The ancient art of reading tea leaves in a cup is quite simple and can be learned in no time. Although psychics throughout the centuries have used it as a divination system, anyone can learn to master the techniques involved. Before long, you’ll be making predictions about the future for friends and family. It is not necessary to possess any psychic abilities; all that is really required is patience to understand the various symbols and their meanings. However, as with all divinatory systems, constant use can have the effect of developing and stimulating your natural intuitive ability.

Adding clairvoyance to the skill will give you a deeper insight into the metaphysical energy surrounding the process. Reading tea leaves is a fun way to stimulate your imagination and access your unconscious mind and listen to your inner self for answers to problems or dilemmas you may have. The process is also linked to Carl Jung’s theory of “collective unconsciousness,” where one’s intuition is not limited by the limitations of space or time. It is through this that tea leaf readers can look at a person’s past, present, or future.

The ancient practice of interpreting patterns made by tea leaves in the cup is called Tasseography, also known as cupomancy or tasology. “Tasse” or “tass” is an Arabic word that means cup or small cup. Art also includes reading coffee grounds and wine sediments. In China and Japan, drinking tea had a ceremonial use and an aid to meditation. A reader would be on the lookout for omens in the patterns and shapes left after drinking the tea. Although tea leaf reading is associated with Gypsy fortune-tellers and Victorian parlor games, its roots began in Asia, ancient Greece, and the Middle East. In recent history it has close ties to Scottish and Irish tradition, as well as to all of Eastern Europe.

Historically, a psychic often had a special cup that he used for readings. Also, a special spoon can be used to give it a sense of ritual. The cup, saucer and spoon should first be washed or cleaned by immersing them in hot soapy water and rinsing them with cold water. Today’s psychics use mugs with astrological markings printed on the inside. This not only gives a reading of the tea leaves, but also provides information based on astrological signs. The crown should have a wide brim and should be simple on the inside, as any pattern would conflict with the interpretation of the leaves.

Part of the ritual of reading tea leaves is the act of sitting down and enjoying tea in the company of other drinkers, as this allows you to relax and collect your thoughts. Usually psychics choose not to use small commercially produced tea leaves but go for the larger type i.e Jasmin or Erl Gray etc. The person having the reading will be asked to place a measure of tea in a hot pot or directly into a porcelain cup. Some psychics ask the person receiving the reading to stir the dried leaves before pouring them into the teacup or pot. This is considered similar to shuffling the tarot cards before a reading. Boiling water is poured over the tea while the person receiving the reading shakes the pot or cup. At the same time, you need to focus on the particular question that you would like an answer to. The kettle is rotated and the tea is poured into the cup.

When the tea is cold enough to drink, the person receiving the reading takes a sip of the liquid while still concentrating on the question. The person reading your tea leaf should leave about a quarter inch of tea in the bottom of the cup. Then the cup should be turned clockwise three times with the left hand so that the tea leaves are in a state of suspension. It is then quickly turned upside down on a napkin, which has been placed on the saucer, thus leaving the tea leaves at the bottom and sides of the cup.

To interpret the images, it may help if you squint slightly while looking at the leaves and let your imagination wander. Taking mental note of what you see; start reading the cup clockwise, the handle representing the day of the tea cup reading should be facing the reader. The remainder of the cup is divided into twelve months with the six-month position directly toward the handle. The leaves near the edge of the crown are more important than those near the bottom. Some psychics say that images looking counterclockwise represent that the meaning is leaving, while images looking clockwise mean that the person requesting the reading is moving toward occurrence.

The interpretation of the symbols can be exactly as they appear, for example, a house, it can mean satisfaction and home, or symbolically, that is, combined with a bell they can mean good news or an invitation on the way. Contradictory images imply indecision in the person’s mind. Sometimes the top of the glass looks lucky and the bottom looks unlucky, but you must use your intuition and common sense when deciding this. The size of the symbol can give you a clue as to its importance. The border represents the present or things that can happen in a few days or weeks. The sides predict the future. The fund predicts a very distant future.

Like learning most things, the more you practice, the better you will get. The same applies to the art of tea leaf reading the more proficient you become at it. The secret is to trust your gut, try not to let your logic interfere with what you see. At first, you may only be able to see the shapes of the waves, but with perseverance your competence and confidence will grow. The list of symbols and meanings below is far from complete, but it will get you started. It would also be helpful to buy a book with more

full list of interpretations or alternatively there are many resources available on the internet. Ultimately, interpretation must be left to the reader, and no two readers are alike. The main thing about interpreting what you see is learning to trust your intuition and instincts. You may find that certain symbols have a particular meaning just for you and vary from the meanings listed below.

Symbols and Interpretations:

Plane: – Travel, go up to the world.

Anchor: – End a trip.

Angel: – A blessing from your guides.

Bell: – Good news, that is, wedding, etc.

Bird: – Good luck on the way.

Book: – Look for more information.

Bottle: – Seduction, good social life.

Butterfly: – No serious relationship.

Clock: – Act now, there will be a meeting soon.

Moon: – Changes.

Cruz: – Problems but positive result.

Cobweb: – something protected or safe.

Dagger: – Fallout or conspiracy ahead.

Dog: – A faithful friend.

Flag: – Stay fast for good fortune.

Fish: – Spiritual progress.

Door: – Change of circumstance, proceed with confidence.

Heart: – Happy emotional things.

Key: – Solutions revealed soon.

Ladder: – promotion, improvement.

Mountain: – Problems, conquerable goal.

Ring: – Changes for the better.

Scales: – Decisions must balance things out.

Trees: – A new beginning.

Teapot: – Loving friends.