Telling Fortunes By Tea Leaves | Page 5

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
realisation.
A confused looking tea-cup, 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.

CHAPTER IV
DIVINATION BY TEA-LEAVES AS AN AMUSEMENT AND AS A
MORE SERIOUS STUDY
The need for patience cannot be too strongly impressed upon those who
are beginning to learn the language of tea-leaves. Some of the most
interesting symbols are very minute, and will certainly be missed by the
seer who is in a hurry.
When tea-leaf reading is indulged in merely as an amusement to while
away a few moments after a meal, a hasty glance at the cup, or cup and
saucer, will suffice. The seer will just note the chief features, such as a
journey, a letter, a parcel, or news of a wedding, and pass on to the next
cup. But this is far from being a really interesting method of divination
by tea-leaves, wherein so much knowledge is to be found, and so much
useful information gained.
Those who closely study this fascinating subject will certainly be well
rewarded by a deep personal interest, in addition to the pleasure they
give to others.
It is wonderful how rapidly converts are made to this form of divination.
Some who in the past have been heard scornfully to assert that they
"have no belief in tea-leaves," become the most regular inquirers.
Moreover, these sceptics have proved to be very efficient students.
There is always a satisfaction in persuading another to one's own point
of view. The more obstinate the opposition, the more glorious the final
conquest!
It is a rare occurrence nowadays to meet with three people in the course
of a day, and not to find that one at least is deeply interested in
fortune-telling in some of its various forms.
Quite recently I had a