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
XIV – Temperance |
IV – The Emperor |
XI – Strength |
IX – The Hermit |
II – The High Priestess |
XVI – The Tower |
I – The Magician |
V – The Pope |
XIII – Death |
Card 1: 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 2: IV – The Emperor
The Emperor embodies structure, authority, and rational leadership. He embodies the power of order and disciplined action, urging us to establish strong foundations and clear boundaries in all aspects of life.
Symbolism: Adorned with a regal crown and seated on an imposing throne, the Emperor exudes control and stability. His detailed, authoritative attire and the subtle inclusion of esoteric symbols speak to a mastery over both the material and the mystical realms, emphasising the importance of balance between external order and inner wisdom.
In Relationships: The Emperor encourages healthy dynamics marked by protection, responsibility, and mutual respect. His energy suggests that strong leadership and clear boundaries can foster trust and stability within partnerships.
In Work: Success in professional endeavours comes through strategic planning, disciplined execution, and the establishment of order. The Emperor's influence highlights leadership, authority, and the ability to structure one's environment for optimal productivity.
Spiritually: Embodying a union of earthly power and cosmic order, the Emperor invites you to align your will with higher universal principles. His guidance emphasises the importance of self-discipline and integrity on the path to spiritual growth.
When ill-dignified: A misaligned Emperor may indicate an overbearing or inflexible attitude, where authority turns into domination and rigidity stifles creativity and progress.
Card 3: XI – Strength
Strength symbolises inner strength, courage, and emotional mastery. It represents the power of compassion and grace in overcoming challenges, rather than brute force.
Symbolism: A woman calmly subdues a lion, symbolising the triumph of inner strength over raw power. Her serene expression and gentle hands show mastery through patience and understanding.
In Relationships: Strength to overcome emotional challenges through understanding and patience.
In Work: Success through resilience, determination, and tact, not through force.
Spiritually: Mastery of inner impulses and alignment with higher virtues.
When ill-dignified: Weakness, impatience, or misuse of power in challenging situations.
Card 4: IX – The Hermit
The Hermit represents wisdom, introspection, and the search for spiritual clarity. He calls for a retreat into solitude to find deeper meaning.
Symbolism: The Hermit holds a glowing lantern, symbolising divine wisdom. His staff represents the guidance he offers others, while the snake hints at his persuasiveness. His solitary journey through a barren landscape reflects the pursuit of enlightenment.
In Relationships: A time for introspection and finding deeper meaning.
In Work: A need for solitude, mentorship, or stepping back to reassess goals.
Spiritually: A journey of spiritual discovery and the search for deeper truths.
When ill-dignified: Isolation, withdrawal, or stagnation in one's journey.
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: 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 7: I – The Magician
The Magician signifies mastery, skill, and the power to shape reality. This card represents harnessing resources and directing one's energies towards success. The Magician embodies the potential to manifest desires into tangible form.
Symbolism: He stands before a table with tools representing the four elements: a cup (Water), a sword (Air), a coin (Earth), and a wand (Fire). His raised wand symbolises the connection between spirit and matter, and his hat, shaped like an infinity symbol, signifies endless potential.
In Relationships: A time to use charm, wit, and initiative to build or strengthen relationships.
In Work: Opportunity, success, and the power to manifest goals through skill and action.
Spiritually: The Magician teaches the importance of intention, focus, and using one's talents for higher purposes.
When ill-dignified: Deception, manipulation, or scattered energy. Warning against using one's power for selfish gain.
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: 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.