Tea Leaf Reading 101: A Beginner’s Guide
- cathyskidmore
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
At Mystic T Spiritual Centre, one of the most beloved services I offer is a Tea Leaf Reading—a beautiful practice that has guided seekers for generations. Whether you’re brand new to this art or simply curious about what your teacup might reveal, this beginner’s guide will help demystify the process and inspire you to see your next cup of tea in a whole new way.
What Is Tea Leaf Reading?
Also known as tasseography, tea leaf reading is the practice of interpreting patterns left by tea leaves in the bottom of a teacup. It is a gentle and intuitive method of divination, used to gain insight into your present circumstances, future possibilities, and inner world.
Each reading is as unique as the person holding the cup. While it draws on traditional symbols, it’s also a deeply personal and intuitive experience.
The Basics: How a Tea Leaf Reading Works
A tea leaf reading typically begins with a calming ritual:
Pick your favourite tea cup, best cup is a wide, light-colored.
Add a small amount of loose leaf tea,
Add a small amount of liquid at the bottom, focusing on a question or concern if you have one.
Pick up your cup with your left hand, then gently swirl the cup three times.
Turn the cup upside down on a saucer, allowing the liquid to drain.
Turn the cup upright and begin observing the leaf patterns.
During a professional reading, I interpret these symbols for you—but learning to observe them yourself can be a wonderful way to connect with your intuition.
Common Symbols and Their Meanings
Here are just a few traditional symbols that often appear in the tea leaves—and what they might signify:
Heart – Love, connection, or an emotional turning point
Circle – Completion of a cycle, wholeness, or a new beginning
Bird – News is coming, or freedom is on the horizon
Tree – Growth, stability, or deepening roots in an area of your life
Snake – Caution, hidden information, or transformation
Anchor – Security, grounding, or a decision to stay the course
Star – Hope, guidance, or divine inspiration
Keep in mind that interpretations can vary depending on their placement in the cup (near the rim may suggest the near future; near the base may refer to foundational issues or the distant past).
Can Anyone Learn Tea Leaf Reading?
Absolutely. While experience enhances interpretation, anyone can learn the basics of tea leaf reading. It’s not about memorizing symbols—it’s about learning to trust your intuitive response to the shapes and patterns.
Many people use it as a form of reflection, journaling about what they see and how it relates to what they’re going through.
Want to Try a Reading With Me?
If you’re curious to experience the magic of tea leaf reading firsthand, I’d love to guide you. Sessions are available in 30 or 60-minute formats and offer a calming, insightful experience designed just for you.
You can also book group readings for parties, birthdays, or bridal events—a fun and meaningful way to gather and connect.
Looking to Go Deeper?
Tea Leaf Reading is one of the many intuitive practices we explore at Mystic T Spiritual Centre, alongside Reiki, Tarot, and Mediumship. If you're drawn to this art, ask me about upcoming workshops or download my intuitive development tools to begin exploring at home.
Visit the shop or book your reading at: https://mystictspiritualcentre.square.site
Cathy Skidmore is an Intuitive Tea Leaf Reader, Reiki master and tea consultant who loves to use the tea cup and its signs and symbols to provide clarity and guidance for all your pressing questions.
Cathy has been providing guidance to her clients for over 10 years and is known to help others find peace and ease in making decisions through her readings and gentle guidance.
What will your cup reveal?
Mystic T Spiritual Centre
416-671-2708
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