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TASSEOGRAPHY - AKA Teacup/CoffeeCup Reading

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Bianca
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« on: July 21, 2007, 10:44:03 pm »

                     




                         COFFEE GROUNDS BREWED TROUBLE FOR ISRAELI FORTUNETELLER






By Dion Nissenbaum, McClatchy Newspapers
Fri Jul 20, 10:10 AM ET
 
JAFFA, Israel— For nearly a quarter-century, Sana Kuma has been staring into the bottoms of coffee cups to divine the future for top Israeli models, actresses and businessmen.
 
It is in the chocolate swirls of coffee grounds that the dark-eyed, lemon-blond- haired, 40-something fortuneteller can see what lies ahead.

Her fawning customers consider Kuma a sage and soothsayer.

To the Israeli government she was a witch and a fraud.

This year, Kuma became one of the few people ever to be charged in Israel with practicing magic, a unique crime punishable by up to five years in jail.

In short, Kuma was the target of a modern-day witchhunt.

"Life is enemies and friends," Kuma said recently after doing a coffee-ground reading for a former Miss Israel . "I have to accept the good and the bad."

Kuma's transgression is something known to its practitioners as tasseography. Put more simply, it is the ancient art of overturning a coffee cup— usually a demitasse used for Turkish coffee— and looking for answers in the patterns left behind by the grounds.

And that, under Israeli law, can be grounds to charge someone with illegally practicing magic.

"It's against the law to be a fortuneteller," said Ofer Almog , a Tel Aviv attorney who represented Kuma and has become something of a specialist in defending accused witches.

The law, said Almog, is vague and imprecise: It is OK to offer advice based on tarot cards and the stars. But not coffee grounds.

More importantly, the Israeli government has to prove that people reading coffee grounds know they are charlatans. And that is a difficult hurdle to overcome.

Almog had no trouble finding well-known people willing to testify to Kuma's talents. The walls of Kuma's waiting room are covered with tattered photographs of the fortuneteller with some of Israel's entertainment elite. There she is with model Miri Bohadana. And television star Dan Shilon . And former Miss Israel Nicole Halperin , who stopped by Kuma's home last week with a friend to have her coffee grounds read.

"She has special abilities," Halperin said after her reading. "She gives you ideas, names and events, and when she gives you specific names and events, it makes you know that she's special."

It was the praise of people like Halperin that attracted Avraham Beihou to Kuma.

In 2004, the Israeli police officer was looking for help on the eve of his marriage.

According to the government charges, Kuma looked into the coffee grounds and saw a cursed bride.

To remove the curse, Beihou agreed to pay Kuma about $1,000 for the help of a special "Jordanian sheik" brought in to deal with the problem.

When that was done, Beihou turned to Kuma for advice about his ailing father. Kuma told the police officer and his sister that their father was likely to die in two months if they didn't act quickly.

So Beihou paid another $2,200 for a series of amulets, which he was to dip in honey, burn or throw into the sea.

But Beihou's father didn't get better. So, earlier this year, he turned to the government, which filed fraud and magic charges against Kuma.

"She has no talents— she can't heal people," Beihou said. "If you know how to read people, you can talk like you know their horoscope or can read their future. Every person can figure out a person, but only a doctor can heal someone. She can't."

Kuma took the charges in stride. She hired Almog, who set about preparing testimony from celebrities to show that Kuma was the real deal.

"There is a problem defining magic in the law," Almog said. "You have to be pretending for this law to include you."

If you ask, Kuma will tell you that she is the descendent of a famous fortuneteller, that she has seen dwarfs, and walked in the company of saints.

"Maybe you would say that I am crazy or strange," Kuma said. "But what I'm saying is true."

In the end, the Israeli government decided that proving that Kuma was faking it was too difficult. Almog cut a deal. The state agreed to drop the charges, and Kuma agreed to give Beihou a full refund.

"In light of the fact that there is no clear judicial decision how to determine the crime of magic, and in light of the willingness of the accused to fully return the money to the complainant, we decided that public interest would best be served by withdrawing the indictment in this case," the Justice Ministry said in a prepared statement.

That might have been the end of it. But Beihou said last week that he's not satisfied.

"I mean to sue her in civil court," he said. "She's cheated a lot of people."

( McClatchy special correspondent Cliff Churgin contributed from Jerusalem .)

07-19-2007
« Last Edit: August 12, 2007, 01:03:05 pm by Bianca2001 » Report Spam   Logged

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« Reply #1 on: July 22, 2007, 12:19:02 am »

My great grandmother read tea leaves...
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« Reply #2 on: August 12, 2007, 11:58:09 am »

                             
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« Reply #3 on: August 12, 2007, 12:02:22 pm »

                                               





                                  The Art of Tea Leaf Reading - A Tempest in a Teacup?


Yes, I know that many people today claim this, but my Granny really DID read tea leaves and taught me how.  It is one of my most cherished memories of childhood; sitting by the coal fire with her old Brown Betty teapot near by, waiting in anticipation for the tea to brew. It was also one of the few times that I actually got to drink out of a “proper” china cup; they were patterned with a delicate violet flowers and were given to her when she married in 1907. I was very moved to inherit them from her when she passed on to that great tea party in the sky….

Tasseography, sometimes called tasseomancy, is technically a branch of divination where patterns or symbols made by tea leaves in a cup are interpreted. Not a science and not new, it probably developed in China, but it has also been associated with the Eastern European “gypsies”, the Scots, the Irish. Although enjoying a resurgence in New Age and metaphysical philosophy, it is also just plain fun and provides wonderful entertainment at a tea party on a cold afternoon with friends.   
« Last Edit: August 12, 2007, 12:58:05 pm by Bianca2001 » Report Spam   Logged

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« Reply #4 on: August 12, 2007, 12:05:30 pm »





                             





Tasseography consists of 3 distinct phrases – creating the reading, recognizing the symbols, and  associating them with the inquirer to determine their significance, and thirdly, putting it all together in a way that combines the symbols into a single coherent interpretation. It is a skill that is easy to learn and it provides many hours of light-hearted enjoyment. Like all forms of divination, it acts as the tool or focus to gain insight surrounding a particular question or situation. There are 2 main reasons for doing a tea leaf reading :

to prophesy events over the next year
to answer a specific question
« Last Edit: August 14, 2007, 08:04:11 am by Bianca2001 » Report Spam   Logged

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« Reply #5 on: August 12, 2007, 12:07:46 pm »

                                         




Preparing for the Reading

Make sure that the cup you use is clean, being white or pastel in color, and do not use a mug! Use loose tea leaves as opposed to emptying a tea bag, as the leaves in a tea bag are too finely ground and will stick together. Choose a tea that you enjoy, as it is always a good part of the experience to actually drink most of the tea before doing the reading. A China tea is a good choice. Do not use milk or sweetener as they will make the leaves sticky. Put about ½ teaspoon of the tea directly into the cup; some people like to make a pot and then pour out the tea, but this often results in a huge deposit of leaves or none at all. Use very hot water in order to help the leaves expand a little which will add to their ability to make patterns. Let the leaves settle as much as possible, then drink the tea slowly, focusing on what you are about to do; leave enough water in the cup to still cover the leaves.

You are now going to slowly tip off the excess water while retaining the leaves in the cup. This will take some practice. Holding the cup’s handle, slowly swirl the water around the entire inside of the cup, and as you do so, let the cup tip slightly over a saucer so that the water spills out. Don’t twirl the cup too quickly or the leaves won’t stick to the cup. It’s inevitable that you will lose some of the leaves during the process, but don’t worry about it.  (Some people just swirl the cup 3 times and then just quickly tip it over onto the saucer; you can do this, but often it will also dump many of the leaves, especially if you have left too much water in the cup). Carefully proceed until all of the water has been emptied and the tea is scattered around the insides of the cup. Now you can turn it upside down and set it on the saucer to fully drain for a minute or so. Now pick up the cup with the handle closest to you.
« Last Edit: August 12, 2007, 12:22:43 pm by Bianca2001 » Report Spam   Logged

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« Reply #6 on: August 12, 2007, 12:08:51 pm »

                                           



Interpreting the Leaves

As you turn and look at the cup, make sure that any movement does not disturb the leaves. The drawing below shows how the time of the reading is to be interpreted. Read in a clockwise direction from the handle, so that immediately to the left of the handle is the time closest to the present; moving around the cup you will move through the coming year until you reach the right side of the handle. Leaves that fall close to the rim of the cup, represent events near the beginning of a monthly period, with those further down the side, representing events nearer the end. Any leaves on the bottom of the cup, concern information that pertains to the entire year.

Look first for obvious symbols, those that are alone as opposed to those that may be part of a group. If you are doing a reading for a specific question, unless it particularly involves a time, the time sections of the cup will have no meaning. You will just study the symbols in relation to the question. If symbols are very close to each other, this means that they are connected with each other in some way. You, as the reader, must try and blend the meanings together. Go with your first intuition as to what a symbol represents. Don’t study it for too long and decide that what you first thought it was, you don’t really like! For example, if your instinct tells you a symbol is a slug, don’t try and change it to a butterfly because the latter is more appealing. And finally, don’t try and “make” the symbols mean something. Sometimes “a blob is just a blob”…..
« Last Edit: August 14, 2007, 08:03:22 am by Bianca2001 » Report Spam   Logged

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« Reply #7 on: August 12, 2007, 12:10:10 pm »

                                     






                                                    B A S I C   S Y M B O L S




Airplane - travel over long distance, not just by air; new projects; a rise in position.

Anchor -- hanging upright -- unsettled conditions; lying on side -- reaching a destination or goal.

Angel -- one of the best symbols to find, it assures protection from all negative influences; spiritual awareness.

Apple -- temptation, usually serious. 

Arm -- extending up -- prayer, asking for help, searching for answers, divine guidance; straight out -- assistance received all given; hanging down -- feeling helpless.

Arrow -- finding the direction you wish to take, the point indicates the outcome versus your expectations.  If it points across the cup, the direction of life is what you expected; if it points downwards, the outlook is lower than expectations; if it points upwards the outlook is much better than expectations.

Balloon -- found celebration, having a good time.

Basket -- recognition received, complement, a ward, order; the gift.  Will 

Bat -- rebirth, transformation of self into new beginning; releasing outdated habits stopped

Bear -- strong protection; nurturing; introspection.

Bell – announcement of it: happy news.

Bird -- communication or message. A flying bird -- the messages on its way; sitting/standing bird -- you are waiting for a message; Duck -- false gossip; Eagle -- success over obstacles; owl -- wise person who will play a key role in your life.

Boat -- inheritance, winnings.

Book -- revelation, learning, openness.

Bottle -- temptation.

Bridge -- cementing a relationship.

Broom -- new home.

Cat -- independence; self reliant.

Chain -- a linked series of events.

Chair -- someone entering (if filled)  or leaving  (if empty) your life.

Crab – difficulties involving a particular person.

Cross -- you will overcome your troubles.

Cup -- criticism.

Dog -- faithfulness, trust.

Door -- opportunity, possibilities.

Dragon -- you are fooling yourself about something, self-delusion.

Egg -- unbroken -- success, increase; broken -- failure. 

Eye -- psychic ability, introspection.

Feather -- insincerity, undependable.

Fish -- increase in material wealth/spiritual growth.

Flag -- you must maintain integrity and do not compromise your standards.

Flower – compliments given, tokens of love and esteem.

Glass -- dissatisfaction with life.

Grapes -- abundant good health.

Gun -- anger, discord.

Hammer -- complaining person.

Hand -- assistance.

Hat -- a new or a difficult role, a rival.

Heart -- love, pleasure.

Horse -- strength and power; good news from one who loves you dearly.

House -- the safety of home.

Key -- success, enlightenment, prosperity.

Kite -- reaching for high goals, with importation, direction.

Knife -- fear.

Ladder -- climbing towards success, a gradual rise stopped

Leaf -- changing health.

Moon -- a change in awareness.

Mountain -- a major challenge ahead, possibly with hindrances.

Nest -- a need for emotional security.

Pin -- a new job.

Pipe -- reconciliation.

Plow -- struggle ahead.

Rabbit -- the fear of disaster of illness; and indignation to stop worrying.

Rainbow -- the most difficult part of your life is over.

Ring -- marriage.

Shoe -- you must increase your efforts. 

Sickle -- illness.

Snake -- transformation, creative power, transmutation.

Spider -- good luck, creativity, being industrious, beginning a new project.

Stairs - success.

Star -- success is guaranteed.

Sun -- happiness, well-being.

Table -- you'll find favor with someone you care about.

Teardrop -- sorrow.

Tree -- strong connection with family.

Umbrella -- protection from harm.

Wheel -- movement, advancement. 

Wolf -- cunning, outwitting those who wish to harm, wisdom, strong protection.

Worm -- patience is required


http://www.tripleaspectherbs.com/Teas/art_of_tea_leaf_reading__a_files/image002.jpg
« Last Edit: August 14, 2007, 07:54:35 am by Bianca2001 » Report Spam   Logged

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« Reply #8 on: August 12, 2007, 12:24:52 pm »








Tasseography, otherwise known as tasseomancy or tassology, is the art of tea leaf reading. "Tasse" or "tass" is an Arab root, meaning small cup or goblet.

Tea leaf reading is an ancient practice interpreting patterns made by tea leaves in the cup. In addition to the reading of tea leaves, the tradition of tasseography includes the reading of coffee grounds and wine sediments.

Although tasseography is commonly associated with Gypsy fortunetellers, the tradition of tea leaf reading arises independently from Asia, the Middle East and Ancient Greece. Modern tasseography has also been associated with the Scottish, Irish and cultures throughout Eastern Europe.

The significance of the ubiquitous, cross cultural and historical pervasiveness of tea, coffee and sediment reading may be related to the primal human desire for understanding the self. Just as psychological analysis grew prodigiously during the Victorian era, tasseography became popularized as a parlor game. But the practice distinguishes itself from amorphic fortune telling, mystical, occult or other magical activities.

Specifically, tasseography is not an application of magic, but rather a tool for tapping into the subconscious by applying meditation to pattern recognition and symbolism.
« Last Edit: August 12, 2007, 12:28:29 pm by Bianca2001 » Report Spam   Logged

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« Reply #9 on: August 12, 2007, 12:30:13 pm »

                               







Tasseography can be a powerful meditative tool providing insights into the reader's subconscious. The signifance of symbolism in psychological study finds theoretical foundation from Plato through Karl Jung. From a modern sociobiological standpoint, procedures such as drinking from the opposite hand, may coordinate left and right brain activity to stimulate creative problem solving.

Common sense indicates that slowing down to focus and organize one's own thoughts is an effective problem solving methodology.

The process of tasseography stimulates the imagination to create individualized interpretations and solutions. Tea leaf reading is a fun, healthful and creative way to listen to yourself.
« Last Edit: August 14, 2007, 07:59:28 am by Bianca2001 » Report Spam   Logged

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« Reply #10 on: August 12, 2007, 12:32:05 pm »

                                                   




How to Read Tea Leaves



Follow this simple 6 step procedure to read tea leaves for yourself or a friend.  Tea leaf reading is easy, fun and possibly a little bit enlightening!
Step 1: Make a cup of tea.
Choose a white or light colored teacup. Almost any leaf tea will do nicely. My personal preference is Earl Grey. If avoiding caffeine, you might even choose an herbal variety. The herbal options are delicious: jasmine, peppermint, chamomile... the list goes on and on.
If you do not mind the tiny floating bits, you can open a tea bag and sprinkle the tea into a cup of hot water. A middle eastern option is to sprinkle coffee grounds into a cup of coffee.
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« Last Edit: August 12, 2007, 12:33:36 pm by Bianca2001 » Report Spam   Logged

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« Reply #11 on: August 12, 2007, 12:35:04 pm »

                                          


How to Read Tea Leaves



Step 2: Steep your tea and quiet your mind.

Steeping time is a personal preference. Green and black teas are usually ready in a minute or two, while herbal teas may take longer.
This is a time to quiet your mind and relax. What you are about to exercise is your mental creativity. Pattern recognition and symbol recollection will require focus and concentration. Distracting conversation, music or activity will detract from your experience. As in beginning meditation, attempt to empty your mind of all thoughts.
 
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« Reply #12 on: August 12, 2007, 12:37:35 pm »

                                             




Step 3: Sip tea while you find your focus.

Once your tea is cool enough, begin sipping. Leaves may be floating, so do the best you can to avoid consuming too many. If you are right-handed, lift your cup with your left. If left-handed, drink with your right. If ambidextrous, reach for your cup, stop, and then use the other hand.
Now that you are quiet and relaxed, identify the issue foremost in your mind. In meditation practice, one attempts to empty the mind -- blocking out all thoughts. As you attempt to think of nothing in particular, is there a stubborn thought that keeps returning to your attention? If so, that is the subject of this reading. Focus on that thought.
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« Reply #13 on: August 12, 2007, 12:40:16 pm »

                                                     




Step 4: Swirl three times and dump.

Hold your nearly empty teacup in your hand and give it three good swirls. The tea leaves will disperse around the interior of cup. Gently dump out the remaining liquid by turning your teacup over into a saucer.
Wait at least three breaths before turning your cup back over. You are ready to begin reading your tea leaves!
« Last Edit: August 12, 2007, 12:41:54 pm by Bianca2001 » Report Spam   Logged

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« Reply #14 on: August 12, 2007, 12:43:14 pm »

                                                    




Step 5: Identify symbols and jot them down.


Tea leaf reading is a highly personal and subjective process. Because abstract pattern recognition keys into our subconscious, self analysis produces the most relevant reading. One person may see an egg, while another sees a beetle in the same spot. Tea leaf reading is very much like a Rorschach (Ink Blot) Test. We are most likely to recognize symbols having a bearing on or connection with the matter at hand. Therefore, you are the most qualified person to read your own tea leaves.
If your cup has a handle, begin there and read clockwise. If your cup has no handle, begin reading from 12 o'clock. Make a notation of the first symbol you see. Mentally divide the cup into three sections: rim, middle and base. The rim area is above the tea level when you first poured your tea. The base is the level of tea left before you dumped out the remainder. The middle section is the area between the rim and bottom. Note where the symbol is located and if it is next to another symbol. Note whether you see bubbles, twigs or droplets in your cup. Work with quiet concentration and take your time.
« Last Edit: August 12, 2007, 12:44:29 pm by Bianca2001 » Report Spam   Logged

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