Use a cup that is wide-rimmed and patternless to make your reading as simple as possible. You can opt for leaves of any variety depending on your mood and preference. Each have different qualities. Chamomile is for relaxation, fennel is said to help the solar plexus chakra, while green tea is said to aid awareness and intuition.
Ideally you need to make your tea leaf reading experience as serene as possible so you can listen to your intuition. Begin by finding a calm, quiet space away from any distractions. If possible, turn off any distractions. Adorn your table with a pretty cloth, flowers and candles to create a tranquil experience.
Once you’re settled, pour your tea into the cup. If you’re using a teapot, don’t strain the leaves, as this will affect your reading. At this stage, some symbols may become visible. For example, bubbles that appear on the surface once the tea has been poured are said to be a sign that money is on its way. Any tea leaves floating on the top can indicate imminent visitors, with the number of leaves giving the number of people.
Sip your chosen beverage until you have just a teaspoon’s worth left in your cup. Take the time to savour this moment of peace and tranquillity. Doing so will help you tune in to your higher consciousness and welcome any messages that are trying to find their way to you.
Think about questions you would like answered, or areas in life where you’d like some clarity or guidance. Hold your cup in your left hand and swirl it three times, anti-clockwise. To drain off the remaining liquid, carefully turn the cup upside down onto the saucer. Keeping it held down, turn it again three times to the left, while continually asking for guidance in your mind. You will intuitively know when it’s time to turn the cup over and when you do, be sure to place it on the saucer with the handle facing towards you.
Observe the shapes that the leaves have formed, either in the tea leaves themselves or the spaces in between; try working from the top of the cup in a downward spiral until you reach the bottom. Don’t be disheartened if at first it seems like the leaves are displayed in an unorganised way – with persistent concentration and practice, you will soon begin to notice more patterns. Moving your cup to look at the sediments from different angles can also help you to spot more images, too.