Writing in the Tea Leaves Meaning

Writing in the Tea Leaves Meaning
Another source through which messages are received by the tea-leaves will be found in the writing which will be seen from time to time. Moreover, it has the great advantage of being clear and easy to decipher, so that there may be no doubt of what is intended to be understood by it. The tea-leaves can never be accused of being illegible. Occasionally it is very minute writing, and would probably be passed over by those who read their cups in a superficial manner. To those who study them carefully the future is revealed.

No one would reasonably expect to find a speech from the Prime Minister or an invitation to a tea-party written for them in the tea-leaves. But words they certainly will find.

A short time ago I saw in my cup, in perfect copperplate writing, the word "wait." I was annoyed by it, for what is more annoying than having to wait? Sometimes it may happen that the tea-leaves—as with their relatives, the tumbler and automatic writing—become a little shaky in their spelling. But this is not a serious defect, and the trifling errors do not prevent the word from being translatable. It is a recognized fact that writing seen through a medium, whether it be tea-leaves, or a dream, is of importance, and should always be regarded with attention and with an endeavor to understand its message.

I should like to point out that certain figures and symbols are of so frequent occurrence that it may be well to emphasize their general significance by referring to them here, in addition to their meaning being given in the dictionary.

Among those which threaten misfortune, or sorrow, are the following: Crosses, snakes, spades, pistols, guns, toads, cats.

Joy and success are indicated by such symbols as a crescent moon, clover leaves, flowers, trees, anchors, fruit, circles, stars.

Having learned the symbols and the combined symbols by heart, it will require only a little practice to interpret their meanings without hesitation. For those who find difficulty in committing the dictionary to memory, an essential for proficient reading of the cup, I would suggest that they write down any meaning which may seem specially hard to remember, roughly drawing its symbol beside it. In this way the difficulty will soon be overcome. Enjoy!

Some Combinations of Tea Leaves Symbols and their Meaning

Some Combinations of Tea Leaves Symbols and their Meaning
Ace of Diamonds, A Circle.—An engagement.

Ace of Diamonds, A Bush.—A pleasant invitation.

Ace of Clubs, An Obelisk.—The offer of a good promotion.

Ace of Hearts, A Train, A Query.—Indecision about a removal.

Ace of Hearts, An Urn, A Bed.—Illness in the home.

Ace of Spades, Bricks.—An advantageous offer from a large town.

Arm, A Myrtle Tree, Bird on a Perch.—New plans which bring about a meeting with someone who will become all the world to you.

Arum Lily, Bells, A Church.—A wedding.

Arum Lily, A Bat, A Bed, A Widow's Bonnet.—Death of a widow.

Bacon, Pagoda.—You will make your fortune abroad.

Banana, A Peacock, Ace of Hearts, Trees.—A happy marriage to someone of wealth and property in the country.

Bed, An Engine, Laburnum Tree.—A happy visit to the country in the spring.

Besom, Ugly Faces.—You will make many enemies by mischief-making.

Bonnet, A Bouquet.—Marriage late in life.

Bride, A Crescent Moon, A Swallow.—A journey which leads to a romantic love affair.

Bride, Penknife, An Owl.—Jealousy terminates an unhappy engagement.

Cab, A Square, A Cap.—A gloomy outlook brought about by one of the opposite sex.

Camel (Laden), A Small "T," A Coffin.—An unexpected fortune through the death of someone abroad whose name begins with "T."

Chain (Entangled), Onion.—You will be placed in an embarrassing position by the discovery of a secret.

Chinese Lantern, A Pair of Stilts.—Pride brings about a fall.

Clover, Plums, A Bridge.—A new and excellent opportunity will come your way necessitating a journey.

Daffodils, The Sun.—A joyful occurrence in the spring.

Doves, A Book, A Beehive.—You will advance rapidly and become a well-known writer.

Duck, A Vegetable Marrow.—Rash investments.

Eagle (Flying), A Steamer, A Tent, A Large "E."—A position of honour in Egypt.

Ear, A Beehive, A Trumpet.—Fame as a public speaker.

Fate Line, A Sword in Its Sheath, The Sign of Mars, A Chain.—A happy fate awaits you, and marriage to a soldier who will rise to the top of the tree in his profession.

Frog, A Fish, A Ship, A Large "C".—Emigration to Canada.

Goat, A Running Figure, A Lamb.—There need be no doubt as to the successful outcome of your venture.

Grasshoppers, A Sleigh, A Wreath of Asters.—Death of an elderly friend or relative in the winter.

Key, A Flaming Torch.—Some discovery or the development of a patent leads to your becoming famous.

King on His Throne, An Eagle in a Cage, A Mace.— An important public ceremony in which you take a part.

Ladder, Ring, A Man and a Woman.—Marriage will be the means of advancement and good fortune.

Ladder, A Palette.—Attainment to a position of honour as an artist.

Ladder, The Symbol of Mars.—A most fortunate career as a soldier.

Lion, A Lute.—Rising to the top of the tree, as a musician, is assured by these symbols.

Lion, A Man Speaking from a Platform.—Great success in a public career and the attaining to an influential position.

Lion, A Man Beside a Pestle and Mortar.—Excellent prospects and fame as a doctor.

Lizard, A Peaked Cap.—An expected visitor is not to be trusted.

Mace, A Mallet.—Through wisdom and clear judgment you will rise to a position of authority.

Man Carrying a Burden, A Pair of Scissors, A Mushroom.—Quarrels in an unhappy love affair ending in a broken engagement.

Magnet, A Meat Cover.—An unpleasant discovery leads to the abrupt ending of an infatuation.

Nail, A Pair of Pincers.—A visit to the dentist and the removal of a tooth.

Notice-Board, A Leek, An Open Padlock.—In a surprising manner you will get the information for which you are seeking.

Onions, An Otter.—Those in whom you trusted have betrayed your confidence and divulged a secret.

Owl, A Pail.—Loss of income will necessitate your undertaking distasteful work.

Pagoda, A Palm Tree, Water.—A voyage to a warm climate under very happy conditions.

Pestle and Mortar, A Walking Stick.—Illness and the arrival of the doctor.

Pulpit, Opera Glasses.—Those who weary others by undue curiosity will always remain in ignorance.

Query, A Letter, Initial "B," A Grave Stone.—You will be consulted as to the erecting of a headstone on the grave of a relative or friend.

Quill Pen, Lilies of the Valley, An Organ.—Great happiness through marriage.

Rabbit, An Arrow, A Large Letter "L," A Dagger.—News of severe illness and a probable operation for a child who lives in London.

Rhinoceros, An Overcoat, A Steamer, A Large Letter "I.".—The undertaking of a somewhat hazardous enterprise necessitates a voyage to India; through this much will happen which will eventually lead to your becoming famous.

Rocket, A Pear, A Snowdrop.—News of a birth of which you may expect to hear in February.

Rocking Chair, A Pedestrian, A Mushroom.— Deliberation over important matters brings you to the conclusion that a great venture, which may mean enormous gain, is worth a small risk, and success will await you.

Sailor, A Flying Swallow, A Trident, A Ring.—Happy news of good promotion for a sailor and a proposal of marriage.

Scaffold, Leg of Mutton.—Gambling or speculation will bring you to poverty unless you pay heed to this warning.

Shark, A Pistol, A Flying Seagull.—News from abroad of a tragic death.

Snake, A Ram, A Woman, A Widow's Bonnet.—Overwhelming evidence against some widow who is a dangerous enemy.

Sofa, A Sleigh.—A cold in the head or a chill.

Sword, A Ring, A Man, A Woman, A Toad.—Separation of lovers brought about by slander and malicious talk.

Table, A Quill Pen, A Cat, A Ring with Dots Around.—Legal business over money matters which leads to family quarrels.

Throne, An Ostrich Running, A Flying Seagull, A Flag.—Serious news from abroad of disturbances and rebellion.

Tram Lines, A Building with Dots Around It, A Purse.—You will take a roadway journey to a bank and are warned to beware of pickpockets.

Urn, Hospital Nurse, A Man, A Large Heart.—Serious illness affecting the heart is predicted for a man.

Vegetable Marrow, A Steamer, Native with "Tom-Tom," A Broken Pillar.—Distressing news of misfortune for someone dear to you in India.

Violet, A Water Lily, A Robin, A Crescent Moon, A Ring.—A romantic love affair which ends in a happy marriage taking place in the early spring.

Wading Boot, The Sign of Neptune, Several Penguins, A Mast.—News of a disaster in the North Sea.

Widow's Bonnet, A Pig, A Dotted Circle, The Figures "100."—A small legacy of a hundred pounds may be expected from a widow.

Woodpecker, Trees, A Rose, A Man.—A prospective visit to the country in the summer, when you will meet with someone who will become very dear to you.

Yew Tree, An Open Padlock, A Wallflower, A Pineapple.—A new plan of life is made necessary as the result of an unexpected inheritance of much wealth.

TELLING FORTUNES TEA LEAVES MEANING

TELLING FORTUNES TEA LEAVES MEANING

Now the "seer" receives the cup from the "sitter" and proceeds to tell "his" or "her" fortune, unless of course one is to tell one's own fortune. The "seer" should concentrate upon the cup and upon the "consultant". The "seer" will observe that the tealeaves are scattered over the cup in apparent confusion but it will be noted after concentration that they form lines, circles, dots, small groups and figures.

Note carefully the shapes and figures assumed by the leaves. Turn the cup and view from different angles until the symbols become clear. Be patient and search carefully for symbols and not their position. The more you search the clearer they become. Note the resemblance to various objects, and their relation to each other. Sometimes bad omens will be offset by good ones; good ones may be strengthened or weakened by others, good or evil, and so on.

"The tea leaves meaning reveals good fortune (1,4,5) for you. I see a lover (3) and much success. I see the letter "L"- perhaps his name begins with "L" but you have not met him yet because he seems to be in the future - not far distant perhaps but not in the present. I see success is about to crown some venture you have undertaken or are about to undertake. But there seems to be difficulties closing in upon (2) you in the near future".

"Fear not in this tea cup good fortune more than outweighs the bad. I see a marriage, possibly you own (4) or a friend's. It seems certain that this good fortune that is coming will be most unexpected".

Such objects as cats, trees, flowers, letters, numbers, etc., will be discerned by the exercise of the "seer's" observation and imagination. Possibly these may be unconsciously strengthened by a keen intuition. Each symbol possesses some significance. They may be large or small and their size may determine their relative importance. For instance: if the likeness of a "Septre" should be observed it would mean that the "sitter" should expect some honor bestowed upon him or her. If the symbol were small, the honor received would be small and if the symbol were large, the honor might be great.

Then again: a few tea leaves may form a group that might in turn form a letter such as "M". If this letter "M" should be close to a symbol resembling a "serpent" which is bad luck, it might mean that the "sitter" should guard against an enemy whose name begins with "M". If on the other hand the letter "M" should appear near a symbol of a bird flying towards the handle of the cup (the "residence") it might mean that the sitter would receive a letter from, or news of, a person whose name begins with "M". If on the other hand the letter "M" should appear near a symbol of a bird flying towards the handle of the cup (the "residence") it might mean that the sitter would receive a letter from, or news of, a person whose name begins with "M". Again: If the bird were flying away from the "residence", the sitter would be sending a letter to the person "M".

The small tealeaves frequently form lines. A line means a journey, a long line a long journey, etc. The direction of the journey may be determined by the direction of the line. If a line should approach and reach the handle and the sitter should be away from home it would mean that he or she would return. If the line should end before it reaches the handle it would mean that the "sitter" would move to another residence. A wavy or broken line means delayed journeys and straight-line quick journeys. If a number such as "6" should be observed it would mean a journey of six days or six weeks; or possibly a journey to be taken in six weeks, etc., etc.

Dots surrounding a symbol indicate money in some form depending on the symbol. Should a leaf cling to the edge or rim of the cup some event foretold by the symbols in the cup is imminent. Someone may be thinking of the "sitter" at the very moment. Look for a letter to find a clue to the identity of this person.

Observe the complete picture as a whole as well as individual symbols for often-bad omens may outweigh good omens or vice versa. One large distinct good omen may outweigh several smaller hazy bad omens. Good and bad should be balanced against each other in determining the forecast.

If mysteries should be revealed to you, question them if you will, but cherish and keep the Gypsy's secret.
Tea Leaves Meaning

Prophecy by the Tea Leaves Meaning

Prophecy by the Tea Leaves Meaning

"For a man's mind is sometimes wont to tell him more than seven watchmen that sit above in a high tower."

To those of an inquiring or doubting turn of mind, there may arise the very natural question as to why one shaped tea-leaf should mean "a hat" and another "a table." It is useless to point out that these objects are perfectly represented by the leaves. That is of no practical satisfaction. The simple fact that each language has its alphabet, its spelling, and its words, which must be learned before there can be any reasonable understanding of it, seems the best and obvious reply.

Symbolism is a wide subject with many branches. Who can expect to master even its alphabet in a moment? To those who cannot accept the symbols in the tea-leaves on the authority of past experience, reaching over several centuries, I would recommend a careful study of their cups for, say, three months. Let them make notes of such signs as appear and beside them place their meanings and predictions.

At the end of this time, compare all that has taken place with these notes, and I think there will be no further lack of faith in the tea-leaf symbols.

Before very many years have passed the language of symbolism by cards, tea-leaves, crystal gazing, etc., will probably be almost universally understood. The day will undoubtedly come when it will be accepted as naturally as the English language, and we shall cease to worry ourselves as to the why and wherefore of it all.

It is important that those who are learning the art of divination by tea-leaves should realize the necessity for consistently attributing the same meanings to the symbols. Do not be tempted to change their interpretation for what may seem a more probable, or pleasant, prediction for your client. It is a fatal mistake.

Remember that you are dealing with conditions and events of the future which are outside the limited knowledge of the normal mind, whose power of vision is limited to physical sight.

A simple instance of what may occur, should you thus change the tea leaves meanings of the symbols, will suffice to show the folly of such a practice.

A consultant comes to have her "fortune read." She is known to you personally, and you are aware that she is anxious to hear a hopeful report of someone dear to her who is ill. The tea-leaf meaning symbols are obstinately unfavorable, and display ominous signs of forthcoming sorrow. If you gloss over this fact completely, and predict a rapid recovery from the illness, what becomes of your client's faith in the power of foretelling the future? Certain it is that the symbols would be right in their verdict, and you would be wrong.

It is usually easier to prophesy smooth things rather than unpleasant facts, but to do this in the face of obvious contradictions will lead to disaster in foretelling the future.

Divination by tea-leaves or cards has the candor to be frankly disagreeable when necessary. This is one great argument in favor of its unerring truthfulness. There is no means by which symbols may be coaxed into proclaiming false statements.

The most practiced clairvoyant may occasionally make mistakes in her reading of the symbols, but no genuine seer should ever deliberately give a wrong interpretation of them to please her consultant. The business of the diviner is to give what she believes to be a correct and unprejudiced translation of the symbols before her.

It is sometimes a vexed question as to what extent information of a gloomy nature, which may appear in a divination, should be given to a client. Some are in favor of withholding such matter altogether, whilst others announce it frankly without modification. It seems impossible to lay down any hard and fast rule. There are so many things to be taken into account, and each case should be treated on its merits and according to its peculiar circumstances. There are some who would fret themselves ill at the least mention of coming misfortune, others would be the better prepared to meet it by having been warned of its approach.

One rule can be safely made for guidance on this point. Do not minimize danger when a timely warning may avert an accident, or other misfortune, nor should symbols of ill omen be exaggerated. As students become proficient, they will find many meanings in the tea-leaves in addition to those which they learn from this book. Much will depend upon circumstances and individual temperaments.

These personally discovered meanings should be carefully noted and verified with events as they occur.

It is necessary to remember that divination by the tea-cup is by no means limited to personal information. Forthcoming public events are frequently revealed. This adds largely to the interest and usefulness of the divination. It is important to point out this to consultants, so that they may not be too ready to fix the whole reading of their cups to purely personal matters. It will be found that public news is usually foretold in the cups of those who seek information of the future as a regular practice.

For those who rarely do so, private affairs alone will appear, probably without even a forecast of the weather to be expected within the next few days.

It is a curious fact that the wider knowledge should seem to be reserved for those who practice divination constantly, but so it is.

Some remarkable instances of the accurate foretelling of public events, which have quite recently been brought to my notice, may be interesting.

For some weeks before the coal strike of 1920 was declared, a pickaxe was seen on several occasions in the cups of two persons, both of whom read their tea-leaves meaning regularly. This symbol, as will be seen in the dictionary which follows, stands for "labor trouble and strikes." A spade was also in evidence at intervals, a further sign of "trouble and unrest." So that it was through no fault of the tea-leaves if some of us were not in the superior position of knowing all about the strike before it came to pass.

The symbols already mentioned would of course apply equally to railway disturbance, and some time before the threat of a strike was announced, these symbols appeared again, together with an engine, and a signal at the angle of "Danger." This seemed ominous. But within a few days the signal was evident once more; but on this occasion set at "All Clear." So it was easy to decide that the threatened strike would not take place. The accuracy of this prediction by means of the tea-leaves was shortly afterwards made evident.

Again, a week before there seemed to be even a hope of a settlement of the coal strike, a mining shaft presented itself in one of the tea-cups which had previously been indicating the strike. This symbol appeared at the top of the cup standing out clearly by itself, evidently predicting the miners' return to work within a short time. There was no need to depend upon information from the newspapers as to the end of the strike, for here in the tea-leaves was all necessary evidence of the fact.

Another very remarkable instance of symbolism was given to me by a friend a short time ago. On Monday morning, October 26th, 1920, the three following symbols appeared in her cup:—

A vulture resting on a rock.
An eagle.
A monkey.

In the evening of that day the death of King Alexander of Greece was announced.

It will be seen, on referring to the dictionary, that an eagle and a vulture signify "the death of a monarch." The monkey who lay at the bottom of the cup, apparently dead, was of course the third symbol as having caused the King's death. It was particularly gratifying that these signs should have appeared in my friend's cup for she is a mathematical genius, and rejects every symbol which she cannot recognize at once. She was so struck by these signs that she called them to the attention of her mother, who also immediately perceived and identified them. The only regrettable omission was that the cup was not photographed. It would have been valuable evidence for the wonders of the tea-leaves.

This same friend had another interesting experience. The head of an Indian appeared in her cup, with other signs pointing to news of a personal nature. She was puzzled, for, as far as she knew, there was no one in India from whom she would be in the least likely to hear.

Very shortly afterwards, however, her mother went on a visit to London. There she quite unexpectedly met someone who had recently come from India, and who had brought back messages of remembrance and affection from a girl who my friend had no idea was in India at that time. Hence the Indian in her tea-cup!

Whilst on this subject, another occasion when India was represented in the tea-leaves. I was looking into my tea-cup one day, when I saw most clearly depicted two natives creeping stealthily, their attitude making this evident. In their hands were what appeared to be knives, and they were making towards a figure that was unmistakably that of an officer. He was standing upon what looked like a raised platform with a barricade round him. He held a revolver in his hand.

I am quite aware that some may think this a tall tale for the tea-leaves to relate! But fortunately my reading of the cup was witnessed by two others, one of them being a man, who, although interested in psychic subjects, despises the tea-leaves! Without remarking upon what I saw, I suggested that he should look at my cup and see what he made of it. Without a moment's hesitation he said, "There is an officer defending himself against some natives who are about to attack him."

My readers will appreciate the satisfaction this testimony gave me, coming as it did from one who had never before looked into a cup. Moreover, that this witness should have been one of the male sex added to its value! This prediction of danger for someone in India was borne out by facts that were disclosed shortly afterwards. These instances which I have given illustrate the variety and interest which are to be found in divination by tea-leaves meaning.
reading-tea-leaves

General Theories of Tea Leaves Meaning

General Theories of Tea Leaves Meaning

At first sight the interior of the cup will show the tea leaves scattered about apparently haphazard and with no arrangement; just a jumble of tea-leaves and nothing more. In reality they have come to their positions and have taken on the shapes of the symbols for which they stand, by the guidance of the subconscious mind directing the hand in the turning of the cup.

The various shapes and the meanings to be attached to them will at first be puzzling to beginners. A good deal of practice is necessary before the tea-leaf symbols can be accurately interpreted at a glance. That, however, will come later, and in time it will be as easy as reading a book.

If you wish to be a proficient reader of the tea-leaves meaning , practice constantly this interpretation of the shapes and positions of the leaves. Take a cup and follow out the simple instructions for the turning and draining of it, and then carefully study the result.

It is an excellent plan to make a rough copy of the leaves as they present themselves to you in each cup, making notes of the various meanings.

Do not feel dismayed if, when you begin looking at the tea-leaves, you are unable to discover in them anything definitely symbolic. It is certain that nothing will be found if the seer is feeling nervous! Keep a calm, open mind, and do not be in a hurry, for it is under such conditions only that a clear reading of the leaves will be possible. In some cases the symbols are more easily read than in others. Much depends upon the consultant.

The gift of imagination (by no means to be confused with invention) is of the greatest possible importance in discerning the symbols which are of such endless shapes and variety. The seer has to find in the forms of the tea-leaves a resemblance, sometimes it may be but a faint one, to natural objects, e.g., trees, houses, flowers, bridges, and so forth. Figures of human beings and animals will frequently be seen, as will squares, triangles, circles, and also the line of fate.

These signs may be large or small, and the importance of them must be judged by their relative size and position. Suppose, for instance, that a small cross should be at the bottom of the cup, the only one to be seen, the seer would predict that a trifling vexation or a tiresome little delay must be expected; but not for the present, as it is at the bottom of the cup. An alphabetical list of symbols is given later on, so it is not necessary to define them here. The various points of a more general character, however, must be studied before it is possible to give an accurate reading.

It will constantly be found that the stems, isolated tea leaves, or small groups of leaves, form a letter of the alphabet, sometimes a number. These letters and numbers have meanings which must be looked for in connection with other noticeable signs. If an initial "M" appears, and near to it a small square or oblong leaf, both being near the rim of the cup, it would indicate a letter coming speedily from someone whose name begins with an "M." If the initial appears near the bottom of the cup it shows that the letter will not be coming for some time.

If there be a clear space at the bottom of the cup devoid of tea-leaves, it shows water, and that, in all probability, the letter is coming from abroad. If the symbol of the letter comes very near to a bird flying, it shows a telegram. If the bird is flying towards the consultant (the handle), the telegram has been received. The news in it is to be judged by other signs in the cup. If flying away from the handle, the telegram is sent by the consultant. A single bird flying always indicates speedy news.

In a cup with various ominous signs, such as a serpent, an owl, or many crosses, the news coming is not likely to be pleasant. In a cup without bad signs, it can safely be said that the news is good.

As a general rule large letters indicate places, whilst smaller ones give the names of persons. Thus a large letter "E" would stand for Edinburgh and a smaller "E" for Edwards, for instance. To all rules there comes the occasional exception, and this principle holds good with regard to the letters in the tea-cup. It is said that these smaller letters always point to the first letter of the surname. Usually it is so; but I have constantly found from experience that it is the first letter of the Christian name, or even a pet name, to which the letter refers. It is well to keep this possibility in mind, otherwise the seer may give misleading information to consultants.

Sometimes numbers mean the date for an event to be expected, a "5" for instance, very near the brim of the cup, or the handle (the consultant), means in five days; or five weeks if it come on the side, possibly as far off as five months if the figure be at the bottom of the cup.

As dots around a symbol always indicate money in some form or another, according to the character of the symbol, a figure beside the dots would signify the amount of money to be expected. If the symbol were that of a legacy with the figure "90" near, it would show that a little legacy of ninety pounds might be anticipated.

Clearly defined symbols that stand out separately are of more importance than such as are difficult to discern. Clusters of shapeless leaves represent clouds marring the effect of an otherwise fortunate cup.

Journeys are shown by lines or dots formed by the dust and smaller leaves of the tea. The length and direction of the journey may be known by the extent of the line and, roughly speaking, the point of the compass to which it leads, the handle in this case representing south. If the line of dots ascends sharply to the brim of the cup, a journey to a hilly country will be taken.

Supposing the consultant to be at home, and the dots form a line from the handle all round the cup and back to the handle, it signifies a journey for a visit and the return. If the line were to stop before reaching the handle again, with an appearance of a house where the line ends, a change of residence might safely be predicted. A wavy line shows indecision as to arrangements. Crosses upon the line indicate that there will be vexation or delay in connection with the journey. Large flat leaves some distance apart along the line stand for important stations to be passed through.

For some consultants there seems very little of interest to be read in their cup. There are no events, merely trivialities. It is therefore difficult to find anything that could be considered as "future," when it seems to be just a dead level "present," the daily life, nothing more. It is sad for those who have such a dull life, but there is usually some sign, a small happening such as a parcel, or a visit from a friend. These must be made the most of. The pleasure of anticipation will add to the realization.

A confused looking tea-leaves meaning, without any definite symbols, just a muddle of tea-leaves, is useless for the purpose of divination, beyond giving an indication of the state of the consultant's mind, so vague and undecided in its character that it obscures everything. Tell such a one the reason for the failure of divining, and recommend a more reliable state of mind. Then let them try their "fortune" again in a few months, when it may be found quite different.

It is of course a great mistake to be always "looking in the tea-leaves," as some foolish people do twice a day. It is sure to lead to contradictions though there is no harm in the habit of "looking in the cup" each morning as others do, for finding the events likely to happen in the course of the day. This is as permissible as the reading of the cards each morning for the day's events by those who consider it a safeguard, remembering that to be forewarned is to be forearmed.

Some people use the tea-cup simply for the purpose of asking a definite question, such as, "Is the sum of money I am expecting coming soon?" When this is the case, the consultant should be told before turning the cup in the hand to concentrate the thoughts on this one point, as in the case of wishing while shuffling the cards for a definite wish. Then the seer must look only for the signs that will give the answer to the question, ignoring all other points. This is necessary for the giving of a satisfactory answer to the question asked.
Tea Leaves Meaning
reading-learning-tea-leaves-meaning

MEANING OF SYMBOLS

Tea Leaves Meaning

MEANING OF SYMBOLS

ACORN—Continued health—improved health.
ANCHOR—Lucky symbol. Success in business or in love. If blurred or indistinct just the reverse.
HEART—A lover. If close to a ring, marriage to the present lover. If indistinct, the lover is fickle.
HEAVENLY BODIES—(Sun, Moon, Star)—Good luck—great happiness and success.
OWL—Indicates sickness or poverty. Warning against starting a new venture.
PALM TREE —Good omen. Success in any undertaking. Single people learn of marriage. MOON (crescent)—Prosperity, fame. If cloudy, difficulties will be solved.
ELEPHANT—Good Luck—good health—happiness.
TRIANGLES—Unexpected good fortune.
BIRDS—Good Luck. If flying, good news from the direction it comes. If at rest a fortunate journey.
Tea Leaves Meaning..
reading-tea-leaves.

General Principles to be Observed in Reading Tea Leaves

General Principles to be Observed in Reading Tea Leaves
The interior of the tea-cup when it is ready to be consulted will exhibit the leaves scattered apparently in a fortuitous and accidental manner, but really in accordance with the muscular action of the left arm as controlled by the mind at whose bidding it has worked. These scattered tea leaves will form lines and circles of dots or small leaves and dust combined with stems, and groups of leaves in larger or smaller patches: apparently in meaningless confusion.

Careful notice should now be taken of all the shapes and figures formed inside the cup. These should be viewed front different positions, so that their meaning becomes clear. It is not very easy at first to see what the shapes really are, but after looking at them carefully they become plainer. The different shapes and figures of tea leaves in the cup must be taken together in a general reading. Bad indications will be balanced by good ones; some good ones will be strengthened by others, and so on.

It is now the business of the seer—whether the consultant or some adept to whom he has handed the cup to be read—to find some fairly close resemblance between the groups formed by the tea leaves and various natural or artificial objects. This part of the performance resembles the looking for 'pictures in the fire' as practiced by children in nurseries and school-rooms and occasionally by people of a larger growth. Actual representations of such things as trees, animals, birds, anchors, crowns, coffins, flowers, and so forth may by the exercise of the powers of observation and imagination be discerned, as well as squares, triangles, and crosses. Each of these possesses, as a symbol, some fortunate or unfortunate signification. Such signs may be either large or small, and their relative importance must be judged according to their size. Supposing the symbol observed should be that indicating the receipt of a legacy, for instance: if small it would mean that the inheritance would be but trifling, if large that it would be substantial, while if tea leaves grouped to form a resemblance to a coronet accompany the sign for a legacy, a title would probably descend upon the consultant at the same time. The meaning of all the symbols of this nature likely to be formed by the fortuitous arrangement of tea leaves in a tea-cup is fully set forth in the concluding chapter; and it is unnecessary therefore to enlarge upon this branch of the subject.

There are points of a more general character that must be considered before it is possible to form an accurate judgment of the fortune displayed. For instance, isolated tea leaves or groups of a few tea leaves or stems frequently form letters of the alphabet or numbers. These letters and numbers possess meanings which must be sought in conjunction with other signs. If near a letter L is seen a small square or oblong tea leaf, or if a number of very small dots form such a square or oblong, it indicates that a letter or parcel will be received from somebody whose surname (not Christian name) begins with an L. If the combined symbol appears near the handle and near the rim of the cup, the letter is close at hand; if in the bottom there will be delay in its receipt. If the sign of a letter is accompanied by the appearance of a bird flying towards the 'house' it means a telegraphic dispatch: if flying away from the house the consultant will have to send the telegram. Birds flying always indicate news of some sort.

Again, the dust in the tea and the smaller tea leaves and stems frequently form lines of dots. These are significant of a journey, and their extent and direction shows its length and the point of the compass towards which it will extend: the handle for this purpose being considered as due south. If the consultant is at home and lines lead from the handle right round the cup and back to the handle, it shows that he will return; if they end before getting back to the handle, and especially if a resemblance to a house appears where the journey line ends, it betokens removal to some other place. If the consultant be away from home, lines leading to the handle show a return home, and if free from crosses or other symbols of delay that the return will be speedy: otherwise it will be postponed. The occurrence of a numeral may indicate the number of days, or if in connection with a number of small dots grouped around the sign of a letter, a present or a legacy, the amount of the remittance in the former, the number of presents to be expected, or the amount of the legacy coming. Dots surrounding a symbol always indicate money coming in some form or other, according to the nature of the symbol.

It will be seen that to read a fortune in the tea-cup with any real approach to accuracy and a serious attempt to derive a genuine forecast from the cup the seer must not be in a hurry. He or she must not only study the general appearance of the horoscope displayed before him, and decide upon the resemblance of the groups of tea leaves to natural or artificial objects, each of which possesses a separate significance, but must also balance the bad and good, the lucky and unlucky symbols, and strike an average. For instance, a large bouquet of flowers, which is a fortunate sign, would outweigh in importance one or two minute crosses, which in this case would merely signify some small delay in the realization of success; whereas one large cross in a prominent position would be a warning of disaster that would be little, if at all, mitigated by the presence of small isolated flowers, however lucky individually these may be. This is on the same principle as that by which astrologers judge a horoscope, when, after computing the aspects of the planets towards each other, the Sun and Moon, the Ascendant, Mid-heaven, and the significator of the Native, they balance the good aspects against the bad, the strong against the weak, the Benefics against the Malefics, and so strike an average. In a similar way the lucky and unlucky, signs in a tea-cup must be balanced one against the other and an average struck: and in this connection it may be pointed out that symbols which stand out clearly and distinctly by themselves are of more importance than those with difficulty to be discerned amid cloudlike masses of shapeless tea leaves. When these clouds obscure or surround a lucky sign they weaken its force, and vice versa. In tea-cup reading, however, the fortune told must be regarded chiefly as of a horary character, not, as with an astrological horoscope, that of a whole life; and where it is merely indulged in as a light amusement to while away a few minutes after a meal such nicety of judgment is not called for. The seer will just glance at the cup, note the sign for a letter from someone, or that for a journey to the seaside or the proximity of a gift, or an offer of marriage, and pass on to another cup.

It should be observed that some cups when examined will present no features of interest, or will be so clouded and muddled that no clear meaning is to be read in them. In such a case the seer should waste no time over them. Either the consultant has not concentrated his or her attention upon the business in hand when turning the cup, or his destiny is so obscured by the indecision of his mind or the vagueness of his ideas that it is unable to manifest itself by symbols. Persons who consult the tea-leaves too frequently often find this muddled state of things to supervene. Probably once a week will be often enough to look into the future, although there is something to be said for the Highland custom of examining the tea leaves of the morning cup of tea in order to obtain some insight into the events the day may be expected to bring forth. To 'look in the cup' three or four times a day, as some silly folk do, is simply to ask for contradictory manifestations and consequent bewilderment, and is symptomatic of the idle, empty, bemused minds that prompt to such ill-advised conduct.

Of course the tea leaves meaning may be employed solely for the purpose of asking what is known to astrologers as 'a horary question', such, for instance, as 'Shall I hear from my lover in France, and when?' In this case the attention of the consultant when turning the cup must be concentrated solely on this single point, and the seer will regard the shapes taken by the tea-leaves solely in this connection in order to give a definite and satisfactory answer. An example of this class of horary question is included among the illustrations (Fig. 10).