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
3 of Spades![]() |
Page of Hearts![]() |
The Hermit![]() |
Queen of Diamonds![]() |
8 of Spades![]() |
5 of Diamonds![]() |
The Empress![]() |
Ace of Clubs![]() |
4 of Diamonds![]() |
Card 1: 3 of Spades
Loss of faith or believe, a pessimistic outlook in general. Internalising of negative emotions. A numbing of the soul or spirit to the extent we also become numbed to the pain or hurt that comes from external sources. The need to use insight to identify the real cause of pain or upset, as opposed to misperceived sources. The urge to cut within in order to release harmful or negative emotions.
Card 2: Page of Hearts
The awakening of new or unrealised emotions, often associated with maturation out of adolescence into adulthood. Following the calling of the heart, even though there is no real understanding of what is being done or why. The taking of those early and tentative steps towards romantic attraction.
Card 3: The Hermit
The Hermit card indicates a time of self-reflection or self-imposed solitude. It is a stage when we sense the need to explore how we view the world or relate to situations and people around us.
As the person, The Hermit card suggests a need for serenity; withdrawal from external conflicts to evaluate our beliefs, priorities or principles.
As a situation, The Hermit card suggests an objective exploration of all feasible options that may lead to the most desirable resolution within a conflict.
Card 4: Queen of Diamonds
Nurturing of what you have at your disposal, understanding any neglect could lead to loss. Creation of balance between what is desired and what is needed. Being considerate of the creative processes involved in producing what we have, with some awareness of global implications. Gathering of resources (materially or financially with a sense of responsibility as opposed to ignorance. This could indicate a person who has developed awareness of the issue of cause and effect, understanding the true value or cost of what they have in their environment.
Card 5: 8 of Spades
Issue of either feeling either trapped or protected, often by the energies of another. The relinquishing of personal freedom. Putting yourself out to ensure the safety or well-being of another. Either being smothered by the attentions of someone else, or being the person who is doing the smothering.
Card 6: 5 of Diamonds
Experiencing of hardship. Acknowledgement that suffering can be partnered with dignity, particularly if it is open to public scrutiny. Either being supported, or the offering support at a time of need. Being receptive to the energies of others, particularly if they are there to help or protect against external influences.
Card 7: The Empress
The Empress card suggests a stage of gestation; it is defined by how one develops providence into something more. If an opportunity presents itself, this card represents the need find the balance between knowing when to foster growth and when to let go.
As the Seeker, this card represents the reality that too much attention stifles development, too little and it verges on neglect.
In a situation, The Empress card is a reminder that opportunities are abundant, it's what we do with them that determines success or failure.
Card 8: Ace of Clubs
New challenges which require movement, effort, energy or focus. A possible choice of aiming higher or reaching out sideways/laterally in our endeavours. Hesitancy or lack of confidence in moving away from what is seen as a comfort zone or position of safety.
Card 9: 4 of Diamonds
The coveting of possessions, or taking a protective stance in order to prevent loss. Obsession about what is desired as opposed to focussing on what is already at hand. Hoarding or collecting of more than is actually necessary. Giving an unhealthy or inappropriate sense of importance to certain items under ownership.