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

III – The Empress	I – The Magician	Seven of Coins
Knave of Swords	Nine of Coins	Seven of Cups
Knave of Coins	Four of Staves	Ace of Staves

 

 

 

 

Card 1: 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 2: I – The Magician

The Magician embodies skill, potential, and the power to manifest. He represents the mastery of tools and resources, as well as the confidence to create one's reality. This card speaks of the importance of focus and action in shaping personal success.

Symbolism: The Magician's table holds simple tools, symbolising practical skills and raw materials. His Renaissance attire conveys refinement and expertise, while the golden background suggests his elevated role in shaping the material world. His seated position emphasises composure and control over his craft.

In Relationships: A call to use charm and communication to strengthen relationships. It warns of manipulation if ill-intentioned.

In Work: A time to take initiative and harness your abilities to achieve success. The Magician encourages innovation and confidence.

Spiritually: The Magician bridges the physical and spiritual, reminding the seeker to channel divine inspiration into practical actions.

When ill-dignified: Misuse of skills, deception, or scattered energy. It warns against overconfidence or manipulation.

 

 

 

 

Card 3: Seven of Coins

The Seven of Coins represents patience, investment, and assessment. It signifies a time to step back and evaluate the progress of your efforts. This card emphasises the importance of patience and the need to wait for the fruits of your labour to manifest.

Symbolism: The irregular arrangement of the seven coins suggests growth, progress, and the anticipation of results. Their grouping represents the natural rhythm of growth, with some efforts taking longer to bear fruit than others.

In Relationships: Reflecting on the progress of a relationship and taking stock of where things are headed. The Seven of Coins encourages patience and careful assessment before making major decisions.

In Work: Evaluating your career progress and investments. This card advises you to assess the returns of your efforts, as growth may be gradual.

Spiritually: A time of spiritual assessment, where you evaluate your progress on your path. The Seven of Coins encourages patience and trust in the process.

When ill-dignified: Impatience, frustration, or lack of faith. The Seven of Coins warns against rushing or abandoning your efforts prematurely.

 

 

 

 

Card 4: Knave of Swords

The Knave of Swords represents curiosity, vigilance, and mental agility. This card signifies the start of a new intellectual pursuit or a moment of learning, often accompanied by a sharp, inquisitive mind. It speaks to the energy of exploration and the readiness to face challenges with focus and determination.

Symbolism: The Knave's posture and sword exude readiness and focus, while the detailed metallic-patterned background suggests the richness of intellectual pursuits. The vibrant green ground emphasises the freshness of the journey ahead.

In Relationships: Intellectual curiosity or a new phase where communication and understanding are key. The Knave of Swords suggests clear-headed exploration of emotions or ideas.

In Work: New beginnings in your professional life, especially in areas that require intellectual skills, learning, or quick thinking. This card represents engaging with fresh challenges.

Spiritually: A time of mental exploration and learning within your spiritual path. The Knave of Swords invites you to be alert and receptive to new ideas.

When ill-dignified: Overthinking, gossip, or immature behaviour. The Knave of Swords warns against acting impulsively or lacking focus in your pursuits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: Nine of Coins

The Nine of Coins represents self-sufficiency, abundance, and material comfort. It signifies a time of enjoyment, where hard work has paid off, and you can enjoy the fruits of your labour. This card celebrates the pleasures of luxury, refinement, and personal achievement.

Symbolism: The stacked arrangement of nine coins reflects abundance and harmony. The stable design conveys accomplishment, stability, and satisfaction.

In Relationships: A relationship that is self-sufficient and fulfilling. The Nine of Coins suggests enjoying the fruits of love and mutual respect, with a sense of independence.

In Work: Financial success and personal achievement. This card represents enjoying the rewards of your hard work and attaining a comfortable, stable position in your career.

Spiritually: Fulfilment and the joy of having reached a place of peace and abundance in your spiritual journey.

When ill-dignified: Over-indulgence, isolation, or dependence. The Nine of Coins warns against relying too heavily on material comforts or becoming disconnected from others.

 

 

 

 

Card 6: Seven of Cups

The Seven of Cups represents choices, illusions, and dreams. It speaks to a time of possibility and decision-making, where many options are available, but it can also indicate confusion or a tendency to chase unattainable fantasies. This card invites you to assess your options.

Symbolism: The seven chalices, arranged asymmetrically, reflect the idea of varied possibilities, each with its own allure. The uneven arrangement symbolises the unpredictability of choice and the potential for distraction or confusion. The decoration of the chalices suggests each option carries its own emotional weight.

In Relationships: A period of many choices in your romantic life, but also a time to be cautious of unrealistic expectations or illusions. This card asks you to consider your options.

In Work: Multiple career paths or opportunities are available, but you may feel overwhelmed or unsure which one to pursue. The Seven of Cups advises introspection and discernment in your decision-making process.

Spiritually: A time to evaluate spiritual paths and opportunities. The Seven of Cups invites you to look beyond illusions and focus on what resonates with your soul.

When ill-dignified: Confusion, unrealistic expectations, or escapism. The Seven of Cups warns against being overwhelmed by too many choices or falling for empty promises.

 

 

 

 

Card 7: Knave of Coins

The Knave of Coins symbolises curiosity, learning, and the pursuit of material knowledge. It represents a youthful figure starting a journey of growth, especially in the material or financial realm. This card speaks to new opportunities for learning and exploration, especially in practical skills.

Symbolism: The Page's focused posture, with the coin held carefully, reflects a contemplative approach to new opportunities. The lush green surroundings suggest growth and vitality, while the metallic background represents potential and opportunity.

In Relationships: A new phase in love where learning, growth, and exploration are important. The Knave of Coins suggests an enthusiastic approach to relationships, eager to build something lasting.

In Work: Beginning a new career journey or learning a new skill. This card encourages you to embrace new opportunities and focus on your development.

Spiritually: A time of spiritual learning and exploration. The Knave of Coins invites you to seek new spiritual practices or teachings to expand your path.

When ill-dignified: Naivety, immaturity, or a lack of focus. The Knave of Coins warns against superficial approaches or neglecting the work required for growth.

 

 

 

 

Card 8: Four of Staves

The Four of Staves represents completion, stability, and celebration. It signifies a time of solid foundations, harmony, and joy in both personal and professional endeavours.

Symbolism: The four staves, arranged in a balanced, crossing pattern, suggest structure and completion. The subtle detailing reflects refinement and attention to detail, while the flowery backdrop emphasises the simplicity and elegance of the accomplishment. The card's composition signifies a time to celebrate what has been achieved and appreciate the stability now in place.

In Relationships: A time of stability and celebration within your relationship. The Four of Staves suggests harmony, engagement, or even marriage. It's a time to enjoy the fruits of shared efforts.

In Work: Achievement and recognition. This card signifies the completion of a project, a successful milestone, or the solidification of your professional position.

Spiritually: A sense of spiritual fulfilment and peace. The Four of Staves indicates that you are grounded in your spiritual journey, enjoying the harmony you've created within.

When ill-dignified: Complacency or an inability to move beyond the current structure. It may indicate the stability you've achieved has become stagnant, or you've lost sight of future growth.

 

 

 

 

Card 9: Ace of Staves

The Ace of Staves represents the spark of creation, vitality, and the raw energy of new beginnings. It embodies the potential of a seed, ready to sprout and grow into something magnificent. This is the card of inspiration, energy, and the initiation of new ventures.

Symbolism: The upright staff, with its textured bark and emerging sprout, symbolises the beginning of a new cycle, full of potential and promise. The plain tan background highlights the purity and simplicity of the elemental energy, inviting you to step forward with enthusiasm and confidence. The sprout near the base reminds you that all growth begins with a single step.

In Relationships: A new beginning or a burst of passion in your romantic life. The Ace invites fresh energy and the excitement of new connections or the rekindling of a relationship.

In Work: The birth of a new project or opportunity. The Ace of Staves signals that now is the time to seize your creative potential and pursue your ambitions.

Spiritually: A call to action. The Ace suggests you are on the verge of spiritual awakening or taking a new path. Trust your instincts and take the first step towards growth.

When ill-dignified: Lack of direction or motivation, possibly feeling uninspired. You may be hesitant to begin, caught in uncertainty or fear of failure.