Telling Fortunes By Tea Leaves | Page 4

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 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