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

Knight of Cups	IV – The Emperor	Nine of Cups
II – The Popess	Queen of Coins	Ten of Swords
Ten of Coins	Four of Staves	XVI – The Tower (Lost card, substituted here)

 

 

 

 

Card 1: Knight of Cups

The Knight of Cups represents emotional pursuit, idealism, and romanticism. It speaks to the pursuit of dreams, following one's heart, and embarking on emotional quests with passion and dedication.

Symbolism: The knight on horseback, holding a cup, exudes an energy of romantic idealism and emotional drive. The pale horse's steady gait and the knight's confident posture suggest a balance between passion and grace.

In Relationships: Pursuing romance with enthusiasm and idealism. The Knight of Cups suggests a time of emotional pursuit, whether the beginning of a romance or a passionate phase in an existing relationship.

In Work: A pursuit of creative or emotional fulfilment. This card represents following your heart and idealism in professional endeavours.

Spiritually: The quest for spiritual or emotional fulfilment. The Knight of Cups invites you to pursue your highest ideals and trust your intuition on your spiritual journey.

When ill-dignified: Impulsiveness, emotional highs and lows, or unrealistic expectations. The Knight of Cups warns against becoming too idealistic or pursuing unrealistic goals without grounding.

 

 

 

 

Card 2: IV – The Emperor

The Emperor symbolises structure, authority, and stability. He represents the power of rules and order to create security and success, though sometimes at the expense of flexibility.

Symbolism: Seated upright with a sceptre and orb, the Emperor exudes control and dominion. His luxurious robes and the golden background emphasise his regal and unshakable power. His stillness reflects his role as a protector of order and enforcer of discipline.

In Relationships: A relationship built on structure and commitment. It can suggest the presence of a protective partner or the need to establish boundaries.

In Work: Leadership, organisation, and discipline are essential for achieving success. The Emperor encourages taking control and assuming responsibility.

Spiritually: The Emperor teaches the importance of structure and discipline in spiritual practice, encouraging grounded growth.

When ill-dignified: Tyranny, rigidity, or abuse of power. It warns against controlling behaviours or excessive adherence to rules.

 

 

 

 

Card 3: Nine of Cups

The Nine of Cups represents emotional contentment, satisfaction, and the fulfilment of desires. It indicates a time of emotional happiness and the realisation of personal goals.

Symbolism: The nine chalices are arranged in a grid, symbolising balance and fulfilment. Their elaborate designs reflect the richness of the emotional experience, while the uniformity of the arrangement suggests completeness and stability.

In Relationships: Emotional fulfilment and contentment. This card signifies the realisation of romantic dreams or a period of joy and connection with a partner.

In Work: Professional satisfaction and the achievement of goals. The Nine of Cups represents a time of success and personal accomplishment in your work life.

Spiritually: Emotional harmony and spiritual fulfilment. The Nine of Cups invites you to celebrate your spiritual achievements and the peace you've cultivated.

When ill-dignified: Complacency, overindulgence, or taking things for granted. The Nine of Cups warns against resting on your laurels or neglecting personal growth.

 

 

 

 

Card 4: II – The Popess

The Popess signifies intuition, mystery, and hidden wisdom. She represents the need to look inward and trust one's inner voice while respecting the unknown and unseen.

Symbolism: Her veil and book symbolise the sacred mysteries she guards. The golden background elevates her presence, while her fancy robes reflect the complexity of her spiritual knowledge. Her composed demeanour conveys her role as a keeper of divine truths.

In Relationships: A time to trust your instincts. The Popess may suggest unspoken feelings or the need for patience.

In Work: Hidden opportunities or knowledge may come to light. Use intuition and discretion when making decisions.

Spiritually: A call to explore inner wisdom and the mysteries of life. Trust the subtle guidance of intuition.

When ill-dignified: Secrets, deception, or an overreliance on logic at the expense of intuition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: 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.

 

 

 

 

Card 6: 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 7: Ten of Coins

The Ten of Coins signifies wealth, legacy, and long-term success. It represents a culmination of efforts that have resulted in financial stability and the ability to pass on a legacy. This card celebrates family, heritage, and the fulfilment of long-term goals.

Symbolism: The symmetrical arrangement of ten coins emphasises completion, legacy, and the culmination of a journey. The rich details of the coins reflect the lasting impact of your achievements.

In Relationships: Stability, commitment, and family. The Ten of Coins speaks to building a lasting foundation for future generations and finding fulfilment in long-term relationships.

In Work: A time of financial abundance and career success. This card indicates that you have achieved a stable and prosperous position, and your legacy is secure.

Spiritually: A sense of fulfilment and the ability to pass on wisdom to future generations. The Ten of Coins encourages you to focus on leaving a lasting, positive legacy.

When ill-dignified: Stagnation, generational wealth without purpose, or difficulty passing on your legacy. The Ten of Coins warns against becoming too focused on material wealth at the expense of relationships or spiritual 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: XVI – The Tower (Lost card, substituted here)

This card no longer exists, so the Marseille version is filling in. The Tower symbolises upheaval, sudden change, and the destruction of false structures. It heralds moments of revelation that, while shocking, clear the way for growth and truth.

Symbolism: The lightning bolt represents divine intervention shattering illusions and falsehoods. The crumbling tower signifies the collapse of unstable foundations. The falling figures illustrate vulnerability and the inevitability of change, while the broken shield reflects the fragility of ego and human constructs. Despite the chaos, the background suggests this upheaval is necessary for enlightenment.

In Relationships: The Tower signals a sudden shake-up, possibly a breakup or revelation. Though painful, it clears the way for honesty and authenticity.

In Work: Expect abrupt changes, such as a job loss or major restructuring. Though unsettling, this card pushes you to re-evaluate your priorities and rebuild stronger foundations.

Spiritually: The Tower challenges false beliefs and spiritual stagnation. A moment of crisis will lead to profound insight and transformation.

When ill-dignified: When reversed or ill-dignified, the Tower suggests avoiding necessary change, delaying the inevitable, or clinging to a crumbling situation. It warns that resisting transformation can lead to prolonged suffering.