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
4 of Clubs![]() |
Jack of Diamonds![]() |
The Magician![]() |
7 of Hearts![]() |
5 of Hearts![]() |
2 of Diamonds![]() |
9 of Clubs![]() |
5 of Spades![]() |
6 of Hearts![]() |
Card 1: 4 of Clubs
Co-operation with others to achieve a common goal. Utilising of individual skills to the benefit of the team as a whole. Acknowledgement of our own personal limitations and knowing when we need to call on the help of others. The willingness to muck in as opposed to acting as a passive observer.
Card 2: Jack of Diamonds
Acknowledging what has been amassed or coveted can either bring pleasure or discomfort depending on how it is utilised or directed. Facing of consequences for misuse of resources or finances. Guidance to use the heart when assessing what is of worth as well as the head. Sharing of experiences with others so that lessons can be learned, thus reducing the chance of the situation being unnecessarily repeated.
Card 3: The Magician
The Magician card indicates an initiation; it is a beginning in the process of creation. The tools are laid out; The Magician is not lacking in skill but in experience thus, the method used may be questionable. It is a stage of self-mastery and success will depend on how The Magician utilises both skill and tools laid out before him.
In a situation, The Magician card suggests a stage of active involvement and the need to evaluate options before making decisions.
Card 4: 7 of Hearts
The appearance of options or choices but with no indication which may be preferable at the time. Presence of something potentially positive or uplifting, which if ignored may pass by with an opportunity thus being missed. Emotions becoming more linear whereby objectivity is being restored. The feeling of 'running on empty' for a while but with the indication the end of this negative state is within sight.
Card 5: 5 of Hearts
Uncertainty when faced with something that cannot be perceived with full clarity. The need to either take the risk or to look for other alternatives, otherwise there is real risk no progress at all can be made. Tentative steps towards taking a look at the face or façade you may have portrayed to yourself or others, understanding what is seen may lead to discomfort or a change in outlook.
Card 6: 2 of Diamonds
Being met with choices or options although there is no clear indication as to which alternative will prove to be the most beneficial. Offering of a choice to another but without giving due guidance as to repercussions of each on offer. Insight may be the key to success. Being wary of what is on offer, questioning the motives behind what is being presented.
Card 7: 9 of Clubs
Standing together with others in order to deal with any eventuality or obstacle. This can also indicate you are about to encounter an obstacle of your own which may not be easy to dispel with. The need to consider an approach before you actually encounter the obstacle, so as to be best prepared. The encountering of intense opposition.
Card 8: 5 of Spades
Dilemma of action or inaction. Knowing when to make a stance and fight, and when it is more advisable to wait awhile in the hope conditions become more favourable. A choice of getting involved in someone else's battle or putting personal needs first. The need to weigh up all odds or to evaluate all variables before deciding a course of action.
Card 9: 6 of Hearts
Taking stock of yourself and where you have come from. This may give an indication of what is to come. Seeing yourself or others around you with eyes wide open, thus being aware of issues previously hidden. Being objective when viewing your previous actions, and by keeping emotion out of the equation it can lead to constructive enlightenment. Having no regret of previous actions, but acknowledgement of the fact they can prove to be valid life lessons for the future.