The Westport Library Resource Guides: Tasseography: About

What is Tasseography?

Tasseography (also known as tasseomancy) is the art of identifying symbols and interpreting messages found in the shapes and configurations of tea leaves. Though the practice is simple, the results are often profound, and curious minds have been enchanted by tasseography for centuries. Tasseography is not nearly as popular as tarot reading or crystal magick is today, however, and so it's also less understood.

But never fear, cosmic warrior, it's easy to get started with tasseography, which is a powerful, creative, and accessible way of exercising your intuition. In fact, since it's much less structured than reading tarot cards and less expensive than building a fancy crystal collection, it's a great option for anyone who's interested in cultivating a unique divination practice with what they already have at home. Read on for what every beginner should know about tasseography, including inspiration for spicing up your next witchy tea party.

Like all divination practices, tea leaf reading is based on the concept of directing energy. When we focus our magickal intention on the tea, the leaves become energetic conduits that are capable of mirroring our experiences — including those which have yet to occur. When prompted with a question, the leaves reveal hidden blockages, offer advice, and even forecast the future. These mystical messages are embedded within the wet leaves' shape, density, color, and placement. An old text on tasseography, Reading Tea Leaves — written by "A Highland Seer" in 1881 — offers a comprehensive list of standard tea leaf symbols and their meanings, along with sample configurations and interpretations. Many tea readers still consider this seminal text a fundamental resource. Continue reading from Allure