zodiac
How To Do A Tea-Leaf Reading
When I do a teacup reading, I let my mind to run free as I interpret the symbols in the tea leaves for the client. There are standard traditional guidelines as to what different shapes may symbolize, but I prefer to let my intuition do the talking.
Interpretation of the tea leaves is subjective, and there is no one right way to do it. Different readers will interpret the same patterns differently.
However, there are some common symbols one will often find in the bottom of the cup include animals, human faces, and all kinds of everyday objects. Symbols grouped together can create a theme, and sometimes the tea leaves spell out letters of the alphabet or numbers.
Tea-leaf reading is also known as tasseography, tasseomancy or tassology. Tasseography is also done by reading wine sediments and coffee grounds. This divination practice possibly originated in China, where tea was first cultivated, and may have evolved from the Chinese traditions of divining the patterns left by the dregs of wine in a cup, as well as the patterns created by the smoke from incense sticks.
Tea itself was first introduced to Europe in the 17th century and thus tea-leaf reading spread to other parts of the world. Among the first Europeans to embrace the practice were the traveling Romani people, who sometimes offered is as a door-to-door service. Tea-leaf reading also became popular in Victorian times as a parlor game.
Like Tarot reading or scrying a crystal ball, tea-leaf reading is a divination method for accessing the universal consciousness via the subconscious mind. Slowing down the rational, analytical mind allows us to focus on our intuition to receive divine guidance.
Astrology Forecast September 11 – 17, 2023
There’s lots of positive cosmic energy this week, starting with a bold Leo Moon today and tomorrow that will have us feeling confident, generous and self-expressive. We will also be more likely to seek pleasure and enjoyment in our personal life, instead of focusing on work and everyday responsibilities. This morning the Leo Moon sextile Mars in Libra will fortunately inspire positive social interaction at work, so make the most of this aspect to network and build rapport with coworkers.
We can get more work done on Wednesday under the Virgo Moon, which casts some extra energy our way to get paperwork and detailed projects cleared away once and for all. And once we do, the Virgo New Moon on Thursday will pave the way to inspired new projects or goals we are ready to pursue.
Mercury will resume forward motion on Friday, ending its three week retrograde cycle and those annoying communication and electronic anomalies it’s so notorious for! It could however take a week or two before its effects clear completely, but we’ll notice right away things taking a more positive direction.
The Moon cruises through Libra Friday through Sunday, promising a weekend full of joy, relaxation, and heartfelt interactions with all those around us. Saturday night’s Libra Moon sextile Venus in Leo sets the scene for the perfect romantic date or a lovely evening at home with friends and family over a sumptuous home-cooked meal.
Astrology Forecast September 4 – 10, 2023
Jupiter goes retrograde today in Taurus where it will be the rest of the year. Jupiter is the planet of growth, expansion and risk-taking. It also rules higher truth, law, philosophy, and spiritual wisdom.
When Jupiter goes retrograde, these influences are turned inward and we may find ourselves reflecting more on our personal and spiritual growth, and where we may lack the courage and determination to make necessary changes in our lives.
In Taurus, Jupiter’s retrograde energy will steer our self-reflection over the next few months towards new opportunities for growth and future possibilities for expansion; recognizing where we may have been lazy in our past efforts; the need to improve our financial situation by saving and investing for the future; evaluating where our lives may currently lack security and stability; and revising our goals and plans to include more effort and risk-taking in the future.
A Taurus Moon today and tomorrow makes these first two days the most productive of the week. Once the Moon moves into Gemini on Wednesday, social interaction will take center stage as we enjoy being around people and making new friends.
Our attention will shift to learning new things and sharing our thoughts and ideas with others. This is also a great time to network and build business relationships. But try not to be restless and stay focused to make the most of this transit.
Things will ease up on Friday and Saturday under a nurturing Cancer Moon that turns our attention to the comforts of home and family. If you are empathic or highly sensitive, you may feel a strong desire to care for others over the weekend. It is good to be kind and nurturing, but be careful not to do so at the expense of your own self-care. In order to truly be there for others, we must also care for ourselves.
Fortunately, there will be a great opportunity for some quality ‘me time’ on Sunday, when the Moon moves into Leo, giving you a chance to nurture yourself and indulge in your favorite battery recharging activities.
Astrology Forecast August 28 – September 3, 2023
We are in for a busy week astrologically, starting with Uranus going retrograde today.
While outer planets can be subtle when they begin a retrograde period, Uranus is the exception, as its very nature is to create unexpected changes. In combination with the Moon passing through Aquarius (the sign Uranus rules) today and tomorrow, it’s best to expect the unexpected.
More annoying than problematic, some of the problems this scenario may cause is oversleeping, overeating, and minor computer or appliance problems. Nothing that comes our way will be too overwhelming to navigate, but it may cause brief delays as we rally to get things back on track.
On Wednesday we’ll have a Blue Moon, meaning it will be waxing full for the second time this month. Thus the saying “once in a blue moon,” to refer to a rare or unexpected event. A Blue Moon usually brings a positive surprise our way, and perhaps this will remedy whatever problems we encountered on Monday. Fingers crossed!
Stay grounded and prepared to face the truth Thursday afternoon, because the Pisces Moon opposite Mercury Retrograde in Virgo could reveal information that may disillusion or compel us to change our mind about a long-held belief. Think carefully before you act and try not to overreact.
If you’re wondering if there will be any quiet days this week, take heart! Friday and Saturday the Aries Moon will restore our energy and get us back on track in no time. And there’s more good news. On Sunday, Venus will end its six-week retrograde and go direct, bringing back the love, passion and beauty that this planet is known for.
Astrology Forecast August 21 – 27, 2023
Increased awareness, focus and attention to detail are at the forefront this week. First, the Moon transits Scorpio today through Wednesday. To top it off, the Sun enters Virgo on Wednesday, followed by Mercury (its ruler) going retrograde.
This cosmic cluster will result in an energetic emphasis on paying attention, practicing caution, and not getting stuck in the minutiae of daily life. Flexibility and compromise will be essential to getting through the first three days of the week.
Be especially careful with financial matters and business dealings tomorrow, for a Venus in Leo square to Jupiter in Taurus tomorrow morning, followed by Mars in Virgo opposing Neptune in Pisces in the afternoon, could cause all kinds of trouble, including financial losses, poor money decisions, overspending, and even fraud. Do not book any events or trips, do not sign up for or order anything, and especially do not sign any contracts. Also, avoid discussing finances with your spouse, partner, business associates, or clients, as conflicts and disagreements are likely to arise.
A more light-hearted energy will bring some balance on Thursday and Friday under a Sagittarius Moon, allowing us to regroup after a trying few days. Make it a point to relax, play, have some fun, and leave the next batch of heavy lifting for another day.
This weekend the Capricorn Moon gives us a chance to re-ground ourselves, look at things from a more logical and practical angle, and work on our self-care. The week also ends with Mars moving into Libra, marking the beginning of a two-month cycle of more balanced movement and improved interpersonal relationships.
Astrology Forecast August 14 – 20, 2023
The week begins with a confident Leo Moon this morning that will boost our self-esteem, assertiveness, and creative expression. It will culminate in a Leo New Moon on Wednesday morning, causing our emotions to dominate in a positive, uplifting way the first three days of the week and ensuring that our interactions with others will be kind and harmonious.
However, the gentle, sentimental mood of tomorrow night’s Leo Moon conjunction with Venus could later turn into an irritable mood, irresponsible actions, or hypersensitivity under the Leo Sun square with Uranus in Taurus tomorrow night. What may start out as a lovely romantic evening with someone special could morph into an impulsive, emotional whirlwind, so try to avoid spiraling into unnecessary emotional drama.
The best time to get anything of a detailed or organized nature done this week is Thursday and Friday, when the Moon moves through intellectual Virgo. Whether you’re clearing out clutter at home, creating a new organizational system at work, restructuring your finances, or dealing with personal health issues, the Virgo Moon will ensure a more successful effort. A Virgo Moon conjunction with Mercury also ensures that Friday will be a great day for business success and sound judgment in professional matters.
The weekend is all about balance, as a Libra Moon reminds us to look closely at any areas of our lives that have become unbalanced or out of order. Relationships are also highlighted this weekend, inviting us to spend more time with our loved ones and give thanks for the special people in our lives. The Libra Moon sextile Venus in Leo makes Sunday the perfect opportunity for a romantic outing with your partner, or a blind date with a new love interest.
Astrology Forecast August 7 – 13, 2023
This week promises to be harmonious and productive as cosmic enegies unfold in a steady and uplifting manner. All in all this week will be the calmest we’ve experienced in a while, with more of the same next week.
The Moon will glide through Taurus today and tomorrow, making the first two days the most productive of the week. Grounded, energetic, and optimistic, we will get the week off to a good start under this influence. A Taurus Moon sextile with Saturn in Pisces today, and a trine with Mars in Virgo tomorrow, will further boost our organizational skills and resourcefulness. It will inspire us to take responsibility and pursue our goals with determination and practical action.
Three days of social interaction and informative conversations follow under the Gemini Moon on Wednesday through Friday. It offers a great opportunity to lay the groundwork for future enterprises, so use these three days to gather more information, research the validity of what you know so far, and brainstorm with others for fresh ideas and alternative paths to make your ideas a reality.
Stepping back to focus on self-nurturing and relaxation will be the focus this weekend, as the Moon enters Cancer and reminds us to take care of ourselves, the people we care about, and our surroundings.
Sunday will offer a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your partner, or hang out with friends. A Cancer Moon sextile with Mars in Virgo, as well as with Uranus in Taurus, will set the scene for romance, or some well-deserved fun and laughter! If you are not in a social mood, Sunday will also be the ideal time to redecorate your home, or finish that creative project you have been procrastinating on.