Reading Tea Leaves
from the Complete Book of Fortune Telling by Gramercy Books
Of all the many forms of divination - the art of foretelling the future-perhaps the simplest is the reading of the tea-leaves. It is an easily learned method, too; almost anyone who possesses the necessary patience to make a study of the various symbols and their meanings can become proficient in a very short space of time. The widespread belief that the art of reading tea-cups is a closed book to those who are not "psychic" is not justified. It is true, of course, that the "psychic" sense will often enable one to read a deeper meaning into the symbols - but the possession of this strange sense is by no means a necessity.
As in all other methods of divination, there is a certain ritual which must be observed - a ritual which is prescribed by tradition. First, however, let us consider the cup which is to be the vehicle of our destiny.
Although any type of cup may be employed, a greater degree of satisfaction will be attained if it be one with a wide mouth and sides that are not perpendicular. Also, the inside should be white and devoid of pattern, so that the pictures may form clearly. As to the size, it is better to use a large cup rather than a small one; a breakfast cup is the ideal type.
Now a word regarding the tea itself. If a dusty blend is used, then the leaves left in the bottom of the cup will take the form of a confused mass, and it will be impossible to give a coherent and satisfactory reading. Undoubtedly, the best kind of tea for the purpose is China tea, for the pictures it produces are usually extraordinarily well defined.
The ritual traditionally associated with divination by tea-leaves is easily committed to memory. The inquirer drinks from the cup until about one teaspoonful of liquid only is left therein. The cup is then held in the left hand and moved three times in a circular, anti-clockwise direction, during which operation the mind of the inquirer should be concentrated on any particular question, the answer to which he seeks in the tea-cup. The cup is then slowly inverted on the saucer and left there for a minute or so to enable the liquid to drain away.
The ritual is now finished and the task of reading the tea-leaves is about to begin.
On first glancing into the cup - which should be held in the right hand - one may be rather dismayed at the apparently meaningless pattern made by the leaves; if, however, the cup is surveyed carefully from all angles, definite pictures and symbols will begin to appear, and each of these will have some specific meaning.
Nevertheless, it sometimes happens that the cup offers nothing of interest, that the patterns of the leaves are too indistinct and confused to admit of any true interpretation; in such cases one must not try to read into the cup what is not there, but must admit, frankly, that the task is hopeless, and explain to the enquirer that it is probably due to the confused state of his mind.
In all readings, it should be remembered that it as necessary to observe and weigh up the general conditions of the cup as it is to note the separate symbols. The good signs and the bad signs must be set off against each other and a balance struck, for only in this way can it be determined whether the fortune, generally, is propitious or unfavourable.
The handle of the cup represents the inquirer - in fortune-telling by cards it has its analogy in the "house." By this means one is able to distinguish between comings and goings and also to judge relative distances.
As to the timing of forecasted events, one is enabled to do this by noting the position of the various symbols. If they appear near the rim of the cup, the events represented are likely to happen in the near future, while those portrayed in the sides are not so immediate, and those on the bottom are remoter still.
The size of a symbol will afford a clue to its importance or magnitude.
Thus, a small representation of an ass would symbolize a small legacy; a large representation, a large legacy. The clarity of a symbol, too, must be taken into account. If it is well defined, then its character, or influence, is emphasized accordingly; if it is misty, or badly formed, its character is diminished.
Sometimes an inquirer will wish to employ the tea-leaves merely for the purpose of obtaining an answer to a specific question; for example:
"Shall I receive a letter tomorrow?" In this case a slightly different procedure is followed when reading the signs in the cup: one should not attempt to interpret all the pictures and symbols but should concentrate on those alone which seem to have some bearing on the question.
It may happen, however, that the cup is devoid of such signs. In this eventuality one makes a careful computation of good omens and bad omens, and if the former outweigh the latter then one may predict that conditions are favourable to the fulfillment of the inquirer's wish.
We will conclude this general explanation of the art of teacup reading with a warning. Do not consult the same person's cup three or four times a day - if you do, then the fruit of your labours will be disappointment. Either the signs and pictures will be in contradiction to those found in the first reading, or else the general conditions will be so muddled that adequate interpretation will be impossible.
The hand of fate cannot be forced. You will stand a much better chance of success if your inquirings into the future are limited in number to once or twice a week. It should be remembered, however, that this warning does not apply when one is merely desirous of propounding a question to the tea-leaves.
A short list of symbols:
A
ACORN - At the top of the cup, this symbol predicts good fortune in money matters.
In the middle, continued good health and happiness.
At the bottom, an improvement in health or financial conditions.
ANCHOR- If clearly defined, this is indeed a lucky sign.
At the top of the cup, constancy in love and success in business.
In the middle, a voyage bringing conditions of prosperity; if surrounded by dots the prosperity is strengthened.
At the bottom, success linked up with a voyage - social fortune.
When the symbol is obscured by clouds or surrounded by short lines the reverse must be interpreted.
B
BALLOON- A balloon ascending in a cloudless sky foretells a definite
betterment of your position, either financially or socially. It is
probable that this ascent will be unexpected, caused by circumstances
over which you have no control.
If clouds surround the symbol, your elevation will attract minor worries
and difficulties.
BIRDS- This is a lucky sign to observe in your cup. If they are in
flight, good news is on its way; their proximity to the "house" will
help you to judge when you are likely to receive the message. At rest,
the birds prophesy a successful journey.
C
CHAIN- An unbroken chain denotes an early marriage. If broken, an engagement or a close friendship is likely to be terminated; it also may signify the breaking of a business contract.
CIRCLE- This is a fortunate sign to observe in your cup. All your projects will be terminated favourably.
If the circle has a line drawn through it, parting and separation are indicated.
D
DAGGER- A secret thrust from an enemy. Treachery and envy are linked up with this sign. Your reputation or your business may suffer considerable damage. Examine newly formed friendships very closely.
DOT- A dot strengthens the importance of the sign in whose proximity it is observed.
A number of dots or small circles indicates money.
E
EARTH- A circel containing a cross symbolizes the earth. If well defined, it suggests that the inquirer rates the material above the spiritual - to the detriment of his character. He may attain much wealth
- but not much happiness.
F
FEATHER- A feather denotes inconstancy, instabilty. Lack of concentration may prevent you from acquiring success. Do not allow ephemeral pleasures to dull the edge of your appetite for work.
FIRE- The portrayal of a fire foretells a sudden burst of anger, bringing in its train disastrous consequences. Do not be hasty; keep close guard over your temper.
G
GRAPES- Prosperity will attend you. Be careful, however, that you do not acquire too great a taste for material pleasures.
H
HAMMER- A symbol of industry. You will fashion your fate relentlessly and overcome all obstacles ruthlessly. See to it that in your progress you are not tempted to disregard the finer things of life.
HILL- An obstacle will tend to delay your progress. If the hill is clear of cloud, you will surmount it with ease.
I
IVY- This symbol speaks of the faithfulness of friends. If well defined, staunch comradeship will help you materially towards the ultimate goal of your ambitions.
Near the "house", an ivy-leaf represents a devoted lover.
J
JESTER- A symbol of frivolity. Watch carefully; foolish words and actions may lead you into disgrace. Try to cultivate a more serious outlook on life.
K
KITE- A symbol of lofty aspirations. If well formed, you will climb to a high position, although in the doing of it you may experience many ups and downs. Should the kite have no tail, take care that fanciful ideas do not destroy your balance or common sense. There is a danger of your projects
being dashed to the ground.
L
LEG- A symbol of activity. Stirring events will follow quickly on the heels of each other. If the leg is clearly defined and well shaped, they will assist your advancement.
LOCK- An obstacle will bar your progress. If surrounded by dots, lack of hoped-for financial support will delay the carrying out of a cherished
project.
M
MAN- The figure of a man near the "house" foretells the arrival of a guest. If his arm is outstretched, he bears a present for you.
N
NAIL- This foretells suffering from maliciousness. Enemies will seek to do you a cruel, heartless injury.
NET- Snares are spread in your path. Let vigilance be your watchword. Secret enemies are envious of your position.
O
OYSTER- This sign denotes a secretive nature. You possess valuable assets, but are inclined through being suspicious of your fellow-men to keep them to yourself. You should guard against mental stagnation.
P
PALM- A palm tree or palm branch signifies success crowned with honours. You will realize your ambitions and in doing so earn much respect. POT- A pot of any kind signifies utility. Social service will be the basic principle of your life.
Q
QUERY- A question-mark in the cup denotes indecision. Through hesitancy a loss will be fall you. Set your hand to the plough, and, once started, do not look back.
R
RAT- This foretells treachery and malice. You will suffer a loss; be careful in whom you place your trust. Do not turn your back on your enemies and underestimate their vindictiveness.
S
SAW- A symbol of discord. Outside influences will destroy the harmony of your domestic circle. Proceed warily in your dealings with strangers. SHELL- A shell predicts the spreading of news. It will affect your affairs favourably or unfavourably, according to attendant symbols.
T
TROWEL- Conscientious endeavor will assist you to lay the foundations of success. See that you lay them well and truly.
U
UMBRELLA- This sign indicates shelter, protection. If open, you will have cause to seek assistance from your friends. Closed, the assistance will be denied.
V
VASE- Your life will be a useful one. Mankind will benefit by your work. You will shed much happiness around you.
W
WHEEL- At each turn the wheel of fortune will bring you advancement. If near the "house," a legacy is predicted.
Y
YOKE- A yoke signifies a condition of slavery. Someone will attempt to dominate your life. Endeavour to cultivate a greater strength of will;submission will not always repay you.
Z
ZEBRA- This animal foretells many adventures in foreign lands. A strong love of travel will exert a great influence over your life. Though you will not attain much success in business affairs, happiness will walk hand in hand with you throughout your life.
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