“Well, Harry's got a wonky sort of cross - that's trials and suffering.
But this here could be the Sun - that's happiness.
So... you're going to suffer but you're going to be happy about it." 

Ron Weasley reading Harry Potter's tea leaves, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban



Tea Leaf Reading or “Tasseography” is a divination method that interprets patterns in tea leaves, coffee grounds, or wine sediments. (Coffee grounds reading is known as “Cafeomancy" and reading of patterns in wine sediment is called "Oenomancy".) While these usually fall under the category of “fortune telling”they may be more a form of augury, the prophetic divining of the future by observation of omens and portents.

The difference between prophecy and fortune telling is that fortune telling is just a prediction about the future while prophecy claims to come directly from a divine or universal source. Prophecy is normally concerned with the big picture of the Universe's "plan" for earth, specific nations or peoples while fortune telling is normally only concerned with specific individuals or circumstances and is neither the main emphasis or the main reason why the “message” is given.

Factual information alone isn't sufficient to guide you through life's labyrinthines. You need and deserve regular deliveries of uncanny revelation. 

~Rob Brezsny~

How to Read Tea Leaves: The Ritual (video)

With all this in mind, you are ready to read your leaves or grounds. While this method of divination can be performed in many ways, the most common method is as follows:

• Brew the tea. Any variation of tea may be used for reading. However, do not use a strainer because you need the leaves to do your reading.
• Prepare Yourself Mentally. Think about your life or any unanswered question you may hold while the tea brews. If you are reading someone else’s leaves, then the contemplation would need to be done by that person with the cup sitting before them.
• Prepare Cup. The person in the contemplative state then drinks their cup of tea but is careful to keep their tea leaves in the cup. With very little liquid remaining, swirl the cup around slowly. Take the cup into your left hand (“your left hand is your intuitive hand”) circle it clockwise three times, and put the saucer on top of the cup. Flip the cup over onto the saucer to drain, and when you turn the cup back over again it’s ready to read.Once you’ve completed this task, pour out the rest of the liquid from the cup.
•  Now, the freaky part. Read the tea leaves by identifying the patterns or shapes in the cup. You will need to use a scrutinizing eye to determine exactly what you see before you in the cup. While it is not an exact science, do you best to identify the most prominent pattern or shape.

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(What do you see in this teacup? divination@spiritwalkministry.com)

Common Tea Leaf Symbols To Be Aware Of

There are many books of symbols and their meanings out there,
but don’t limit yourself to using just the ones found in lists. 
Do not be afraid to ignore other's interpretations, just go with your own perceptions.
Your mind's eye will reveal a clearer picture than what other's words portray.

Alligator - Danger is lurking

Anchor - Secure mooring in troubled waters.

Arrows - The passage of time, approaching news

Birds - Swift and direct travels, change with the seasons

Butterfly - Metamorphosis

Cat - Gossip. sneaking around

Clouds - Hidden difficulties, a storm approachimg

Clown - A happy image for some, but a figure of terror for others

Cow - Prosperity, mother's milk

Cross - Trouble, delay or death

Crow (Raven) - An omen of gloom and death in some cultures (European), a symbol of guidance and foresight in other cultures (Native American)

Crown - Success and honor

Dog - Good and true friend; or a friend needs help

Door - Opportunities rnter through a new opening

Dragon - Entering the realm of Ancient High Magick

Fence/Wall - Limitations, holding things back

Fish - Swimming in the sea of universal consciuosness

Fox - Slyness or backstabbing 

Frog - Symbol of  transformation; a change is on the way. (see also "Toad")

Goat - A hard headed opponent

Heart - Love or marriage if right way up. Sorrow if upside down

Horseshoe - Good luck to come if pointing up. Luck is running out if pointing down

Hourglass - Time is running out

Lantern - Enlightenment

Lines - A straight line can indicate the direction your path may take. Crooked lines mean tough travels.

Moon - Hidden emotions

Moth - Others eating away at your reources

Owl - A wise influence

Rabbit - The cunning and bravery to overcome a challenge

Rainbow - The most difficult time is now over

Spider - A web of intrigue.

Squirrel - Saving up now for future times of want

Star - Guidance

Sun - Honor and happiness

Sword - An argument taking place between friends or lovers

Toad - A symbol of witches and witchcraft who often appear as a warning of black magic.

Turtle - Slow progress; a sluggard approach

Umbrella - Trouble, but there will be protection

Wheel - Good wheel means good travel. Broken wheel means interuipted journey

Wings - Messages from Heaven.

Wolf -  A symbol of cruelty, cunning and greed in some cultures, but in others it represents courage and freedom.

 Other symbols may be found at Divination By Tea Leaves

http://divinationbytealeaves.com

 Stephen Fry's Interesting Monologue About Teacups