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

Ten of Staves	Ace of Cups	Two of Cups
Five of Swords	III – The Empress	Queen of Cups
XIII – Death	Seven of Staves	Queen of Coins

 

 

 

 

Card 1: Ten of Staves

The Ten of Staves represents burden, responsibility, and the weight of obligations. It suggests a time when you may feel overwhelmed or overextended by the demands placed upon you.

Symbolism: The ten staves, tightly clustered, evoke the image of a heavy load or responsibility that is difficult to bear. The densely packed design highlights the weight and complexity of the situation, while the pale tan background provides a calm counterpoint to the intensity of the composition.

In Relationships: Being overburdened by responsibilities or feeling weighed down by obligations. This card may indicate that you're taking on too much, or the relationship is becoming a source of stress.

In Work: A period of overwhelming responsibility or pressure at work. The Ten of Staves advises you to assess whether you are spreading yourself too thin or neglecting self-care.

Spiritually: Feeling weighed down by obligations or spiritual duties. You may be carrying too much responsibility, making it difficult to find peace or progress.

When ill-dignified: Burnout, exhaustion, or an inability to delegate. This card warns against carrying too much on your shoulders without seeking help or finding balance.

 

 

 

 

Card 2: Ace of Cups

The Ace of Cups signifies the birth of emotions, spiritual renewal, and the flow of abundance. It represents the opening of the heart, the initiation of emotional healing, and the potential for deep, transformative love. This card invites you to embrace your emotions with openness and trust, knowing that your emotional reservoir is being replenished.

Symbolism: The ornate chalice symbolises emotional receptivity and divine blessing. The stream of water flowing from its rim represents the endless flow of love and creativity, while the simple background emphasises the purity of this new emotional beginning. The card evokes feelings of peace, connection, and the potential for emotional fulfilment.

In Relationships: The beginning of a new, emotionally fulfilling relationship or a deepening of connection with someone already in your life. This is a time of emotional renewal and openness.

In Work: The birth of new opportunities that align with your passions and creativity. It signals a time to trust your intuition and pursue work that brings you joy.

Spiritually: A call to open your heart and embrace spiritual growth. The Ace of Cups encourages you to explore your inner world and find healing and emotional wholeness.

When ill-dignified: Emotional blockages, closed off from new experiences, or difficulty trusting emotions. This suggests there is a resistance to embracing emotional flow.

 

 

 

 

Card 3: Two of Cups

The Two of Cups represents mutual love, partnership, and emotional harmony. It reflects the balance between two individuals, suggesting that both partners offer their hearts equally. This card symbolises the harmonious exchange of energy and emotional support.

Symbolism: The two chalices, positioned one above the other, reflect equality and mutual respect. The designs on the cups show that while there are differences, they complement each other perfectly. The symmetrical arrangement emphasises the theme of balance and unity in relationships.

In Relationships: Deep connection and mutual understanding with a partner. The Two of Cups signals emotional balance and union, whether in a romantic partnership or a close friendship.

In Work: A strong, supportive collaboration or partnership that brings emotional fulfilment and success. This could represent a productive relationship where both parties work in harmony.

Spiritually: Union with a higher power or deeper connection to the divine. This card suggests emotional balance and spiritual partnership.

When ill-dignified: Disharmony, imbalanced relationships, or emotional disconnection. The Two of Cups can warn of emotional misunderstandings or an unbalanced partnership.

 

 

 

 

Card 4: Five of Swords

The Five of Swords represents conflict, competition, and mental struggle. It suggests a situation where victory may come at a cost, with tension and discord present. This card can indicate a win achieved through manipulation, dishonesty, or at the expense of others.

Symbolism: The swords are arranged in an unbalanced formation of four-on-one, highlighting the disharmony and imbalance created by conflict. The uneven positioning of the blades reflects the instability caused by mental or emotional discord, while their fine craftsmanship hints at the complexity of the situation.

In Relationships: Conflict or mental challenges. The Five of Swords suggests that a fight or disagreement may have left scars, and one must decide whether to continue fighting or walk away.

In Work: A competitive or combative environment. This card warns that achieving success at the expense of others may lead to resentment or long-term harm.

Spiritually: Mental conflict or inner turmoil that disrupts your peace of mind. The Five of Swords advises resolving spiritual disputes and finding reconciliation within yourself.

When ill-dignified: Deception, defeat, or unnecessary conflict. The Five of Swords warns against manipulative behaviour or unnecessary mental battles that lead to no real resolution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: III – The Empress

The Empress symbolises abundance, creativity, and nurturing energy. She represents the generative force of nature and the ability to create and sustain growth, both literally and figuratively.

Symbolism: The Empress's sceptre and crown symbolise her authority, while her shield connects her to the Visconti family lineage. The floral embroidery on her gown reflects her connection to nature and fertility. The golden background underscores her divine and regal status.

In Relationships: A time of emotional abundance and nurturing. The Empress signals love, harmony, and growth.

In Work: Creative projects flourish under the Empress's guidance. She encourages nurturing ideas and building strong foundations.

Spiritually: The Empress represents the divine feminine, inviting the seeker to embrace growth and connect with nature's rhythms.

When ill-dignified: Stagnation, overindulgence, or a smothering presence in relationships.

 

 

 

 

Card 6: Queen of Cups

The Queen of Cups represents emotional wisdom, intuition, and nurturing. She embodies the ability to care for others while staying connected to her own emotions. This card symbolises empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of emotional needs.

Symbolism: The Queen sits gracefully on her throne holding her cup, suggesting a deep connection to her emotions. The patterns of her gown and the lavish background emphasise her emotional maturity and nurturing energy.

In Relationships: A loving, nurturing energy. The Queen of Cups signifies emotional support, empathy, and an intuitive understanding of love.

In Work: The ability to lead with emotional intelligence and compassion. The Queen of Cups invites you to nurture your creative or emotional projects, guiding others with care and wisdom.

Spiritually: A time to trust your intuition and embrace emotional depth in your spiritual life. The Queen of Cups calls for self-care and listening to your inner emotional wisdom.

When ill-dignified: Over-sensitivity, emotional manipulation, or neglecting your needs while caring for others. The Queen of Cups warns against becoming immersed in others' emotions at the expense of your own well-being.

 

 

 

 

Card 7: XIII – Death

Death signifies the inevitable conclusion of one cycle and the heralding of another. It's a powerful symbol of transformation, renewal, and the necessity of endings to foster new beginnings.

Symbolism: The skeletal figure with a scythe represents the impartial and unrelenting nature of time and change. The image of fallen bodies suggests the end of a phase, but the subtle floral designs interwoven with the scene offer hope, symbolising rebirth and the cyclical nature of existence. The golden background emphasises the universal truth of transformation and the inevitability of all life cycles.

In Relationships: This card suggests the end of an old emotional pattern or relationship, clearing the way for renewal. Let go of what no longer serves you to make space for new, healthier connections.

In Work: Death marks the close of one professional chapter. It's a time for endings, making way for new opportunities and growth. Embrace the transition instead of fearing it.

Spiritually: Death calls for a transformation, letting go of old beliefs or attachments. Spiritual rebirth requires an embrace of the unknown and a surrender to the cycles of existence.

When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, stagnation, and fear of letting go. This can manifest as clinging to the past or an inability to move forward, hindering growth.

 

 

 

 

Card 8: Seven of Staves

The Seven of Staves represents defence, resistance, and standing your ground. It symbolises the courage to protect what you've built and assert your position, even in the face of opposition.

Symbolism: The seven staves arranged in a symmetrical pattern suggest a challenge to your stability or position, yet they also indicate the strength and resilience required to protect it. The uneven arrangement reflects the dynamic energy of struggle and resistance. The pale tan background continues the theme of elemental energy, grounding the conflict within a broader context.

In Relationships: A time to defend your boundaries or assert your position. This card may indicate a need to stand firm in your values or beliefs, especially if they are being challenged.

In Work: A period of resistance in your professional life, where you must protect your ideas, position, or accomplishments from competition or opposition.

Spiritually: The Seven of Staves represents spiritual defence, a time to stand firm in your beliefs and spiritual practices. It invites you to protect your inner peace from outside forces.

When ill-dignified: Over-defensiveness, stubbornness, or aggression. This may indicate that you are unnecessarily guarding yourself from challenges or are too resistant to change.

 

 

 

 

Card 9: Queen of Coins

The Queen of Coins represents nurturing, abundance, and practical wisdom. She is a motherly figure who embodies warmth, security, and the ability to create a stable and prosperous environment for others. This card speaks to a balance of generosity, practicality, and a grounded approach to material wealth.

Symbolism: The Queen's regal yet nurturing posture, along with her detailed gown and the coin she holds, reflects her ability to create abundance through care, planning, and attention to detail. The golden tapestry symbolises wealth and elegance.

In Relationships: A loving, supportive partner who creates a warm, stable home. The Queen of Coins encourages a relationship rooted in care, nurturing, and shared prosperity.

In Work: A grounded, practical approach to career success. The Queen of Coins suggests using your skills to create financial security for yourself and others.

Spiritually: Spiritual abundance through nurturing practices. The Queen of Coins advises using your spiritual wisdom to care for yourself and others.

When ill-dignified: Over-protection, possessiveness, or neglecting your own needs for the sake of others. The Queen of Coins warns against being controlling or too focused on material wealth.