Divination: Reading Tea leaves

Tea leaf reading (also called 'tassology', 'tasseomancy' or 'tasseography') is the art of reading the patterns or pictures that tea leaves make in cup (in some traditions coffee grounds or wine sediment are used). This form of divination is quite personal and the best results are gained from reading for yourself although it is possible to read for others if they are present (as with all divination methods the approval of the person you are 'divining' for is needed).

Method: To begin a tea leaf reading first clear your mind (as with most forms of divination it is best to begin with a clear almost meditative state of mind), if one thought or feeling keeps returning then make that subject of the reading, if not a general future reading is fine. Make a cup of tea with loose tea leaves without the use of a strainer (using the tea from tea bags is inadvisable as the are cut too small and float on the top of the water), the cup should be white or of a light colour to make it easier to see. You then may then pour away or drink the tea (or if you are performing the tea leaf reading for another person have them drink the tea) being careful not to ingest too much of the tea if some of it is still floating, when the tea is nearly all gone shake the cup or turn it 3 times and upturn the cup over it's saucer to drain off the remaining liquid, there should be a decent amount of tea leaves left in the cup. The reader then interprets the symbols found within.

Reading the Tea Leaves: starting from the handle of the cup (if the cup has no handle begin at the point farthest away from you) and working clockwise in a spiral until the base of the cup is reached. The cup can be divided into 3 parts the rim, the centre and the bottom. the rim is generally the area which was not covered by tea when the cup was poured, the bottom is the area still covered by tea when it had been poured away or drank, with the centre being the area between these two points. The symbols found within the cup can vary greatly from pictures of people, places or things to ones such as lines, letters and numbers. The interpretation of symbols can vary from person to person, which is why it is a good idea to do your own readings. Once you have examined the cup note down any symbols you noticed, where they were found and what they were next to or near (sometimes symbols can group together to make more defined interpretations.

Interpreting the symbols:The meaning of the symbols can also vary greatly depending on the reader, although if you are just starting out there are a few symbols which it is helpful to know. Some helpful symbols and there meanings are:

• Letters, can symbolise people in your life.
• Numbers, dates of important events.
• A Heart, usually means love.
• Mountain, hindrance of a journey.
• A Cross, usually symbolic of suffering or sacrifice.
• Bird, if flying means good luck.
• Dog, a loyal friend, if found in the bottom of the cup could mean a good friend in need of help.
• Egg, usually a good omen signifying creation or a fresh start.
• Hand, if open may mean friendship, if closed an argument may arise.
• Cat, deceit.

Cup and Saucers: Although any tea cup can be used, it helps to have a white or light coloured cup to discern between the cup and the tea leaves. There are sets designed specifically for use with tea leaf reading, sometimes marked with astrological signs or sections, these however are quite rare but if you look long and hard enough you are sure to find them. Good places to find them include second hand shops, antique and metaphysical stores, there are also a few sets available on our website http://whispersinthenight.net/.