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
Nine of Swords![]() |
Seven of Batons![]() |
Five of Cups![]() |
Nine of Cups![]() |
Queen of Coins![]() |
Valet of Cups![]() |
Nine of Coins![]() |
Deuce of Coins![]() |
Three of Coins![]() |
Card 1: Nine of Swords
Symbolism:
Nine swords are arranged densely, often creating an oppressive visual effect, with minimal decorative relief. The design symbolises anxiety, worry, and the weight of mental burdens, urging introspection for resolution.
Meaning:
The Nine of Swords symbolises worry, guilt, or anguish. It reflects a mind overwhelmed by fears or regrets, often magnified by isolation. This card urges you to confront your anxieties directly and seek perspective to regain peace.
In relationships, it can indicate stress or emotional distance caused by overthinking. Spiritually, it calls for releasing inner turmoil and cultivating self-compassion.
Keywords:
Anxiety, guilt, fear, regret, mental anguish, overthinking, isolation, nightmares, perspective, self-compassion.
Card 2: Seven of Batons
Symbolism:
Seven batons intersect in a slightly irregular pattern, with fresh leaves sprouting at their joints, suggesting perseverance amidst challenges. The imagery conveys determination, resilience, and the courage to stand one's ground.
Meaning:
The Seven of Batons represents defending your position, standing firm against opposition, and asserting yourself amidst challenges. It emphasises courage and persistence in maintaining your beliefs or goals, even when faced with adversity. This card highlights the importance of self-confidence and holding your ground.
In relationships, it can indicate overcoming external pressures or standing together in unity. Spiritually, it reflects the need to remain steadfast on your path despite doubts or criticism.
Keywords:
Defiance, resilience, courage, perseverance, self-defence, opposition, determination, conviction, assertiveness, strength.
Card 3: Five of Cups
Symbolism:
Five cups create a loose arrangement, with floral and vine motifs adding a touch of complexity, symbolising emotional shifts. This card evokes themes of loss or disappointment but hints at remaining opportunities and growth.
Meaning:
The Five of Cups represents loss, regret, and the pain of emotional setbacks. However, it also emphasises the potential for healing and moving forward. It urges you to focus on what remains rather than what has been lost.
In relationships, it suggests unresolved issues or the need to address emotional wounds. Spiritually, it reflects the transformative power of grief and the journey toward acceptance and renewal.
Keywords:
Loss, regret, grief, healing, perspective, emotional setbacks, recovery, acceptance, moving forward, transformation.
Card 4: Nine of Cups
Symbolism:
Nine cups are arranged in a full, symmetrical configuration, with decorative elements emphasising abundance and satisfaction. The design symbolises contentment, emotional fulfilment, and the realisation of personal wishes.
Meaning:
The Nine of Cups is often referred to as the 'wish card', symbolising contentment, emotional satisfaction, and the realisation of desires. It reflects a period of comfort and abundance, encouraging gratitude for blessings received.
In relationships, it signifies harmony and mutual happiness. Spiritually, it highlights the importance of appreciating your journey and celebrating accomplishments.
Keywords:
Contentment, fulfilment, joy, gratitude, abundance, satisfaction, blessings, emotional harmony, celebration, wishes granted.
Card 5: Queen of Coins
Symbolism:
The Reyne of Coins is seated gracefully, holding up a coin. This card symbolises nurturing energy, material comfort, and the ability to create and maintain prosperity in practical and emotional realms.
Meaning:
The Queen of Coins symbolises abundance, nurturing, and practicality. She reflects the ability to balance material success with care for others, often in a domestic or family setting. This card speaks to the importance of creating a nurturing environment where both material and emotional needs are met.
In relationships, it signifies a partner who is caring, practical, and deeply grounded. Spiritually, it represents the abundance that flows from a nurturing, balanced life and the wisdom that comes from caring for one's surroundings.
Keywords:
Nurturing, abundance, practicality, balance, wealth, comfort, family, responsibility, grounded, care.
Card 6: Valet of Cups
Symbolism:
The Valet of Cups holds a cup, gazing into it with a reflective or curious expression, symbolising emotional openness and creative potential. The youthful figure represents the exploration of feelings, intuition, and the first steps toward emotional or artistic growth.
Meaning:
The Valet of Cups symbolises youthful creativity, emotional openness, and new beginnings in relationships or artistic endeavours. It suggests a message of love or the need to embrace your inner child's wonder and imagination.
In relationships, it reflects new connections or a renewal of emotional bonds. Spiritually, it invites you to remain receptive to intuitive insights and creative inspiration.
Keywords:
Creativity, inspiration, emotional openness, curiosity, new beginnings, playfulness, imagination, intuition, messages, artistic exploration.
Card 7: Nine of Coins
Symbolism:
Nine coins create a lush and balanced configuration, often surrounded by decorative flourishes or vines, representing abundance and independence. This card evokes themes of self-sufficiency, material comfort, and enjoying the fruits of one's labour.
Meaning:
The Nine of Coins symbolises self-sufficiency, comfort, and the rewards of hard work. It represents a state of contentment and luxury, achieved through independence and personal effort. This card encourages enjoying the fruits of one's labour and finding satisfaction in the material world without becoming overly attached to it.
In relationships, it may suggest a partner who values independence, or a period of solo fulfilment. Spiritually, it reflects the satisfaction that comes from aligning with one's personal goals and being at peace with one's accomplishments.
Keywords:
Self-sufficiency, luxury, abundance, independence, contentment, achievement, comfort, success, personal fulfilment, reward.
Card 8: Deuce of Coins
Symbolism:
Two coins are positioned symmetrically, often linked by a ribbon or floral decoration, suggesting balance and flow. The design reflects themes of adaptability, resource management, and the harmonious juggling of priorities.
Meaning:
The Two of Coins symbolises balance and adaptability. It speaks to juggling multiple priorities or resources, and the ability to maintain equilibrium in a time of change. This card encourages flexibility in managing material or financial matters, as well as maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.
In relationships, it may indicate the need for balance between personal and professional responsibilities. Spiritually, it represents the flow of energy and learning how to maintain harmony amid life's challenges.
Keywords:
Balance, adaptability, flexibility, duality, priorities, change, harmony, juggling, management, resourcefulness.
Card 9: Three of Coins
Symbolism:
Three coins are arranged in a triangular pattern, accompanied by simple yet elegant ornamentation, symbolising craftsmanship and collaboration. This card evokes themes of skilful creation, teamwork, and steady progress.
Meaning:
The Three of Coins reflects teamwork, mastery, and collaboration. It highlights the importance of working with others toward a common goal, whether in a creative, financial, or professional endeavour. This card speaks to the satisfaction of seeing one's work valued and appreciated, and it encourages developing one's skills in a collective environment.
In relationships, it indicates a partnership where both individuals contribute their strengths. Spiritually, it represents the process of refining one's craft and the rewards of effort through cooperation.
Keywords:
Teamwork, collaboration, craftsmanship, recognition, mastery, dedication, effort, skill, partnership, accomplishment.
