaningful connection and ensure you are not avoiding life's responsibilities.

 

 

 

 

Card 9: XII – The Hanged Man

(Water, Mem)

The Hanged Man represents surrender, transformation, and the wisdom gained through self-sacrifice. Associated with Mem, the waters, this card embodies the flow of unconscious depths and the mysteries that lie beyond the material world. It is not a card of suffering but one of enlightenment through letting go.

The central figure is suspended upside-down, forming a cross with his legs, a symbol of balance and sacrifice. His arms form a triangle, evoking the union of spirit and matter. Behind him, the swirling blue-green background suggests the ocean of the subconscious. The serene expression on his face reflects the tranquillity found in surrendering to a greater truth. Around him, rays of light emanate, signifying the revelation that arises from this state of suspension.

In Relationships: The Hanged Man suggests a need for patience, selflessness, and understanding. It encourages you to see things from your partner's perspective and release control.

In Work: This card indicates a period of pause or sacrifice, where immediate goals may need to be set aside for long-term growth. You are advised to trust in the process and focus on the bigger picture.

Spiritually: The Hanged Man symbolises enlightenment achieved through surrender and the release of ego. It calls you to embrace the transformative power of stillness and contemplation.

When ill-dignified: The Hanged Man warns of stagnation, resistance to change, or clinging to outdated beliefs. You are advised to let go of what no longer serves you and embrace the wisdom of surrender.