subject: History of tea leaf reading [print this page] History of tea leaf reading History of tea leaf reading
The art of tea leaf reading is known as tasseography, tassology or tasseomancy. A popular form of divination that is not limited to fortune tellers, it is practiced by people from all walks of life and different cultures. The symbols that are formed by the leaves left in the cup represent current or future events depending on their position within the cup.
The History of Tea Leaf Reading
China was the first region where tea was grown commercially, and it is also said to be where the art of tea leaf reading originated. Throughout the centuries, tea leaf reading has appeared in cultures all over the world from the Middle East to Scotland. At the beginning of the 20th century there was a growth in the popularity of tea rooms, some of which offered their patrons tea leaf readings.
How To Read Tea Leaves
1. Use China tea as it will make the reading easier. Other teas tend to have more dust and/or twigs which will make it more difficult if not impossible to do a reading.
2. Pour the tea into a simple white cup to read the tea leaves free of distractions from any prints or patterns on the cup.
3. While drinking the tea the person having the reading should concentrate on the question they have, or on their future if they do not have a specific question.
4. When half a teaspoon of tea remains in the cup, use your left hand to swirl the liquid clockwise three times and flip it carefully upside down on the saucer. Wait a few seconds so the liquid can drain away.
5. The leaves will be found on the sides and bottom of the cup. The leaves closest to the rim represent events that will occur in the near future; the leaves on the sides of the cup represent the not-so-distant- future; and the leaves at the bottom of the cup represent the distant future and possible conclusion.
6. Make a note of the symbols and patterns that you see and look up their meaning to see how they are relevant to you.
Tea Leaf Superstitions
Tea leaves are not only credited with the power of divination; they also have their own superstitions. There are rituals which must be strictly observed in order to bring good luck or avoid bad luck, as you can see from some of the most popular tea leaf superstitions listed below:
Protection
Scatter leaves at the front of a house to keep evil spirits away.
Never empty a teapot until on the day fishing boats set out to sea to keep them safe.
Good luck
If you make a strong pot of tea you will make a new friend.
Bubbles in the cup signal romance ahead.
Bad luck
Pouring the water into a teapot without putting the tea leaves in first is a bad omen.
You will lose a friend if the tea is too weak.
The list is extensive and varies according to the country or culture, but they all attribute great power to tea leaves. Whether for divination, protection or attracting good luck, tea leaf reading continues to be a popular world-wide phenomenon.
