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

Three of Cups	Ace of Coins	XXI – The World
Ten of Swords	XII – The Hanged Man	XVII – The Star
King of Staves	Two of Staves	Knave of Staves

 

 

 

 

Card 1: Three of Cups

The Three of Cups represents celebration, community, and joyful reunions. It speaks to the power of friendship, collaboration, and shared experiences. This card is often associated with a time of happiness and gathering, where emotional connections are strengthened.

Symbolism: The three chalices arranged with one on its side symbolise unity, community, and the strength of mutual support. The simple yet elegant design reflects harmony and shared joy among individuals. The card highlights the importance of celebration and connection in your emotional life.

In Relationships: Joyful celebrations, whether a reunion, an engagement, or sharing happy moments with a partner. It's a card of communal happiness and togetherness.

In Work: Successful collaborations or team efforts that lead to achievement. This card can also suggest celebrating your professional accomplishments with others.

Spiritually: A sense of spiritual community and shared experiences. The Three of Cups invites you to celebrate your spiritual growth with others and honour the joy of collective connection.

When ill-dignified: Overindulgence, exclusion from a group, or conflicts within a community. This card may warn against neglecting your emotional connections or becoming too focused on external celebrations.

 

 

 

 

Card 2: Ace of Coins

The Ace of Coins symbolises new beginnings, prosperity, and material abundance. It represents the potential for success and growth, especially in financial or practical matters. This card speaks to opportunities that can lead to long-term stability and tangible rewards, laying the foundation for prosperity.

Symbolism: The coin represents a seed of potential, offering the promise of wealth, success, or material security. The subtle background allows the coin's design to take centre stage, highlighting the auspicious nature of this opportunity.

In Relationships: New beginnings or opportunities to build a secure and prosperous relationship. The Ace of Coins invites you to invest in a long-term, stable partnership.

In Work: A new opportunity for financial gain or career advancement. This is a time to focus on practical steps towards building a secure foundation.

Spiritually: A time to focus on manifesting your material and spiritual desires. The Ace of Coins calls for alignment between your physical and spiritual goals.

When ill-dignified: Missed opportunities, poor financial decisions, or a lack of effort to build towards long-term goals.

 

 

 

 

Card 3: XXI – The World

The World represents completion, wholeness, and the harmonious integration of all aspects of life. It is the last card of the Major Arcana, signalling the end of one journey and the beginning of another.

Symbolism: The two ethereal figures holding the globe or portal represent the union of duality and the achievement of balance. The rolling plains and distant mountains beneath the golden sky symbolise the vast potential of the world, and the figures' gesture of offering suggests a celebration of accomplishment. The card evokes cosmic harmony, completion, and the endless cycles of existence.

In Relationships: The World signifies a complete and fulfilling relationship, one where both partners are in harmony and balanced with each other. It's a time of celebration and unity.

In Work: Completion of a major goal or project. The World indicates the successful culmination of efforts, with new horizons opening up in your professional life.

Spiritually: A time of wholeness. The World signifies a sense of fulfilment and oneness with the universe, representing the final stage of spiritual evolution.

When ill-dignified: Incompletion, being stuck, or an inability to move forward. This card warns of a lack of closure or an unfinished journey that hinders your growth.

 

 

 

 

Card 4: Ten of Swords

The Ten of Swords signifies an overwhelming and painful ending. It suggests a situation that has reached its breaking point, often after a period of mental or emotional strain. This card points to the finality of a difficult chapter and the potential for renewal after a painful conclusion.

Symbolism: The array of ten swords represents the intensity of betrayal, loss, or defeat. The overwhelming nature of the arrangement emphasises the depth of the crisis. The contrast between the swords and the flowered background highlights the gravity of the situation and the possibility of a new beginning once the pain subsides.

In Relationships: A painful breakup or emotional betrayal. The Ten of Swords marks the end of a challenging relationship or emotional chapter but also signals the opportunity for healing.

In Work: The culmination of a difficult period at work, possibly signalling job loss or failure. This card suggests that, while painful, the end of this chapter clears the way for new opportunities.

Spiritually: A painful spiritual awakening or crisis. The Ten of Swords invites you to embrace the lessons learned and recognise that endings often bring new beginnings.

When ill-dignified: A protracted period of suffering or an unwillingness to move on from the past. The Ten of Swords warns against dwelling in pain or allowing it to define you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: XII – The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man represents a moment of suspension, transformation, and the profound wisdom of surrender. It is the card of acceptance, urging one to release control and embrace a new perspective, even at the cost of discomfort.

Symbolism: The figure's suspended position signifies the state of hanging between worlds, a soul caught in the liminal space between the old and new. The calm expression of surrender contrasts with his precarious state, highlighting the necessity of letting go to gain understanding. The patterns of his tunic, combined with the golden glow, evoke a sacred pause in time, elevating this card to a spiritual level.

In Relationships: A time to step back and reassess your emotional life. Patience, understanding, and self-reflection are required. The card suggests moments of stillness can lead to profound growth in relationships.

In Work: Professional progress comes through rethinking old strategies. The Hanged Man indicates that a temporary pause or a shift in perspective can lead to breakthroughs.

Spiritually: The card speaks to spiritual enlightenment through sacrifice and release. You are called to surrender to the flow of life and gain higher wisdom.

When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, stagnation, and a refusal to let go. This warns against being trapped by fear or obstinance, preventing personal growth.

 

 

 

 

Card 6: XVII – The Star

The Star is the card of hope, inspiration, and divine guidance. It signals a time of clarity and renewal, where one is aligned with their highest potential and the energies of the universe.

Symbolism: The woman beneath the large, radiant star symbolises divine connection and the flow of universal wisdom. Her upward-reaching arms indicate a yearning for enlightenment or higher understanding, while her delicate robes and the shimmering golden backdrop suggest purity, healing, and inspiration. The simplicity of the composition focuses on the power of the celestial symbol above, offering a vision of clear direction.

In Relationships: A time of healing and optimism. The Star signals hope for the future of a relationship, inspiring trust and a deep connection between partners.

In Work: Clarity and insight bring success. The Star indicates that inspiration and divine guidance will lead you towards the right path.

Spiritually: A card of spiritual renewal, the Star calls you to reconnect with your higher self and seek inspiration from the divine.

When ill-dignified: Delusion, disillusionment, loss of hope, or a feeling of being disconnected from your higher purpose. This warns against losing sight of your spiritual or personal goals.

 

 

 

 

Card 7: King of Staves

The King of Staves represents authority, vision, and mastery. He is the embodiment of focused action, leadership, and the ability to direct energy towards a clear, long-term goal.

Symbolism: The King sits on his throne, holding his staff with dignity. His royal robes and crown symbolise his mastery and wisdom, while his composed expression suggests thoughtful decision-making. The repeating ornate pattern in the background reinforces the themes of structure, control, and power.

In Relationships: Leadership, vision, and maturity. The King of Staves represents a steady and visionary partner who provides guidance and stability.

In Work: Mastery of your craft and a clear vision for your future. The King encourages strategic leadership and long-term planning in your professional endeavours.

Spiritually: Mastery over your spiritual path. The King of Staves invites you to embody your inner wisdom and use it to lead others or further your own spiritual journey.

When ill-dignified: Dictatorship, narrow-mindedness, or rigid thinking. This card warns against becoming too controlling or focused only on your vision at the expense of others' needs.

 

 

 

 

Card 8: Two of Staves

The Two of Staves symbolises duality, decision-making, and the balancing of forces. It represents a time when a choice must be made, but the way forward is clear only through contemplation and internal balance.

Symbolism: The two staffs, arranged symmetrically, reflect the concept of partnership, opposition, or balance. The delicate flourishes at the bases suggest that, though the decision may be significant, it need not be rushed. The flowery background continues the theme of elegance, inviting you to focus on the inner dynamics between opposing forces.

In Relationships: A decision lies ahead—whether to commit, balance differences, or choose a path together. This card invites careful deliberation before taking action.

In Work: A time to evaluate your options, whether expanding your horizons or staying the course. It speaks to the importance of balancing ambition with patience.

Spiritually: The Two suggests an inner conflict or a need to find balance within yourself. This card encourages introspection and a search for harmony.

When ill-dignified: Indecision, imbalance, or the inability to make a clear choice. You may be stuck in a state of conflict, unable to resolve opposing forces in your life.

 

 

 

 

Card 9: Knave of Staves

The Knave of Staves represents youthful enthusiasm, exploration, and new beginnings. This card signifies a time of discovery and creative energy, where the world is seen with fresh eyes.

Symbolism: The Knave, holding a staff and standing confidently, embodies the spirit of adventure and curiosity. The lush green ground beneath their feet suggests new beginnings rooted in fertile possibilities, while their elaborate, dark robes signify maturity and depth despite their youth. The golden background emphasises their potential and promise.

In Relationships: A new, exciting chapter in your romantic life. The Knave of Staves suggests the beginning of a passionate connection or the rekindling of youthful excitement.

In Work: A time of learning and exploration in your professional life. The Knave of Staves indicates being on the verge of an exciting new venture or creative project.

Spiritually: The beginning of a new spiritual path or awakening. This card invites you to approach your spiritual journey with open-mindedness and enthusiasm.

When ill-dignified: Immaturity, impulsiveness, or lack of direction. This suggests you may be rushing into something without considering the consequences.