The Art of Reading Tea Leaves - Divination
Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 12:07 am
'
The Art of Reading Tea Leaves - Tasseomancy OR Tasseography
"Tea in wonderland"
Drink a drop of nature,
Swooning in a bowl
Drops igniting dancers
Deep within the soul.
Take a sip of leaf
Swirling in the wind,
Leaves like magic carpets
Causing us to spin.
Pour down this magic potion
Lick up every drop
Turning us to water
Flowing never stop.
- Unknown
The Tea
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
There are people who are adamant about what type of tea should be used for reading. One source I came across proclaimed “it must come from China” but any loose leaf tea will do in a pinch. There are herbs and blends that are believed to enhance psychic abilities which might be considered. Experiment and discover what works best for you.
Heck, you could cut open a tea bag and use the leaves within. Some people may be horrified by the very suggestion, but at the very least it will give you some practice. The problem in doing this is that the leaves in tea bags are so finely ground that they float about in the cup rather than staying close to the bottom as you drink.
Generally, higher quality loose tea is made of whole leaves, and it tastes so much better than the bits and crumbs that low-grade loose tea is made from… But the larger leaves can be harder to read. You can crush them some before you put it in your cup or pot to brew, so they will form nice shapes and patterns so they don’t look like just soggy leaves on your cup.
Earl grey, Black tea are good options. Black, green and oolong sink to the bottom of the cup, so you don’t get too many in your mouth while you’re enjoying your tea.
Herbal teas aren't the best for reading because most herbs seem to float and you end up using your teeth as a strainer while drinking.
Teas with additional chunks and bits (flowers, fruit peel, whole spices, etc) for reading because they don’t clump as evenly. Instead of saying, "I see an anchor in your cup," it would be, "I see an anchor in your cup, holding a hunk of orange peel."
Variety* *Type* *Size of Leaf* *Flavor/Flavor*
Keemun - Black - Medium - Toasted
Assam - Black- Small - Malty
Darjeeling- Black - Large- Fragrant
Earl Grey - Black- Large- Delicately scented
English Breakfast- Black- Medium- Stimulating
Ceylon- Black- Small- Full
Kenya - Black- Small- Strong
Oolong - Black- Medium – Fruity
- From "The Art of Tea-Leaf Reading by: Jane Struthers
Usually you want a tea that isn’t too fine nor too big. Something right in the middle is great for tea readings. Simply experiment with different teas to find out what works best for you.
The Cup
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
There are cups on the market that are specifically for tea reading but all you really need is a cup with a nice wide mouth, round bowl that is plain, and preferably white on the inside. I suggest going to second-hand, antique stores or even garage sales and picking up something that appeals to you. It is a nice idea to choose something that you will use only for tea reading.
This link has some perfect cups for tea reading.
Brewing the Tea
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
There are different methods to brewing the tea.
Option 1: The one method of making a cup of tea is with loose tea placed either directly, or in a tea infuser, into a tea pot and pouring boiling (or very hot depending on the type of tea) water over the tea. If you are making tea in a pot be sure to check if your tea pot has a strainer on the spout ... it’s no good trying to read tea leaves if they won't reach the cup!
Option 2: An easier method is this... add approximately 1/2 teaspoon of tea leaves to your teacup (this will vary depending on the type of tea used and the size of the tea cup so adjust to suit your own tastes). Add barely boiling water. Let stand 3 minutes. Flavor as you normally would and enjoy.
Option 3: Easier still... just make yourself a regular old cup of tea and add a pinch of loose leaf tea to the cup.
Option 4: Make a cup of tea using a tea bag. Boil the water and pour it into the cop with the tea bag. Let it steep and remove the teabag, placing it on the saucer. Then when there’s about a teaspoon of water or so in your cup, tear open the tea bag and squeeze the first clump of tea leaves into the cup and that’s it.
This link has an excellent tutorial on Preparing Tea that covers it in good detail for various varieties.
Drinking the Tea
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Part of the ritual of this form of divination is to sit down and enjoy the tea and the company of your fellow drinkers before you get started. This is not as frivolous as it sounds as it allows you to relax and also gather your thoughts.
Before you even start the reading, there may already be some early signs to interpret:
- Bubbles on the surface of your tea or coffee means that money is on its way.
- If any tea leaves are floating on the surface, then visitors are imminent. The number of leaves shows how many days away they are.
- If two teaspoons are accidentally placed on a saucer, then you can expect news of twins soon.
- If a teaspoon is placed upside down onto a saucer then you will hear news of the ill-health of a close relative.
While drinking the tea you can either not think of anything in particular, using your left hand (or whichever isn't your dominant hand) to hold the cup. The reasoning behind this is that the drinker does not influence the reading with their will.
Drink most of the tea, leaving a bit at the bottom which will allow you to “swirl” the remnants.
There are many different ways to drink the tea. Drinking the tea with your right hand will assist in reading the future while using the left will look into the past, others don’t care at all. Some might choose to focus intently on a specific question or concern while drinking (and the symbols will address whatever question).
The Swirl
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
When the tea has been all drunk up, take the cup and place a saucer over the top. With both hands swirl it around a few times (I do this counterclockwise just because it is most comfortable for me) then turn them upside down. Wait a few moments, then turn the tea cup over to reveal the leaves.
Here are some other popular techniques:
• using the left hand swirl the cup three times clockwise and overturn it into a napkin or saucer allowing the liquid remnants to absorb into the cloth or drip onto the saucer
• drink most of the tea and add some loose tea from the strainer to the last bit of water, take another sip then swirl it three times, turn over onto a saucer or cloth and read the leaves in the cup
• the querant holds the cup in left hand, while thinking of a question, they swirl the tea in the cup clockwise thrice, taking at least one sip
• simply let the drinker finish all of the liquid and read the leaves that are in the cup as they sit
• the person whose fortune is to be told should turn the cup three times, counterclockwise by holding the cup in the left hand and turning it using the handle
The Reading
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The first thing you might want to do is get an overall feeling of the leaves.
• A few scattered leaves might mean uneventful times are ahead.
• Any distinct drops of tea or coffee that remain in the cup despite the swirling and emptying of the cup, represent tears.
• A very large clump of tea leaves indicates trouble. Near the handle - trouble caused by your own making. Opposite the handle - the trouble is not your fault.
• Tea-stalks indicate people. Long stalks indicate men. Shorter stalks indicate women. Pale or dark stalks indicate coloring. Slanted stalks indicate untrustworthy people.
Glance into the cup then leave it for a few minutes “to let the leaves settle” before beginning the search for symbols.
Most tea leaf readers interpret the patterns that the dark tea leaves make against the light background of the cup. However, some also read the images formed in white (seen on the cup itself), with the dark clumps of tea leaves forming the background or a combination of both.
A popular reading method is to begin at the handle (from the handle going clockwise) and look for symbols, shapes and letters around the cup. Anything found around the handle represents something occurring close to, or within the home or it could represent the person asking the question. Symbols close to the rim are said to indicate things are about to happen or will happen very soon. The deeper in the cup the images appear the further into the future they will happen or take place.
Another way to determine time is to look at which side of the handle the leaves are ... to the left are things that happened in the past, to the right events that will happen in the future the handle representing the present and the further away the leaves are from this the further away in time (or perhaps even physical or emotional distance) the occurrences are.
Also, some people think that symbols near the bottom of the cup represent intense emotional experiences and the higher up the cup it is less “heavy” emotions to the top that represents the “happy zone.”
Some believe that they can only see 24 hours ahead in their readings. Then there are those lucky ones who can see a lifetime the bottom of a teacup. In this last instance, the cup may be divided into months and then again into years. The top half of the cup would represent the coming year and the bottom half the distant future.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F11rPQ3Ez0
Personally, this is the first symbol that I saw in her teacup, a Panda!
The Symbols
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
See which symbols jump out at you and grab your attention first. I feel that these are the most important or dominant messages. Those that are hidden, or take longer to find, might mean something more subtle. Don’t look for perfect images, treat tea leaves as you would clouds, use your imagination and impressions.
It is important to understand that symbols hold different meanings for different people. Personal experiences and cultural upbringing will have an effect on our interpretations of the symbols present. When I see a boot I think of the military and protection (not a sign of “Achievement” as it says on the list of interpretations). For me, a black heart is a warning of an upcoming argument, X’s and O’s are love and well wishes, mountains are news from distant relatives and smiling faces are good news or good things to come.
Look into your cup and decide what the meanings the symbols hold for you. Keep a log or tea reading journal to decipher what you see. Definitely look at others interpretation lists, but more importantly trust your own instincts.
I put this here instead of in General Divination because it's food/drink related!
Sources:
http://www.readingtealeaves.info/practice_method.html
http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=151417
http://www.hotfortea.com/teas.shtml
http://www.labonadea.com/witchery_tea.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea
http://forums.egullet.org/topic/59091-m ... -a-primer/
http://www.teasource.com/
'
The Art of Reading Tea Leaves - Tasseomancy OR Tasseography
"Tea in wonderland"
Drink a drop of nature,
Swooning in a bowl
Drops igniting dancers
Deep within the soul.
Take a sip of leaf
Swirling in the wind,
Leaves like magic carpets
Causing us to spin.
Pour down this magic potion
Lick up every drop
Turning us to water
Flowing never stop.
- Unknown
The Tea
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
There are people who are adamant about what type of tea should be used for reading. One source I came across proclaimed “it must come from China” but any loose leaf tea will do in a pinch. There are herbs and blends that are believed to enhance psychic abilities which might be considered. Experiment and discover what works best for you.
Heck, you could cut open a tea bag and use the leaves within. Some people may be horrified by the very suggestion, but at the very least it will give you some practice. The problem in doing this is that the leaves in tea bags are so finely ground that they float about in the cup rather than staying close to the bottom as you drink.
Generally, higher quality loose tea is made of whole leaves, and it tastes so much better than the bits and crumbs that low-grade loose tea is made from… But the larger leaves can be harder to read. You can crush them some before you put it in your cup or pot to brew, so they will form nice shapes and patterns so they don’t look like just soggy leaves on your cup.
Earl grey, Black tea are good options. Black, green and oolong sink to the bottom of the cup, so you don’t get too many in your mouth while you’re enjoying your tea.
Herbal teas aren't the best for reading because most herbs seem to float and you end up using your teeth as a strainer while drinking.
Teas with additional chunks and bits (flowers, fruit peel, whole spices, etc) for reading because they don’t clump as evenly. Instead of saying, "I see an anchor in your cup," it would be, "I see an anchor in your cup, holding a hunk of orange peel."
Variety* *Type* *Size of Leaf* *Flavor/Flavor*
Keemun - Black - Medium - Toasted
Assam - Black- Small - Malty
Darjeeling- Black - Large- Fragrant
Earl Grey - Black- Large- Delicately scented
English Breakfast- Black- Medium- Stimulating
Ceylon- Black- Small- Full
Kenya - Black- Small- Strong
Oolong - Black- Medium – Fruity
- From "The Art of Tea-Leaf Reading by: Jane Struthers
Usually you want a tea that isn’t too fine nor too big. Something right in the middle is great for tea readings. Simply experiment with different teas to find out what works best for you.
The Cup
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
There are cups on the market that are specifically for tea reading but all you really need is a cup with a nice wide mouth, round bowl that is plain, and preferably white on the inside. I suggest going to second-hand, antique stores or even garage sales and picking up something that appeals to you. It is a nice idea to choose something that you will use only for tea reading.
This link has some perfect cups for tea reading.
Brewing the Tea
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
There are different methods to brewing the tea.
Option 1: The one method of making a cup of tea is with loose tea placed either directly, or in a tea infuser, into a tea pot and pouring boiling (or very hot depending on the type of tea) water over the tea. If you are making tea in a pot be sure to check if your tea pot has a strainer on the spout ... it’s no good trying to read tea leaves if they won't reach the cup!
Option 2: An easier method is this... add approximately 1/2 teaspoon of tea leaves to your teacup (this will vary depending on the type of tea used and the size of the tea cup so adjust to suit your own tastes). Add barely boiling water. Let stand 3 minutes. Flavor as you normally would and enjoy.
Option 3: Easier still... just make yourself a regular old cup of tea and add a pinch of loose leaf tea to the cup.
Option 4: Make a cup of tea using a tea bag. Boil the water and pour it into the cop with the tea bag. Let it steep and remove the teabag, placing it on the saucer. Then when there’s about a teaspoon of water or so in your cup, tear open the tea bag and squeeze the first clump of tea leaves into the cup and that’s it.
This link has an excellent tutorial on Preparing Tea that covers it in good detail for various varieties.
Drinking the Tea
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Part of the ritual of this form of divination is to sit down and enjoy the tea and the company of your fellow drinkers before you get started. This is not as frivolous as it sounds as it allows you to relax and also gather your thoughts.
Before you even start the reading, there may already be some early signs to interpret:
- Bubbles on the surface of your tea or coffee means that money is on its way.
- If any tea leaves are floating on the surface, then visitors are imminent. The number of leaves shows how many days away they are.
- If two teaspoons are accidentally placed on a saucer, then you can expect news of twins soon.
- If a teaspoon is placed upside down onto a saucer then you will hear news of the ill-health of a close relative.
While drinking the tea you can either not think of anything in particular, using your left hand (or whichever isn't your dominant hand) to hold the cup. The reasoning behind this is that the drinker does not influence the reading with their will.
Drink most of the tea, leaving a bit at the bottom which will allow you to “swirl” the remnants.
There are many different ways to drink the tea. Drinking the tea with your right hand will assist in reading the future while using the left will look into the past, others don’t care at all. Some might choose to focus intently on a specific question or concern while drinking (and the symbols will address whatever question).
The Swirl
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
When the tea has been all drunk up, take the cup and place a saucer over the top. With both hands swirl it around a few times (I do this counterclockwise just because it is most comfortable for me) then turn them upside down. Wait a few moments, then turn the tea cup over to reveal the leaves.
Here are some other popular techniques:
• using the left hand swirl the cup three times clockwise and overturn it into a napkin or saucer allowing the liquid remnants to absorb into the cloth or drip onto the saucer
• drink most of the tea and add some loose tea from the strainer to the last bit of water, take another sip then swirl it three times, turn over onto a saucer or cloth and read the leaves in the cup
• the querant holds the cup in left hand, while thinking of a question, they swirl the tea in the cup clockwise thrice, taking at least one sip
• simply let the drinker finish all of the liquid and read the leaves that are in the cup as they sit
• the person whose fortune is to be told should turn the cup three times, counterclockwise by holding the cup in the left hand and turning it using the handle
The Reading
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The first thing you might want to do is get an overall feeling of the leaves.
• A few scattered leaves might mean uneventful times are ahead.
• Any distinct drops of tea or coffee that remain in the cup despite the swirling and emptying of the cup, represent tears.
• A very large clump of tea leaves indicates trouble. Near the handle - trouble caused by your own making. Opposite the handle - the trouble is not your fault.
• Tea-stalks indicate people. Long stalks indicate men. Shorter stalks indicate women. Pale or dark stalks indicate coloring. Slanted stalks indicate untrustworthy people.
Glance into the cup then leave it for a few minutes “to let the leaves settle” before beginning the search for symbols.
Most tea leaf readers interpret the patterns that the dark tea leaves make against the light background of the cup. However, some also read the images formed in white (seen on the cup itself), with the dark clumps of tea leaves forming the background or a combination of both.
A popular reading method is to begin at the handle (from the handle going clockwise) and look for symbols, shapes and letters around the cup. Anything found around the handle represents something occurring close to, or within the home or it could represent the person asking the question. Symbols close to the rim are said to indicate things are about to happen or will happen very soon. The deeper in the cup the images appear the further into the future they will happen or take place.
Another way to determine time is to look at which side of the handle the leaves are ... to the left are things that happened in the past, to the right events that will happen in the future the handle representing the present and the further away the leaves are from this the further away in time (or perhaps even physical or emotional distance) the occurrences are.
Also, some people think that symbols near the bottom of the cup represent intense emotional experiences and the higher up the cup it is less “heavy” emotions to the top that represents the “happy zone.”
Some believe that they can only see 24 hours ahead in their readings. Then there are those lucky ones who can see a lifetime the bottom of a teacup. In this last instance, the cup may be divided into months and then again into years. The top half of the cup would represent the coming year and the bottom half the distant future.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F11rPQ3Ez0
Personally, this is the first symbol that I saw in her teacup, a Panda!
The Symbols
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
See which symbols jump out at you and grab your attention first. I feel that these are the most important or dominant messages. Those that are hidden, or take longer to find, might mean something more subtle. Don’t look for perfect images, treat tea leaves as you would clouds, use your imagination and impressions.
It is important to understand that symbols hold different meanings for different people. Personal experiences and cultural upbringing will have an effect on our interpretations of the symbols present. When I see a boot I think of the military and protection (not a sign of “Achievement” as it says on the list of interpretations). For me, a black heart is a warning of an upcoming argument, X’s and O’s are love and well wishes, mountains are news from distant relatives and smiling faces are good news or good things to come.
Look into your cup and decide what the meanings the symbols hold for you. Keep a log or tea reading journal to decipher what you see. Definitely look at others interpretation lists, but more importantly trust your own instincts.
I put this here instead of in General Divination because it's food/drink related!
Sources:
http://www.readingtealeaves.info/practice_method.html
http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=151417
http://www.hotfortea.com/teas.shtml
http://www.labonadea.com/witchery_tea.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea
http://forums.egullet.org/topic/59091-m ... -a-primer/
http://www.teasource.com/
'