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	XII – The Hanged Man	0 – The Fool
XVI – The Tower	II – The High Priestess	XIV – Temperance
XIII – Death	V – The Pope	XXI – The World

 

 

 

 

Card 1: III – The Empress

The Empress embodies creativity, fertility, and nurturing energy. She symbolises the fruitful aspects of life, from creativity to personal growth, and encourages abundance in all forms.

Symbolism: Adorned with a crown of stars, she sits in a lush, fertile garden, holding a sceptre and shield. These symbols signify both authority and protection. The crescent moon beneath her feet connects her to cycles of intuition and growth.

In Relationships: Nurturing love, emotional bonds, or the creation of something new in a relationship, such as a family.

In Work: Success in creative ventures, productive work, and harmony.

Spiritually: Connection with natural and cosmic cycles, alignment with divine timing.

When ill-dignified: Stagnation, overindulgence, or the misuse of creative energy.

 

 

 

 

Card 2: XII – The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man symbolises suspension, sacrifice, and a shift in perspective. This card represents moments when one must release old beliefs or attachments to gain deeper insight and understanding.

Symbolism: The Hanged Man is depicted hanging upside down, suspended by one foot. His serene expression reflects acceptance and surrender, as he finds wisdom through a change in perspective. His hair resembles a crown symbolising enlightenment and the illumination gained through this pause.

In Relationships: A period of reflection, where relationships may need to be reassessed. It could also suggest a sacrifice for love or personal growth within relationships.

In Work: A time for letting go of old ways of thinking, re-evaluating goals, or waiting patiently for a shift in circumstances.

Spiritually: A time for surrender and spiritual enlightenment, achieved through a different perspective.

When ill-dignified: Stagnation, indecision, or an unwillingness to make necessary sacrifices for growth.

 

 

 

 

Card 3: 0 – The Fool

The Fool represents freedom, spontaneity, and new beginnings. This card signifies the start of an adventurous journey, full of potential but also uncertainty. He reminds us to embrace the unknown with optimism and an open heart.

Symbolism: The Fool carries a staff and a small sack, symbolising untapped potential and the lessons to be learned. The playful animal at his feet represents instinct, loyalty, and sometimes, the forces that pull us in conflicting directions. His carefree attitude invites a leap into the unknown.

In Relationships: New romantic beginnings, playfulness, and spontaneity, but be wary of impulsive actions.

In Work: A time for exploration, openness to unconventional opportunities, and embracing the unfamiliar.

Spiritually: Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, embracing the unknown with faith.

When ill-dignified: Recklessness, lack of foresight, and the dangers of ignoring consequences.

 

 

 

 

Card 4: XVI – The Tower

The Tower signifies sudden upheaval, revelation, and the breaking down of false structures. This card represents moments of crisis or dramatic change that lead to profound transformation.

Symbolism: The Tower is struck by lightning, causing it to collapse. Figures fall from the tower, symbolising the suddenness and unexpected nature of the event. The crown-like top falling from the tower suggests that pride or false beliefs are being shattered.

In Relationships: A sudden revelation or event that shatters illusions, leading to change or the breakdown of a relationship.

In Work: Unexpected disruption, the destruction of old structures, or a breakdown of outdated systems.

Spiritually: A wake-up call that challenges beliefs or systems, leading to greater clarity and spiritual growth.

When ill-dignified: Crisis, destruction without transformation, or a refusal to accept change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card 5: II – The High Priestess

The High Priestess represents intuition, wisdom, and hidden knowledge. She invites introspection and reminds us to trust our inner voice in uncovering truths that are not immediately apparent.

Symbolism: Seated on a throne with a book of wisdom and keys, the High Priestess represents access to esoteric knowledge. The curtains behind her suggest mystery and the boundary between the conscious and unconscious realms.

In Relationships: Emotional depth, secrets, or a need for patience and understanding.

In Work: Hidden opportunities, deep research, or learning emerging from within.

Spiritually: Trust your intuition and explore spiritual truths beyond the material world.

When ill-dignified: Ignorance, repressed emotions, or manipulation behind the veil of mystery.

 

 

 

 

Card 6: XIV – Temperance

Temperance represents balance, moderation, and the art of harmonising opposites. This card suggests a period of a careful blending of energies, creating harmony between diverse aspects of life.

Symbolism: Temperance is shown pouring liquid between two cups, symbolising the blending of forces or energies. Her wings suggest a spiritual connection, and her alchemical knowledge signifies a harmonious outcome. The card teaches the importance of moderation.

In Relationships: A balanced, harmonious relationship or the need for patience and moderation in love.

In Work: A time to blend different skills or approaches to find success. Collaboration and diplomacy are key.

Spiritually: A call for balance, peace, and alignment between the spiritual and material realms.

When ill-dignified: Excess, imbalance, or an inability to find middle ground.

 

 

 

 

Card 7: XIII – Death

Death signifies transformation, endings, and new beginnings. Rather than literal death, it represents the end of a phase in life, making way for rebirth and regeneration.

Symbolism: Death is portrayed as a skeleton reaping the harvest with a scythe, signifying purification and the promise of growth. Parts of the fallen lie before them, representing what must be left behind for transformation to occur. The card's imagery reminds us that change is inevitable.

In Relationships: An ending or significant change, clearing the way for fresh developments or perspectives.

In Work: The end of a project, job, or phase of life, leading to the start of something new and transformative.

Spiritually: A transformative time where old beliefs or habits must be released for personal growth.

When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, stagnation, or fear of transformation.

 

 

 

 

Card 8: V – The Pope

The Pope represents tradition, spiritual guidance, and morality. He symbolises the need for structure, passing sacred knowledge, and alignment with established systems or mentors.

Symbolism: Seated on a throne with a triple-cross sceptre and a raised hand in blessing, the Pope embodies divine wisdom. The twin pillars behind him suggest the gateway to higher knowledge and understanding.

In Relationships: A traditional, committed relationship or the need to realign with moral principles.

In Work: Seek guidance from a mentor or adhere to established structures for success.

Spiritually: The Pope calls for a return to faith, ethics, and divine wisdom in all aspects of life.

When ill-dignified: Dogmatism, hypocrisy, or blind adherence to outdated traditions.

 

 

 

 

Card 9: XXI – The World

The World represents completion, fulfilment, and the achievement of wholeness. This card signifies the end of a cycle and the successful realisation of goals and aspirations.

Symbolism: The World features a figure dancing within a wreath, holding two wands. The four corners of the card show the symbols of the fixed signs of the zodiac: the bull, lion, eagle, and man, representing the harmony of the four elements and the completion of the journey.

In Relationships: Harmony, fulfilment, and the completion of a phase of a relationship. The achievement of mutual understanding and goals.

In Work: The successful completion of a project or phase, leading to accomplishment and new beginnings.

Spiritually: The attainment of wholeness, completion, and the alignment of the self with the universe.

When ill-dignified: Complacency, stagnation, or the inability to move forward despite opportunities for growth.