Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

Tasseography, commonly known as ‘tea leaf reading,’ is a divination practice that includes interpreting “patterns and symbols” that appear to be formed by tea leaves at the bottom of a teacup. The art of tea leaf reading is said to have originated in China.

The practice, which ultimately spread to various parts of the world, has evolved to include rich symbology, traditions, interpretations, and practical techniques; which, of course, vary depending on location.

Steps to tea leaf reading

Brew a pot of loose tea leaves

Pour the tea into a teacup

Ask the person seeking the reading to drink the tea, leaving a small amount of liquid and tea leaves in the cup

Invert the cup onto a saucer; allow the remaining liquid and tea leaves to settle into a pattern

‘Read’ the patterns and shapes formed by the tea leaves.

For example, a heart shape might be related to love or romance.

Circles are indicative of completion.

Bear in mind that symbolic meanings are based heavily on the context of the situation.

Meaning is also derived from the ‘readers’ intuition and experience.

Common tea leaf symbols and their meanings

Anchor: stability, security

Arrow: direction, movement

Bird: freedom, travel

Butterfly: transformation, growth

Cat: independence, intuition

Cross: faith, spirituality

Crown: success, achievement

Elephant: strength, wisdom

Fish: abundance, fertility

Heart: love, romance

Moon: intuition, mystery

Sun: vitality, energy

Tree: growth, stability

Frankly, I find tea leaf reading to be a very fascinating divination practice. 

I have seen some tarot readers incorporate tea leaf reading into their sessions. 

Admittedly, I was unable to ‘see’ what the reader ‘saw,” but I was no less intrigued.

That said, would I try this? 

Probably not, but if you are a person who brews loose leaf tea on a regular basis, why not give it a go?

Let me know what you think in comments, especially if you are a tea leaf reader or have had a reading.

Sources:

Hall, J. (2018). The Ultimate Guide to Divination: The Beginner’s Guide to Using Cards, Crystals, Runes, Palmistry, and More for Insight and Predicting the Future. Fair Winds Press.

Peterson, S. (2015). Tea Leaf Reading for Beginners: Your Fortune in a Teacup. Llewellyn Publications.