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
9 of Diamonds |
6 of Spades |
Page of Spades |
10 of Hearts |
The Sun |
The Empress |
Jack of Spades |
King of Spades |
The Charioteer |
Card 1: 9 of Diamonds
The emptying of your life or environment of anything that is surplus to requirement, or no longer has relevance. Reflecting on what has gone, not realising there is still much to be gained in other ways. Lack of preparation for a journey or destination whereby there may be an expectation for everything to be provided to you instead of by you. The emotion of disappointment now in passing, with a readiness to learn from the experience before moving on.
Card 2: 6 of Spades
Moving on when the time is right, and on terms that are appropriate at the time. A warning that the way forward may have hidden obstacles, thus indicating the path is not an easy one to undertake. The utilising of blind faith as opposed to reasoned thought when proceeding ahead. The closing of the book on issues from the past, lessening the chance of them being able to play an active role in what is to come. The burning away or dissolving of hindering mind sets.
Card 3: 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 4: 10 of Hearts
The end of an emotional journey. A final pause, reflecting back on what has come to pass before continuing with what could be an emotionally charged pathway. Gaining of emotional strength often as a result of having overcome trials and tribulations. Being a beacon of light for others who find their lives tough on an emotional level.
Card 5: The Sun
Light gives clarity; from darkness we seek out the light and if it burns;
if it turns us to dust under the harshness of its glare,
that is the ultimate liberation for enlightenment frees the soul from its earthly bondage.
Card 6: 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 7: Jack of Spades
Dishonest communication, or lack of respect for how words can be twisted and be taken out of context. A requirement to see through the façade being presented in order to get to the real truth of a matter. Failure to understand the seriousness of a given situation. Seeing the funny side of a situation thus lessening the impact it may have on us otherwise. The not giving or receiving of a direct or straight-forward answer.
Card 8: King of Spades
Standing your ground and being equal to the posturing of another. Not acquiescing or walking away when threatened or intimidated. Mutual respect offered and received when faced with the energy of another who would have otherwise assumed a superior role. Ability to bring a perceived threat down to a tolerable level through the use of clear communication. Acceptance of differences and similarities we have with others. This could indicate a person who will face any challenge head on and can back up their actions with appropriate words where necessary.
Card 9: The Charioteer
The Charioteer represents a stage of seeking autonomy, self-identity, direction. It is the representation of one's quest in seeking or gaining control; it is also a reminder of how easy everything can become undone.
As the Seeker, The Charioteer suggests a time of trying to control external influences or of losing control completely. It is time to seek a balanced approach.
As a Situation, The Charioteer card suggests a stage of learning how to deal with external influences by gaining control over one's actions.
