Telling Fortunes By Tea Leaves Part 26

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 pa.s.s 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 gla.s.s brings this fact to light.

The child playing with its toys foreshows future pleasant plans which will result in tranquillity and satisfaction.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIGURE XIII]

PRINc.i.p.aL 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 gla.s.s.

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE XIV

This cup was "turned" by a well-known auth.o.r.ess. 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.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIGURE XIV]

PRINc.i.p.aL 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 pa.s.sed 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 a.s.sure 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.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIGURE XV]

PRINc.i.p.aL 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.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIGURE XVI]

PRINc.i.p.aL 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.