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

Queen of Swords	King of Coins	XIII – Death
Six of Swords	Six of Cups	Four of Swords
Eight of Staves	0 – The Fool	Queen of Cups

 

 

 

 

Card 1: Queen of Swords

The Queen of Swords represents clarity, independence, and intellect. This card signifies a woman who is wise, perceptive, and quick-witted. She embodies the ability to cut through confusion and speak truth while showing compassion and understanding.

Symbolism: The Queen's commanding yet calm demeanour and careful posture symbolise authority in both intellect and emotions. Her elegant surroundings highlight her wisdom and stature.

In Relationships: Emotional independence and clear communication. The Queen of Swords suggests you can navigate relationships with clarity and a balanced approach.

In Work: The ability to lead with intellect, discernment, and clear communication. This card represents mental sharpness and decisive action in your professional life.

Spiritually: A time of mental clarity and spiritual discernment. The Queen of Swords encourages you to cut through illusions and pursue truth in your spiritual path.

When ill-dignified: Coldness, bitterness, or being harsh. The Queen of Swords warns against using your intellect as a tool for manipulation or becoming too detached from your emotions.

 

 

 

 

Card 2: King of Coins

The King of Coins signifies mastery of wealth, business, and material resources. He is a figure of authority and stability, using his intelligence and experience to build lasting wealth. This card speaks to leadership, responsibility, and achieving long-term financial success.

Symbolism: The King's commanding posture and golden robes reflect his mastery and authority in the material world. The coin he holds symbolises his wealth, and the background design speaks to the regal nature of his position.

In Relationships: A stable partner focused on creating long-term prosperity for their family. The King of Coins encourages a mature, responsible approach to relationships.

In Work: Mastery in your career or business, especially in financial management. The King of Coins represents achieving a position of leadership or success through wisdom and effort.

Spiritually: Mastery over your material world and the wisdom to balance it with your spiritual life. The King of Coins suggests stability and prosperity grounded in wisdom.

When ill-dignified: Materialism, greed, or a desire for control. The King of Coins warns against focusing only on wealth at the expense of relationships or spiritual growth.

 

 

 

 

Card 3: 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 4: Six of Swords

The Six of Swords represents transition, moving forward, and mental clarity. It signifies a physical or mental journey towards calmer waters and a better state of mind. This card suggests moving on from a turbulent situation towards something more peaceful.

Symbolism: The six swords in crossed rows create balance, suggesting a journey that is orderly, though still in motion. The design evokes calm and progress, and the neutral background emphasises the steady movement towards clarity and peace.

In Relationships: Moving on from a difficult relationship or finding peace after emotional turmoil. The Six of Swords represents leaving the past behind and seeking harmony in new emotional terrain.

In Work: Transitioning to a new phase in your professional life, possibly leaving a challenging job or situation for a more peaceful and fulfilling one.

Spiritually: A period of spiritual transition and growth. The Six of Swords encourages you to leave behind old spiritual patterns that no longer serve you and seek inner peace and understanding.

When ill-dignified: Escaping from problems without resolving them or avoiding necessary emotional work. The Six of Swords warns against running away from unresolved issues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: Six of Cups

The Six of Cups represents nostalgia, memory, and emotional healing. It suggests a return to simpler times, either through revisiting the past or through healing that allows you to reconnect with the joy and innocence of youth. This card speaks to emotional renewal through reflection and reconciliation.

Symbolism: The six chalices arranged in two neat rows represent order, structure, and continuity. The card's composition evokes feelings of harmony and nostalgia, with continuity between past and present. The ornate designs on the chalices emphasise the beauty of memories and the emotional depth of this reflection.

In Relationships: Reconnection with a past relationship or rekindling old emotional bonds. The Six of Cups speaks to the sweetness of nostalgia and the healing power of revisiting old joys.

In Work: Reflecting on experiences in your career and using them to inform future decisions. This card can also suggest a time to revisit childhood dreams or talents.

Spiritually: A return to emotional balance through spiritual healing. The Six of Cups invites you to connect with the joy and simplicity of your spiritual roots.

When ill-dignified: Living too much in the past, or being stuck in memories. This card warns against becoming too nostalgic and neglecting the present.

 

 

 

 

Card 6: Four of Swords

The Four of Swords represents rest, recuperation, and mental recovery. It signifies a need to step back and regain mental and emotional energy. This card speaks to the importance of rest and finding peace after a period of mental or emotional exhaustion.

Symbolism: The four swords arranged symmetrically evoke order, rest, and structure. Their placement suggests a time for reflection, calm, and withdrawal. The flowery background enhances the peaceful atmosphere, encouraging a pause for recovery.

In Relationships: A time to take a break from a relationship or to focus on self-care. The Four of Swords invites you to restore emotional equilibrium and reflect on your feelings.

In Work: Rest or reflection in your professional life. This card may suggest taking a break or re-evaluating your career goals to prevent burnout.

Spiritually: A time to retreat from the hustle and bustle of life to reconnect with your spiritual self. The Four of Swords calls for reflection and peace to heal your mind and spirit.

When ill-dignified: Withdrawal, avoidance, or mental stagnation. The Four of Swords warns against becoming detached or disconnected from your emotions or responsibilities.

 

 

 

 

Card 7: Eight of Staves

The Eight of Staves represents speed, movement, and swift action. It signals rapid progress and the need to act suddenly to seize opportunities.

Symbolism: The eight staves arranged diagonally and flowing in two directions convey a strong sense of momentum and forward motion. The flowery pale tan background allows the focus to remain on the energy and speed represented by the staves, urging you to move quickly and decisively.

In Relationships: Rapid movement or sudden developments. This could indicate fast progress, new developments, or even a sudden romantic spark.

In Work: Swift action or an unexpected opportunity in your career. The Eight of Staves suggests now is the time to act quickly to capitalise on momentum and make the most of what comes your way.

Spiritually: Rapid spiritual growth or sudden insight. The Eight of Staves signals that clarity and enlightenment are on the horizon, and you must act swiftly to harness these energies.

When ill-dignified: Hastiness, impulsiveness, or lack of foresight. This warns against rushing into decisions or actions without considering the consequences.

 

 

 

 

Card 8: 0 – The Fool

The Fool symbolises new beginnings, innocence, and an open-hearted journey. He represents the spirit of adventure and trust in the unknown, unburdened by experiences or material concerns. His path is one of discovery, where curiosity leads the way.

Symbolism: The vagabond's tattered clothing reflects detachment from societal norms, while his staff and bundle suggest minimal baggage—both physical and emotional. The golden background highlights his eternal and universal journey. His carefree, open-mouthed expression conveys both the naivety of youth and the wisdom of freedom from expectations.

In Relationships: A signal to take risks or approach relationships with spontaneity and trust. It cautions against naivety or reckless behaviour.

In Work: An invitation to embrace a new path or project with an open mind. The Fool encourages experimentation and trust in one's instincts.

Spiritually: The Fool represents faith in the journey ahead and the courage to step into the unknown. He invites the seeker to trust the divine flow.

When ill-dignified: Foolishness, poor judgement, or recklessness. It warns against ignoring practicalities or rushing ahead blindly.

 

 

 

 

Card 9: 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.