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
7 of Spades![]() |
The Lovers![]() |
Temperance![]() |
Jack of Clubs![]() |
Page of Spades![]() |
Page of Diamonds![]() |
8 of Hearts![]() |
8 of Spades![]() |
The Fool![]() |
Card 1: 7 of Spades
Being manipulated or being manipulative of others with no sound basis or objective for that manipulation. Turning against another who is actually on your side yet is being treated as a type of enemy. Waiting for an opportune moment to disadvantage another. Breakdown in communication leading to a standoff. Mistrust of another person or their motives.
Card 2: The Lovers
The Lovers card is a stage related to choice and decision-making. It represents how people of influence in our lives effect our choices, thus, it is a card that is also related to interpersonal relationships.
As the seeker, The Lovers card indicates a pivotal stage where the Seeker is faced with options but the challenge lies not in making the "Right" or "Wrong" decision. Rather is a reminder that the easy way out may not necessarily lead to a long-term solution.
As a situation, The Lovers card suggests weighing options not for hedonistic gain but long-term consequences.
Card 3: Temperance
Temperance demonstrates the ability to maintain equilibrium between opposing elements; she is the bridge between extremes.
The Seeker as Temperance suggests a path of moderation; seeking internal balance before one is ready to face external challenges. This card may indicate the need to resolve conflicting aspects within ourselves before we are able to restore peace into our environment.
As a situation, this card indicates a stage of mediating between opposing views; finding the middle ground to facilitate progress; restoring order in a disruptive environment. As such, we may need to explore options that allow amicable solutions to present themselves rather than allow one or the other extreme to take over.
Card 4: Jack of Clubs
By nature a tendency to be impetuous or to be easily distracted. The characteristic of acting first and thinking later. A tendency to not think through repercussions of actions. A person who may not feel any sense of fear, and will tackle any task with vigour and enthusiasm.
Card 5: Page of Spades
Concise method of expression using appropriate methods or tools for any given situation. Changing the environment around you by replacing anything that harbours memories of the past or elicits less than conducive emotion. Change of approach whereby the bigger picture becomes more apparent.
Card 6: Page of Diamonds
Transformation on a spiritual level, leading to an understanding our 'magic' is apparent through what you are and not what you have. Being shielded from the allure of material wealth at the expense of self-realisation. Understanding what you can be, or what you could have is something that you can direct with our own hand. Preparation in readiness to move on from something that is no longer of relevance or is no longer providing anything of value.
Card 7: 8 of Hearts
The feeling of desolation or loneliness. Being caught up in personal thoughts often negative to the extent external influences/supportive energies go unnoticed. The walking away from a situation which may have caused heartache towards something more positive. The painful acknowledgement that no more can be done with the only real option being that of walking away.
Card 8: 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 9: The Fool
The Fool starts on a journey naive of what to expect, there will be unanticipated surprises. Not one to conform to social norms, The Fool may need to adapt to what lies ahead as the outcome will be unpredictable.
Expect the unexpected; the situation as The Fool indicates that the outcome may not turn out as planned.