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diff --git a/6964.txt b/6964.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fd23163 --- /dev/null +++ b/6964.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4957 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Telling Fortunes by Tea Leaves, by Cicely Kent + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Telling Fortunes by Tea Leaves + +Author: Cicely Kent + +Posting Date: March 21, 2013 [EBook #6964] +Release Date: November, 2004 +First Posted: February 18, 2003 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TELLING FORTUNES BY TEA LEAVES *** + + + + +Produced by David Garcia, Tiffany Vergon, Juliet Sutherland, +Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed Proofreading +Team. + + + + + + + + + + +Telling Fortunes By Tea Leaves + +HOW TO READ YOUR FATE IN A TEACUP + +BY CICELY KENT + +_With Twenty Illustrations_ + + + + +CONTENTS + + + CHAPTER + + I. INTRODUCTION TO THE DIVINATION BY TEA-LEAVES + + II. PRACTICE AND METHOD OF READING THE CUP + + III. GENERAL THEORIES IN READING THE CUP + + IV. DIVINATION BY TEA-LEAVES AS AN AMUSEMENT + AND AS A MORE SERIOUS STUDY + + V. SOME HINTS FOR DIVINERS. REMARKABLE INSTANCES OF PROPHECY + BY THE TEA-LEAVES + + VI. WRITING IN THE TEA-LEAVES. SOME FREQUENT SYMBOLS + + VII. THE "NELROS" CUP. TWO EXAMPLE READINGS OF ITS SIGNS + + A DICTIONARY OF SYMBOLS + + SOME COMBINATIONS OF SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANING + + SOME EXAMPLE CUPS WITH THEIR INTERPRETATIONS + + + + + + +TELLING FORTUNES BY + +TEA-LEAVES + + + + +CHAPTER I + +INTRODUCTION TO THE DIVINATION BY TEA-LEAVES + + +At no time in the history of the world has there been such earnest +searching for light and knowledge in all matters relating to Psychic +Phenomena as in the present day. The desire to investigate some new +disclosure has resulted in yet other discoveries. Such will be handed on +in their various forms to be studied and used by those who seek to +learn. + +Few subjects need more patience than those dealing with Psychology. Even +those who put their knowledge to a practical use in such studies as +divination by tea-leaves, must still plod patiently along a path thickly +strewn with new knowledge. The powers of clairvoyance, for instance, +cannot be forced or hurried; such arbitrary laws as time have no meaning +for the subconscious self, therefore the need for hurry does not exist. + +I was once told by a very mediumistic woman that she had sat in the same +room at the same time for an hour every day for seven years, because she +"wished to develop Clairvoyance." Here was patience indeed! In some +manifestations of the clairvoyant powers within us, it is spontaneous, +the closing of the eyes to shut out all material surroundings being all +that is necessary to bring a vision of what is happening, or shortly to +happen, possibly hundreds of miles away. + +In all dreams the clairvoyant powers are spontaneous; but for the +development of clairvoyance at will, great perseverance is necessary. +Its interests and powers are unlimited, so that it is well worth the +patience and time spent upon it. + +In the use of tea-leaves as a means of divination, the more developed +the "clear sight," the more interesting and accurate will be the +interpretation. Practice is most necessary, especially for those who +have less natural clairvoyance than others. + +The desire for knowledge on all Psychic matters has led to an increased +demand for various methods of bringing into symbols and pictures that +hidden knowledge of the present and the future. That this knowledge can +be translated to us symbolically is apparent to everyone--who could +doubt it, and still believe in anything at all? + +Tea-leaves are habitually used by many people as a means of divination. +To some it is an easier method than the cards, there is less to +memorise, or the crystal. + +There is in Paris a famous clairvoyant who always uses tea-leaves as the +medium for her powers of divination. Some are inclined to jeer at the +fortune in the teacup, but if the language of symbolism is rightly +understood, the medium through which it is seen matters little. + +Tea-leaves have the advantage of being simple, inexpensive, and within +the reach of everyone. It cannot be claimed that the cult is of the +greatest antiquity; for although it seems to have been used in China +from very early times, tea was not brought into Europe until about the +middle of the sixteenth century. For many years after its introduction +into this country, tea was far too costly to be used except by a +comparatively small proportion of the population. It has, however, +proved its extreme usefulness as a means of divination, as well as its +merits as a beverage, for close upon three centuries. + +It is a very favourite method with the Highlanders, where it is +customary for the "guid wife" to read in her cup of tea at breakfast the +events she may look for during the day. Simple though they may probably +be, there are to be seen in the tea-leaves, a letter, a parcel, a +visitor, a wedding, and so on. It is said that no Highland seer would +take money for making prognostications as to the future. This, no doubt, +is one good reason for their powers as clairvoyants. + +It is a misfortune that clairvoyance should ever have to come into the +material necessities of money transactions, as it tends to mar the clear +vision. + +It is said by some that tea-leaves can foretell the events for +twenty-four hours only. As clairvoyance has no restrictions as to time +or space, I cannot see how it can be thus laid down as a fact that it is +limited to man-made laws of time! Certainly there is much evidence of +the "tea leaves" being capable of foreseeing events of an important +nature at a considerable distance ahead. + +One of the most difficult points in interpreting visions of clairvoyance +is the time element; simply because time, as we know it, does not exist. +The intuitive faculty is needed for any accurate definition of time, so +important to us in our present conditions, so absolutely unimportant to +the subconscious self. Let us decide at once, then, that divination by +tea-leaves may, and often does, extend to a further vision than that of +the twenty-four hours. Much depends upon the methods used. + +Our individual past, quite apart from the arbitrary laws of heredity, +makes the road of our future. Possibly this may account for the curious +fact that in dreams the setting is often in childhood's surroundings, +while the dream itself is obviously of the present or the future. This +shows how the first beginnings of the event which is to come were +brought about. It is somewhat like unwinding a cotton reel! + +There are, no doubt, some who look upon the tea-leaves merely as a form +of amusement, and who entertain their friends in that way. Well, it is a +harmless amusement, and is often useful at a very dull tea party! But +for those who take it seriously, and regard it as one of the many means +of divination, it will be treated with the respect due to such matters. + +As in other forms of divination, so with the reading of the tea-cup, a +great deal depends on the seer. Those who are naturally clairvoyant will +read many events and scenes in the cup which would be passed over by +others not so gifted. Even without this "clear sight," however, the +tea-leaves may be read by anyone who has learned the principles and the +symbolic meanings given in this book. With a certain amount of intuition +and imagination, the tea-cups may be most successfully used to reveal +the future. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +PRACTICE AND METHOD + + +A wide, shallow cup is the best kind to use for tea-leaf +divination--white if possible. A narrow cup adds to the seer's +difficulties, as the tea-leaves cannot be plainly seen. Small cups, too, +are objectionable for the same reason, and a fluted cup is even worse. A +plain, even surface is required, with no pattern of any kind, as this +has a tendency to confuse the symbols. Indian tea and the cheaper +mixtures, which contain so much dust and twigs are of no use for reading +a fortune, as they cannot form into pictures and symbols that can easily +be distinguished. + +Those who desire to have their tea-leaves interpreted should leave about +a teaspoonful of tea at the bottom of the cup. It should then be taken +in the left hand, and turned three times from left with a quick swing. +Then very gently, slowly, and with care, turn it upside down over the +saucer, leaving it there for a minute, so that all the moisture may +drain away. + +Some divinators of the tea-leaves insist on a concentration of the mind +during this turning of the cup, as do many cartomantes whilst the cards +are being shuffled; others prefer the mind to be as far as possible free +from any definite thought or desire, simply allowing it to dwell on such +abstract subjects as flowers or the weather. Personally, I advocate this +for both systems of divination; it enables the subconscious mind to +assert itself unhindered, whilst the normal mind is in abeyance. + +The turning of the cup before inverting it over the saucer is equivalent +to the shuffling of the cards. It is as a direct result of those few +seconds turning that the pictures and signs are created, the +subconscious mind directing the hand holding the cup. The following +simple ritual is all that is necessary to those consulting the +tea-leaves. + +The cup to be read is held by the seer and turned about as necessary, so +that the symbols may be read without disturbing them. This is important, +but no disturbance will take place if the moisture has been properly +drained away. The handle of the cup represents the consultant, also the +home, or, if the consultant be away from home the present abode. + +It is necessary to have a starting point in the cup for the purpose of +indicating events approaching near to, or far distant from, the person +consulting. The leaves near the rim denote such things as may be +expected to occur quickly; those directly beneath the handle indicate +present and immediate happenings; those on the sides of the cup suggest +more distant events; whilst those at the bottom deal with the far +distant future. + +This method of fixing the time, coupled with intuition, renders it +possible to give a consultant some idea as to when an event may be +expected; but if there be no intuitive sense of time, it will be found +wiser not to be too positive. + +The turning of the cup and the draining of the moisture having been +carried out as directed, the tea-leaves will be found distributed at the +sides and bottom of the cup. + +For those who wish to use the saucer as a further means of divination, +the following suggestions will be useful. + +There must be a definite point to represent the consultant, and for this +reason the saucer is usually rejected. There is also the objection that +it is more difficult to manipulate in the turning. Nevertheless, it is +found to give excellent results, and, if the cup is bare of events, it +is useful to be able to find information in the saucer. + +First of all, then, to determine the position of the consultant. Take +the centre of the saucer for this purpose. The circle round it +represents the home, or if the consultant is away from home, the present +abode, and also events near at hand. The more distant circle indicates +those things which are not to be expected for some time. The outer +circle and rim suggest events as yet in the misty future. + +When the saucer is used as an additional means of seeking knowledge of +coming events, after the symbols in the cup have been exhausted, it will +often be found that this secondary divination confirms or enlarges upon +that which has already been foretold in the cup. + +The moisture and leaves drained from the cup, having remained in the +saucer, should be turned by the consultant three times with the same +swirling motion as for the cup, and the moisture carefully poured away. +The saucer should be held inverted for a few seconds, otherwise when it +is placed upright, the remaining moisture will disturb the tea-leaves. +The symbols are read in exactly the same way as in the cup, the only +difference being the positions representing the consultant, the home, +and the indications of time. These have already been explained. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +GENERAL THEORIES IN READING THE CUP + + +At first sight the interior of the cup will show the leaves scattered +about apparently haphazard and with no arrangement; just a jumble of +tea-leaves and nothing more. In reality they have come to their +positions and have taken on the shapes of the symbols for which they +stand, by the guidance of the subconscious mind directing the hand in +the turning of the cup. + +The various shapes and the meanings to be attached to them will at first +be puzzling to beginners. A good deal of practice is necessary before +the tea-leaf symbols can be accurately interpreted at a glance. That, +however, will come later, and in time it will be as easy as reading a +book. + +If you wish to be a proficient reader of the tea-leaves, practise +constantly this interpretation of the shapes and positions of the +leaves. Take a cup and follow out the simple instructions for the +turning and draining of it, and then carefully study the result. + +It is an excellent plan to make a rough copy of the leaves as they +present themselves to you in each cup, making notes of the various +meanings. + +Do not feel dismayed if, when you begin looking at the tea-leaves, you +are unable to discover in them anything definitely symbolic. It is +certain that nothing will be found if the seer is feeling nervous! Keep +a calm, open mind, and do not be in a hurry, for it is under such +conditions only that a clear reading of the leaves will be possible. In +some cases the symbols are more easily read than in others. Much depends +upon the consultant. + +The gift of imagination (by no means to be confused with invention) is +of the greatest possible importance in discerning the symbols which are +of such endless shapes and variety. The seer has to find in the forms of +the tea-leaves a resemblance, sometimes it may be but a faint one, to +natural objects, _e.g._, trees, houses, flowers, bridges, and so +forth. Figures of human beings and animals will frequently be seen, as +will squares, triangles, circles, and also the line of fate. + +These signs may be large or small, and the importance of them must be +judged by their relative size and position. Suppose, for instance, that +a small cross should be at the bottom of the cup, the only one to be +seen, the seer would predict that a trifling vexation or a tiresome +little delay must be expected; but not for the present, as it is at the +bottom of the cup. An alphabetical list of symbols is given later on, so +it is not necessary to define them here. The various points of a more +general character, however, must be studied before it is possible to +give an accurate reading. + +It will constantly be found that the stems, isolated leaves, or small +groups of leaves, form a letter of the alphabet, sometimes a number. +These letters and numbers have meanings which must be looked for in +connection with other noticeable signs. If an initial "M" appears, and +near to it a small square or oblong leaf, both being near the rim of the +cup, it would indicate a letter coming speedily from someone whose name +begins with an "M." If the initial appears near the bottom of the cup it +shows that the letter will not be coming for some time. + +If there be a clear space at the bottom of the cup devoid of tea-leaves, +it shows water, and that, in all probability, the letter is coming from +abroad. If the symbol of the letter comes very near to a bird flying, it +shows a telegram. If the bird is flying towards the consultant (the +handle), the telegram has been received. The news in it is to be judged +by other signs in the cup. If flying away from the handle, the telegram +is sent by the consultant. A single bird flying always indicates speedy +news. + +In a cup with various ominous signs, such as a serpent, an owl, or many +crosses, the news coming is not likely to be pleasant. In a cup without +bad signs, it can safely be said that the news is good. + +As a general rule large letters indicate places, whilst smaller ones +give the names of persons. Thus a large letter "E" would stand for +Edinburgh and a smaller "E" for Edwards, for instance. To all rules +there comes the occasional exception, and this principle holds good with +regard to the letters in the tea-cup. It is said that these smaller +letters always point to the first letter of the surname. Usually it is +so; but I have constantly found from experience that it is the first +letter of the Christian name, or even a pet name, to which the letter +refers. It is well to keep this possibility in mind, otherwise the seer +may give misleading information to consultants. + +Sometimes numbers mean the date for an event to be expected, a "5" for +instance, very near the brim of the cup, or the handle (the consultant), +means in five days; or five weeks if it come on the side, possibly as +far off as five months if the figure be at the bottom of the cup. + +As dots around a symbol always indicate money in some form or another, +according to the character of the symbol, a figure beside the dots would +signify the amount of money to be expected. If the symbol were that of a +legacy with the figure "90" near, it would show that a little legacy of +ninety pounds might be anticipated. + +Clearly defined symbols that stand out separately are of more importance +than such as are difficult to discern. Clusters of shapeless leaves +represent clouds marring the effect of an otherwise fortunate cup. + +Journeys are shown by lines or dots formed by the dust and smaller +leaves of the tea. The length and direction of the journey may be known +by the extent of the line and, roughly speaking, the point of the +compass to which it leads, the handle in this case representing south. +If the line of dots ascends sharply to the brim of the cup, a journey to +a hilly country will be taken. + +Supposing the consultant to be at home, and the dots form a line from +the handle all round the cup and back to the handle, it signifies a +journey for a visit and the return. If the line were to stop before +reaching the handle again, with an appearance of a house where the line +ends, a change of residence might safely be predicted. A wavy line shows +indecision as to arrangements. Crosses upon the line indicate that there +will be vexation or delay in connection with the journey. Large flat +leaves some distance apart along the line stand for important stations +to be passed through. + +For some consultants there seems very little of interest to be read in +their cup. There are no events, merely trivialities. It is therefore +difficult to find anything that could be considered as "future," when it +seems to be just a dead level "present," the daily life, nothing more. +It is sad for those who have such a dull life, but there is usually some +sign, a small happening such as a parcel, or a visit from a friend. +These must be made the most of. The pleasure of anticipation will add to +the realisation. + +A confused looking tea-cup, without any definite symbols, just a muddle +of tea-leaves, is useless for the purpose of divination, beyond giving +an indication of the state of the consultant's mind, so vague and +undecided in its character that it obscures everything. Tell such a one +the reason for the failure of divining, and recommend a more reliable +state of mind. Then let them try their "fortune" again in a few months, +when it may be found quite different. + +It is of course a great mistake to be always "looking in the +tea-leaves," as some foolish people do twice a day. It is sure to lead +to contradictions though there is no harm in the habit of "looking in +the cup" each morning as others do, for finding the events likely to +happen in the course of the day. This is as permissible as the reading +of the cards each morning for the day's events by those who consider it +a safeguard, remembering that to be forewarned is to be forearmed. + +Some people use the tea-cup simply for the purpose of asking a definite +question, such as, "Is the sum of money I am expecting coming soon?" +When this is the case, the consultant should be told before turning the +cup in the hand to concentrate the thoughts on this one point, as in the +case of wishing while shuffling the cards for a definite wish. Then the +seer must look only for the signs that will give the answer to the +question, ignoring all other points. This is necessary for the giving of +a satisfactory answer to the question asked. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +DIVINATION BY TEA-LEAVES AS AN AMUSEMENT AND AS A MORE SERIOUS STUDY + + +The need for patience cannot be too strongly impressed upon those who +are beginning to learn the language of tea-leaves. Some of the most +interesting symbols are very minute, and will certainly be missed by the +seer who is in a hurry. + +When tea-leaf reading is indulged in merely as an amusement to while +away a few moments after a meal, a hasty glance at the cup, or cup and +saucer, will suffice. The seer will just note the chief features, such +as a journey, a letter, a parcel, or news of a wedding, and pass on to +the next cup. But this is far from being a really interesting method of +divination by tea-leaves, wherein so much knowledge is to be found, and +so much useful information gained. + +Those who closely study this fascinating subject will certainly be well +rewarded by a deep personal interest, in addition to the pleasure they +give to others. + +It is wonderful how rapidly converts are made to this form of +divination. Some who in the past have been heard scornfully to assert +that they "have no belief in tea-leaves," become the most regular +inquirers. Moreover, these sceptics have proved to be very efficient +students. + +There is always a satisfaction in persuading another to one's own point +of view. The more obstinate the opposition, the more glorious the final +conquest! + +It is a rare occurrence nowadays to meet with three people in the course +of a day, and not to find that one at least is deeply interested in +fortune-telling in some of its various forms. + +Quite recently I had a letter from a girl who has gone on a visit to +British Columbia, asking me if I would "do the cards" for her, as she +could not find anyone in her vicinity who was particularly good at +divination. She went on to say that "there is a perfect rage for +fortune-telling out here, and everyone is keen on it." Another instance +of this universal popularity was given to me by a friend who had +recently been to America. She was amazed at the numbers of women whom +she saw absorbed in the reading of their tea-cups each day of the +voyage. + +The male sex holds aloof and leaves us to "perform these follies." Some +ascribe it to man's superiority. Or as briefly summed up by a delightful +member of their sex, who when declaiming against the possibility of the +future being made visible, said, "With all apologies to you, I must say +I am not so profoundly stupid as to believe in these things; it cannot +be anything more than rot." + +It is remarkable how such protests die away when clairvoyant evidence, +either by cards, tea-leaves, or other means, has accurately predicted +some event of the distant future that at the time appeared absurd and +impossible of happening. + +Woman may lawfully claim superiority with regard to her intuitive +faculty, and thus she is well equipped for exercising her divinatory +powers. + +Who need be dull or bored when the language of symbolism remains to be +learned? Perhaps I should say, studied; for completely learned it can +never be, seeing that fresh events are constantly occurring in the +world, and new symbols appear representing each. + +There are few things more fascinating than personal discovery, and those +who become students of divination by tea-leaves, or cards, may safely be +promised a taste of this pleasing sensation of achievement. It is +limited to the few to discover the marvels of radium, or the discomforts +of the South Pole, but a fragment of their glory is shared by those who +find new evidence of the far-reaching knowledge of symbolism. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +SOME HINTS FOR DIVINERS + +REMARKABLE INSTANCES OF PROPHECY BY THE TEA-LEAVES + + "For a man's mind is sometimes wont to tell him more + than seven watchmen that sit above in a high tower." + + +To those of an inquiring or doubting turn of mind, there may arise the +very natural question as to _why_ one shaped tea-leaf should mean +"a hat" and another "a table." It is useless to point out that these +objects are perfectly represented by the leaves. That is of no practical +satisfaction. The simple fact that each language has its alphabet, its +spelling, and its words, which must be learned before there can be any +reasonable understanding of it, seems the best and obvious reply. + +Symbolism is a wide subject with many branches. Who can expect to master +even its alphabet in a moment? To those who cannot accept the symbols in +the tea-leaves on the authority of past experience, reaching over +several centuries, I would recommend a careful study of their cups for, +say, three months. Let them make notes of such signs as appear and +beside them place their meanings and predictions. + +At the end of this time, compare all that has taken place with these +notes, and I think there will be no further lack of faith in the +tea-leaf symbols. + +Before very many years have passed the language of symbolism by cards, +tea-leaves, crystal gazing, etc., will probably be almost universally +understood. The day will undoubtedly come when it will be accepted as +naturally as the English language, and we shall cease to worry ourselves +as to the why and wherefore of it all. + +It is important that those who are learning the art of divination by +tea-leaves should realise the necessity for consistently attributing the +same meanings to the symbols. Do not be tempted to change their +interpretation for what may seem a more probable, or pleasant, +prediction for your client. It is a fatal mistake. + +Remember that you are dealing with conditions and events of the future +which are outside the limited knowledge of the normal mind, whose power +of vision is limited to physical sight. + +A simple instance of what may occur, should you thus change the meanings +of the symbols, will suffice to show the folly of such a practice. + +A consultant comes to have her "fortune read." She is known to you +personally, and you are aware that she is anxious to hear a hopeful +report of someone dear to her who is ill. The tea-leaf symbols are +obstinately unfavourable, and display ominous signs of forthcoming +sorrow. If you gloss over this fact completely, and predict a rapid +recovery from the illness, what becomes of your client's faith in the +power of foretelling the future? Certain it is that the symbols would be +right in their verdict, and you would be wrong. + +It is usually easier to prophesy smooth things rather than unpleasant +facts, but to do this in the face of obvious contradictions will lead to +disaster in foretelling the future. + +Divination by tea-leaves or cards has the candour to be frankly +disagreeable when necessary. This is one great argument in favour of its +unerring truthfulness. There is no means by which symbols may be coaxed +into proclaiming false statements. + +The most practised clairvoyant may occasionally make mistakes in her +reading of the symbols, but no genuine seer should ever deliberately +give a wrong interpretation of them to please her consultant. The +business of the diviner is to give what she believes to be a correct and +unprejudiced translation of the symbols before her. + +It is sometimes a vexed question as to what extent information of a +gloomy nature, which may appear in a divination, should be given to a +client. Some are in favour of withholding such matter altogether, whilst +others announce it frankly without modification. It seems impossible to +lay down any hard and fast rule. There are so many things to be taken +into account, and each case should be treated on its merits and +according to its peculiar circumstances. There are some who would fret +themselves ill at the least mention of coming misfortune, others would +be the better prepared to meet it by having been warned of its approach. + +One rule can be safely made for guidance on this point. Do not minimise +danger when a timely warning may avert an accident, or other misfortune, +nor should symbols of ill omen be exaggerated. As students become +proficient, they will find many meanings in the tea-leaves in addition +to those which they learn from this book. Much will depend upon +circumstances and individual temperaments. + +These personally discovered meanings should be carefully noted and +verified with events as they occur. + +It is necessary to remember that divination by the tea-cup is by no +means limited to personal information. Forthcoming public events are +frequently revealed. This adds largely to the interest and usefulness of +the divination. It is important to point out this to consultants, so +that they may not be too ready to fix the whole reading of their cups to +purely personal matters. It will be found that public news is usually +foretold in the cups of those who seek information of the future as a +regular practice. + +For those who rarely do so, private affairs alone will appear, probably +without even a forecast of the weather to be expected within the next +few days. + +It is a curious fact that the wider knowledge should seem to be reserved +for those who practise divination constantly, but so it is. + +Some remarkable instances of the accurate foretelling of public events, +which have quite recently been brought to my notice, may be interesting. + +For some weeks before the coal strike of 1920 was declared, a pickaxe +was seen on several occasions in the cups of two persons, both of whom +read their tea-leaves regularly. This symbol, as will be seen in the +dictionary which follows, stands for "labour trouble and strikes." A +spade was also in evidence at intervals, a further sign of "trouble and +unrest." So that it was through no fault of the tea-leaves if some of us +were not in the superior position of knowing all about the strike before +it came to pass. + +The symbols already mentioned would of course apply equally to railway +disturbance, and some time before the threat of a strike was announced, +these symbols appeared again, together with an engine, and a signal at +the angle of "Danger." This seemed ominous. But within a few days the +signal was evident once more; but on this occasion set at "All Clear." +So it was easy to decide that the threatened strike would not take +place. The accuracy of this prediction by means of the tea-leaves was +shortly afterwards made evident. + +Again, a week before there seemed to be even a hope of a settlement of +the coal strike, a mining shaft presented itself in one of the tea-cups +which had previously been indicating the strike. This symbol appeared at +the top of the cup standing out clearly by itself, evidently predicting +the miners' return to work within a short time. There was no need to +depend upon information from the newspapers as to the end of the strike, +for here in the tea-leaves was all necessary evidence of the fact. + +Another very remarkable instance of symbolism was given to me by a +friend a short time ago. On Monday morning, October 26th, 1920, the +three following symbols appeared in her cup:-- + + A vulture resting on a rock. + An eagle. + A monkey. + + +In the evening of that day the death of King Alexander of Greece was +announced. + +It will be seen, on referring to the dictionary, that an eagle and a +vulture signify "the death of a monarch." The monkey who lay at the +bottom of the cup, apparently dead, was of course the third symbol as +having caused the King's death. It was particularly gratifying that +these signs should have appeared in my friend's cup for she is a +mathematical genius, and rejects every symbol which she cannot recognise +at once. She was so struck by these signs that she called them to the +attention of her mother, who also immediately perceived and identified +them. The only regrettable omission was that the cup was not +photographed. It would have been valuable evidence for the wonders of +the tea-leaves. + +This same friend had another interesting experience. The head of an +Indian appeared in her cup, with other signs pointing to news of a +personal nature. She was puzzled, for, as far as she knew, there was no +one in India from whom she would be in the least likely to hear. + +Very shortly afterwards, however, her mother went on a visit to London. +There she quite unexpectedly met someone who had recently come from +India, and who had brought back messages of remembrance and affection +from a girl who my friend had no idea was in India at that time. Hence +the Indian in her tea-cup! + +Whilst on this subject, I am reminded of another occasion when India was +represented in the tea-leaves. I was looking into my tea-cup one day, +when I saw most clearly depicted two natives creeping stealthily, their +attitude making this evident. In their hands were what appeared to be +knives, and they were making towards a figure that was unmistakably that +of an officer. He was standing upon what looked like a raised platform +with a barricade round him. He held a revolver in his hand. + +I am quite aware that some may think this a tall tale for the tea-leaves +to relate! But fortunately my reading of the cup was witnessed by two +others, one of them being a man, who, although interested in psychic +subjects, despises the tea-leaves! Without remarking upon what I saw, I +suggested that he should look at my cup and see what he made of it. +Without a moment's hesitation he said, "There is an officer defending +himself against some natives who are about to attack him." + +My readers will appreciate the satisfaction this testimony gave me, +coming as it did from one who had never before looked into a cup. +Moreover, that this witness should have been one of the male sex added +to its value! This prediction of danger for someone in India was borne +out by facts that were disclosed shortly afterwards. These instances +which I have given illustrate the variety and interest which are to be +found in divination by tea-leaves. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +WRITING IN THE TEA-LEAVES + +SOME FREQUENT SYMBOLS + + +Another source through which messages are received by the tea-leaves +will be found in the writing which will be seen from time to time. +Moreover, it has the great advantage of being clear and easy to +decipher, so that there may be no doubt of what is intended to be +understood by it. The tea-leaves can never be accused of being +illegible. Occasionally it is very minute writing, and would probably be +passed over by those who read their cups in a superficial manner. To +those who study them carefully the future is revealed. + +No one would reasonably expect to find a speech from the Prime Minister +or an invitation to a tea-party written for them in the tea-leaves. But +words they certainly will find. + +A short time ago I saw in my cup, in perfect copperplate writing, the +word "wait." I was annoyed by it, for what is more annoying than having +to wait? Sometimes it may happen that the tea-leaves--as with their +relatives, the tumbler and automatic writing--become a little shaky in +their spelling. But this is not a serious defect, and the trifling +errors do not prevent the word from being translatable. It is a +recognised fact that writing seen through a medium, whether it be +tea-leaves, or a dream, is of importance, and should always be regarded +with attention and with an endeavour to understand its message. + +I should like to point out that certain figures and symbols are of so +frequent occurrence that it may be well to emphasise their general +significance by referring to them here, in addition to their meaning +being given in the dictionary. + +Among those which threaten misfortune, or sorrow, are the following: +Crosses, snakes, spades, pistols, guns, toads, cats. + +Joy and success are indicated by such symbols as a crescent moon, clover +leaves, flowers, trees, anchors, fruit, circles, stars. + +Having learned the symbols and the combined symbols by heart, it will +require only a little practice to interpret their meanings without +hesitation. For those who find difficulty in committing the dictionary +to memory, an essential for proficient reading of the cup, I would +suggest that they write down any meaning which may seem specially hard +to remember, roughly drawing its symbol beside it. In this way the +difficulty will soon be overcome. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +THE "NELROS" CUP + +TWO EXAMPLE READINGS OF ITS SIGNS + + "If thou wouldst learn thy future with thy tea, + This magic cup will show it thee." + + +Some readers may find an additional interest in divination by +tea-leaves, if they use a cup marked with the planetary symbols, +patented as the "Nelros Cup of Fortune." A short explanation of the +symbols, and the method of using this cup, will be helpful for those who +are not familiar with its signs. I am not suggesting the use of the +"Nelros" saucer, for the reason that its signs are somewhat obscure, and +students who have no experience in the science of astrology would find +it confusing, if used in addition to the cup, in which all needful signs +are illustrated. + +As in the case of the ordinary tea-cup, the handle remains as the +representative of the consultant. The turning of it and draining of the +moisture should be carried out in the usual way. + +Immediately under the handle, and above the space given to the Sun, are +seen a Diamond and a Horseshoe. Next on the left are a Snake twisted +round a stick, and a Spade, these being placed over the space given to +Saturn. + +Following them are a Bell and a Club, seen over the sign of Venus. Next, +an Eye and Envelope, above the space given to Jupiter. + +Then comes a Cross, with the sign of Pisces, the Fishes, these being +over the sign of Mercury. + +Next are a Winecup and a Spider above the space of Mars. + +Followed by a Cat's Head and a Heart, above the Moon. + +Each one of these signs round the brim has a symbolic meaning, though +their meaning must also be judged by the position they occupy in the +cup. + +Now, taking the signs round the brim of the cup, and connecting them +with the planetary symbols beneath. + +Beginning at the handle is a Diamond, this being a token of wealth, +which, with the sign of the Sun below, indicates much prosperity, +favours, and general well-being, the Horseshoe over the Sun also +betokening good luck and successful projects. + +In the next space, reading to the left, is the Snake twisted round a +stick, over the sign of Saturn. This is emblematical of a risk of +poverty coming through deceit, and with a Spade over Saturn, whose +characteristic is privation, there is a further indication of toil, +loss, undoing. + +The next sign is a happier one; the Bell over the sign of Venus, with +the Club beyond, indicates joyful news, events meaning much happiness, +love and peace, the characteristic of Venus being peace or placidity. + +Next is the sign of Jupiter, whose characteristic is expansion; above it +are placed an Eye and an Envelope, the Eye showing the power of +penetration, seeing things in a right perspective, and light thrown on +difficult questions, the letter showing that news from all parts of the +world is made possible by its expansion. + +Next come the Latin Cross and the watery sign Pisces, the Fishes. These +being in connection with Mercury, whose characteristic is activity, show +much alertness and desire for knowledge; the Cross meaning obstacles and +hindrances in the chosen path, whilst the sign of Pisces denotes +interesting news from distant lands, with much desire for travel and +exploration. + +In the next space the Winecup and Spider, in connection with the sign of +Mars, the characteristic of Mars being energy, show the strength, +courage, and perseverance needed to carry out a successful career; the +Spider being a symbol of concentration, patience, and achievement, +whilst the Wine-cup tells of joy and realised ambition. + +Following these signs are the Cat's Head and the Heart, with the +Crescent Moon below. The characteristic of the Moon is change, mobility; +it is also a symbol of good fortune in the tea-leaves. In combination +with the Heart it indicates a romantic love affair. The Cat's Head shows +interference by those who are mean and spiteful. + +Having learned from this brief explanation the symbols of the "Nelros +Cup," the reading of the tea-leaves in relation to those symbols will be +easy. For instance, suppose the wife of a sailor to be the consultant. +Her husband is on his ship in the North Sea, and she is eagerly awaiting +news of him. In the cup she has "turned," the symbol of a letter comes +in the watery sign [Symbol: )-(] with a large ivy leaf beneath it. +Further patience will be necessary, the ivy leaf tells us, as the +wished-for letter is still far away. The distance from the handle (the +consultant) shows this, also the letter symbol being in the watery sign +indicates the fact that it will come from across the sea. The waiting +for the news causes a feeling of disappointment and sadness; these will +vanish later on, and the waiting be compensated by the happy news that +will come in the longed-for letter. This is seen by the tea-leaves which +appear on other symbols of the cup. + +The form of a man is seen between the signs of the Bell and Club; near +this form is the letter "A," the first letter of the consultant's name. +Round this initial letter is a well-formed circle; a trident lies at a +little distance from it. + +Here is evidence of the joyful news coming from her husband, the +tea-leaves in the spaces of the Bell and Club making a prediction of the +satisfactory news a safe one. The circle round the letter "A" and the +symbol of the trident near, enable the seer to prophesy a good +promotion, much success and happiness. + +This example reading of the "Nelros" cup is a fortunate one. We will now +consider one of a less satisfactory character. + +The consultant is a widow; opposite the handle of the cup she has +"turned" is the Envelope over Jupiter, upon the Envelope tea-leaves +forming an Owl are seen, beneath is a small arrow pointing towards the +handle. These signs foretell bad news probably coming from a far +country; the sign of Jupiter and distance from the handle (the +consultant) would show this. The symbol of the Owl indicates the anxiety +caused by the arrival of the letter and its news. The arrow pointing +towards the handle would show that the matter is personal, and will much +affect the consultant. + +Upon the sign of Saturn, with an arm stretched towards the Spade above +it, is the figure of a man. The characteristic of Saturn being +privation, and the Spade being a symbol of toil, it is evident that the +figure of the man represents someone related to the consultant for whom +the present prospects are very bad. It may well be this man from whom is +coming the news in the letter which will cause her so much anxiety. + +Fortunately, on the Anchor at the bottom of the cup is a well-formed +key. Being in this position, it shows that someone at a distance, having +the welfare of the consultant much in their mind, will be the means in +the future of helping her out of the difficulties. The key being on the +Anchor indicates the security she may feel in the friends, who will be +instrumental in giving her happiness and peace of mind. + +These two example divinations will illustrate the manner in which the +tea-leaves are read in relation to the signs upon the cup. To some it +may appear an easier means than that of the ordinary tea-cup. + +In any case it is very useful to have an alternative method of +foretelling the future. Variety is always acceptable, and for this +reason I commend the "Nelros Cup of Fortune" to my readers. + + + + + +A DICTIONARY OF SYMBOLS + + +A + +ABBEY.--A sign of increasing wealth and comfort; you will gain much +success in your life. + +ACE OF CLUBS.--This signifies good news through the post. + +ACE OF DIAMONDS.--You will be gratified by a good present or sum of +money. + +ACE OF HEARTS.--Shows affection and happiness in the home. + +ACE OF SPADES.--A large town or building. + +ACORN.--This is a symbol of health, strength and gain through industry, +a sowing of which you will see the reaping, a short journey from which +there may be great results; good fortune and ease are predicted by +several acorns. + +AIRCRAFT.--If flying towards consultant, hasty news or an unexpected +journey; if stationary it gives warning that you will have but little +success in your life unless you come out of the rut into which you have +fallen. + +ALBATROSS.--If seen with the sign of a ship or water it portends +distress for those at sea; to sailors or to those associated with them +it is an omen of sadness, meaning sorrow and sometimes death. + +ALDERMAN.--To workers this is a sign that if they proceed with caution +they will become prosperous. + +ALLIGATOR.--This is a bad sign of personal danger and distress possibly +caused by those nearest to you; it also shows much mental disturbance +and worry; if very near consultant a catastrophe is imminent. + +ALMONDS.--These denote festivities and social enjoyment, good and +generous friends. + +ALTAR.--If with a figure near, sorrow and distress are foreshown. + +ANCHOR.--A pleasing symbol of good and loyal friends, constancy in love, +and the realisation of your wishes; an emblem of safety to a sailor. + +ANEMONE.--These flowers often indicate an event to be expected in the +early autumn; the nature of it must be judged by other signs in the cup. + +ANGEL.--This is a symbol of good fortune in love, radiance, happiness, +and peace. + +ANGEL (FLYING).--A token of love and joy which are swiftly approaching +you. + +ANTLERS.--An accident is predicted by this symbol. + +ANVIL.--Your strength and energy will bring you much success in new +plans or enterprises. + +APE.--This animal points to the fact that you have a secret enemy; it +denotes malicious and dangerous persons whose tongues are to be feared; +it is also a sign of despondency, care, anxiety, and fraud. + +APPLES.--A pleasant sign of happiness, cheerful conditions, good health, +and fortune. + +APPLE TREES.--These predict a happy event in the apple season. + +APRON.--Near consultant brings a new friend; at a distance new work or +acquaintances. + +ARAB.--This symbol points to a need for caution in choosing your +friends, or you may find yourself in the power of someone who will prove +to be an undesirable companion. + +ARCH.--Things which you desire are developing in the wished-for +direction; the arch is a sign of hope; your ambition may be gratified in +a most unexpected manner. See also TRIUMPHAL ARCH. + +ARK.--This symbol assures you of security and of finding refuge in times +of distress and turmoil. + +ARM.--If curved, it signifies love, protection, care and strength; +stretched out, that a new influence will come into your life which will +prove to be an endless source of joy and love. + +ARMOUR.--A suit of armour foretells that you will be called upon to face +difficulties and dangers and that you will come through them with +courage. See KNIGHT IN ARMOUR. + +ARROW.--Unpleasant news or a disagreeable letter from the direction in +which it comes. + +ARTICHOKE.--This signifies sadness, disappointment and delay; sometimes +a secret trouble is indicated by this symbol. + +ARTIST.--To see an artist at work, indicates association with those who +study art; also a happy nature finding much joy and beauty in life. + +ARTIST'S MAHL STICK.--This implies an artistic temperament, a dislike of +daily duties or irksome tasks, and a fretting under any routine; a lack +of attention to detail is also a usual characteristic of this symbol. + +ARUM LILY.--This flower stands for dignity, expectancy, and calm; its +fuller meanings must be judged by other symbols around it. + +ASS.--If its head is towards consultant, a piece of good news or an +event which has long been waited for is near; if its tail, then further +patience is necessary, for there will be delay; if it gallops, it gives +warning that if people allow themselves to become too boring their +friends may reasonably, be expected to avoid them. + +ASTERS.--These flowers indicate a smooth though possibly a somewhat +monotonous life; they also show a settled state of mind and sound +judgment; if seen in the form of a wreath a death is predicted. + +AUTOMATIC MACHINE.--This signifies a lack of initiative and consequent +failure in arriving at any great achievement. + +AXE.--This shows mastery and power to overcome difficulties; sometimes +separation. + + +B + +BABY.--A naked baby near consultant is a sign of sadness and +disappointment caused by those who are nearest and dearest; to some it +is a sign of money worries; a baby in arms means reconciliation. + +BACON.--Pieces of bacon signify good luck and profitable business. + +BADGER.--For a maid, or a bachelor, this symbol predicts a single life, +but one of freedom, health and success; for the married, it implies +regret that they did not remain unmarried. + +BAGPIPES.--This symbol gives warning of coming sorrow or much agitation +and disturbance. + +BALL.--See FOOTBALL. + +BALLET DANCE.--This is a forecast of unsuccessful plans. + +BALLOON.--A symbol which indicates that much is attempted but little +achieved; there is a passing enthusiasm for various experiments and new +ideas, but the interest soon flags, and finally vanishes as the balloon +in the clouds. + +BANANAS.--These promise gratification and the occurrence of those things +which are most pleasing to you; also a prediction of much happiness and +success in love affairs. + +BANNER.--This is a symbol of a prosperous life for a man and of a +wealthy marriage for a woman. + +BARBER.--This signifies the approach of a new interest coming into your +life, which will lead you to be most particular as to your personal +appearance. + +BARREL.--Festivity, possibly a picnic; several barrels, prosperity. + +BARREL ORGAN.--Melancholy and a distaste for present circumstances. + +BASIN.--This symbol stands for small ailments and minor worries; a +broken basin, domestic annoyance. + +BASKET.--Domestic duties and family cares; if full, a present given or +received. + +BASKET OF FLOWERS.--Happiness and contentment, fulfilled desires. + +BASSOON.--This musical instrument implies that your energy is apt to +exceed your wit. + +BAT.--See CRICKET BAT. + +BATH.--This indicates grief or dismay. + +BATS.--An ill omen showing sickness and trouble in the home; with other +signs, a prediction of death. + +BAYONET.--A sign to be feared; it shows danger of operation, wounds, and +pain. + +BEANS.--These show quarrels and disputes with relations. + +BEAR.--A journey north, sometimes prolonged travel. See also POLAR BEAR. + +BED.--A visit, illness; or death, according to other symbols. + +BEEF.--A round of beef foretells coming financial worries. + +BEEHIVE.--This is a symbol of eloquence, mental capacity, and much +energy in forming new schemes and carrying them through; also of +attainment to power and honour. + +BEES.--These foretell success through your own ability, many friends and +enjoyment of life to the full. See also BUMBLE BEE. + +BEETLE.--This signifies unrest, domestic tribulation, or disagreements; +several beetles, that there is a risk of slander and abuse by those whom +you regard as friends. + +BEETROOT.--This symbol indicates that someone will try to do you a bad +turn, but it will fail in its object and rather turn out as a benefit. + +Bell.--Amazing news according to other signs in the cup; several bells +indicate a wedding. See also CANTERBURY BELLS, DIVING BELL, HANDBELL. + +BELLADONNA LILY.--This flower is a sign of hope, love, happiness, and +the leading of an upright and honourable life. + +BELLOWS.--These show an endeavour to make the best of a bad business. + +BESOM.--This gives a caution to avoid meddling in other people's affairs +or you may find yourself regarded as an unpleasant busybody. + +BIER.--A symbol of death; if near consultant, a personal sorrow, +otherwise of a less personal nature. + +BILLIARD TABLE.--Pleasure followed by regret. + +BIRD FEEDING YOUNG.--After a time of patient waiting, your desires will +be fulfilled. + +BIRD OF PARADISE.--Difficulties and trials are vanishing and a future of +comfort and pleasure awaits you. + +BIRD ON A PERCH.--If near consultant, news resulting in pleasant plans; +if at some distance, there is a doubt of the news being sent. + +BIRDS.--These are significant of happiness and joyful tidings; a single +bird flying means speedy news, telegrams; birds in a row on a branch or +line show that there will be vexatious delay in receiving some +wished-for news; birds in a circle denote cogitation followed by swift +decision. See also CLAPPER FOR SCARING BIRDS and STUFFED BIRDS. + +BIRDS IN CAGE.--This implies that a variety of causes prevents you from +obtaining your dearest wish; should the cage door be open, obstacles +will shortly be removed and great happiness will be yours. + +BIRD'S NEST.--This signifies a happy discovery, leading to a fortunate +enterprise brought about to a great extent by your own patience and +ability; it is also a good omen of love, friends, and increase of +fortune. + +BISCUITS.--These seen in various shapes and sizes foretell the +occurrence of pleasant events. + +BISHOP.--A sign of benevolence, authority, and progress; in cope and +mitre, preferment and honour. + +BLUEBELLS.--These indicate that an event bringing you much satisfaction +and pleasure may be expected to take place in the spring. + +BLUEBOTTLE FLY.--Unpleasantness and jealousy will be aroused by your +success. + +BOAR.--This animal shows much energy and push though not always in the +right direction to bring you unqualified success; it is also a sign of +obstacles in your path. + +BOAT.--Success in a new enterprise; seen with clouds, troubles and +disappointment. See also FERRYBOAT. + +BOMB.--This foretells a personal disaster or news of an explosion and +loss of life. + +BONES.--These are an indication of misfortune surmounted with courage. + +BONNET.--This implies that youth will be past before you have the best +happiness of your life. See also WIDOW'S BONNET. + +BOOK.--An open book shows a desire for information and a mind ever on +the alert to understand new theories and facts; a closed book is a sign +of expectancy. + +BOOKCASE.--This is a pleasing symbol of coming success through study and +perseverance. + +BOOMERANG.--This sign means news from Australia, or that some unexpected +development will lead to your having a great interest in that country; +with signs of travel, that you will make your home there. + +BOOTBLACK.--A bootblack is a sign of failure in your work. + +BOOTS.--These show fortunate business, a good income, and the +gratification of your tastes and pleasures; boots of a curious shape +foretell an unfortunate enterprise ending in failure. + +BOOT-TREE.--A lucky surprise. + +BORDER.--See FLOWER BORDER. + +BOTTLE.--A sign of happy days; several bottles indicate extravagant +tastes; small bottles, illness. + +BOUQUET.--This is a most fortunate symbol of coming happiness, love, +fulfilled hope, and marriage. + +BOW.--A sign of reunion after absence or estrangement. + +BOW AND ARROW.--This denotes that there is unpleasant talk of your +personal affairs which may do you harm. + +BOWER.--Happiness in love is proclaimed by this symbol. + +BOX.--An open box foreshows a troubled love affair; a closed box, that +you will find something which you had lost. + +BOY.--This symbol must be read in accordance with other signs in the +cup. + +BRACELET.--A discovery made too late. + +BRANCH.--A large branch is a sign of much independence and of success in +carrying out an undertaking; the larger it is the greater your success; +a broken branch signifies an attempt to organise a project or new scheme +which will end in failure. + +BREAD.--A loaf of bread is a sign of the commonplace and of monotony; +several loaves give warning against waste and extravagance, for a +shortage of corn is threatened; loaves of bread with crossed swords +above them predict mutiny and disaffection among those whom the world +trusted. + +BRICKLAYER'S TROWEL.--A task which you have in hand will be successfully +carried out. + +BRICKS.--These signify new plans and enterprises which will lead to +prosperity. + +BRIDE.--This sign indicates a wedding, coming joy, or a rival in your +affections, according to other symbols around it. + +BRIDGE.--An advantageous opportunity; a fortunate journey. See also +SUSPENSION BRIDGE. + +BRIDLE.--This points to the fact that you greatly object to interference +or authority, and that you will always be "top dog" with your friends. + +BROOCH.--This indicates that you are likely to make a discovery greatly +to your advantage, and may in time turn it to good account in the +development of a patent; a brooch with dots around it predicts a +present. + +BROOM.--This signifies that there is need for you to be careful in the +choice of your friends, and to avoid rushing into an intimacy which you +might later have cause to regret. + +BUBBLES.--See CHILD BLOWING SOAP BUBBLES. + +BUCKLES.--These foretell that some important arrangement of much +personal advantage will fall through in an unforeseen manner, causing +disappointment and dismay. + +BUFFALO.--A most unexpected and unusual happening, possibly causing +agitation and uncertainty as to the best way to proceed. + +BUGLE.--This shows a desire for admiration and notice from all whom you +meet; it also implies that it is high time to arouse yourself and become +more energetic and industrious. + +BUILDING.--A sign of removal. + +BULL.--An ill omen of misfortune, attacks of pain, or of slander by some +enemy; if it gallops with tail up, personal danger or illness of someone +dear to you. + +BUMBLE BEE.--This shows a cheerful disposition, making the best of +everyone and everything, easily gratified tastes and pleasures; many +friends and social success; with other signs, travel is indicated. + +BUNS.--These signify social amusements and duties, also that you usually +take a cheery view of things even in troublesome circumstances. + +BUOY.--This is a symbol of hope; you have a good friend in all weathers. + +BUSH.--Invitations and social enjoyments. + +BUTTER.--This signifies good fortune and success, the comforts of life, +and a desire for the best of everything. + +BUTTERFLY.--Passing pleasure, power of attraction, many admirers, and +flirtations; to the lover it speaks of inconstancy. + +BUTTONHOOK.--An exchange between friends, successfully organised plans, +and a propitious meeting. + +BUTTONS.--If of various size and shape they mean that there will be many +suggestions as to arrangements and new plans without anything definite +being settled. + + +C + +CAB.--A sign of gloom, sadness and parting. + +CABBAGE.--This symbol points out that in spite of thrift and diligence, +you will never be very rich. + +CABINET.--An unexpected and fortunate discovery, giving you much +pleasure and satisfaction, possibly wealth and unthought-of prosperity. + +CAGE.--An empty cage shows that you expect to find all manner of amiable +qualities in others which are entirely lacking in yourself. See also +BIRDS IN CAGE. + +CAKES.--New friends, social success, invitations, and hospitality. See +also WEDDING CAKE. + +CALF.--This signifies a need for gentleness and kindness to those with +whom you associate. + +CAMEL.--A responsibility satisfactorily carried out; sometimes +frustrated plans and endless delays; a camel laden means wealth from an +unexpected source abroad. + +CAMERA.--This proclaims the fact that you are too fond of gathering new +or clever ideas from others, with a view to passing them off as your own +original thoughts whenever the opportunity arises. + +CAMPANULAS.--These flowers indicate that your hope is centred on one +desire, and assure you of the certainty of obtaining your wish. + +CANDLE.--This is significant of trials, worries, or illness. + +CANDLE EXTINGUISHER.--An uncomfortable incident or episode which will +put you out considerably. + +CANDLESTICK.--You have need to look at things from a wider point of +view; to make the best of yourself you must cultivate perception. + +CANNON.--This denotes military and naval display and good fortune; with +pleasant symbols around or near, such as a crown or star, promotion for +someone dear to you in the service. + +CANOE.--This implies that a new friendship will eventually lead to a +happy love affair. + +CANOPY.--This brings success through the help and interest of those who +are socially or mentally your superiors. + +CANTERBURY BELLS.--These graceful flowers indicate that your happiness +is to a great extent dependent upon others; if the figure of a woman +appeared beside the flowers it will be through a woman that your best +happiness comes, if a man were seen it will be one of the male sex to +whom you must look for your chief joy in life. + +CAP.--This warns you to be cautious in your dealings with those of the +opposite sex; it also points to the fact that those things which you +desire to hide will become known. See also PEAKED CAP. + +CAPSTAN.--To those associated with the sea, this symbol gives warning of +storms; to others, it predicts association with sailors or yachtsmen. + +CARAFE.--A pleasure which will depend entirely upon yourself is the +meaning of this symbol. + +CARAVAN.--This signifies an independent nature, desiring to live a +roaming life free of restrictions; should a horse be harnessed to the +caravan your ambitions will be fulfilled. + +CARDS.--See ACE OF CLUBS, ACE OF DIAMONDS, ACE OF HEARTS, ACE OF SPADES. + +CARNATIONS.--These sweet-scented flowers bring happiness, faithfulness, +love, and good friends. + +CARPENTER AT WORK.--Necessary arrangement of your affairs is the meaning +of this symbol. + +CARRIAGE AND HORSES.-This foretells that your affairs will prosper and +that you may reasonably expect the comforts of life; a carriage without +horses means that your riches will be transitory, leaving you in +poverty; with other signs it denotes that you may be the victim of +scandal. + +CARRYING CHAIR.--An omen of illness or accident. + +CART.--A symbol of fluctuation in fortune and of a tedious waiting for +any settled improvement in financial affairs. + +CARVING.--Handsome carving is a sign of satisfaction and development. + +CASTLE.--You may expect fortune to smile upon you; a crumbling castle +denotes disappointment and ill success in love and marriage. + +CAT.--This is an uncomfortable sign of trickery, meanness, and quarrels +among relations, money matters probably being the disturbing cause; a +cat jumping shows worries and difficulty. + +CATERPILLAR.--You are likely to be criticized unkindly by those who are +envious of you, although you have no suspicion that these people are +anything but friendly in their feeling towards you; there is slyness and +deception, and it would be well to be on your guard or you may find +unpleasant gossip has been spread about you. + +CATHEDRAL.--Prosperity, contentment, and happiness with those whom you +love is the meaning of this symbol. + +CATTLE.--Profitable transactions. + +CAULDRON.--New opportunities which need careful consideration. + +CAULIFLOWER.--This signifies that even your best friends cannot describe +you as constant or reliable. + +CAVE.--Unless you rouse yourself and use a little more push, you are +likely to remain in obscurity all your life. + +CELERY.--A vigorous body and active mind which will preserve the +energies of youth to a good old age. + +CHAIN.--An engagement or wedding; an entangled chain means a dilemma +which will tax your ingenuity to the utmost; a long, thick chain +indicates ties that you wish to undo; a broken one, trouble in store. + +CHAIR.--A small chair shows an arrival; a large one, deliberation over a +new plan. See also CARRYING CHAIR, ROCKING CHAIR. + +CHATELAINE.--This signifies that a variety of people will be +instrumental in your career; it is also an indication that you are +somewhat inclined to depend too much on sentimental and demonstrative +affection. + +CHAMPAGNE GLASS.--This is a symbol of good fortune and delight; to the +sick, a good omen of recovery. + +CHEESE.--A large cheese denotes that you will benefit by the generosity +of prosperous friends. + +CHERRIES.--A love affair, happiness, and health, are the meanings of +this symbol. + +CHESSMEN.--These announce the fact that you will be troubled by matters +which are difficult to adjust to your satisfaction, and you must expect +a certain amount of anxiety and worry. + +CHESTNUT TREE.--An event of interest and importance may be expected in +the spring. + +CHESTNUTS.--These show determination in carrying out a scheme which you +think will benefit you. + +CHICKEN.--This shows new interests and pleasures; if roosting, domestic +tribulation; if flying, troublesome matters. + +CHILD.--This is a sign that you will soon be making fresh plans or +forming new projects; a child running means bad news or threatened +danger; at play, tranquillity and pleasure. + +CHILD BLOWING SOAP BUBBLES.--Occasions of sadness and joy in quick +succession. + +CHILD WITH DANCING-DOLL.--The gratification of a wish through an +entirely unexpected means. + +CHILD WITH TAMBOURINE.--Pleasure, lightheartedness, coming good news. + +CHIMNEY.--Unless you are cautious you will take a false step; a chimney +with smoke to be seen means that you are content, and find pleasure in +daily routine and a somewhat commonplace life. + +CHINAMAN.--There is someone who appears eager to serve you but in +reality is far from being trustworthy. + +CHINESE LANTERN.--False security, the evidence of which will soon be +brought to your notice. + +CHISEL.--A symbol of losses, dismay, and trouble. + +CHRISTMAS TREE.--This sign indicates that you may expect some special +happiness at the Christmas season. + +CHRYSANTHEMUMS.--These beautiful flowers assure you of a long desired +hope in connection with someone dear to you which will be realised in +the autumn. + +CHURCH.--Courage, honour, and tranquillity; a legacy. + +CHURNING.--This is a happy omen for good and successful results in all +you undertake; you will be fortunate and will always take a turn in the +right direction for your own happiness. + +CIGAR.--A wealthy friend or lover who will absorb all your thoughts; a +broken cigar signifies a disagreeable incident or a quarrel. + +CIRCLE.--Money, presents, an engagement, faithful friends. + +CLAPPER FOR SCARING BIRDS.--This sign proclaims that you are offended at +small faults or failings in others, and are always eager to bring them +into notice, but are blind to your own more obvious deficiencies. + +CLARIONET.--A pleasure which will be gratified in an unlooked-for +manner. + +CLAW.--This symbol foretells scandal or evil influence. + +CLENCHED HAND.--Indignation; disputes. + +CLERGYMAN.--Reconciliation in a long-standing feud. + +CLOCK.--A sign that you desire to hurry over the present and arrive at a +time to which you are looking forward. + +CLOUDS.--These denote disappointment, failure of plans, and dismay. + +CLOVER.--A very lucky sign of coming good fortune. + +CLOVES.--This symbol proclaims the desire for appreciation and the wish +to appear at your best on all occasions. + +CLOWN.--Your folly is apparent to everyone. + +CLUBS.--See GOLF CLUBS, ACE OF CLUBS. + +COACH.--If with horses, you may look forward to a time of ease and +luxury; if without horses, it warns you against an act of folly or a +harmful indiscretion. + +COAL.--Prosperity and good fellowship + +COAL-SCOOP.--This signifies domestic difficulties or vexation at the +turn things have taken. + +COAL SCUTTLE.--You will adapt yourself to unaccustomed circumstances +requiring much energy. + +COAT.--Sadness caused through a parting; if the coat is ragged, +distressing news; without sleeves, failure in a new undertaking. + +COBBLER.--This predicts a life of arduous and ill-paid work, poor +health, and a struggle to make both ends meet. + +COBRA.--A warning of grave danger to you or yours. + +COCK.--A sign of forthcoming good news, of conquest and triumph. + +COCKATOO.--This bird indicates disturbance in the home and some vexation +with friends. + +COCKCHAFER.--This predicts a bad harvest season; flying, the arrival of +sudden news of a somewhat disagreeable nature. + +COCOANUT.--Travel or interesting discoveries. + +COFFEE POT.--Dependence on creature comforts; slight indisposition. + +COFFIN.--A bad omen of coming bereavement; a coffin with a sword beside +it shows death of a soldier; with a flag, that of a sailor; with +snowdrops, death of a child or infant. + +COLLAR.--Perseverance in the face of obstacles will bring you a great +reward. + +COLLAR-STUD.--A reminder of some tiresome or disagreeable little duty +which you would fain forget. + +COLUMBINE.--These flowers foretell the renewal of a former friendship +which is brought about by means of an unthought-of meeting. + +COMB.--You will find out that your confidence in someone was misplaced +and this discovery will cause you much distress. + +COMET.--Favourable weather; unusual and interesting events; to lovers it +is an unfavourable omen of separation and blighted hope. + +COMPASSES.--This sign implies that you may expect to travel and to spend +your life in interesting activities. + +CONCERTINA.--This symbol proclaims dilatory habits and feeble wit. + +CONDUCTOR.--See MUSIC CONDUCTOR. + +CONVOLVULI.--This flower shows feelings of sadness; love and hope which +have lasted but a short time now leave only memories to which you cling. + +CORKS.--This sign shows the power of adapting yourself to your company, +and of proving yourself useful in awkward situations. + +CORKSCREW.--This denotes that you will be vexed by inquisitive people +who trouble you with questions. + +CORMORANT.--This bird is a symbol of agility, swift decisions, and the +attainment of your ambition through the power of rapid thought and work. + +CORN.--This is a pleasant omen of wealth and success. + +CORNUCOPIA.--This symbol predicts great happiness and unqualified +success. + +COVER.--See MEAT COVER. + +COW.--A calm, contented state of mind, peaceful and prosperous days. + +COWSLIPS.--A sign of joy; to the married it foretells a birth. + +CRAB.--Strife, family disagreements, an enemy. + +CRADLE.--A birth; a broken cradle, sorrow or anxiety about a child. + +CRANE.--Heavy burdens and anxiety are indicated by this symbol. + +CRESTS.--These are often to be seen and must to some extent be read in +connection with other signs in the cup; large crests indicate news of, +or communications with, those in positions of authority; small crests, +interesting family developments. + +CRICKET BAT.--A love of sport and a keen desire for fair play in all +matters. + +CRINOLINE.--This predicts that unless you retrench in your expenditure, +you will have but a pittance to spend upon your dress. + +CROCUSES.--These flowers are an emblem of joy, and of radiant happiness +in love. + +CROQUET-MALLET.--A cheerful and patient disposition, always making the +best of things, is the meaning of this symbol. + +CROSS.--You must expect to meet with hindrances and obstacles in the way +of your desires; sorrow and misfortune are also indicated by this +symbol. See also MALTESE CROSS. + +CROSSED KEYS.--A sign of authority, power and honour, and an assurance +of comfort and help in times of difficulty or doubt. + +CROWN.--Advancement and honour; the attainment of your highest ambition. + +CRUTCHES.--This is an unpleasant sign of forthcoming illness or accident +which causes lameness for the time being. + +CUCUMBER.--A new plan successfully carried out. + +CUP.--A large cup tells of a splendid opportunity coming your way which +will insure your future success; a small cup means that a little anxiety +is before you. + +CUPBOARD.--Disappointment in money affairs. + +CURTAIN.--This symbol proclaims that someone is hiding a matter from you +which it would be to your advantage to learn; with other signs in the +cup which are good you may conclude that the matter will be revealed to +you shortly. + +CUSTARD-GLASSES.--A signal of illness, possibly chicken pox or measles. + +CYPRESS.--This tree indicates that you bravely face a difficulty, and +finally overcome it by your own endeavours. + + +D + +DAFFODILS.--A long-desired hope is about to come to pass, or a +delightful holiday spent in the company of those most congenial to you. + +DAGGER.--If near and pointing towards consultant, it would be a bad sign +of danger from wounds or an operation; if more distant, it shows a much +less personal danger. + +DAHLIAS.--A sign of some important event which you may expect to take +place in the autumn; it also denotes thrift and increase of fortune. + +DAISIES.--These imply that you have an attractive, child-like nature, +finding happiness in simple pleasures; a circle of daisies means that +you attract someone to you of the same nature as yourself who will +become all the world to you. + +DAMSONS.--These denote complication of your affairs. + +DANCE.--See BALLET DANCE. + +DANCER.--A pleasant omen of coming pleasure and gratification, good +news, happiness in love and friendship; it also means that you will +receive an unexpected invitation; several figures dancing in happy +abandonment foretell that your hopes and desires will be fulfilled, and +that many changes will occur, all tending to your success and future +happiness. + +DANCING-DOLL.--See CHILD WITH DANCING DOLL. + +DANDELION.--Unexpected news of the marriage of an old friend whom you +had always supposed would never marry. + +DATES.--A pleasure which is unlikely to come up to your expectations is +the meaning of this symbol. + +DEER.--An unfortunate indication that your ventures in new directions of +work or business will end in failure; if running, a fruitless endeavour +to undo your past mistakes; a dead deer, that you will be the innocent +cause of distress to someone you love. + +DESK.--You will receive a letter which will upset you, or you will lose +the friendship of someone with whom you have corresponded regularly for +many years. + +DEVIL.--This symbol gives warning that reformation is needed, or you may +find yourself so tightly in the grip of bad influence that it will be +well-nigh impossible to extricate yourself. + +DIADEM.--This ensign of royalty shows that your ambition is realised +beyond your expectations; wonderful good fortune and influential friends +assure you of an unusually successful career. + +DIAMONDS.--See ACE OF DIAMONDS. + +DISH.--Anxiety in household matters; a broken dish is a foretaste of a +greater loss. + +DIVER.--A great and unexpected piece of news which will lead to a +fortunate discovery; to the lover, it reveals deception. + +DIVING-BELL.--This sign predicts that you may one day find yourself in +danger on the sea or river. + +DOG.--This symbol has many meanings which must be read in accordance +with the other symbols; in a general way this sign indicates adverse +conditions, the thwarting of life's chances, unfortunate love affairs, +family misfortune and money troubles; a large dog sometimes signifies +protection and good friends; a small dog, vexation and impatience. + +DOLL.--A festivity at which you will endeavour to conceal your feelings +of boredom under somewhat foolish hilarity. See also CHILD WITH DANCING +DOLL, RAG DOLL. + +DOLPHIN.--A cheerful and optimistic character, pleasure on the sea or +river. + +DOVECOT.--Peace in the home. + +DOVES.--These birds give a personal message of happiness and an +assurance of faithfulness in love, peaceful circumstances, high ideals, +and progress; to those who are at enmity this symbol proclaims +reconciliation; to the sick or anxious, comfort and hope; to a business +man, a fortunate omen of success. + +DRAGON.--Great and sudden changes about which there is an element of +danger. + +DRAGON-FLY.--Tidings of unexpected occurrences, unlooked-for events, new +and advantageous opportunities, sometimes new clothes or furniture. + +DRUM.--A hazardous enterprise or expedition is the meaning of this +symbol. + +DRUMMER.--To a man, this foreshows popularity and a successful public +career; to a woman, social success, a large following of friends and +admirers, and power of gaining her own ends. + +DUCK.--A sign of a taste for speculation; if more than one duck, success +in work and enterprise, profitable undertakings. + +DUMB BELL.--A chance meeting which will lead to the making of a new +friend. + +DUSTPAN AND BRUSH.--You will be certain to hear of domestic tribulation +amongst your friends or relatives; if this symbol appears in your cup +with other signs of vexation, it would indicate personal domestic +annoyance. + +DWARF.--This portends calamity, accident, or disgrace. + + +E + +EAGLE.--This predicts that you may expect most beneficial changes, the +realisation of a long-cherished hope, and possibly an inheritance of +wealth from an unexpected source; a flying eagle shows the coming of +wealth and honour after a change of residence; with a vulture, death of +a monarch; a dead eagle, public loss and mourning. + +EAGLE'S NEST.--An eagle on its nest foretells association with those in +places of authority and honour; it also denotes a life of wealth and +ease. + +EAR.--A large ear shows that you will be shocked by hearing of some +scandal or abuse; a normal ear means that you will receive some +interesting and pleasant piece of news or valuable information. + +EAR-RINGS.--To a man this symbol proclaims the displeasure of one of the +opposite sex; to a woman, the humiliation of unrequited affection. + +EARWIG.--A sign of uncomfortable discoveries in the home, troubles with +domestics, deceit and prying. + +EASEL.--A sign of marriage to widows and maids; to the married, increase +of worldly goods; this symbol must be read in connection with other +indications in the cup. + +EELS.--This is an unpleasant symbol meaning malicious tongues and +treacherous friends, also gossip over money matters. + +EGG-CUP.--A sign of an escape from a threatened disaster. + +EGGS.--New plans and ideas, or a birth. + +ELEPHANT.--A sign of power, travel, promotion, happiness and stability +in love and friendship. + +ELF.--This symbol should put you on your guard or you may be the victim +of an unpleasant practical joke. + +ELM TREE.--A good omen of prosperity and coming happiness. + +EMU.--Lack of caution will not be one of your failings. + +ENGINE.--Journeys, trouble on the railway, strikes, accident, and hasty +news are the meanings of this symbol. + +ENSIGN.--See FLAG. + +ESCAPE.--See FIRE ESCAPE. + +EXTINGUISHER.--See CANDLE EXTINGUISHER. + +EYE.--This signifies penetration and the solving of difficulties; it +also shows depth of character and love. + +EYEGLASSES.--You will make a beneficial discovery through surprising +means. + + +F + +FACES.--Several of these denote an invitation to a party or wedding; +ugly faces mean disturbances or bad news; pretty faces, pleasure and +love; two faces upon one head, looking diverse ways, indicate that you +may hear yourself accused of deception and falseness, or that these +things may be practised upon you; a bearded face, health and strength, +but an indolent nature, which is a source of vexation to those around +you. + +FALCON.--This bird warns you to be on your guard, for you have an enemy. + +FAN.--Love of admiration, frivolity, pleasure with the opposite sex. + +FATE.--This is indicated by a straight thin line of tea leaves which +ascends towards the consultant; what may be expected of fate must be +judged by the line itself and other signs in the cup. + +FEATHERS.--Large feathers signify achievement and prosperity; to +authors, literary success; small feathers denote something of which you +are afraid, but which you will meet with courage. + +FEET.--You will be called upon to take a decisive step in some matter +which may lead up to an eventful change in your life. + +FENCE.--This means that there is but a step between you and success. + +FENDER.--You will constantly come in contact with someone to whom you +feel a strong antipathy. + +FERNS.--Dignity, peace, and steadfast love are the meanings of this +symbol. + +FERRET.--Jealousy and enmity are likely to cause you distress. + +FERRY-BOAT.--This symbol implies that difficulties will be smoothed away +for you by the aid of good and useful friends. + +FIELD MARSHAL'S HAT.--To a soldier, or those who are associated with +them, this is a sign of coming promotion, triumph, and of the attainment +to honour. + +FIGS.--These indicate joy and abundance of the good things of this +world; to those in business it is an omen of success and prosperity. + +FIGUREHEAD OF A SHIP.--A good omen for your future Welfare; this symbol +predicts that you will be enabled to steer your course through smooth +waters. + +FIGURES.--See NUMBERS, HUMAN FIGURES, RUNNING FIGURES. + +FINGER.--This usually indicates a special need for attention to be paid +to adjoining symbols. + +FIRE-ENGINE.--An evidence of a serious fire of which you will hear or +from which you will suffer; this must be judged by other indications in +the cup. + +FIRE-ESCAPE.--An urgent warning to take all precautions against fire. + +FIREPLACE.--Your chief interests in life will probably lie in your home; +small duties, simple pleasures, and a circle of friends. + +FISH.--News from abroad; with other signs of movement, emigration; a +starfish is a sign of good luck. + +FLAG.--Danger, rebellion, and war are the meanings of this symbol. + +FLOWER-BORDER.--That for which you have long hoped and waited is about +to come to pass. + +FLOWERS.--Many pleasant meanings may be given to this symbol, good +fortune, happiness, love, marriage, and a large circle of admiring +friends, being among them. See also BASKET OF FLOWERS, FOXGLOVES, LILY, +FORGET-ME-NOT. + +FLY.--This signifies small vexations and annoyances which will ruffle +you considerably. See also BLUEBOTTLE FLY, DRAGON FLY. + +FONT.--News of a birth or an invitation to a christening party. + +FOOT.--This indicates a journey; a swollen foot, injury, or news of an +accident to the foot. + +FOOTBALL.--Love of outdoor games, or a keen interest in the welfare of +those who take part in them, is shown by this symbol. + +FORGE.--This implies a need for refinement and of reconstructing your +ideas on many subjects. + +FORGET-ME-NOT.--This flower speaks of the attainment of a cherished +hope, also that you will probably find your truest happiness in love and +marriage. + +FORK.--This warns you against those who constantly flatter you; it would +be well for you to be on your guard or you may one day awake to the fact +that all this flattery was used as a tool to harm you. + +FOUNTAIN.--A most favourable omen foretelling happiness, success in love +and marriage, prosperity in business, and good fortune in all you +undertake; this symbol also points to an unexpected legacy. + +FOX.--This denotes that you may have an unsuspected enemy, possibly +disloyal dependents; sometimes it means theft and trickery. + +FOXGLOVES.--These show ambition and attainment; if broken or bending, +defeated plans and hopes. + +FROG.--A change of residence; with other signs, new work or profession; +with bad symbols around, unpleasant sights and stories. + +FRUIT.--A happy sign of forthcoming prosperity and general advancement. + + +G + +GAITERS.--Your chief interests will be in outdoor work and amusements; +intellectual pursuits will not attract you; to clergy, or to those +associated with them, gaiters indicate promotion. + +GALLOWS.--An omen of great distress and tragedy. + +GARDEN ROLLER.--An indication that things around you are liable to +become somewhat unmanageable, and that you will need tact and strength +to avoid being crushed by circumstances. + +GARLAND.--A sign of happiness, love and honour. + +GARTERS.--A contempt for feminine weakness is the meaning of this sign. + +GATE.--An excellent opportunity awaits you, perhaps the chance of a +lifetime; massive high gates denote restriction, misery, or +imprisonment. + +GEESE.--These indicate the arrival of unexpected and rather troublesome +visitors. + +GENTIAN.--A memory which is interwoven with sorrow and joy. + +GERANIUM.--This flower shows a strong will and determined character, +contentment, and happiness; it also denotes two opposite natures who +have a great bond of affection between them. + +GIANT.--There is, or will be, a serious obstacle in your path. + +GIMLET.--You will be unpleasantly reminded of a disagreeable fact. + +GIRAFFE.--You are apt to cause mischief through blundering and the +making of incorrect statements. + +GLADIOLI.--These flowers indicate courage in the face of difficulty; +hope and tenderness. + +GLASSES.--These show that you will entertain your friends on a lavish +scale, and delight in hospitality, but will occasionally be confronted +by difficulties in your arrangements. See also CHAMPAGNE GLASS, +CUSTARD-GLASSES, EYEGLASSES, HAND GLASS. + +GLEANER.--You will always endeavour to make the best of the +circumstances in which you find yourself but will seldom possess the +most desirable things in life. + +GOAT.--A new enterprise which has an element of risk about it; a goat is +an unfortunate sign to sailors or to those connected with them. + +GOLF CLUBS.--These indicate a life so full of work that there is but +little leisure for recreation. + +GONDOLA.--A visit to Italy, or a romance are the meanings of this sign. + +GONG-AND-STICK.--This symbol warns you to expect little else than the +"trivial round and common task" for the present. + +GOOSE.--A venture needing much discussion and arrangement; plans are +made only to be upset again, and unless you proceed with caution, you +are likely to make a bad mistake. + +GRAMOPHONE.--This usually portends vexation at being drawn into a +somewhat disorderly and noisy pleasure. + +GRAPES.--These signify pleasure, abundance, fulfilment, and a life free +from care. + +GRASSHOPPERS.--These insects give warning of a poor harvest season; for +an old person the risk of chill leading to severe illness. + +GRAVE.--This symbol must be read in accordance with its position, also +with reference to other signs in the cup; as a general rule, with gloomy +signs it would bring a message of coming sorrow, or with cheerful +symbols that a death would benefit the consultant. + +GREYHOUND.--This sign stands for energy and untiring activity which will +bring you unqualified success; it also denotes that you may expect +favourable tidings of the result of a new enterprise. + +GRINDSTONE.--The aftermath of an indiscretion. + +GUITAR.--This symbol displays strong power of attraction for the +opposite sex, also pleasant adventures ending in a happy love affair. + +GUN.--A very disquieting symbol, grave danger of a sudden calamity; with +other bad signs, a violent death. + + +H + +HAMMER.--Troublesome little tasks which you are reluctant to undertake. + +HAMMOCK.--A mournful ending of something to which you had looked forward +with delight. + +HAM WITH FRILL.--This denotes a nice invitation, hospitality, pleasure +with your friends; also enjoyment followed by dismay; a ham without a +frill means increasing fortune and success. + +HAND.--A sign of good fellowship, loyalty, and affection; it may also +indicate a parting, a meeting or a bargain concluded; other signs around +it must be noticed in order to read its special meaning. See also +CLENCHED HAND. + +HANDBELL.--You would much like to startle the world by a wonderful +discovery or amazing theory by which your name would be known for all +time but you will need every possible good symbol to appear in the cup +to give you any assurance of your ambition being gratified. + +HANDCUFFS.--Disgrace, imprisonment, misfortune, and dishonesty; this +sign must be read in connection with others around it. + +HANDGLASS.--An illusion quickly dispelled is the meaning of this symbol. + +HANDSCREEN.--Even small demands sometimes necessitate great effort on +the part of those to whom the demand is made. + +HARE.--The return of an absent friend after a long absence; if it is +running, a journey is indicated; a dead hare foreshows money acquired +through industry. + +HAREBELL.--Peace, a placid existence, and faithfulness in love are the +meanings of this lovely little flower; with other signs you may expect +news of a birth. + +HARP.--This is a sign of melancholy and predicts the possibility of a +nervous breakdown. + +HARRISSI LILY.--These graceful flowers predict peace, joy, hope, and a +wedding. + +HARROW.--This shows that much of your time will be given endeavouring to +make the lives of those around you smooth and happy, whilst you +cheerfully spend your days in a somewhat monotonous manner. + +HARVEST.--A shock of corn is a somewhat sad emblem showing that you have +sown that of which the reaping will be tears; it is also a warning of +illness, especially to the aged. + +HASTENER FOR ROASTING MEAT.--You are reminded that you should endeavour +to move with the times, and not cling so tenaciously to ideas and habits +which are now obsolete. + +HAT.--A symbol of luck, presents, success in new work or enterprise; +sometimes it foreshows the arrival of a visitor. + +HAWK.--This is an unfortunate symbol, as it denotes circumstances in +which people and things seem to be working against you, placing you in +awkward and embarrassing predicaments. + +HAYRICK.--This indicates a desire for mastery and preeminence; it also +shows that a doubt will arise as to how best to proceed, but you will +find the right way out and will come to a wise decision. + +HEAD.--A large head gives warning of family trouble or of serious +illness; a very small head, waning ability or power; several heads, +mental distress or derangement. + +HEARSE.--A sign of bereavement or of sad news of those who are bereaved. + +HEART.--A sign of coming happiness through the affections bringing joy +into your life, or satisfaction through money, according to other signs +near. + +HEARTS.--See ACE OF HEARTS. + +HEATHER.--A most fortunate sign of gratified wishes and of coming good +luck; to lovers it is an assurance of much happiness. + +HEDGE.--This shows that through energy and perseverance you will +surmount obstacles and carry all before you. + +HEDGEHOG.--You will be immensely surprised by hearing that someone whom +you had always thought of as a confirmed bachelor is about to be +married. + +HEMLOCK.--The shadows of your past life have an inconvenient habit of +appearing at the most awkward moments. + +HENS.--Comfort and domestic felicity; a hen roosting shows domestic +annoyance and money worries. + +HIGHLANDER.--This is a sign of sound business capacity and a plodding +contriver in transactions. + +HIVE.--See BEEHIVE. + +HOCKEY-STICK.--A keenness for games and success in the playing of them. + +HOE.--This means that you will often have more to do than you can well +accomplish; each day things will occur needing your attention and +increasing your work, but in spite of it you will have good health and +cheerfulness. + +HOLLY.--This indicates that something of importance may be expected to +occur in the winter; unless gloomy signs appear in the cup, it may be +assumed that the event will be a happy one. + +HOLLYHOCK.--You will have a friend, or lover, who will never disappoint +you. + +HONEYCOMB.--Prosperous undertakings, honour and renown, and much which +is delightful are foreshown by this symbol. + +HOOP.--You will find immense satisfaction in doing things that require +energy even if they are of little importance. + +HORNS.--You have a powerful enemy, or at least someone who has feelings +of animosity towards you, which may prove to be unpleasant in their +result. + +HORSE.--Comforts, loyal friends, and pleasure; galloping horses mean +that events are hurrying towards you over which you have no control, +bringing many changes into your life. See also CARRIAGE AND HORSES. + +HORSE-COLLAR.--To those who own horses, or do business with them, this +sign is a pleasant indication of success in some transaction; to others +it would imply toil and a strenuous effort to keep things going. + +HORSEMAN.--See MOUNTED HORSEMAN. + +HORSESHOE.--An unexpected piece of good fortune, the achievement of your +wish, and good luck in all you undertake; a double horseshoe hastens the +arrival of your desires; a horseshoe reversed means an upset of plans +causing much disappointment and vexation; a broken one denotes a +dilemma, trials, or discomforts. + +HOT-WATER BOTTLE.--You will always find compensation in all trials and +discomforts. + +HOT-WATER CAN.--Indisposition, irritability, annoyances. + +HOURGLASS.--A warning against delay in arrangements or thought-of plans; +with other signs, the hourglass is a grave warning of peril through +illness or accident. + +HOUSE.--A successful transaction, a visit, a new home. + +HUMAN FIGURES.--These must be judged with regard to what they appear to +be doing. + +HYACINTH.--This flower predicts love, joy, and gratified ambition. + + +I + +IBEX ON ROCK.--After a time of strenuous effort and struggle, you will +achieve triumph and a position of security and peace. + +INDIAN.--This symbol predicts news from India; the nature of the +information, whether personal, public, pleasant, or the reverse, must be +judged by other indications in the cup. + +INITIALS.--These frequently occur, and usually point to names of people +from whom you may expect to hear shortly; or they may indicate places. + +INKPOT.--Expectancy. + +IRIS.--These flowers bring a message of hope and pleasure. + +IRON.--Small vexations or troubles which will quickly pass, is the +meaning of this symbol. + +IVORY.--This foretells increased wealth and a well-merited reward for +past industry. + +IVY.--Patience, understanding, steadfastness, and loyal friends are +indicated by this sign. + + +J + +JACKDAW.--Sagacity, dependable friends, and knowledge acquired by +persevering study. + +JAM.--Pots of jam caution you against extravagance and waste. + +JELLY.--This foreshows a time of pleasure and a time of pain. + +JEMMY.--A bad attack of toothache is indicated by this weapon. + +JEWELLERY.--You may expect an increase of wealth, possibly good presents +also. + +JOCKEY.--Successful dealing and good money enterprise; luck in racing +and speculation. + +JOHN BULL.--This figure implies that you are likely to witness, or +partake in, an event of national importance. + +JUDGE IN ROBES.--Legal affairs, personal or otherwise according to other +indications in the cup; this sign is often seen during a famous trial or +when such is about to take place. + +JUG.--This shows good health and money making. + +JUMPING FIGURE.--Change which will be greatly to your advantage. + + +K + +KANGAROO.--You will receive an unlooked-for and interesting piece of +news; sometimes it indicates that you have a rival. + +KETTLE.--This is a sign of illness; unless a human figure appears beside +it, the illness is probably for the consultant; it is an omen of coming +trouble. + +KEY.--Circumstances will improve, things will become easy, and your path +will be made smooth; you may hope for success in whatever you have on +hand; a key at some distance from the consultant denotes the need for +the assistance of good and influential friends in times of difficulty. +See also CROSSED KEYS. + +KEYHOLE.--This gives warning of a need for caution, for someone of whom +you feel no suspicion is untrustworthy. + +KINGFISHER.--This beautiful bird signifies the return of someone for +whom you have been longing; if flying, news of a surprising nature will +speedily arrive. + +KING ON HIS THRONE.--Security and peace; it may also mean that you gain +a high position through influential friends. + +KITE.--Vanishing pleasures and benefits, or scandal, are the meanings of +this sign. + +KNEELING FIGURE.--A new enterprise or project; care should be taken to +think it over well; do nothing rashly and seek reliable advice. + +KNIFE.--This is an unpleasant sign of quarrels, broken friendship, and +tears. + +KNIGHT IN ARMOUR.--This sign predicts good fortune, success in love, and +loyalty to your friends. + +KNIVES.--These signify danger of wounds, attacks of pain, and dismay. + + +L + +LABURNUM TREE.--A sign of delight and the fulfilment of a cherished +hope, probably occurring in the spring. + +LADDER.--This signifies advancement, influential friends, and the +attainment of good fortune. + +LAMB.--An indication that you will be amazed by the success of a +doubtful undertaking. See also PRANCING LAMB. + +LAMP.--This sign provides an assurance of good success in business. See +also STREET LAMP. + +LANTERN.--This shows that fear and doubt will mar your happiness and +progress. See also CHINESE LANTERN. + +LAUREL.--This tree points to power, ability and health. + +LEAVES.--Prosperous results of your diligence, new friends, and +satisfaction. + +LEEK.--This implies that you are anxious to come to the root of some +matter of which at present you have only an inkling; with good signs +around, you may expect to come to a satisfactory understanding. + +LEG.--This foretells a successful race with fortune. + +LEG OF MUTTON.--Depression and pecuniary worries is the meaning of this +sign. + +LEOPARD.--This animal foreshows triumph over adverse circumstances or an +evil report; two leopards, fortune and misfortune following each other +in quick succession. + +LETTERS.--These are shown by oblong or square tea-leaves, initials near +give the name of the writer; with dots around they will contain money. + +LETTUCE.--This shows sleeplessness, possibly from the receiving of some +perturbing news. + +LIGHTHOUSE.--A good sign of security and of light on your path whenever +it is most needed; if crooked or broken, disaster at sea. + +LIGHTNING.--Forked lightning seen in a zig-zag up the side of the cup +shows bad weather conditions; if near the figure of a man or woman, it +may possibly indicate death from lightning or electrical mechanism; if +seen at the bottom of the cup and with a clear space indicating water, +it would mean bad storms abroad causing damage and loss. + +LILAC.--This is an emblem of radiant happiness; joys shared with +another, with whom there is perfect oneness of purpose and love. + +LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY.--A fortunate omen of realisation, love, and +marriage. See also ARUM LILY, BELLADONNA LILY, MADONNA LILY, HARRISSI +LILY, WATER LILY. + +LIMPETS.--These denote that you endeavour to wrest from others some +valuable secret which they possess, but without success; limpets are a +sign of good luck to fishermen and promise a big haul of fish. + +LINES OF DOTS.--These indicate journeys and their probable length and +direction; to be read in connection with other signs of movement; wavy +lines mean tiresome journeys or difficulties likely to be encountered; +if the lines ascend sharply to the brim of the cup, a journey to a hilly +country will be taken. + +LION.--One of the most fortunate symbols indicating high hopes and +excellent prospects, association with distinguished persons, honour, and +fame. + +LIZARD.--This suggests treachery and the probability of a plot being +laid against you by false and deceitful friends. + +LOBSTER.--A pleasant event, or a good present, is shown by this symbol. + +LOCK AND KEY.--You are warned against the loss of something which you +value. + +LOOKING-GLASS.--This implies a desire to know the truth, even if it be +unpleasant to you. + +LORD MAYOR'S COACH.--You will receive a good offer from an unexpected +quarter. + +LUTE.--This is a sign of a secret sadness of which those around you know +nothing; to musicians, a good omen of success. + +LYNX.--To the married a bad omen of estrangement, possibly divorce; to +others it denotes treachery or episodes of a painful nature. + + +M + +MACARONI.--This proclaims the sad fact that you must endeavour to make +sixpence do the work of a shilling. + +MACE.--Promotion, a position of authority and achievement. + +MACHINE.--See AUTOMATIC MACHINE. + +MADONNA LILY.--This flower means perfection and peace, and the assurance +of love and truth. + +MAGNET.--You will be drawn by an irresistible attraction towards someone +for whom you will eventually feel more dislike than affection. + +MAGNIFYING GLASS.--You are given to such exaggeration that it amounts to +untruthfulness. + +MAGNOLIA.--This tree brings calm and peaceful conditions after a time of +unrest. + +MAGPIE.--"One for sorrow, two for mirth, three for a wedding, four for a +birth"; this ancient saying well explains the meaning of seeing magpies +in the tea-leaves. + +MAHL STICK.--See ARTIST'S MAHL STICK. + +MALLET.--You will arrive at a wise conclusion in a difficult matter. See +also CROQUET MALLET. + +MALTESE CROSS.--You will emerge from one source of vexation or trouble +only to fall into another. + +MAN.--You may expect a visitor. + +MAN CARRYING A BURDEN.--An unhappy marriage or an unfortunate love +affair. + +MAN CARRYING MACE.--This points to personal promotion or the advancement +of someone dear to you. + +MAN SPEAKING FROM A PLATFORM.--Public news or developments which will +specially interest or concern you. + +MARROW.--See VEGETABLE MARROW. + +MARS.--This sign will often be seen, and indicates a courageous, +energetic nature, fond of exploits and freedom, and shows a capacity for +strenuous work; a fortunate symbol for a soldier. + +MASK.--For a lover, this predicts that unpleasant facts will come to +light, of which at present there is no suspicion, leading to an abrupt +ending of the love affair. + +MASS OF LEAVES.--Arrivals and departures about which there are little +difficulties. + +MAST.--This symbol must be read in connection with the surrounding +signs. + +MASTIFF.--This dog warns you of an unexpected emergency in which there +is danger of your being overpowered by the arguments of those who are +masterful. + +MAYPOLE.--This shows that you find but little satisfaction in your +amusements and gaiety; for whilst you appear to enter into them in a +light-hearted manner, you are craving for further excitement. + +MAY TREE.--This signifies the receiving of a joyous message. + +MEAT.--A sign of financial worry. + +MEAT COVER.--An unpleasant emergency or discovery. + +MEDAL.--You will be rewarded for past industry by future prosperity. + +MEDICINE BOTTLE.--An unpleasant sign of illness. + +MEDLAR.--This tree predicts a condition of transient happiness. + +MEERSCHAUM PIPE.--You will be disturbed by some news from a man who has +much influence in your life. + +MELON.--This means gratification and good news, and the deriving of much +pleasure from the appreciation of those whose good opinion is of value +to you. + +MERCURY.--This planet is constantly seen in the tea-leaves and is a +symbol of ceaseless activity of striving to attain great things; it also +indicates good business capacity. + +MERMAID.--To those associated with the sea, this is a warning of +shipwreck or other peril. + +MERRYTHOUGHT.--The attainment of a wish or small pleasure. + +MICE.--These indicate danger of poverty through fraud or theft. + +MILK-CANS.--These show an agricultural enterprise that will be to your +advantage. + +MILK-CHURN.--A good emblem of future comfort and increased happiness. + +MILKING-STOOL.--A new venture about which you will feel somewhat dubious +but which with care will be carried out successfully. + +MINE-SHAFT.--This is a hopeful sign of coming peace after a time of +discontent amongst miners, or a coal strike. + +MIRROR.--Prophetic dreams; a love of truth. + +MISTLETOE.--This signifies that a cherished hope is unlikely to be +fulfilled, or at any rate it will only be after many months have passed, +and when you have become weary of waiting. + +MITRE.--A prediction of honour and promotion for a clergyman. + +MONK.--Religious controversy and disturbances. + +MONKEY.--This is an unpleasant indication that ugly rumours and scandal +will be spread about you or yours; sometimes public notoriety; with +other signs, it foreshows grief and pain. + +MONKEY-ON-ORGAN.--Difficult circumstances and a hard struggle are the +meanings of this sign. + +MONKEY PUZZLE TREE.--A task lies before you which you will find hard, +but for which you will afterwards be rewarded by meeting with great +success. + +MONOGRAMS.--These will often be found in the tea-leaves and will +indicate someone of much importance in your life, whose initials are +shown by the monogram. + +MONUMENT.--Someone in whose career you are much interested will rise to +fame. + +MOON.--A crescent moon denotes good news, fortune, and romance; for a +man it predicts public recognition and honour. + +MORTAR.--A sign of gloom, illness, emergencies. + +MOTOR CAR.--Short journeys by road or rail, visits from friends; with +other signs, some increase of fortune may be expected. + +MOUNTAIN.--This gives promise of the realisation of a great ambition and +of the influence of powerful friends; many mountains indicate +obstructions and sometimes powerful enemies in your career. + +MOUNTED HORSEMAN.--A sign of good friends, luck, and advantageous +offers. + +MOUSE.--This invariably indicates that there is need for a trap to be +set; it also gives warning that domestic worries are to be expected. + +MUFF.--This implies caprice and ostentation. + +MUG.--This symbol predicts a merry meeting. + +MUSHROOM.--This predicts that you will take a small risk and achieve a +great success; to lovers, it foreshows a quarrel and possibly a broken +engagement. + +MUSIC CONDUCTOR.--A good sign to a musician; to others it suggests that +enthusiasm and good spirits will carry them through life very happily. + +MUTTON CHOP.--Fruitless discussion or indisposition are the meanings of +this sign. See also LEG OF MUTTON. + +MYRTLE TREE.--This speaks of affection and peace; a declaration of love, +and a happy marriage. + + +N + +NAIL.--Toothache and painful dentistry are foreshown by this sign. + +NAMES.--To see the name of a person or place, signifies events occurring +in connection with such person or place; if good symbols appear, +pleasant happenings may be expected; if gloomy signs, then trouble will +arise associated with the name seen. + +NARCISSUS.--This flower shows sentiment and coming joy; also that some +new idea will unfold itself to you in the spring and will prove to be of +much advantage to you. + +NATIVE WITH "TOM-TOM".--This foreshows news of disturbance in India or +news of a personal nature which will cause anxiety. + +NECKLACE.--A good present or money; a broken necklace shows that you +will break a bond which you have grown to feel is unendurable. + +NEEDLES.--These denote mischief and deceit; sometimes disappointment in +love. + +NEPTUNE.--This planetary symbol indicates a condition of chaos. + +NEST.--See BIRD'S NEST, EAGLE'S NEST. + +NET.--Toil or anxiety followed by amazing achievement and good fortune. + +NINEPINS.--These show a mind determined to gain success whatever the +cost in drudgery. + +NOSE.--A large nose denotes dissipation; a crooked one shows a wayward +and untrustworthy character; a long, thin nose implies that you change +your ideas on various subjects and alter your mode of life in accordance +with your new ideas. + +NOSEGAY.--See BOUQUET. + +NOTICE-BOARD.--Your attention will be called to some fact which it will +be to your advantage to learn. + +NUMBERS.--These are frequently found in the tea-leaves, and must be read +in conjunction with surrounding symbols. If the consultant has a lucky +number, and this appears with good signs, it promises much success. An +unlucky number with gloomy signs predicts misfortune. A journey with a +five near obviously points out that it will be taken in five days, or +weeks, and so on. Ten dots, close together, means ten pounds or +shillings, according to the size and number of the dots. Numbers with +the symbol of a legacy show the amount to be expected. + +NUN.--This is a sign that you will probably remain unmarried through +your own choice; to the married it implies unjust suspicion. + +NURSE.--A nurse in uniform usually foretells illness for yourself or for +someone dear to you. + +NUT-CRACKERS.--This portends that you will strive to solve a difficult +problem, the result of which is of much importance to you. + +NUTS.--Gratified ambition and wealth are indicated by nuts. + + +O + +OAK TREE.--This is a good omen of wealth, strength, and attainment of +cherished hopes; for a lover, it predicts happiness and prosperity in +marriage. + +OAR.--Sport; amusements; a broken oar denotes recklessness for which you +will pay dearly; for a lover or husband, this means affliction. + +OBELISK.--This foreshows honour and wealth. + +OIL-CAN.--Work and worry are foretold by this sign. + +ONIONS.--You may expect that something which you supposed was a secret +will be discovered, possibly through treacherous friends. + +OPERA-GLASSES.--You are in danger of losing the confidence of your +friends because of your inquisitive questions. + +ORCHIDS.--These give a pleasing assurance of coming good fortune and a +life of ease and wealth. + +ORGAN.--This must be read in connection with other signs around it; +sometimes it means a wedding, death, or realised ambition; to a +musician, it is a good omen of achievement. See also BARREL ORGAN. + +OSTRICH.--This symbol points to achievement in creative work; if +running, you may look for startling news and rumours of public +upheavals. + +OTTER.--You must expect to receive a disagreeable shock through some +unpleasant spite on the part of those of whom you have always thought +well, and regarded as loyal and affectionate friends. + +OVERCOAT.--You may expect to have changes in your life and become of +much importance. + +OWL.--A bad omen of illness, misfortune, and poverty; if flying, you +will receive tidings of grief; to lovers this bird is a symbol of bad +news or unpleasant rumours; to those who are contemplating new work or +enterprise the owl should be regarded as a warning to proceed with +caution. + +OX.--An ox in his stall implies hospitality, domestic peace and +abundance. + +OYSTERS.--These are a sign of enjoyment and expensive tastes, also that +you will appreciate the pleasures of life more in your later years than +in your youthful days. + + +P + +PADLOCK.--An open padlock means a surprise; a closed one, a need for +precaution. + +PAGODA.--Foreign travels. + +PAIL.--You will be called upon to undertake a variety of things which +you dislike. + +PAILS ON YOKE.--In the future you may hope for compensation for past +trials and weariness. + +PALACE.--This portends good fortune and favours. + +PALETTE.--A hopeful sign of success to an artist or to those associated +with one; to others, it suggests a need for deliberation and advice +before embarking upon a new work or enterprise. + +PALM TREE.--This is a symbol of honour, fame, and victory; increase of +wealth, love, and marriage. + +PAMPAS GRASS.--This is a sign that you will make a pathetic endeavour to +find happiness in a life which is cast in a somewhat dreary lot. + +PAN AND HIS PIPES.--A most cheering symbol which gives an assurance of +happiness, future prosperity, and delight. + +PANSY.--This flower is a symbol of understanding, modesty, and +contentment; it is also a pleasant indication of faithful friends and +happy days. + +PANTHER.--You may expect to be shocked at the treacherous behaviour of a +friend whom you had always regarded as honourable. + +PARADISE.--See BIRD OF PARADISE. + +PARALLEL LINES.--These predict well-thought-out and smoothly running +plans. + +PARCELS.--These are shown by thick, square or round leaves. + +PARROT.--This is a sign of foreign travel, the making of many friends, +and much mental energy; sometimes it gives a hint that there is an +inclination to gossip and spread scandal. + +PARSLEY.--Small events will bring you satisfaction. + +PEACOCK.--A sign of the acquisition of property; a prosperous and happy +marriage; with other signs, an unfortunate friendship. + +PEAKED CAP.--The arrival of a male visitor. + +PEARS.--Improved social condition and other advantages; this fruit +brings success to a business man and to a woman a rich husband; one pear +signifies a birth or new plans. + +PEDESTRIAN.--An important appointment or urgent business. + +PELICAN.--This bird is a symbol of loneliness, separation, and yearning +for the unattainable; if it is flying you will receive news from those +who are far away in isolated parts of the world. + +PEN.--See QUILL PEN. + +PENGUIN.--This strange bird indicates interesting news of expeditions +and discoveries in the northern regions. + +PENKNIFE.--This is an unfortunate symbol of enmity, disloyalty, and +jealousy. + +PEONIES.--You will probably be called upon to make a decision of much +importance before another summer is past; broken peonies predict that +you may possibly throw away your chance of happiness by coming to a +wrong conclusion. + +PEPPER-POT.--This means vexation and unreasonable irritation which you +will endeavour to conceal. + +PERAMBULATOR.--News of a birth. + +PESTLE.--A sign of decisive measures; a remedy for a grievance or an +ill. + +PHEASANT.--Good fortune; new friends; if flying, speedy and propitious +news. + +PIANO.--This is a sign that you will make the most of your opportunities +and will gain that for which you have aimed; to musicians, a sign of +advancement. + +PICKAXE.--This sign proclaims labour troubles and strikes. + +PIG.--This assures you of gain and success in agricultural interests; it +also denotes that you may expect a present of money or a legacy. + +PIGEONS.--These show reconciliation with someone dear to you from whom +you have been estranged; if flying, important and pleasant news is on +its way; if stationary, delay in the arrival of important news. + +PILLAR.--A symbol of strength, protection from danger, and of good and +powerful friends; a broken pillar predicts sorrow and despair. + +PILLAR BOX.--Important or specially interesting correspondence is the +meaning of this sign. + + +PINCERS.--A painful experience; an injury; toothache. + +PINCUSHION.--Thrift, order, and a well-regulated household. + +PINEAPPLE.--A pleasing indication of wealth, rich friends, and good +presents. + +PINE TREES.--Happiness followed by an aftermath of regret. + +PIPE.--A visit from a dear friend; several pipes foreshow news from a +man who is much in your thoughts. See also MEERSCHAUM PIPE, PAN AND HIS +PIPES. + +PISTOL.--An ominous warning of disaster; with other bad signs, of a +violent death. + +PITCHER.--This shows an endeavour to relieve a rather dull and +monotonous life, by throwing your energy into somewhat unnecessary work. + +PITCHFORK.--A sign that you are apt to stir up feud, and make peace and +quiet impossible. + +PLATE.--For the present, you will merely jog along in an ordinary way. + +PLAYING CARDS.--See ACE OF CLUBS, ACE OF DIAMONDS, ACE OF HEARTS, and +ACE OF SPADES. + +PLOUGH.--You must expect to go through toil and frustration before you +finally conquer your difficulties and achieve triumph. + +PLUM PUDDING.--This denotes festivity and cheerfulness. + +PLUMS.--These foretell a new development of plans. + +POLAR BEAR.--This sign means a journey to a cold climate. + +POLICEMAN.--This tells you to beware of theft and underhand practices; +with other signs, it would indicate trouble probably caused by those +with whom you are most closely associated. + +POPE.--Unexpected gain and future happiness are foretold by this sign. + +POPPY.--This flower is significant of a pleasant occurrence in the early +summer. + +PORTER AND TRUCK.--This indicates a pending journey or the arrival of a +traveller. + +POST.--This signifies a formidable obstacle; if broken, that you will +encounter a storm of opposition to your plan. + +POSTMAN.--Important and profitable news. + +POT.--See COFFEE POT. + +POTATO.--You will have need of patience in your daily life, and will +sometimes be troubled by pecuniary difficulties. + +PRANCING LAMB.--This is a symbol of trouble which will have beneficial +results and will lead to contentment and happiness. + +PRAWNS.--These bring pleasures, presents and satisfactory arrangements. + +PRINCE OF WALES' PLUMES.--This is a symbol of pleasant events, stirring +topics and sometimes of personal honour and distinction. + +PUDDING.--See PLUM PUDDING. + +PUFFIN.--This bird denotes timidity and a desire for solitude; if +flying, news from abroad. + +PULPIT.--A love of talking and a dislike to listening is the meaning of +this symbol. + +PUMP.--Your own efforts will bring about a fortunate result. + +PUNCH-AND-JUDY.--You will read, or hear, of a sensational case in +married life. + +PURSE.--This cautions you against theft, or carelessness that may lead +to losing money. + +PYRAMIDS.--These foreshow attainment to honour, fame and wealth. + + +Q + +QUEEN.--A queen upon her throne indicates security, peace, and honour; +sometimes the attainment to a high position through powerful friends. + +QUERY.--This shows doubt, indecision; if this sign were seen with a +letter the doubt would be with regard to some correspondence; if with a +journey, uncertainty about it; and so on. + +QUILL PEN.--This shows that you may expect, before long, to sign your +maiden name for the last time in a marriage register; with other signs, +a legal document. + +QUOITS.--This sign indicates a journey to the country on pleasure. + + +R + +RABBIT.--An indication of illness for a child; a dead rabbit means +domestic duties which will bore you, sometimes financial worry; several +rabbits suggest that you must depend upon your own efforts for your +amusements and must be content with simple ones; a rabbit on its hind +legs predicts that a new plan or idea will bring you great success. + +RAG DOLL.--This implies a simplicity that sometimes verges on folly. + +RAILWAY SIGNAL.--This symbol may be seen at "danger" or "all clear." Its +meaning must be read in accordance with other signs. + +RAM.--An unpleasant person whom you would do well to avoid is indicated +by this sign. + +RAKE.--This implement denotes a persevering nature which should bring +you a liberal measure of success in whatever you undertake; it also +indicates luck in speculation. + +RAT.--Treachery and other impending troubles, are foreshown by this +unpleasant symbol. + +RAVEN.--This bird is an omen of gloom and despondency, disappointment in +love, separation, failure in work; it is also a symbol of death for the +aged. + +RAZOR.--Quarrels, also a warning against interference in other people's +affairs; to lovers this sign foretells disagreement and separation. + +RED-HOT POKER.--This flower suggests that you are likely to bring +yourself within the range of unpleasant criticism by your flaunting +manner. + +REPTILE.--This is a bad omen of coming misfortune, treachery, or +illness. + +RHINOCEROS.--This animal denotes a risky proceeding into which you +plunge without hesitation, although your friends and relations will try +to persuade you to give up your scheme, but your indifference to the +opinion of others prevents any chance of their being successful. + +RIDER.--This brings good news from overseas of business and financial +affairs. + +RIFLE.--Strife and calamity are shown by this sign. + +RING.--With dots around, a contract or a business transaction; with the +figures of a man and woman, an engagement or wedding is foretold. + +RIVER.--A sign of trouble and perplexity, sometimes illness and +bereavement. + +ROBIN.--A symbol of much good fortune, loyal friends, and happiness in +love. + +ROCKET.--This foretells joy and gladness at some event about to happen. + +ROCKING CHAIR.--This indicates contemplation of a new idea or scheme +about which you are somewhat doubtful. + +ROCKING HORSE.--Happy associations will be renewed; pleasure with +children. + +ROCKS.--These prepare you for alarms and agitation, but if good signs +appear, you will eventually find a smooth path through your fife. + +ROLLER.--See GARDEN ROLLER. + +ROLLING PIN.--This is an indication that you will be capable of +smoothing out your difficulties and will usually find an easy path in +which to tread. + +ROSE.--A token of good fortune, joy, and love. + +ROSEMARY.--Memories of the past will mar your future. + +RUNNING FIGURES.--You may expect an emergency in which you will need to +have all your wits about you; sometimes this signifies urgent messages. + + +S + +SACK.--This predicts an unlooked for event which will turn out to be +most fortunate. + +SADDLE.--The successful solving of a troublesome matter is the meaning +of this sign. + +SAILOR.--You may expect news from overseas of an interesting nature. + +SALMON JUMPING IN A POOL.--This is a fortunate sign of propitious news +which will mean a great deal to you. + +SANDWICH MAN.--After a time of irksome tasks and pecuniary worry, you +will be rewarded by a time of ease and wealth. + +SAUCEPAN.--This is an indication that many troubles will befall you, and +your courage will be tested in meeting them. + +SAUSAGES.--These show complaints or affliction. + +SAW.--Interference which will bring a good deal of trouble upon you, is +signified by a saw. + +SCAFFOLD.--This signifies that you will enter into a rash speculation. + +SCALES.--This symbol stands for legal proceedings. + +SCARECROW.--This warns you to avoid interfering in the private affairs +of others, or you may find that you will receive the cold shoulder from +them. + +SCEPTRE.--This is a fortunate sign of distinction and honour. + +SCIMITAR.--You will hear of murders, horrible treachery, and riots. + +SCISSORS.--An unlucky sign of friction between friends; disputing and +disagreeableness with married couples; quarrels between lovers; trouble +in business. + +SCOOP.--See COAL SCOOP. + +SCREW.--With a little ingenuity and perseverance, you will arrive at +that for which you aim. + +SCREW-SPANNER.--Troublesome affairs and vexations are before you. + +SCUTTLE.--See COAL SCUTTLE. + +SCYTHE.--This sign foreshows grief and pain. + +SEAGULL.--A sign of storms; if flying, news from abroad. + +SEAKALE.--A satisfactory conclusion to a vexed question is the meaning +of this symbol. + +SEAL.--An indication that a considerable amount of patience will be +necessary before your hopes are realised, but eventually you will gain +success and wealth. + +SEALING-WAX.--Theoretically you are wise, but you seldom bring your +wisdom to bear on practical matters. + +SEE-SAW.--Unless you endeavour to become more decisive and reliable, you +will lose any good opportunities which may come your way. + +SEAWEED.--This denotes a joy in the past of which only the memory +remains. + +SHAMROCK.--A sign of good luck. + +SHARK.--An ominous sign of death. + +SHAVING-BRUSH.--This sign suggests that you are apt to turn molehills +into mountains. + +SHEEP.--To landowners or those engaged in any agricultural pursuits +sheep are an omen of success and prosperous dealing; to others this sign +implies that they will receive assistance from unexpected quarters. + +SHELL.--Good luck from an unexpected source; with other signs, a visit +to the seaside. + +SHEPHERD.--The appearance of this symbol warns you against taking +unnecessary risks in all matters. + +SHIP.--News from distant lands; a successful journey; a voyage. + +SHIRT.--This sign is considered an omen of good fortune. + +SHOES.--These indicate speedy new arrangements which are likely to turn +out extremely well. + +SHRIMPING NET.--Pleasures and amusements, unconventionality, and good +spirits. + +SHUTTERS.--This sign proclaims the fact that there is need for secrecy, +and that there may be things in your life of which you trust nothing +will be known. + +SICKLE.--A sign that you will experience sorrow and pain through the +callous behaviour of someone you love. + +SIGNPOST.--This symbol must be read in conjunction with surrounding +symbols; it usually emphasises the importance of other signs; a broken +signpost indicates, that you take a wrong turning in your life and +afterwards have much cause to regret it. + +SKELETON.--This implies a feeling of disgust at some information which +is told to you and which you are asked not to reveal. + +SKIPPING ROPE.--Pleasure with children and popularity with them. + +SLEIGH.--A spell of cold weather; an interesting event or piece of news +to be expected in the winter. + +SLUG.--Petty annoyances; bad weather. + +SNAIL.--This is a sign of infidelity; several snails, that mischief is +going on around you of which you are unaware. + +SNAKE.--This is an unpleasant sign of treachery, disloyalty, and hidden +danger, sometimes caused by those whom you least suspect; if its head is +raised, injury by the malice of a man is predicted; it is also an +indication of misfortune and illness. + +SNIPE.--This bird signifies the discovery of a useful fact; if flying, +hasty news of a great friend. + +SNOWDROPS.--These are a symbol of youth and innocence; this sign may +point to some event affecting you and yours which will probably take +place about February; if seen in a cross it would foreshow the death of +an infant or young child. + +SOAP.--Cakes or blocks of soap predict temporary trouble in business. + +SOAP BUBBLES.--See CHILD BLOWING SOAP BUBBLES. + +SOFA.--This foreshows indisposition or a small illness, sometimes +disturbed nights or emergencies. + +SOLDIER.--This signifies that you may count upon the loyalty and +affection of your friends; sometimes it indicates that you may expect +speedy news of a soldier. + +SOLOMON'S SEAL.--This plant is a symbol of understanding, devotion, and +coming joy. + +SOUP LADLE.--It will be through the assistance of others that you will +arrive at success. + +SOUP TUREEN.--To the mature, this symbol points to a return of good +fortune; to the young, a small illness and loss of appetite. + +SPADE.--This means toil, care, unrest, disappointment, and failure. See +ACE OF SPADES. + +SPANNER.--See SCREW SPANNER. + +SPHINX.--This denotes that your hopes will be set on things far beyond +your reach, and that as nothing but the very best in life has any +attraction for you, it is improbable that you will ever attain to +complete happiness. + +SPIDER.--You may expect to receive an inheritance; with other signs, +that you will be triumphant in disputed will or money settlement; +several spiders foretell profitable transactions, sometimes a heritage +of much wealth. + +SPUR.--This symbol foretells that as the result of endurance and honest +labour you will attain to honour. + +SQUARE.--This formed of dotted lines indicates perplexity and dismay, +and endeavour to extricate yourself from an embarrassing situation. + +SQUIRREL.--This is a sign of contentment and cheerfulness; although you +may never be rich you will be loved by those around you and, on the +whole, will lead a happy life. + +STAR.--A lucky sign; if surrounded by dots, wealth and honour are +foretold. + +STEAMER.--A voyage, news from overseas, interesting events, according to +other signs. + +STEEPLE.--This denotes misfortune, bad luck; if it is crooked or bending +it foreshows a coming disaster or crushing blow to your hope. + +STEPS.--Unaccustomed work which will fall to your lot as a result of the +illness of someone with whom you work or associate. + +STILE.--With a small amount of perception you will arrive at a right +conclusion. + +STILTS.--These show a desire to appear different in the eyes of your +friends from that which you really are, and you will often fail in an +effort to keep up this subterfuge. + +STOCKS.--These sweet scented flowers foreshow an unexpected happiness +with someone whom you have not seen for a long while. + +STOCKINGS.--A present received or given is the meaning of this symbol. + +STONES.--Little worries and vexations. + +STOOL.--A large stool is a symbol of honour; a small one signifies that +your success in life will be meagre. + +STORK.--In summer, this bird tells you to beware of robbery or fraud; in +winter, prepare for bad weather and a great misfortune; a stork flying +predicts that whilst you hesitate in coming to a decision, a profitable +chance is lost, the news of which will speedily reach you. + +STOVE.--This symbol calls attention to the fact that trials and +tribulations await you. + +STRAW.--A bundle of straw foretells gain through industry. + +STRAWBERRIES.--Pleasure and the gratification of your wishes are shown +by this fruit. + +STRAW HAT.--Modesty and simple pleasures. + +STREET LAMP.--This is a sign of a foolish desire to draw attention to +yourself. + +STUD.--See COLLAR STUD. + +STUFFED BIRDS.--A discovery that something upon which you had set your +heart proves unsatisfying. + +SUBMARINE.--Swiftly arriving news or events; sometimes the disclosure of +a secret which will be of much personal value to you. + +SUN.--This promises happiness, health, success in love, prosperity, and +the beneficial discovery of secrets. + +SUN BONNET.--A sign of originality, personal charm and attraction, +sometimes coquetry. + +SUNDIAL.--You are warned to take heed as to the way in which you spend +your time. + +SUNFLOWER.--This flower proclaims learning and a satisfactory conclusion +in matters which are most interesting to you; it also implies that you +may reasonably expect a scheme to work out greatly to your advantage. + +SUSPENDERS.--These show precaution. + +SUSPENSION BRIDGE.--A venture in which much is at stake but after a time +of anxiety you arrive at final triumph. + +SWALLOW.--A journey with a happy result; if flying, joyful tidings from +someone you love; if several swallows are flying, they indicate a +journey to a warm climate under very pleasant conditions. + +SWAN.--This bird is significant of tribulation, troublesome conditions +in the home, and sometimes of separation from those whom you love. + +SWEEP.--The performing of an urgent disagreeable business will shortly +fall to your lot. + +SWEET WILLIAM.--This flower signifies that happiness in the past has +tinged your future with sadness. + +SWIMMING.--A brave endeavour to overcome your fear of an undertaking +which must be faced. + +SWING-BOAT.--By an act of folly, you forfeit the good opinion of someone +with whom you most desire to be on terms of friendship. + +SWORD.--This is a sign of danger, sudden illness, or even death; it also +betokens slander and dangerous gossip; to lovers it is a bad omen of +quarrels; a sword in its sheath shows honour and glory for someone dear +to you; a broken sword predicts the triumph of an enemy. + + +T + +TABLE.--This means suggestions and consultation; note the subject from +the surrounding signs. + +TAMBOURINE.--A symbol of lighthearted gaiety which will follow a time of +gloom or worry. See also CHILD WITH TAMBOURINE. + +TEA COSY.--To the unmarried, this is a sign that they will probably +remain single; to the married, affection and comfort in the small things +of life. + +TEA-CUP AND SAUCER.--You may expect to hear something of much interest +and pleasure in your "fortune." + +TEETH.--These call attention to the fact that probably a visit to the +dentist is required. + +TELEGRAPH POST.--Hasty news by telephone or telegram. + +TELEGRAPH WIRES.--You will transact important business by telephone or +telegram. + +TELEPHONE.--You will be put to considerable inconvenience through +forgetfulness. + +TELESCOPE.--This predicts the probability of trouble with your eyesight. + +TENNIS NET.--This shows pleasures and social entertainments. + +TENT.--A symbol of travel. + +THIMBLE.--For a girl, this symbol implies that she will probably never +marry; to the married, it predicts changes in the household. + +THISTLE.--This is a pleasant sign of strength, endurance, and affection; +it also shows a desire to remove obstacles from the path of those who +are in difficulties. + +THRONE.--An empty throne denotes public misfortune. See also KING ON +THRONE. + +THUMB.--A large and powerful thumb foretells an opportunity in which you +prove yourself superior to those who hitherto somewhat despised you. + +TIGER.--You will be placed in a perilous position possibly through the +bad behaviour or folly of those who should protect you. + +TIMBER.--Logs of timber are a sign of well-being and prosperity in your +affairs. + +TIN TACKS.--An agreement about to be satisfactorily concluded. + +TOAD.--You may expect deceit and the discovery of disagreeable facts; +this sign should caution you to be on your guard, for malicious talking +causes much discomfort and may separate the best of friends. + +TOADSTOOL.--You are warned against making rash and unguarded statements, +a bad habit of gossiping and encouraging scandal. + +TOM-TOM.--See NATIVE WITH TOM-TOM. + +TOMATOES GROWING.--An increase of worldly goods is foreshown by this +sign. + +TOMBSTONE.--This sign must be judged in accordance with other symbols +around it. + +TONGS.--A pair of firetongs indicates anxiety and disturbance in the +home. + +TONGUE.--This signifies that unless you amend you will make mischief by +your indiscreet and unkind words. + +TOOTH.--One large tooth is a symbol of bereavement. + +TOPIARY WORK.--Trees and hedges cut into the forms of birds, animals, +etc., are often to be seen in the tea-leaves; this sign assures you of +the fact that those things for which you must wait longest are those +which will give most joy. + +TORCH (FLAMING).--This is a hopeful symbol that some unexpected piece of +good fortune will come to you; it also indicates the discovery of an +undeveloped talent. + +TORPEDO.--Acts of violence, disaster, or distressing news are the +meanings of this symbol. + +TORTOISE.--This means that you attempt that of which you have no +knowledge. + +TOWER.--This predicts an advantageous opportunity through which you may +rise to a good position in life. + +TOYS.--Pleasure with children. + +TRAIN.--Arrivals, removals, a journey. + +TRAM.--A roadway journey on business or pleasure. + +TRAM LINE.--This is indicated by two thin, straight lines which run near +together up the side of the cup. + +TREES.--Good health and a pleasing assurance of coming prosperity and +happiness; if surrounded by dots an inheritance of property in the +country is foreshown! See also CHESTNUT TREE, CHRISTMAS TREE, ELM TREE, +OAK TREE, YEW TREE. + +TRIANGLE.--A fortunate meeting, good luck; sometimes an unexpected +legacy. + +TRIDENT.--A hopeful sign of honour and promotion to those in the Navy. + +TRIUMPHAL ARCH.--This is a fortunate omen of your future honour and high +position; a decorated arch foretells a wedding. + +TROWEL.--This gardening implement foretells good weather conditions; +seen in the winter, it indicates unusual mildness. See also BRICKLAYER'S +TROWEL. + +TROUSERS.--A pair of trousers foretells news of misfortune or sorrow for +a man. + +TRUE LOVER'S KNOT.--This is a happy omen of faithfulness in love, and of +enduring friendship. + +TRUMPET.--This denotes good fortune to a musician; to others, +entertainment, large assemblies of people, public speaking, sometimes +the setting on foot of new schemes. + +TRUNK.--Arrivals and departures. + +TUB.--You have evil to fear, is the meaning of this sign. + +TULIPS.--A symbol of radiance, health, and constancy in love and +friendship. + +TUNNEL.--This suggests that you are likely to make a wrong decision in +an important matter. + +TURKEY.--That you are in danger of committing injurious follies is the +meaning of this sign. + +TURNIP.--The discovery of secrets and domestic quarrels are indicated by +this sign. + +TURNPIKE.--This implies that the reminiscences which you relate of the +past are of more interest than your topics of the present. + +TURNSTILE.--This is a sign that you cleverly evade a disagreeable +incident or unpleasant discussion without offending anyone. + +TURTLE.--This is significant of wealth and luxury. + +TWINS.--This is a symbol of sympathy and the perfection of happiness; +with other signs, news of the birth of twins. + + +U + +UGLY FACES.--These show domestic quarrels or unpleasant news. + +UMBRELLA.--If it is open, bad weather and grumbling are foretold; +closed, a bit of bad luck which may be avoided. + +UNICORN.--This is an indication of scandal. + +URN.--A sign of illness. + + +V + +VAMPIRE.--This brings a message of gloom and sorrow, or also means that +you await the expected news of a death. + +VAN.--This sign denotes an interesting experiment in which you succeed. + +VANITY BAG.--A large circle of admiring friends, and much pleasure with +them. + +VASE.--This sign brings you a promise of good health. + +VEGETABLE MARROW.--This means sad news or monetary losses through bad +crops, either at home or abroad. + +VEGETABLES.--These indicate toil, followed by a time of leisure and +affluent circumstances. + +VENUS.--This planet which is sometimes seen in the tea-leaves, brings a +message of peace or placidity. + +VISE.--A carpenter's vise signifies that you will need powerful +assistance to extricate you from the mess in which you will find +yourself through your folly. + +VIOLETS.--This is a symbol of high ideals and of the finding of +happiness in its fullest sense; several violets assure you of coming +joy; if in the form of a cross, death is predicted. + +VIOLIN.--A symbol of coming success to a musician, and of pleasure and +entertainment to others. + +VULTURE.--This bird is a forewarning of evil and unrest in various +quarters of the globe; it also means a powerful enemy, sometimes death; +if it flies, tragedy, sorrow, and tears are predicted. + + +W + +WADING BOOT.--This is a warning to be cautious in swimming or boating, +or you may meet with an accident; with other signs it denotes a home by +the sea. + +WAGGON.--This implies a fortunate outlook and changes for the better. + +WALKING STICK.--The arrival of a male visitor. + +WALL.--A thick, high wall denotes many difficulties in your life, and +that much courage will be needed to overcome them. + +WALLFLOWER.--This sign indicates the serious consideration of a new +plan. + +WARMING PAN.--This is a sign of comfort in small things and domestic +peace. + +WASPS.--These insects are significant of distress caused by the sharp +tongues of those around you. + +WATER.--This is usually recognised by a clear space entirely free from +tea-leaves at the bottom of the cup. + +WATER LILY.--This flower proclaims a declaration of love. + +WEASEL.--This animal shows cunning, and points to the sly behaviour of +someone with whom you associate, and of whom you feel no suspicion. + +WEATHERCOCK.--This is a sign that you feel incapable of making up your +mind definitely on any matter without first consulting each one with +whom you come in contact, and in the end you settle upon an entirely +different course of action. + +WEDDING CAKE.--This proclaims a speedy and prosperous marriage. + +WHALE.--A prediction of personal danger which may be averted if you are +cautious. + +WHEEL.--This is symbolic of the wheel of fortune and foreshows a +prosperous career or an inheritance of wealth; a broken wheel predicts a +bad disappointment as to an expected increase of income or a legacy. + +WHEELBARROW.--This sign foretells a visit to the country or a pleasant +renewal of friendship with those who live in it. + +WHIP.--To a woman this sign foretells vexation and trials in her +marriage; for a man, it has much the same meaning, and severe +disappointment will befall him. + +WICKET GATE.--A small incident leads up to an important future event. + +WIDOW'S BONNET.--This sign must be read in connection with other +symbols; sometimes it foreshows grief and mourning, or if dots are round +it, that a sum of money or a legacy may be expected from a widow. + +WINDMILL.--A sign that you may hope to succeed in a doubtful enterprise. + +WINDOW.--An open window shows that you are regarded with favour by many; +a closed one means embarrassment. + +WINE CUP.--Joy and realised ambition. + +WITCH ON BROOM.--You will be reproved by some of your friends who +consider that your interest in psychic matters is dangerous, but later +on you will be able to prove to their satisfaction that no harm has come +to it. + +WITNESS BOX.--With bad signs around it, this would point to a personal +matter ending in a law court; otherwise, it denotes the taking place of +a trial in which you will feel special interest. + +WOLF.--Beware of an avaricious and hard-hearted neighbour or friend. + +WOMAN CARRYING A BURDEN.--An unhappy marriage or unfortunate love +affair. + +WOMAN CARRYING A CHILD.--This shows distress, sometimes illness of +someone dear to you, or sadness through separation. + +WOMAN HOLDING A MIRROR.--Clairvoyance and prediction of the future are +signified by this symbol. + +WOMEN.--With bad signs, several women mean scandal; otherwise, society. + +WOOD.--Much happiness with someone dear to you, a forthcoming wedding, +or a fortunate and favourable event. + +WOODPECKER.--This bird brings pleasant news from those who live in the +country. + +WORMS.--These warn you of coming misfortune, or of treachery, and evil +by secret foes. + +WREATH.--This is a symbol of marriage, and of much happiness being in +store for you. + + +Y + +YACHT.--This is a favourable sign of increased wealth or happiness. + +YEW TREE.--You may expect to attain to a prominent position in life, and +to receive a legacy from an aged relative or friend. + + +Z + +ZEBRA.--Something for which you have long waited is now within sight, +but you are likely to be disappointed, for you will find that it was not +worth waiting for after all. + + + + +SOME COMBINATIONS OF SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANING + + +ACE OF DIAMONDS, A CIRCLE.--An engagement. + +ACE OF DIAMONDS, A BUSH.--A pleasant invitation. + +ACE OF CLUBS, AN OBELISK.--The offer of a good promotion. + +ACE OF HEARTS, A TRAIN, A QUERY.--Indecision about a removal. + +ACE OF HEARTS, AN URN, A BED.--Illness in the home. + +ACE OF SPADES, BRICKS.--An advantageous offer from a large town. + +ARM, A MYRTLE TREE, BIRD ON A PERCH.--New plans which bring about a +meeting with someone who will become all the world to you. + +ARUM LILY, BELLS, A CHURCH.--A wedding. + +ARUM LILY, A BAT, A BED, A WIDOW'S BONNET.--Death of a widow. + +BACON, PAGODA.--You will make your fortune abroad. + +BANANA, A PEACOCK, ACE OF HEARTS, TREES.--A happy marriage to someone of +wealth and property in the country. + +BED, AN ENGINE, LABURNUM TREE.--A happy visit to the country in the +spring. + +BESOM, UGLY FACES.--You will make many enemies by mischief-making. + +BONNET, A BOUQUET.--Marriage late in life. + +BRIDE, A CRESCENT MOON, A SWALLOW.--A journey which leads to a romantic +love affair. + +BRIDE, PENKNIFE, AN OWL.--Jealousy terminates an unhappy engagement. + +CAB, A SQUARE, A CAP.--A gloomy outlook brought about by one of the +opposite sex. + +CAMEL (LADEN), A SMALL "T," A COFFIN.--An unexpected fortune through the +death of someone abroad whose name begins with "T." + +CHAIN (ENTANGLED), ONION.--You will be placed in an embarrassing +position by the discovery of a secret. + +CHINESE LANTERN, A PAIR OF STILTS.--Pride brings about a fall. + +CLOVER, PLUMS, A BRIDGE.--A new and excellent opportunity will come your +way necessitating a journey. + +DAFFODILS, THE SUN.--A joyful occurrence in the spring. + +DOVES, A BOOK, A BEEHIVE.--You will advance rapidly and become a +well-known writer. + +DUCK, A VEGETABLE MARROW.--Rash investments. + +EAGLE (FLYING), A STEAMER, A TENT, A LARGE "E."--A position of honour in +Egypt. + +EAR, A BEEHIVE, A TRUMPET.--Fame as a public speaker. + +FATE LINE, A SWORD IN ITS SHEATH, THE SIGN OF MARS, A CHAIN.--A happy +fate awaits you, and marriage to a soldier who will rise to the top of +the tree in his profession. + +FROG, A FISH, A SHIP, A LARGE "C."--Emigration to Canada. + +GOAT, A RUNNING FIGURE, A LAMB.--There need be no doubt as to the +successful outcome of your venture. + +GRASSHOPPERS, A SLEIGH, A WREATH OF ASTERS.--Death of an elderly friend +or relative in the winter. + +KEY, A FLAMING TORCH.--Some discovery or the development of a patent +leads to your becoming famous. + +KING ON HIS THRONE, AN EAGLE IN A CAGE, A MACE.--An important public +ceremony in which you take a part. + +LADDER, RING, A MAN AND A WOMAN.--Marriage will be the means of +advancement and good fortune. + +LADDER, A PALETTE.--Attainment to a position of honour as an artist. + +LADDER, THE SYMBOL OF MARS.--A most fortunate career as a soldier. + +LION, A LUTE.--Rising to the top of the tree, as a musician, is assured +by these symbols. + +LION, A MAN SPEAKING FROM A PLATFORM.--Great success in a public career +and the attaining to an influential position. + +LION, A MAN BESIDE A PESTLE AND MORTAR.--Excellent prospects and fame as +a doctor. + +LIZARD, A PEAKED CAP.--An expected visitor is not to be trusted. + +MACE, A MALLET.--Through wisdom and clear judgment you will rise to a +position of authority. + +MAN CARRYING A BURDEN, A PAIR OF SCISSORS, A MUSHROOM.--Quarrels in an +unhappy love affair ending in a broken engagement. + +MAGNET, A MEAT COVER.--An unpleasant discovery leads to the abrupt +ending of an infatuation. + +NAIL, A PAIR OF PINCERS.--A visit to the dentist and the removal of a +tooth. + +NOTICE-BOARD, A LEEK, AN OPEN PADLOCK.--In a surprising manner you will +get the information for which you are seeking. + +ONIONS, AN OTTER.--Those in whom you trusted have betrayed your +confidence and divulged a secret. + +OWL, A PAIL.--Loss of income will necessitate your undertaking +distasteful work. + +PAGODA, A PALM TREE, WATER.--A voyage to a warm climate under very happy +conditions. + +PESTLE AND MORTAR, A WALKING STICK.--Illness and the arrival of the +doctor. + +PULPIT, OPERA GLASSES.--Those who weary others by undue curiosity will +always remain in ignorance. + +QUERY, A LETTER, INITIAL "B," A GRAVE STONE.--You will be consulted as +to the erecting of a headstone on the grave of a relative or friend. + +QUILL PEN, LILIES OF THE VALLEY, AN ORGAN.--Great happiness through +marriage. + +RABBIT, AN ARROW, A LARGE LETTER "L," A DAGGER.--News of severe illness +and a probable operation for a child who lives in London. + +RHINOCEROS, AN OVERCOAT, A STEAMER, A LARGE LETTER "I."--The undertaking +of a somewhat hazardous enterprise necessitates a voyage to India; +through this much will happen which will eventually lead to your +becoming famous. + +ROCKET, A PEAR, A SNOWDROP.--News of a birth of which you may expect to +hear in February. + +ROCKING CHAIR, A PEDESTRIAN, A MUSHROOM.--Deliberation over important +matters brings you to the conclusion that a great venture, which may +mean enormous gain, is worth a small risk, and success will await you. + +SAILOR, A FLYING SWALLOW, A TRIDENT, A RING.--Happy news of good +promotion for a sailor and a proposal of marriage. + +SCAFFOLD, LEG OF MUTTON.--Gambling or speculation will bring you to +poverty unless you pay heed to this warning. + +SHARK, A PISTOL, A FLYING SEAGULL.--News from abroad of a tragic death. + +SNAKE, A RAM, A WOMAN, A WIDOW'S BONNET.--Overwhelming evidence against +some widow who is a dangerous enemy. + +SOFA, A SLEIGH.--A cold in the head or a chill. + +SWORD, A RING, A MAN, A WOMAN, A TOAD.--Separation of lovers brought +about by slander and malicious talk. + +TABLE, A QUILL PEN, A CAT, A RING WITH DOTS AROUND.--Legal business +over money matters which leads to family quarrels. + +THRONE, AN OSTRICH RUNNING, A FLYING SEAGULL, A FLAG.--Serious news from +abroad of disturbances and rebellion. + +TRAM LINES, A BUILDING WITH DOTS AROUND IT, A PURSE.--You will take a +roadway journey to a bank and are warned to beware of pickpockets. + +URN, HOSPITAL NURSE, A MAN, A LARGE HEART.--Serious illness affecting +the heart is predicted for a man. + +VEGETABLE MARROW, A STEAMER, NATIVE WITH "TOM-TOM," A BROKEN +PILLAR.--Distressing news of misfortune for someone dear to you in +India. + +VIOLET, A WATER LILY, A ROBIN, A CRESCENT MOON, A RING.--A romantic love +affair which ends in a happy marriage taking place in the early spring. + +WADING BOOT, THE SIGN OF NEPTUNE, SEVERAL PENGUINS, A MAST.--News of a +disaster in the North Sea. + +WIDOW'S BONNET, A PIG, A DOTTED CIRCLE, THE FIGURES "100."--A small +legacy of a hundred pounds may be expected from a widow. + +WOODPECKER, TREES, A ROSE, A MAN.--A prospective visit to the country in +the summer, when you will meet with someone who will become very dear to +you. + +YEW TREE, AN OPEN PADLOCK, A WALLFLOWER, A PINEAPPLE.--A new plan of +life is made necessary as the result of an unexpected inheritance of +much wealth. + +SOME EXAMPLE CUPS WITH THEIR INTERPRETATIONS + +The following twenty illustrations are photographs of cups which on +various occasions have been turned by consultants and interpreted by a +seer. The student will find these of much practical value in learning +what symbols to look for, and how to discern them clearly as the cup is +turned about in the hand. + +The divination of each cup should be carefully studied with its +illustration; by this means the student will be enabled to grasp the +principles upon which to form a judgment of the cup as a whole. + +Having mastered this, the knowledge gained can be supplemented by +reference to the alphabetical Dictionary of Symbols and Their Meanings +in the previous chapter. + +To study the illustrations and their descriptions correctly, the former +must be turned about and about until each symbol has been identified. + + + + +TWENTY ILLUSTRATIONS + +WITH THEIR INTERPRETATIONS + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE I + + +The most noticeable feature of this cup is the clear evidence given that +the chief interests of the consultant are bound up in some man in India. +That there is delay in receiving important news from him is shown by the +symbol of the pigeon on the stone immediately beneath the handle. But +that most favourable news may be expected later is certain, for the +figure of a man upon an elephant with a pineapple beyond gives proof of +this. The natives with the large "P" in conjunction show that the +Punjaub is indicated, and this is further emphasised by the sign-post +which points towards these symbols. The child's toys show the +consultant's association and happiness with children. The figure of the +woman seated on the edge of a rock with its curious peak behind her, and +the seagull below, suggest that storms at sea will cause distress to +some woman known to the consultant. The small figure "11," close to this +symbol, points out that it is likely to be eleven days before there is +hope of the anxiety being relieved. + +[Illustration: FIGURE I] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_On sides_.--Natives on post. Large letter "P." Child's toys. Woman +with uplifted hands on curious shaped rock. Small numeral "11" above. +Seagull perched on small rock beneath. + +_In centre_.--Pigeon standing on large stone, man in sun helmet on +elephant. Sign-post pointing to letter "P." + +_Near rim and handle_.--A pineapple on dish. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE II + + +This cup shows that a variety of events may be expected, with a fair +proportion of pleasure and success to be anticipated from them. + +The finger beyond the handle pointing to the ark indicates that in all +trials the consultant will find a refuge. The hanging lamp is also a +guarantee of coming success, and prosperous undertakings, in some new +plan which is under consideration. + +The clouds, the symbol of the goat beyond which is facing into the open +gateway, signify that an advantageous opportunity, to which a certain +amount of risk is attached, awaits the consultant; the prominent +figurehead upon the stone pillar gives assurance that all will turn out +well, and that there is no need for hesitation in embarking upon this +new opportunity; that it will necessitate a removal is shown by the +buildings beyond. The quill pen and dots point to the fact that some +legal business will be transacted over money affairs. + +The dove-cot in the centre, with the form of a widow with dots around, +signifies that a benefit to the home may be expected in the future, +through a widow. The clergyman in conjunction, holding a paper, shows +that the benefit will probably come about through a reconciliation. The +bank of clouds behind the ferry boat shows that some trouble, to be +expected in the future, will be lightened by the help of good friends. +Whilst the bird stationary upon the piece of wood, at some distance from +the consultant, and in conjunction with the letter "L," means +uncertainty as to some desired information, which should come from +someone whose name begins with "L." + +[Illustration: FIGURE II] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_On sides_.--Finger. Small ark. Hanging lamp and shade. Large +arm-chair. Bank of clouds. Goat. Large open gateway. Curious shaped +figurehead upon a stone pillar. Low curved wall and buildings. Small +quill pen and dots. + +_In centre_.--Dove-cot. Widow in flowing veil seated in chair. Dots +around. Man in clerical hat holding an open paper in his hand. + +_Near rim_.--Shapeless leaves. Small ferry boat on water. Bird +standing on log of wood. Letter "L." + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE III + + +The cat with dots around being near the handle indicates financial worry +in the home. The bone beyond shows that the misfortunes will be met with +courage, and eventually overcome. The cockatoo, with the cauliflower +appearing on the opposite side, signifies that an unreliable friend will +cause the consultant a little uneasiness, and as a small symbol of a +mushroom is beside it, a quarrel with this undesirable friend may be +expected. + +The pear may be linked to the symbol of the font in the centre of the +cup, showing that the consultant may expect news of a birth; the carving +indicates that the news will give much satisfaction; the wine-cup, with +the leg in conjunction, points out that the ambitions of the consultant +will certainly be realised in the future. That a certain amount of +waiting will be necessary is shown by the distance from the handle. + +The motor boat, and monument in the centre, foretell the successful +outcome of a new venture, which at present is unthought-of. The rocks +show that a certain amount of mental agitation is aroused by the setting +out on this undertaking, but, with the reassuring symbols in this cup, +no alarm is necessary. + +[Illustration: FIGURE III] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_On side under handle_.--Cat. Scattered dots. + +_On side_.--Bone. Cockatoo upon a stump of wood. Small symbol of a +leg. Wine-cup held in hand. Small symbol of a mushroom. Pear. +Cauliflower. + +_On circle under handle_.--Curious shaped rocks. + +_On circle beyond_.--Monument. + +_In centre_.--Motor boat. Font. Carved figures. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE IV + + +The symbol of the seal being directly under the handle, with the large +arch and carving beyond, show that the consultant will soon enjoy the +fulfilment of a long desired hope; everything is going smoothly, and +will turn out as desired. The only obstacle is seen in the symbol of the +weasel, which appears beyond the seal, pointing to the fact that the +consultant has someone who is not to be trusted in the home, but this +will not result in anything serious. + +The figures of the two women opposite the handle show the arrival of +friends to the "house," bringing presents with them. The inkpot, pen, +and numeral "7," with the bird's nest in connection, show that happy +news, as the result of personal effort on the part of the consultant, +may be looked for within seven days. + +The rock, motor, and wavy lines being in conjunction, warn the +consultant of some forthcoming vexation, and possibly alarm, in +connection with a motor expedition, but the episode is in the distance, +and will not be more than a passing cloud. + +The slug, at the bottom of the cup, predicts a future disturbance with +someone, but the matter will be trifling. The large symbol of the king +and queen upon the throne, opposite the handle, foretells a future of +honour and wealth, and the assurance of every happiness for this +fortunate consultant. + +[Illustration: FIGURE IV] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_Opposite handle on circle_.--Two women, inside figure carrying +basket, outside figure with parcel under arm. + +_On sides_.--Line of wavy dots. Large rock. Motor. Bird's nest. +Pen. Numeral "7." Inkpot. + +_On circle_.--Large arch with carving. + +_In centre_.--Slug. Figures of King and Queen on throne. + +_Under handle_.--Seal. Weasel. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE V + + +The large rock on the side, with the letter "J" beside it, speaks of a +forthcoming vexation or trouble caused by someone whose name begins with +"J." The necklace and jewellery beyond, with scattered dots around, give +a cheerful assurance to the consultant of coming prosperity. This is +further emphasised by the circle of dots above the letter "C" in the +centre. As the initial is large, it probably indicates the name of the +place from which the source of wealth may be anticipated; and that much +happiness will come to the consultant in the future, is shown by the +dancing figure and carved figures being in conjunction. + +The small basket, the sausage, and roll of bread, with the query and "2" +beyond, all point to the fact that the consultant will have little +complaints and grumbles to put up with, and there will be some doubt as +to which of two people is most to blame. But it will be only a small +ripple upon the otherwise smooth surface of the consultant's outlook. + +[Illustration: FIGURE V] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_On sides_.--Large rocks. Letter "J" in conjunction. Necklace. +Jewellery. + +_In centre_.--Large ornamental "C." Circle of dots above. Figure of +girl dancing with arm upraised beneath. Carved figures. + +_In centre near circle_.--Basket. Large sausage with roll of bread +in conjunction. Small query. Numeral "2." + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE VI + + +The numeral "4," beside the shapeless leaves, and the line leading from +this to the flat rock beyond, indicate that in about four days the +consultant may expect to meet with obstacles in the way of some +prospective outing or pleasure, which will probably fall through. + +The corkscrew, with the letter "C" in conjunction, signifies vexatious +curiosity as to the consultant's private concerns, on the part of +persons whose names begin with these initials. But that it is merely a +passing annoyance is shown by the symbol of the arch, and dancing +figures above it, and, with the fig tree beyond, foretells the +development of things most wished for, and much future happiness and +prosperity. + +The anvil in the centre, with the branches of a tree in conjunction, +suggests that it will be largely owing to the consultant's energy that +this hopeful outlook in the future may safely be predicted. + +[Illustration: FIGURE VI] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_On sides_.--Corkscrew. Letter "C." Arch. Dancing figures above. +Fig tree. + +_Near rim_.--Shapeless leaves. Numeral "4." Line leading to flat +rock. + +_In centre_.--Anvil. Branches of a tree. + +_Under handle_.--Scattered dots. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE VII + + +Although the small symbol of the dagger points towards the consultant, +it would not in this case predict a personal danger, as there are no +further signs of illness or misfortune. So that it may safely be taken +to mean that the consultant will shortly be going to see a friend who +has had an operation; this fact is borne out by the short dotted line +beyond, leading to the door knocker, under which is written the word +"in." + +The numeral "7" coming at the end of the dotted line would show that it +will probably be seven weeks before this friend recovers from the +illness. This friend's name is shown to begin with "L," as that letter +is also near the end of the lines. + +The more distant signs of a brooch and a cabinet beyond both foretell +the unexpected development of good fortune. If the consultant is +married, the thimble in the centre would show future changes in the +household; that they will be advantageous is shown by the large feather +which gives assurance of a prosperous future. + +That this may come about through a friend, or lover, is shown by the +cigar, and is further emphasised by the large dots beside it. + +A warning against extravagance, however, is given to the consultant by +the crinoline, which appears amidst these signs of future wealth. + +[Illustration: FIGURE VII] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_Near rim_.--Small dagger. Short dotted line leading to door +knocker, with "in" written beneath. Numeral "7." Letter "L." Dots. + +_On sides near circle_.--Group of dots and small symbols showing +presents. Brooch. Cabinet. + +_In centre_.--Crinoline. Large feather. Small cigar. Thimble. + +_Under handle_.--Symbols of letters and parcels. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE VIII + + +The only definite indication of future prospects is shown by the symbol +of the organ, and acorn, upon the circle at the bottom of the cup, the +position of these signs showing that hope will not be realised for some +time. + +But these symbols make the prediction of ultimate success a safe one. +Should the consultant be a musician, triumph in the profession would be +assured. + +The coal scoop and beetle are significant of domestic worries and +household cares. But the tea cosy in the centre promises compensation in +the way of small comforts and affection. + +[Illustration: FIGURE VIII] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +Small symbol of a coal scoop. + +_On circle_.--Organ. Acorn beside it. Beetle. + +_In centre_.--Tea cosy. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE IX + + +This cup would be singularly disappointing from the consultant's point +of view, as it is devoid of incident. + +The large spray of thistle on the rim indicates an unselfish life of +endurance. For the present, there is no sign of a more eventful +existence. + +The dust-pan, brush, and duster, in the centre, point to future domestic +vexations, but the large spray of iris beside it promises a pleasure +which will far outbalance the trifling disturbance. + +[Illustration: FIGURE IX] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_Near rim_.--Thistle. + +_Centre_.--Dust-pan and brush. Duster. Large spray of iris. + +_Under handle_.--Shapeless leaves. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE X + + +The most striking features of this cup are the various indications of +pleasure and social enjoyment. These being shown by the cake and +butterfly, while the orchid in conjunction predicts that the +consultant's personal charm and power of attraction will result in a +future of wealth and social distinction. + +The pillar, near the rim and handle, gives a pleasing assurance of +security and loyal friends. The bird flying from the cage brings joyful +news, that something which has been an obstacle in the way of the +consultant's desires is about to be removed, and much future happiness +may be looked for. + +The figure of the man fishing from a rock foreshows the arrival of a +visitor, who will have some pleasant news to tell. + +The toque opposite the handle, but at the bottom of the cup, gives +further evidence of the good luck coming to this fortunate consultant. + +[Illustration: FIGURE X] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_Near rim_.--Small stone pillar. Cake on dish. Man on rock fishing. + +_On sides_.--Bird cage, small bird flying from it. + +_On circle_.--Butterfly. Lady's hat. + +_In centre_.--Orchid with long stalk. + +_Under handle_.--Shapeless leaves. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE XI + + +This cup indicates that the consultant is apt to be ruffled by trifles +and to become upset by anything unexpected. As, for instance, in the +case of the arrival of visitors, shown by the mass of leaves and chair. +The query beside it shows the indecision of the consultant's mind as to +necessary arrangements. The boots on the opposite side denote that lack +of income will not trouble the consultant. + +But that there is some misfortune or hindrance in the future is shown by +the symbol of the broken cross in the bottom of the cup; the head and +shoulders of the woman beside it suggest that this trouble will be +caused by a woman. Compensation will be found in the happy love affair, +which is clearly predicted by the cherries, the figures of the man and +woman embracing, and the man's hat and pipe. + +Large dots signify that wealth will be added to happiness. This event +must not be expected for some months, as the symbols are in the bottom +of the cup. + +The letter "N" with the dots and small tree beyond show an immediate +pleasant happening, in connection with a person whose name begins with +that letter. + +[Illustration: FIGURE XI] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_Near rim_.--Mass of leaves. Stones. + +_On sides_.--Chair. Query. Two boots. + +_On circle_.--Figure of man and woman embracing. Small bunch of +cherries beneath. Several dots. Man's hat and pipe in conjunction. + +_In centre_.--Broken cross. Head and shoulders of woman. + +_Under handle_.--Letter "N." Small tree beyond. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE XII + + +The present conditions of this consultant are not cheering. The large +cloud, associated with dots, the small dog on the opposite side, and the +policeman beyond, all point to grievous money worries, possibly caused +by dishonesty. + +The somewhat indistinct axe implies a brave effort to overcome, and +final mastery of, some of the difficulties. + +However, the future has more pleasant prospects, and may be looked +forward to with hope. The symbols of the clover and cherries, give +assurance of this. + +The spray of ivy speaks of the patience with which the present trials +are borne, also that true friends are a source of comfort to the +consultant. + +[Illustration: FIGURE XII] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_On side_.--Small dog lying down. + +_Near rim_.--Policeman. Indistinct symbol of an axe. Large cloud. +Dots. + +_Centre_.--Two small butterflies. Small symbol of a stocking. Small +bunch of cherries. Spray of ivy. Clover. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE XIII + + +The consultant who has "turned" this cup must be prepared for delays, +and must not expect real happiness until rather late in life, this being +shown by the bonnet and strings on the side of the cup. + +The small symbol of birds on a perch gives further evidence that having +to wait is a feature of the consultant's lot. The rock and pipe beyond +show some dismay with regard to a dear friend. + +The large spray of mistletoe and holly at the bottom of the cup, with +the letters "F" and "L" in conjunction, implies that some event of +importance to the consultant, in connection with persons whose names +begin with these initial letters, will occur in the winter. If the cup +has been "turned" during the autumn or winter, probably a year will pass +before the event takes place, as the mistletoe indicates delay. But this +consultant is prepared to hear the truth, and faces it calmly, even if +it is a little unpleasant; the symbol of the woman looking into the +glass brings this fact to light. + +The child playing with its toys foreshows future pleasant plans which +will result in tranquillity and satisfaction. + +[Illustration: FIGURE XIII] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_On sides_.--Bonnet and strings. Birds on perch. Pieces of rock. A +pipe. + +_On circle_.--Child with toys. + +_Centre_.--Large sprays of mistletoe and holly. Letters "F" and +"L." Figure of woman looking in glass. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE XIV + + +This cup was "turned" by a well-known authoress. Its sinister appearance +is accounted for by the fact that at the time of "turning" the cup, she +was arranging mentally a murder plot for the book she was then writing. + +The symbols speak for themselves and need no explanation. + +It is a most interesting specimen, as being absolutely unique. + +[Illustration: FIGURE XIV] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_On side overlapping circle_.--Tail and hindquarters of rat, with +head in a hole. Monster with a man's head and bear's paws. + +_On side_.--Dead fish beyond. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE XV + + +The consultant who "turned" this cup was sorrowful and had either just +passed through a bereavement, or such will take place in the immediate +future. The rough cross and the grave near the handle point to this. The +bed, with the figure of the woman in nurse's cloak near it tells of +serious illness in the home. But this is a future trouble, as the +symbols appear at some distance from the handle. The saucepan also bears +witness to the general gloom. + +The ivy leaves beyond the rough cross show the patience with which the +consultant bears the trials; also that good and loyal friends will be a +source of comfort. + +The small bit of wood and the closed book are symbols of hope, and +assure this sad consultant that the expected improvement in affairs will +certainly take place and will relieve some of the present anxieties. + +This is the most that can be foretold of the future, for there are no +signs of pleasant events or definite changes. Indeed, the symbol of the +loaf of bread in the centre of the cup shows that monotony and ordinary +routine are all that can be predicted from the divination. + +[Illustration: FIGURE XV] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_Near rim_.--Rough cross. Ivy leaves beyond. Large closed book. + +_On sides_.--Log of wood. Bed. Figure of a woman in nurse's cloak +beside it. Grave, with small cross. + +_In centre_.--Loaf of bread. Small symbol of a saucepan. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE XVI + + +This cup gives an impression of a somewhat undeveloped character which +is further brought into notice by the stump of a tree on the circle; the +hen on a nest, near the handle, points to a home life of comfort and +affection. + +The egg in the cup, and the duck, show that a risk of threatened +disaster, as a result of rash speculation will be averted, and with the +symbol of the three boots, fortunate prospects, and the guarantee of +hope fulfilled, may safely be predicted for the future. + +[Illustration: FIGURE XVI] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_On sides_.--Hen on nest. Shapeless leaves. Egg in cup. + +_Near circle opposite handle_.--A duck. + +_On circle_.--Stump of tree. Three boots. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE XVII + + +The figure of the child, with its toys beyond, implies that new plans, +to be made very soon, will be most beneficial, and will bring much +pleasure to the consultant. But as the sausages and snail are not far +distant, there is likely to be a marring of the pleasant conditions, +caused by an act of unfaithfulness on the part of someone with whom the +consultant is closely connected. + +The bellows beyond suggest that the matter is treated with as much +philosophy as possible, and with a resolve to make the best of a bad +business; the ham also, being in conjunction, it is evident that the +episode will not interfere with the consultant's success in life. + +The sign post, with the running figure beside it and the large letter +"M" beyond, prepare the consultant for startling news, the result of +which will be of great importance. The news will come from a place +beginning with the letter "M." There is no doubt that the matter will +turn out admirably and bring about many advantages, as shown by the +spreading branches of the tree; while the grapes beneath promise +abundant success and joy. + +The large boot-tree and latch-key on the circle beneath the handle +predict a fortunate and unexpected gain in the near future. This +consultant may look forward with confidence to the pleasures which fate +has in store. + +[Illustration: FIGURE XVII] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_On sides_.--Child seated. Toys beyond. Sausages. Snail. Ham. +Bellows. + +_In centre_.--Sign post. Running figure beside it. Large letter "M" +in conjunction. + +_On circle_.--Tree with spreading branches. Bunch of grapes +beneath. Large boot-tree. Latch-key. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE XVIII + + +The shadow beneath the haycock shows that the consultant will soon be +placed in a somewhat trying position and will have considerable +difficulty in finding a way out of it. + +The future is full of promise and there can be little doubt that the +consultant will enjoy the pleasures of prosperity. + +A journey to a cold climate to be taken later will result in very +propitious news as shown by the symbol of the pheasant. + +[Illustration: FIGURE XVIII] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_On sides_.--Shapeless leaves. Haycock. Shadow beneath. + +_In centre_.--Pair of boots. Spreading branches of a tree. Pheasant +flying. + +_Near circle_.--Head of a polar bear. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE XIX + + +The doll on the side, with the small symbol of a toadstool beside it, +gives a warning to the consultant against folly and a bad habit of +gossiping when feeling bored in society. The stuffed head of the deer, +in this case, shows that much distress is caused by the unguarded talk, +and the consultant certainly cannot be described as an "innocent cause." + +The various scattered shapeless leaves point to confusion, and a +somewhat "happy-go-lucky" nature. The spray of poppies on the circle +beneath the handle foreshows that a pleasant experience may be expected +in the summer. + +The broken gate, with the cross above it, denotes that a new opportunity +which awaits the consultant at a future date, will coincide with a time +of perplexity and trouble, which fact is further borne out by the +running figure below. This being in conjunction with a large letter "Y," +implies that the disturbance will arise in connection with a place, the +name of which begins with "Y." + +[Illustration: FIGURE XIX] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_On sides_.--Small symbol of a toadstool. Doll. Head of a stuffed +deer. + +_Near rim_.--Many shapeless leaves. + +_On circle_.--Spray of poppies. + +_In centre_.--Broken gate with cross above it. Large "Y." Running +figure. + + + + +INTERPRETATION + +FIGURE XX + + +This cup shows confusion and that the consultant was in a state of +mental turmoil at the time of "turning" it. But in spite of this +drawback there are some interesting facts to be found. + +The dotted circles and large ornamental arch point to a most hopeful +outlook and to the successful development of some desire at present +unattainable. + +The various initials and small numerals scattered about show +correspondence as to plans and fixing of dates. The bush apple tree +speaks of some pleasure which may be looked forward to in the summer. + +The dancing figures predict much future happiness; the numerous changes +which are likely to come about will all tend to success and the +gratifying of the consultant's wishes. And what more cheerful outlook +than this can be desired? + +[Illustration: FIGURE XX] + +PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS + +_On sides_.--Scattered shapeless leaves. Several initials. Small +numerals. Dotted circles. A large ornamental arch. + +_Near circle_.--Bush apple tree. + +_In centre_.--Dancing and grotesque figures. + + + + +CONCLUDING NOTE + +It may be safely promised to those who follow the simple instructions +given in this book that within a short time they will find themselves +encircled by a halo of popularity. For few things provide a more certain +guarantee of this pleasant condition than that of being able to "tell +fortunes." Divination by tea-leaves will bring to those who study it +deeply a fund of knowledge beyond the radius of normal understanding. + +For those who use it as a means of amusement only, it will give pleasure +which is dependent upon nothing more difficult to obtain than a cup of +tea! With this recommendation I will leave these pages, in the sincere +hope that this little book may be of real value to those who desire to +be initiated into the fascinating art of reading the future in a +tea-cup. + + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Telling Fortunes by Tea Leaves, by Cicely Kent + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TELLING FORTUNES BY TEA LEAVES *** + +***** This file should be named 6964.txt or 6964.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/6/9/6/6964/ + +Produced by David Garcia, Tiffany Vergon, Juliet Sutherland, +Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed Proofreading +Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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