A fortune cup, also known as a divination cup or tasseography cup, is a special cup used in the practice of tasseography, which is the art of reading tea leaves or coffee grounds to gain insights and interpret symbols. Here are directions for using a fortune cup:

Materials You'll Need:

  1. A fortune cup: This is typically a cup with a white or light-colored interior that makes it easier to see the tea leaves or coffee grounds.

  2. Loose tea leaves or coffee grounds: You can use any type of loose tea leaves or coffee grounds. It's often best to use a loose-leaf tea or freshly brewed coffee rather than tea bags or instant coffee.

  3. Hot water: You'll need hot water to brew the tea or coffee.

  4. A saucer: A saucer is used to cover the cup after you've finished drinking the tea or coffee.

  5. A quiet and comfortable space: Find a peaceful and quiet place where you can relax and focus on the tasseography reading.

Steps:

  1. Prepare the Tea or Coffee:

    • Brew a cup of tea or coffee using loose tea leaves or coffee grounds. It's important to use a light-colored cup so that you can see the leaves or grounds clearly.
  2. Sip Mindfully:

    • While you drink your tea or coffee, do so mindfully. Focus on the flavors, aromas, and the act of sipping. Try to relax and enjoy the moment.
  3. Leave Some Liquid and Residue:

    • Leave a small amount of liquid at the bottom of the cup, along with some tea leaves or coffee grounds. Usually, you don't want to finish the entire cup.
  4. Swirl and Settle:

    • Gently swirl the cup to help the leaves or grounds settle around the sides and bottom. Allow a few moments for this to happen.
  5. Invert and Read:

    • Carefully turn the cup upside down over the saucer, allowing any remaining liquid to drain out. Take your time with this step to ensure that most of the leaves or grounds are in the cup, sticking to its sides.
  6. Interpret the Symbols:

    • Examine the patterns and shapes formed by the tea leaves or coffee grounds inside the cup. These patterns can include lines, dots, shapes, and more. Try to identify any symbols or images that stand out to you.
  7. Use Your Intuition:

    • Interpret the symbols intuitively. Tasseography is highly personal, and the symbols may have different meanings for different individuals. Trust your instincts and feelings.
  8. Document Your Reading:

    • Keep a journal or notebook to record your tasseography readings. Write down the symbols you see and your interpretations. Over time, you may notice patterns or recurring symbols that have personal significance.
  9. Cleanse and Reset (Optional):

    • If you plan to use the cup for another reading, make sure to thoroughly clean and rinse it to remove any residue from the previous reading.
  10. Reflect and Act (Optional):

    • Consider the insights and guidance you gained from the reading. Some people use tasseography as a form of reflection and meditation, while others may take specific actions based on the interpretation.

Tasseography is a form of divination that relies on symbolism and intuition. It can be a fun and insightful way to gain perspective on your life or seek guidance for specific questions. Remember that the interpretation of symbols is subjective, and the meaning can vary from person to person.