GENERAL THEORIES IN READING THE CUP
These signs may be large
or small, and the importance of them must be judged by their relative
size and position. Suppose, for instance, that a small cross should
be at the bottom of the cup, the only one to be seen, the seer would
predict that a trifling vexation or a tiresome little delay must
be expected; but not for the present, as it is at the bottom of
the cup. An alphabetical list of symbols is given later on, so it
is not necessary to define them here. The various points of a more
general character, however, must be studied before it is possible
to give an accurate reading.
It will constantly be
found that the stems, isolated leaves, or small groups of leaves,
form a letter of the alphabet, sometimes a number. These letters
and numbers have meanings which must be looked for in connection
with other noticeable signs. If an initial "M" appears,
and near to it a small square or oblong leaf, both being near the
rim of the cup, it would indicate a letter coming speedily from
someone whose name begins with an "M." If the initial
appears near the bottom of the cup it shows that the letter will
not be coming for some time.
If there be a clear
space at the bottom of the cup devoid of tea-leaves, it shows water,
and that, in all probability, the letter is coming from abroad.
If the symbol of the letter comes very near to a bird flying, it
shows a telegram. If the bird is flying towards the consultant (the
handle), the telegram has been received. The news in it is to be
judged by other signs in the cup. If flying away from the handle,
the telegram is sent by the consultant. A single bird flying always
indicates speedy news.
In a cup with various
ominous signs, such as a serpent, an owl, or many crosses, the news
coming is not likely to be pleasant. In a cup without bad signs,
it can safely be said that the news is good.
As a general rule large
letters indicate places, whilst smaller ones give the names of persons.
Thus a large letter "E" would stand for Edinburgh and
a smaller "E" for Edwards, for instance. To all rules
there comes the occasional exception, and this principle holds good
with regard to the letters in the tea-cup. It is said that these
smaller letters always point to the first letter of the surname.
Usually it is so; but I have constantly found from experience that
it is the first letter of the Christian name, or even a pet name,
to which the letter refers. It is well to keep this possibility
in mind, otherwise the seer may give misleading information to consultants.
Sometimes numbers mean
the date for an event to be expected, a "5" for instance,
very near the brim of the cup, or the handle (the consultant), means
in five days; or five weeks if it come on the side, possibly as
far off as five months if the figure be at the bottom of the cup.
As dots around a symbol
always indicate money in some form or another, according to the
character of the symbol, a figure beside the dots would signify
the amount of money to be expected. If the symbol were that of a
legacy with the figure "90" near, it would show that a
little legacy of ninety pounds might be anticipated.
Clearly defined symbols that stand out separately are of more importance
than such as are difficult to discern. Clusters of shapeless leaves
represent clouds marring the effect of an otherwise fortunate cup.
Journeys are shown by
lines or dots formed by the dust and smaller leaves of the tea.
The length and direction of the journey may 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.