Tea Leaf Reading 101

Although telling fortunes by consulting the patterns formed by tea-
leaves on the base and sides of a cup is often regarded as drawing-
room entertainment, it is not purely an amusement. The tea leaves can
act as a medium through which the clairvoyance of the reader is
stimulated so that he or she is able to reveal truths that would
otherwise remain hidden; or the figures formed by the leaves may be
believed to reflect patterns that exist in the astral. The method
used in tea-leaf reading is time honoured and simple. The client
inverts her cup, turning it round three times; she places it on the
saucer and then taps the bottom three times with her left index
finger. The clairvoyant, who is in a light trance, picks the cup up
and turns it round so that the leaves can be inspected. All tea leaf
readers have their preferred methods of interpreting the patterns made
by the leaves, and only some general indication of their meaning is
given here:

Chain of small leave: A journey, travel; if two larger leaves are in
close proximity, the excursion is mental and not physical.

Serpentine chain of small leaves: a visit to the mountains; if two
larger leaves are in close proximity, there will be ups and downs in
daily life; inability to settle down.

Three small leaves close to one leaf: A man.

Two leaves close to a small leaf: A woman.

Group of small leaves in a triangular pattern: A child or children.

Heart: Love; a heart broken or crossed by a chain of leaves
represents a broken love affair or divorce.

Triangle: Emotional involvement; jealousy; rivalry. If pointing
downwards this shape indicates a menage a trois, if upwards, ambition
and success are suggested.

Square: Several different possibilities are suggested by this
formation;it may mean that the person concerned is well-established,
conservative and solid character. Bit it can also imply a need for
protection, or the client's failure to excel in his career.

Star: Great success; a sign of genius; spiritual enlightenment.
However,if it falls on or near a heart formation, the passions may be
crushed and replaced by a life of asceticism.

The appearance of more complicated symbols or geometric signs needs
profound study; because of their rarity they are extremely
significant.

Many leaves spread all over the cup: A rich or confused character;
extravagance; negligence; generosity.

Very few leaves in the cup: Clarity; direct action in the future.
However, this alo indicates poverty in emotional life, and if the
leaves seem to arrange themselves in a provocative way they must be
read with great care so that they offset the poverty of the all-over
pattern.

Cross: This means that the client is at a crossroads in life, and
that a personal sacrifice may be necessary. If this pattern is in
conjunction with one large leaf, it can signify death. However, care
and tact should be exercised in making such an interpretation, and it
should be remembered that the possible death is not necessarily that
of the client. Other leaves close by will ward off danger, and show a
remedy for whatever ill is likely to befall him.

Circle: Marriage; a close partnership; fame. A good omen.

Circle with a cross on it: Enforced confinement, possibly in a
hospital,prison, or other institution.

Two parallel lines of leaves: A propitious journey; dreams that will
come true; a long and happy life. Reinforcement of all else seen in
the cup.
Dots: Letters; messages; thoughts.

Stars: Good luck.

Dashes: Surprises.

Flowers: Joy; an engagement and marriage.

Fruit: Good fortune; children.

Daisy: Simple happiness.

Gun or dagger: Danger; strife.

Scythe: A good harvest; a death warning.

Musical instruments: Good company.

Scales: Justice; success at law.

Ladder: Increasing success.

Key: Secrets revealed; knowledge.

House: Stability.

Bottle: Excess; flirtation at a party.

Envelope: News.

Fan: An indiscreet love affair.

Teapot or kettle: Good cheer; contentment.

Pair of scissors: Angry words.

Hammer: Hard work.

There are other general indications:

Time is represented by the different levels of the cup. The rim is the
present, and below this lies the near future, while patterns formed on
the base refer to events that are many years ahead.

Place is indicated by the parts of the cup in which the leave settle.
Those nearest the handle tell of events that affect the home; the
leaves on the sides suggest distance according to their proximity to
the handle, and those on the base show the place of birth,
nationality and hidden nature of the client.

Letters of the alphabet represent the initials of people concerned in
the reading; the hearer they are to the handle, the closer their
relationship to the client.

Clear symbols are lucky, with the exception of those that represent
illness or death. Faint symbols tend to be unlucky, suggesting a weak
character or lack of purpose.

Man, Myth, and Magic Volume 20, Article by Basil Ivan Rakoczi