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
Six of Cups |
Knight of Stakes |
Page of Cups |
Four of Stakes |
0. The Fool |
XI. Justice |
XVII. The Star |
Eight of Pentagrams |
XVI. The Tower |
Card 1: Six of Cups
Symbolism:
Female vampires continue their revelry, fed by the life-giving substance that fuels their endless celebration. The reference to past times emphasizes nostalgia and the lingering effects of past experiences.
Meaning:
The Six of Cups is a card of nostalgia, happiness, and reminiscing. It indicates a return to simpler times, a reflection on happy memories, and the pleasure derived from the past. This card may also represent childhood or a situation that feels familiar, offering comfort and joy from what has already occurred.
Keywords:
Upright: Nostalgia, happy memories, reflection, childhood, comfort, familiar joy.
Card 2: Knight of Stakes
Reversed
Symbolism:
A pale knight rides a black horse, embodying contrast and duality. His determined expression and swift movement suggest ambition and change, while the dark tones hint at the risks associated with bold actions.
Meaning:
The Knight of Stakes represents action, change, and determination. It signifies movement, whether physical or metaphorical, and encourages you to embrace transformation with courage. This card often appears when major changes or decisions are on the horizon.
Reversed, it warns of discord, hasty decisions, or separation. It may also suggest being overly impulsive or struggling to adapt to change.
Keywords:
Reversed: Discord, haste, separation, impulsiveness, resistance to change.
Card 3: Page of Cups
Symbolism:
A young vampire sits in a prostate position, poised to consume a chalice filled with the most desirable sustenance. The image conveys a sense of eagerness and anticipation, focused on a new emotional journey or experience.
Meaning:
The Page of Cups represents youthful enthusiasm, creativity, and emotional curiosity. It symbolizes the beginning of new emotional experiences, such as love, art, or self-discovery. This card often represents an individual who is open-hearted, sensitive, and in tune with their emotions. It can also indicate a message or invitation related to feelings or creative pursuits.
Keywords:
Upright: Youthful energy, creativity, emotional curiosity, new beginnings, messages, open-heartedness.
Card 4: Four of Stakes
Symbolism:
A nude figure hangs suspended mid-air by four bloody stakes. This haunting tableau evokes themes of rest, stability, and a grim sense of harmony. The stakes form a secure structure, suggesting that even amidst horror, there can be moments of peace and reprieve.
Meaning:
The Four of Stakes symbolizes a haven or moment of stability amidst chaos. It represents harmony, home, and the celebration of achieved milestones. This card is a reminder to cherish moments of peace and recognize the beauty in completion. It signifies prosperity and contentment within your personal or professional life.
Keywords:
Upright: Stability, harmony, home, celebration, peace, completion.
Card 5: 0. The Fool
Reversed
Symbolism:
The Fool is depicted as a pale, ethereal figure walking a misty, crumbling path, a bundle tied to a staff slung over their shoulder. They gaze skyward, unaware of the jagged cliff at their feet. A spectral wolf follows close behind, snarling a silent warning. Overhead, a full moon illuminates their journey, hinting at the mystery and potential of new beginnings. In their hand, a delicate white rose symbolizes innocence and purity.
Meaning:
The Fool represents beginnings, spontaneity, and boundless potential. It urges you to take a leap of faith, trusting in the journey ahead. While the path may be uncertain, embracing the unknown opens the door to growth, discovery, and self-expression.
Reversed, the Fool warns of recklessness, naivety, or hesitation. It suggests the need to pause and consider potential consequences before plunging ahead.
Keywords:
Reversed: Recklessness, foolishness, naivety, hesitation, fear of the unknown, poor judgment.
Card 6: XI. Justice
Symbolism:
Justice is depicted as a pale, vampiric figure holding a pair of scales in one hand and a blood-stained sword in the other. One side of the scale holds a black feather, while the other holds a human heart, symbolizing the balance between moral accountability and emotional truth. Her blindfold is sheer, hinting at impartiality tempered with insight. Behind her, a blood-red curtain reveals fragmented mirrors reflecting distorted truths.
Meaning:
Justice embodies fairness, truth, and accountability. She calls for honesty and objectivity in your actions and decisions, ensuring that you consider all perspectives before rendering judgment. This card often signals the need to weigh your choices carefully and to take responsibility for the consequences of past actions.
Keywords:
Upright: Fairness, truth, accountability, integrity, balance, objectivity, karma.
Card 7: XVII. The Star
Symbolism:
The Star depicts a luminous vampire bathing in a moonlit pool, her pale skin shimmering with starlight. She pours blood from a goblet into the water, symbolizing renewal and the cycle of life. Above her, a constellation forms the shape of a chalice, representing hope and inspiration. The night sky is clear, and the surrounding landscape, though desolate, begins to show signs of new growth.
Meaning:
The Star embodies hope, inspiration, and spiritual renewal. It encourages you to trust in the universe and your own inner light, even during challenging times. This card often appears after a period of struggle, signaling healing, clarity, and the promise of brighter days ahead.
Keywords:
Upright: Hope, inspiration, renewal, clarity, healing, optimism, spirituality, guidance.
Card 8: Eight of Pentagrams
Symbolism:
An exotic dancer adorned in pentagrams performs, her act representing craftsmanship and skill. She embodies the dedication to her craft, with a focus on discipline and mastery.
Meaning:
The Eight of Pentagrams speaks to hard work, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence. It suggests a time of preparation and dedication to one's skills. Whether in a professional or personal capacity, this card encourages you to continue honing your abilities and remain committed to your goals.
Keywords:
Upright: Craftsmanship, dedication, skill, preparation, hard work.
Card 9: XVI. The Tower
Symbolism:
The Tower is shown as a crumbling gothic spire, struck by lightning and engulfed in flames. Figures are seen falling from the heights, their faces contorted in shock and despair. The dark sky above swirls with storm clouds, while the ground below splits open, exposing molten lava. Amid the destruction, a single raven perches on the rubble, symbolizing the potential for renewal through upheaval.
Meaning:
The Tower represents sudden upheaval, revelation, and the breaking down of false structures. It signals a dramatic, often unexpected event that shakes the foundations of your life, forcing you to confront harsh truths. While challenging, this card ultimately clears the way for genuine growth and transformation.
Keywords:
Upright: Upheaval, revelation, chaos, destruction, truth, transformation, awakening.