by Lily Oak

Created on: August 09, 2011   Last Updated: March 04, 2012

The art of tasseography is a form of divination via looking for symbols in tea leaves, coffee grounds, or more historically wine sediment. The practice really gained popularity in the UK during the Victorian era, and was often used as a type of parlour game.

Although there are many variations on the “ceremony” of drinking the tea and draining the cup, they all share a few similarities. After drinking the tea, the person wishing to gain answers from the reading will swirl the leaves, along with a small amount of the remaining tea 3 times. They will then up-end the cup onto a saucer. The person doing the reading will then meditate on the leaves left in the cup, looking for certain symbols. It is generally said that the nearer the rim the symbol is, the sooner it will happen.

Below I have listed some of the more common symbols, so why not have a go yourself.

Acorn - means material success, and growth. Can mean good health.

Anchor - stability, constancy, loyalty. If clouded can mean inconstancy or instability.

Apple - achievement, particularly work related. Can also indicate a long life or good health.

Arch - a journey. Or a desire growing and manifesting.

Axe - overcoming of difficulties, can indicate separation or division.

Baby - small worries, trouble cause by those close to you.

Ball - variable fortunes, things still undecided.

Bell - unexpected news, lots of bells can indicate a wedding.

Birds - good news, a message.

Boat - visit from a friend, protection or success in a new venture.

Book - if open means success and new information, if closed further information is needed and possible delays.

Butterfly - admiration, pleasure and joy. Can also mean fickleness and frivolity.

Candle - help from others, can indicate troubles and ill health.

Cat - deceit, trickery or treachery.

Chain - an engagement or wedding, if broken chain can indicate relationship troubles.

Chair - a guest or addition to the family.

Circle - success, a gift. With dots can mean a baby.

Cross – trouble or sacrifice.

Cup - rewarded for efforts, or a new opportunity.

Dagger - danger from others or yourself, can also indicate the need to take action.

Dish - disagreements and trouble at home.

Dog - faithful friend, may indicate a friend needs help, especially on bottom of cup.

Door - odd occurrence, can also indicate a new opportunity.

Egg - prosperity, new beginnings, can indicate a birth.

Eye - overcoming difficulties, insight. May mean the need for caution.

Face - a change, possibly setback. Many faces

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