Tea Leaf and Coffee Grounds Readings, Tasseography

Ancient Form of Divination Based Sediment’s Patterns’ Symbolism

May 11, 2009

This very old art is associated with the Celts, Gypsies, Middle Eastern and other cultures. Learn its philosophy and how to perform tasseography.

Divination isn’t merely foreseeing future events. It includes obtaining other types of knowledge, such as an answer to a current dilemma the querant faces, by psychic means.

Philosophy of Tasseography

The significance of the omnipresent, cross-cultural and historical commonness of tea leaf and coffee grounds reading could be related to the human desire for understanding the self.

As psychoanalysis began and grew during the Victorian era, tasseography was a popular parlor pastime. The art isn’t magick, but is a tool for tapping into the subconscious because, when done properly, it applies meditation to pattern recognition and symbolism.

Tasseography can provide insights into the reader’s subconscious. It stimulates the imagination to create individualized interpretations and solutions and opens people’s psychic abilities.

How to Read Tea Leaves

The cup has to have a white interior with a rim wider than the bottom. The tea must be loose, not from cut tea bags. Chinese tea is the best to use because it makes clear images. Dusty blends aren’t recommended because they tend to leave a mass that’s difficult to interpret.

The querant drinks from the cup until about one teaspoonful of liquid remains. The cup is held in the left hand and moved three times in a circular counterclockwise motion while the querant taps into psychic energy or concentrates on the question.

Next, the cup is inverted on a saucer, and left there for a minute for the liquid to drain out. The reader holds the cup in his or her right hand, moving it around so s/he can see symbols from all angles.

Reading Coffee Grounds

There are at least two types of this reading. Both require that the cup be covered with the saucer and turned upside down.

Some traditions such as the Romanian require that the grounds be swirled around the inside of the cup until they cover the most of the interior surface.

Other traditions, such as Middle Eastern, do not require swirling but require the cup be turned towards the querant. The grounds are given time to settle and dry before a reading begins. Querants aren’t supposed to read their own grounds.

After a reading, in Middle Eastern traditions, the querant will be asked to open his or her heart. The right thumb is put at the inside bottom of the cup and twisting it slightly clockwise. This will leave an impression behind that the reader will interpret as the querant’s inner thoughts or emotions.

Interpreting Tea Leaf and Coffee Grounds Symbols

Symbols are complex and differ from culture to culture. Example: Some societies see snakes as good and positive while other view them as evil and negative. Meanings are different if the symbol is inverted. The size gives clues to the magnitude and importance of the representation. The image’s definition shows emphasis. It’s necessary to observe how the symbols interact.

It’s best to read several sources to learn about the symbolism of living things and inanimate objects. Excellent sources for symbolism include the works of Ted Andrews, D. J. Conway and psychoanalysts Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung.

Related Articles about Types of Divination

The copyright of the article Tea Leaf and Coffee Grounds Readings, Tasseography in Divining is owned by Jill Stefko . Permission to republish Tea Leaf and Coffee Grounds Readings, Tasseography in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.