Teacup reading, also known as Tasseography, is derived from a French word tasse meaning cup, which in turn is derived from the Arabic word tassa. And the suffix graph is taken from a Greek word, meaning writing or study of. Tea cup reading is an ancient art of predicting future by interpreting the pattern of loose tea leaves scattered in a cup. The arrangement of remnant tea leaves within an empty cup forms the basis of this fortune-telling method, which are observed carefully following a meditative tea session.
Tea has been considered as an herbal elixir since ages which is associated with healing. It is for this reason that teacup reading helps identify most of the healing issues and provides solutions to it respectively. Tasseography is also carried out by using coffee grounds or wine sediments in some traditions. Teacup reading is a creative way to unleash your psychic abilities and enhances the power of self-listening.
History of teacup reading
The teacup reading tradition is said to have begun in China in the 17th century after the discovery of tea. Later, it was introduced to the Europeans by the grace of some Dutch merchants through trade routes from China and lead to emerging of gypsy fortune tellers and practitioners during the 1800s in Europe. The modern-day tea cup reading is known to have originated in the Middle East, Asia, and Ancient Greece.
Tasseography – Getting started
The basics of tea cup reading do not require any special psychic skills these days. To make the practice easier, there are a number of symbols that come in handy, with the knowledge of which you can easily make your readings. But always remember that one needs to have high knowledge and psychic skills to carry out a deep tea cup reading, unlike a basic one.
Here are some of the things to start the practice of tea cup reading:-
- A white or light colour rounded tea cup (always preferred with a handle) and saucer is required for the practice. A teapot should be used that pours the tea leaves properly into the cup. Ensure that the teacup should not have straight vertical sides and scalloped edges.
- Loose tea leaves of high quality should be chosen for a tea cup reading like the Darjeeling tea, Jasmine tea, black tea leaves, Chinese tea and many more. The leaves should be full-shaped and dust-free for an effective reading.
- Start with a teaspoon of loose-tea into the cup followed by pouring hot water from a kettle to allow the tea to steep. You will require all the leaves from the cup, so avoid straining. You can also add sugar and milk, but creamy substances are usually avoided.
- After the tea is ready, the drinkers should meditate upon the teacup and think about their life casually, or focus on the query they want answered. They should continue it till a little amount of liquid remains in the tea cup.
- Keeping the cup handle towards the heart of the drinker, the cup is rotated three times in a particular direction using the non-dominant hand. It is recommended for men to rotate the cup clockwise and for women, counter clockwise. Using the non-dominant hand connects both sides of the brain and stimulates creative logical skills.
- Then place the saucer on top of the tea cup and turn it upside down as one unit. Wait for a few minutes till the cup is drained of all the liquid, leaving behind the tea leaves. This also allows the tea leaves to spread throughout the cup, after which the tea cup reading out.
Tasseography – How it works
The handle of the cup represents the seeker, so the pattern of the leaves directing towards the handle will have more influence on the person in terms of tea cup reading. Different areas of the teacup represent different time. While rim of the cup denotes the present moment, the sides denote the near future, and the base represents the future.
So the more one reads the leaves towards the base of the cup, the more one goes distant towards the future. As you start observing the placement of the leaves, you will be able to see different patterns and shapes in the teacup.
Tasseography – Shapes and symbols in tea cup reading
Even though there are innumerable shapes that can be observed during a tea cup reading, there are some basic shapes with which you can start your reading, as a beginner. Below is a list of some common shapes in tasseography with their meanings.
Anchor – Symbolises prosperity
Babies – Pregnancy news
Bird – While a flying bird symbolises the arrival of some good news, a resting bird represents the end of a successful journey.
Boat – Symbolises a new journey, protection and aid in times of need.
Butterfly – Indicates a sudden or gradual transformation in your life.
Crescent moon – Indicates introspection and receptivity
Cross – The Holy cross symbolises sacrifice and protection from the divine thread.
Dagger – Indicates a warning of some danger from someone
Door – A closed door signifies closing of old issues and moving on from your past, whereas an open door signifies something new that is about to happen in your life.
Dog – A canine shape during a tea cup reading indicates friendship and loyalty.
Egg – A positive sign indicating a good beginning of something.
Envelope – Indicates an upcoming news or message
Heart – Indicates love and affection arriving in your life, or strengthening an existing one.
Human – The posture of figure in the cup tells whether it’s a good sign or an evil one.
Leaf – The beginning of a new life.
Line – A straight line indicates an uninterrupted journey, whereas a broken one indicates obstacles during the path.
Mountain – Hurdles in journey
Numbers – The numeral figures may tell about a certain day, week, month or year. A particular number might indicate a massive change in the seeker’s life in the form of time.
Scales – A balanced one represents good results (due to justice) and an unbalanced one represents negative results (due to injustice).
Scissors – Quarrel and separation
Square – Square represents a closed room symbolising caging or illness.
Star – Indicates good luck and success in tea cup reading
Sun – Energy or power
Turtle – Symbolises a very slow journey but will be successful in the long run.