Tasseomancy/ Divination symbols in tea leafs.
How to Read Tea Leaves
Follow this simple 6 step procedure to read tea
leaves for yourself or a friend. Tea leaf reading is
easy, fun and possibly a little bit enlightening!
Step 1: Make a cup of tea.
Choose a white or light colored teacup. Almost any
leaf tea will do nicely. My personal preference is
Earl Grey. If avoiding caffeine, you might even
choose an herbal variety. The herbal options are
delicious: jasmine, peppermint, chamomile... the list
goes on and on.
If you do not mind the tiny floating bits, you can
open a tea bag and sprinkle the tea into a cup of hot
water. A middle eastern option is to sprinkle coffee
grounds into a cup of coffee.
How to Read Tea Leaves
Step 2: Steep your tea and quiet your mind.
Steeping time is a personal preference. Green and black teas are usually ready in a
minute or two, while herbal teas may take longer.
This is a time to quiet your mind and relax. What you are about to exercise is your
mental creativity. Pattern recognition and symbol recollection will require focus and
concentration. Distracting conversation, music or activity will detract from your
experience. As in beginning meditation, attempt to empty your mind of all thoughts.
How to Read Tea Leaves
Step 3: Sip tea while you find your focus.
Once your tea is cool enough, begin sipping. Leaves may be floating, so do the best
you can to avoid consuming too many. If you are right-handed, lift your cup with your
left. If left-handed, drink with your right. If ambidextrous, reach for your cup, stop, and
then use the other hand.
Now that you are quiet and relaxed, identify the issue foremost in your mind. In
meditation practice, one attempts to empty the mind -- blocking out all thoughts. As
you attempt to think of nothing in particular, is there a stubborn thought that keeps
returning to your attention? If so, that is the subject of this reading. Focus on that
thought.
If nothing in particular comes to mind, then this will be a general tea leaf reading.
Focus on your breath and the taste of the tea.
Leave a small amount of tea at the bottom of your cup.
How to Read Tea Leaves
Step 4: Swirl three times and dump.
Hold your nearly empty teacup in your hand and give it three good swirls. The tea
leaves will disperse around the interior of cup. Gently dump out the remaining liquid by
turning your teacup over into a saucer.
Wait at least three breaths before turning your cup back over. You are ready to begin
reading your tea leaves!
How to Read Tea Leaves
Step 5: Identify symbols and jot them down.
Tea leaf reading is a highly personal and subjective process. Because abstract pattern
recognition keys into our subconscious, self analysis produces the most relevant
reading. One person may see an egg, while another sees a beetle in the same spot. Tea
leaf reading is very much like a Rorschach (Ink Blot) Test. We are most likely to
recognize symbols having a bearing on or connection with the matter at hand.
Therefore, you are the most qualified person to read your own tea leaves.
If your cup has a handle, begin there and read clockwise. If your cup has no handle,
begin reading from 12 o'clock. Make a notation of the first symbol you see. Mentally
divide the cup into three sections: rim, middle and base. The rim area is above the tea
level when you first poured your tea. The base is the level of tea left before you
dumped out the remainder. The middle section is the area between the rim and bottom.
Note where the symbol is located and if it is next to another symbol. Note whether you
see bubbles, twigs or droplets in your cup. Work with quiet concentration and take
your time.
How to Read Tea Leaves
Step 6: Create your tea leaf reading.
Translating symbols into meaning is just as personal and subjective as their
identification. Individual language, cultural exposure, experience, knowledge and
mental state contribute to interpretation of symbols. For example, the letter "K" might
first bring to mind your friend Kurt rather than your sister Kirstin. Next to each symbol
you wrote down, jot down the meaning that comes to mind first.
Again, abstract pattern recognition keys into our subconscious, so self analysis
produces the most relevant reading. You are the most qualified person to read your
own tea leaves. That being said, this site provides an extensive symbol lexicon to
assist you in identifying and recalling symbols.
The first symbol you saw represents your dominant character or someone near or
influential. Symbols in the rim section apply to this moment in time. The middle section
represents the near future -- usually no longer than a fortnight. Both the rim and middle
section represent influences in your outcome. The base of your cup represents the
ultimate answer or conclusion.
ACORN - a very strong and fortunate symbol indicating happiness and contentment; at the top =
financial success; at the bottom = good health.
AIRCRAFT - journey; travel.
ALLIGATOR or CROCODILE -- beware of false friendship lurking in your professional life.
ANCHOR - at top = stability, constancy in love or business; at bottom or broken = instability,
inconstancy; can also symbolize an unpleasant situation or burden you should sail away from.
ANGEL - good news; protection.
ANT -- hard work or busy phase will end productively.
APPLE - life; creative or artistic achievement; abundance.
ARCH -- positive opening or opportunity (look to nearby symbols for added meaning).
ARM -- pointing up = new directions; down = you need to motivate yourself; horizontal = help others
or receive help from others.
ARROW - up = good direction, yes; down = wrong direction, no; horizontal = no change. Note where
pointing.
AXE - you have the power to overcome difficulties.
BABY - new life; possible pregnancy; small worries.
BOUQUET - romantic interest; validation for your work or talents.
BAG - a trap; if open = escape.
BALL - desire to travel.
BALLOON - busy social life; inability to settle down if near handle.
BARREL - abundance in laughter.
BASKET - harvest, abundance; material gain; possibly a new baby.
BAT (the animal) - a productive busy phase.
BAT or CLUB - situation calling for alert caution.
BEACON or LIGHTHOUSE - situation calling for your leadership and/or inspiration.
BEAR - a grouchy and difficult person; strength, courage and endurance; if teddy bear = children or
childhood.
BED - sleep on it before establishing a close love or business relationship
BEE - fruitful hard work.
BEETLE - renewal; progress; need for foresight.
BELL - unexpected good news in love or business; call to attention
BICYCLE - individuality; choose your own path.
BIRD - good news or message; standing bird = delay; flying bird = good news; good news coming
soon; flock of birds = profound or exciting news; goose= successful financial venture; peacock = pride
and display; eagle = power and transcendence; crow/raven = ill omen, warning, time to relax; parrot =
beware of idle gossip; chicken/hen = happy home life and childhood comfort; dove = peace and love;
owl = wisdom, knowledge and learning; rooster = a boastful person or wake up and seize the moment;
swan = romance or someone graceful and beautiful; vulture = lay low and beware of enemies; swallow
= love and new beginnings.
BOAT - worthwhile journey; your ship is coming in.
BONES - situation calling for inner strength and spiritual fortitude.
BOWL - invitations, money or generosity .
BOOK - if open = an answer to a question; if closed a question to be investigated.
BOTTLE - explosive atmosphere requiring caution; do not overindulge.
BOW - fortunate symbol meaning gift or celebration of achievement.
BOX - you are about to receive a gift.
BREAD (loaf) - nourishment; care for your health.
BRIDGE - a life-changing event or person. Look for nearby symbols.
BROOM - new home; new era in your life.
BRUSH - need for improvements and/or beautification.
BUBBLES - floating on surface of tea or coffee means money coming.
BUGS - distractions; fractured concentration; need for relaxed focus
BUSH - an obstacle to new opportunities; branches signify choices.
BUTTERFLY - overdue happiness.
CAKE - a wish fulfilled; celebration.
CAMEL - you will overcome burden and pressure to reach oasis.
CANDLE -there will be light upon an uncertain path; help from friends.
CAR - if clear = travel; if broken = mechanical trouble.
CARPETS - true friends and happy social engagements.
CASTLE - expand your horizons; open up a little.
CAT - deceit; an untrustworthy friend.
CHAIN - if well-formed = fortunate undertaking or serious commitment; if broken = trouble,
disruption.
CHAIR - a guest or new addition to the family.
CASTLE - expand your horizons
CHILD - new idea; family.
CIGAR - a new friend or business relationship.
CIRCLE - unbroken = success, completion; broken (like letter 'c')= a temporary offer will come,
tentative offers without fruition.
CLOCK - warning against procrastination.
CLOUDS - small and fluffy = happy optimism; thick and dark = gloom; sadness.
CLOVER (four leaf)-- good luck that you have worked hard to attain.
COFFEE POT OR TEA POT - a special visitor is coming, probably not romantic.
COIN - a lump sum of money is coming your way.
COMB - improve your self appearance.
COMET - brink of pivotal change or dramatic event in your life.
COW - abundance; prosperity; physical or creative fertility.
CRAB - admonition to be more direct or someone born under the zodiac sign Cancer.
CROSS - if like a 'T' = hard won success and happiness; if like a solid 'X' = warning (look for meaning
with nearby symbols); if like a broken 'X' = obstacles and losses are ahead.
CROWN - honor and recognition for your talents.
CUP - be patient, this is not a time to assert yourself.
CUSHIONS OR PILLOWS - comfort; admonition against laziness and procrastination.
DAGGER - caution against sharp words or revealing personal information
DAISY - new love.
DASHES or DOTS - many short trips which may cause wasted time.
DEER - a shy, timid person; you should be more assertive to overcome shyness.
DIAMOND - gift or other surprise windfall coming you way.
DICE - destiny and change, go with the flow.
DISH - interpret as a circle unless containing food; contains food = domestic comfort.
DOG - good friend; if at bottom friend needs help; if barking, untrustworthy friend; or, someone born
in Chinese Zodiac dog year.
DONKEY - stubbornness and stamina.
DOOR - be aware of opportunities.
DRAGON - scheming or flashy person; or, someone born in Chinese Zodiac dragon year.
DROPS - tears or sadness.
DRUM - a change; a call to action.
DUCK - devoted mate; money.
EAR - you will benefit from something you hear.
EGG - if whole = new life, successful new beginning; if cracked/broken = failed plans or financial
problems which can be overcome by action.
ELEPHANT - be patient, you will be supported with kindness.
ENVELOPE - you will receive a long awaited letter or important paperwork.
EXCLAMATION MARK - pay attention; beware of impulsive actions.
EYE - a protective symbol; insight into a long standing problem.
FACE - look for nearby initials for identity of face; if near the rim or handle it is a warning against too
much introspection; if facing another symbol indicates importance of that symbol.
FAN - a flirtation.
FEATHER - need for concentration.
FENCE - temporary and self-imposed limitations.
FINGER - emphasizes whatever symbol it is pointing; up = caution; down = stop.
FIRE - passion; hot emotion; sexual desire.
FISH - sharing of knowledge; a teacher; a person born under the Zodiac sign of Pisces (especially if
there are two fish).
FLAG - danger, look to nearby symbols for added meaning.
FLEUR DE LYS or LILY - femininity; a loving woman.
FLOWER - praise and compliments are coming your way.
FLY - an annoying person.
FOOT - movement in love, career or location.
FORK - get advice from trusted friends before deciding.
FORKED LINE - a decision to be made.
FOUNTAIN - overflowing happiness.
FOX - a cunning person may be trying to trick you.
FRUIT - prosperity, fertility.
FROG - fertility; abundance; a disguised handsome/beautiful lover.
GATE - be aware of opportunities around you.
GLASS - celebrations, parties, social events.
GLOBE - long distance travel.
GOAT - your persistence will pay off, but take some time to recreate; or, a person born under the sign
of Capricorn.
GRAPES - abundance and epicurean enjoyment.
GRASSHOPPER - summer delights.
GUN - danger; a bully.
HAMMER - an attempted persuasion.
HAND - if open = karma or destiny; if closed means an argument; look for added meaning where the
hand is pointing.
HARE - unlike the shorter eared rabbit, the long eared hare represents something important brewing in
your destiny in love or travel.
HARP - love; romance.
HAT - you will experience a change in roles; or business success.
HEART - love, friendship, romance.
HILLS - small challenges which will leave you improved.
HORSE - if galloping means good news; if just the head means a lover
HORSESHOE - good luck; very positive especially for travel.
HOURGLASS - a warning to be punctual.
HOUSE - comfort and home.
ICEBERG - danger.
INSECT - distractions; fractured concentration; need for relaxed focus
IVY - this is not a good time to be too independent; trust friends to help you.
JEWELS - material success; you will receive a valuable gift.
KANGAROO - travel; a journey.
KETTLE - a special visitor is coming, probably not romantic.
KITE - your wish will be granted.
KNIFE - caution against sharp words or revealing personal information.
LADDER - promotion; an improvement in your business life.
LAMP - at the top means a feast; at the side means secrets revealed; at the bottom
means postponement
LEAF - the turning over of a new leaf; inevitable changes with the passage of time.
LETTER - you will receive a long awaited letter or important paperwork.
LIGHTNING - startling events; sudden insights.
LINES - journey on a road; if straight = progress; if wavy = uncertain path; if many = many short trips.
LION - male lion represents a powerful contact or important man; the lioness represents a strong
family; or, may represent a person born under the zodiac sign of Leo.
LOCK - there are obstacles in your way.
LOOP - if well-formed = fortunate undertaking or serious commitment; if broken = trouble, disruption.
MAN - a visitor of either gender; if near handle = someone close to you.
MASK - a secret to be kept.
MOUNTAIN - a difficult, but possible, goal.
MOUSE - be cautious of credit deals.
MUSHROOM - rapid growth, success or fertility.
NAIL - an unfair assault.
NECKLACE - complete = personal relationship stability; broken = instability in a personal
relationship.
NEEDLE - painful repair.
OAK - long life characterized by good health.
OCTOPUS - warning.
OYSTER - passion and desire.
PALM TREE - wealth; beach vacation.
PARASOL - protection from harm or loss.
PIG - a greedy or jealous person.
PISTOL - warning of danger.
PURSE - money.
QUESTION MARK - reconsider your plans; be aware of an important question you should ask
yourself.
RABBIT - fertility in family or business; someone born in the Chinese Zodiac year of the rabbit.
RAINBOW - your wish will come true; similar to an arch, it links represents the path between today
and your destiny.
RAKE - you are at a crossroad and your destiny is determined by hard work.
RECTANGLE OR SQUARE - you will face a challenge or difficulty (look to nearby symbols,
especially symbols within the shape, for added meaning.
RING - represents marriage but usually interpreted as a circle; unbroken = success, completion; broken
(like letter 'c')= a temporary offer will come, tentative offers without fruition.
ROSE - new romance; deepening of love.
RUG - go with your instincts in distinguishing from a rectangle or square; represents joyful social
events and true friendship.
SAW - something should be removed.
SCALE - a legal matter; if balanced = justice will prevail; if unbalanced = unjust result; a person born
under the zodiac sign of Libra.
SCISSORS - it may be time to remove yourself from a situation or relationship.
SHEEP - a calm and peaceful person; an admonition to control impulses.
SHELL - you will find a simple treasure.
SHIP - worthwhile journey; your ship is coming in.
SHOE - you are on the correct path; be wary of advice to change.
SNAKE - someone who does not deserve your trust.
SPIDER - a small reward or win.
SPIDER WEB - potent symbol of fate; beware of traps.
SPOON - you will be comforted by someone's generosity.
STAR - success, recognition and praise.
STAIR - your position will improve.
SUN - a new beginning.
SWORD - caution against sharp words or revealing personal information.
TABLE - a happy social interlude.
TENT - travel may help you foster your spiritual health.
THIMBLE - focus on fostering your home life.
TORNADO OR WHIRLWIND - prepare for turbulent weather.
TORTOISE OR TURTLE - lasting success through slow, determined and patient efforts.
TOWER - risk of disappointment.
TREE - alone = family, roots, heritage; leafless = family conflict; many leaves = family contentment;
group of trees = family unity; evergreen = enduring relationships; palm = wealth or beach vacation.
TRIANGLE - you are involved in a three way relationship; if wedge shaped = one person is getting in
the way of your relationship with the other person.
UMBRELLA - protection from harm or loss.
URN - be aware of the distinction between material and spiritual success.
VASE - a secret being kept from you; be aware of the distinction between material and spiritual
success.
VIOLIN - allow your feelings to surface.
VOLCANO - there is an obstruction in your life that must be dealt with before it explodes.
WAGON - childhood; simple pleasures.
WASP - danger of small harm.
WATERFALL - wealth and prosperity.
WHEEL - events outside your control will change the direction of your life.
WINGS - do not box yourself in or limit yourself unnecessarily.
WOLF - you will be challenged or betrayed by someone.
YOKE - domination or control you should not allow.
ZEBRA - be more flexible and adventurous in your travel plans.