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
The Devil![]() |
6 of Swords – Science![]() |
3 of Wands – Virtue![]() |
Knight of Swords![]() |
The Beast![]() |
7 of Disks – Failure![]() |
The Wheel of Fortune![]() |
9 of Wands – Great Strength![]() |
The Moon![]() |
Card 1: The Devil
Capricorn
The Devil is your opposite, <%custom1%>, your Anima or Animus, your Demonic Self. (s)He is your dark side and your inner child. The traits that we lack in our own selves causes us to seek completion in many of our relationships. Most of our earthly relationships are based on fulfilling this Devil inside of us. In certain people such as the very well-rounded or spiritually developed, this part of the personality may already be fulfilled. The children walk with The Devil hand in hand.
Meaning:
Temptation, obsession, impulsiveness, ambition, materialism, self-fulfilment, fate.
Card 2: 6 of Swords – Science
Mercury in Aquarius
Six swords in the form of a hexagram converge in the centre of the rose cross. There is wisdom in the symbolism of this card, a multifaceted intellect that goes straight to the heart.
Meaning:
A goal realised.
When ill-dignified: selfishness, conceit, intellectual pride.
Card 3: 3 of Wands – Virtue
Sun in Aries
This card represents the pioneer motivated by the spirit of goodwill. You do what is right in your eyes. There is also a tendency toward egotism in this card.
Meaning:
Realisation of hope. Noble cause. Pride and arrogance.
When ill-dignified: conceit.
Card 4: Knight of Swords
Gemini
The Knight of Swords rides a red horse, symbolising the fiery passion that drives his intellectual pursuits. The birds that fly beneath him symbolise quick-wittedness. He bears a great sword in his right hand while he stashes a dagger in his left, symbolising the witty two-sided personality of a Gemini.
Meaning:
An active, skilful, witty, clever, fierce man.
When ill-dignified: An indecisive, cunning, deceitful man.
Card 5: The Beast
Leo
Also known as Lust or Strength. The carnal experience. The whore rides the great beast of the apocalypse. She knows one way to tame the beast.
Meaning:
Strength, courage, energy, control of vital forces, resorting to magic, love affair.
Card 6: 7 of Disks – Failure
Saturn in Taurus
Seven seals linked by the rainbow bridge descend enlightenment to the bull. Ignorant and arrogant, he blocks his own path. The darkness of his own delusions repels his gift from above, scattering the light.
Meaning:
Sloth, abandoned labour, hopes deceived, promises unfulfilled, disappointment. Great effort producing little gain.
When well-dignified: charity work for no profit, growth after delay.
Card 7: The Wheel of Fortune
Jupiter
Who knows what the Wheel of Providence has in store for you? Deep down inside, you do.
Meaning:
Providence, fate, karma. A change in fortune, generally a good change.
Card 8: 9 of Wands – Great Strength
Moon in Sagittarius
Great Strength. Eight arrows have been collected and are now under the authority of a headmaster arrow. They have been completed by this arrangement and the addition of the moon-heads. The driving force that empowers them is the sun.
Meaning:
Great strength, tremendous force, power, competition, warrior spirit, focused rage. Change is stability.
Card 9: The Moon
18-Moon.jpg|Pisces
The Moon reflects the overbearing light of the sun. Sunlight is a hot commodity at night. Where does the long, dark road lead? Let your inner light guide your path through the unconscious dreamscape.
Meaning:
Illusion, dreaminess, voluntary change, bewilderment, hysteria. An important change that is difficult to foresee.
When ill-dignified: egotism, self-deception, delusions of grandeur, counter-productive pride, demiurgos, ignorance, denial of the master.
