READING THE LEAVES

The ancient practice of tasseography uses loose-leaf tea as a method of divination. The fortune teller interprets the patterns and symbols left in the cup once the tea has been drunk, receiving messages about the drinker's present life and upcoming future. This practice began shortly after tea was discovered by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nun in 2737 BC. Before this, monks studied the cracks and patterns on the inside of bells to divine the future. Tea-leaf reading - which was referred to as ‘throwing cups’ in Victorian times - spread throughout Europe and during the 1800s, tea parlours where this method of divination was practised became very popular. Since the invention of tea-bags, tasseography has fallen out of fashion, but it’s still a fun way of tapping into your subconscious mind.

Tryit!

Make a cuppa using loose-leaf tea, and sip it slowly while thinking about the future. When there’s a bit of liquid left, swirl it around three times and tip over onto a saucer, then back upright quickly. Wait for the remains to settle in the cup, then look for any symbols or shapes. Consider what the symbols mean to you. For example, a circular shape could represent coins and wealth, or that you’re moving on to a new cycle in your life. Keep practising to discover your own tea leaf code!