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

IX – The Hermit	VI – The Lovers	X – The Wheel of Fortune
III – The Empress	XXI – The World	XX – Judgement
VII – The Chariot	XIII – Death	XV – The Devil

 

 

 

 

Card 1: 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 2: VI – The Lovers

The Lovers represents choice, duality, and the connections that shape our lives. This card often signals a critical decision between love and duty, passion and responsibility.

Symbolism: A young man stands between two women, representing virtue and temptation, while a winged figure above aims a bow and arrow, guiding his choice. The lush background reflects the complexity and growth that relationships bring.

In Relationships: Choices in relationships, including romantic triangles, commitment, or the deepening of bonds.

In Work: A crossroads where personal values must be aligned with career decisions.

Spiritually: A call to balance inner conflicts and unite dualities in the quest for harmony.

When ill-dignified: Indecision, infidelity, or superficiality in relationships.

 

 

 

 

Card 3: X – The Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune signifies change, cycles, and destiny. The wheel turns, representing the ebb and flow of fortune and the constant cycles of life.

Symbolism: The wheel, surrounded by figures and animals, turns with inevitability. A sphinx sits atop the wheel, symbolising wisdom amidst life's changes. The card reflects the role of fate in the twists and turns of existence.

In Relationships: A shift in relationship dynamics or new opportunities.

In Work: Fortuitous changes or shifts in circumstances, often outside of your control.

Spiritually: Trust in the cycles of life and accept the flow of destiny.

When ill-dignified: Resistance to change or feeling trapped in an unfavourable cycle.

 

 

 

 

Card 4: 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 5: 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.

 

 

 

 

Card 6: XX – Judgement

Judgement signifies awakening, rebirth, and the call for transformation. It represents a moment of reckoning, where one must confront past actions and make a decisive move towards spiritual renewal.

Symbolism: The card depicts an angel blowing a trumpet, summoning the figures below to rise from their graves. This symbolises resurrection, awakening, and the opportunity to start anew. The figures represent souls being called to accountability and transformation.

In Relationships: A transformative period in relationships, where past actions and decisions must be reconciled.

In Work: A time of reckoning, where decisions from the past may come to fruition, calling for a new direction.

Spiritually: Spiritual awakening and the need to answer a higher call. Transformation and rebirth are key themes.

When ill-dignified: Denial, avoidance of responsibility, or refusal to embrace the transformative potential of change.

 

 

 

 

Card 7: VII – The Chariot

The Chariot represents victory, control, and determination. It signifies the ability to overcome obstacles and navigate life's challenges through focus and willpower.

Symbolism: The charioteer rides a chariot drawn by two sphinxes, symbolising opposing forces that must be balanced. The chariot is adorned with symbols of conquest, and the figure wears a crown, signifying authority and triumph.

In Relationships: A relationship driven by effort and mutual determination, or one that requires balance and compromise.

In Work: Triumph through perseverance, conquering challenges with focus.

Spiritually: A journey of self-mastery, overcoming inner struggles, and moving forward with purpose.

When ill-dignified: Recklessness, lack of direction, or being pulled in conflicting directions.

 

 

 

 

Card 8: 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 9: XV – The Devil

The Devil represents temptation, materialism, and the enslavement of desires. It points to the darker aspects of the self, where one is bound by addictions, fears, or unhealthy attachments.

Symbolism: The Devil is depicted as a horned figure with a monstrous appearance, standing over two chained figures. The chains are loose, indicating that freedom is possible, but the figures are unaware of their power to escape. The card represents self-imposed limitations.

In Relationships: Unhealthy attachments, temptation, or toxic relationships. A call to break free from negative patterns.

In Work: Materialism, greed, or feeling trapped in a situation. The need to release limiting behaviours.

Spiritually: The need to confront personal fears, addictions, or attachments that block spiritual growth.

When ill-dignified: Excess, obsession, or being enslaved by negative influences or desires.