TEA-CUP READING AND FORTUNE-TELLING BY TEA … READING AND FORTUNE... · TEA-CUP READING AND...

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TEA-CUP READING AND FORTUNE-TELLING BY TEA LEAVES By A Highland Seer With Ten Illustrations NEW YORK GEORGE SULLY AND COMPANY PRINTED IN U.S.A. CONTENTS Preface 11 I. Introduction to the Art of Divination from Tea-Leaves 13 II. Ritual and Method of Using the Teacup 25 III. General Principles To Be Observed in Reading the Cup 29 IV. An Alphabetical List of Symbols with Their Significations 39 V. Specimen Cups, with Interpretations 57 VI. Omens 66 1 of 40 www.AstrOccult.net

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TEA-CUP READING ANDFORTUNE-TELLING BY

TEA LEAVES

By A Highland Seer

With Ten Illustrations

NEW YORKGEORGE SULLY AND COMPANY

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

CONTENTS

Preface 11I. Introduction to the Art of Divination from Tea-Leaves 13II. Ritual and Method of Using the Teacup 25III. General Principles To Be Observed in Reading the Cup 29IV. An Alphabetical List of Symbols with TheirSignifications 39V. Specimen Cups, with Interpretations 57VI. Omens 66

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ILLUSTRATIONS

Fig. 1 61Fig. 2 63Fig. 3 65Fig. 4 67Fig. 5 69Fig. 6 71Fig. 7 73Fig. 8 75Fig. 9 77Fig. 10 79

PREFACEIt is somewhat curious that among the great numberof books on occult science and all forms of divinationwhich have been published in the English languagethere should be none dealing exclusively with theTea-cup Reading and the Art of Telling Fortunes bythe Tea-leaves: notwithstanding that it is one of themost common forms of divination practised by thepeasants of Scotland and by village fortune-tellers inall parts of this country. In many of the cheaperhandbooks to Fortune-telling by Cards or in otherways only brief references to the Tea-cup method aregiven; but only too evidently by writers who aremerely acquainted with it by hearsay and have notmade a study of it for themselves.This is probably because the Reading of the Tea-cupsaffords but little opportunity to the Seer of extractingmoney from credulous folk; a reason why it wasnever adopted by the gypsy soothsayers, whopreferred the more obviously lucrative methods ofcrossing the palm with gold or silver, or of charging afee for manipulating a pack of playing-cards.Reading the Cup is essentially a domestic form ofFortune-telling to be practised at home, and withsuccess by anyone who will take the trouble to

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master the simple rules laid down in these pages: andit is in the hope that it will provide a basis for muchinnocent and inexpensive amusement and recreationround the tea-table at home, as well as for a moreserious study of an interesting subject, that this littleguide-book to the science is confidently offered to thepublic.

CHAPTER IINTRODUCTION TO THE ART OF DIVINATION FROMTEA-LEAVESIt seems highly probable that at no previous period ofthe world's history have there been so many personsas there are at the present moment anxious toascertain in advance, if that be humanly possible, aknowledge of at least 'what a day may bring forth.'The incidence of the greatest of all wars, which hasresulted in sparse news of those from whom they areseparated, and produces a state of uncertainty as towhat the future holds in store for each of theinhabitants of the British Empire, is, of course,responsible for this increase in a perfectly sane andnatural curiosity; with its inevitable result, a desire toemploy any form of divination in the hope that somelight may haply be cast upon the darkness andobscurity of the future.It is unfortunately the case, as records of the police-courts have recently shown, that the creation of thisdemand for foreknowledge of coming events or forinformation as to the well-being of distant relativesand friends has resulted in the abundant supply of thewant by scores of pretended 'Fortune-tellers' anddiviners of the Future; who, trading upon thecredulity and anxieties of their unfortunate fellow-countrywomen, seek to make a living at theirexpense.Now it is an axiom, which centuries of experiencehave shown to be as sound as those of Euclid himself,that the moment the taint of money enters into thebusiness of reading the Future the accuracy andcredit of the Fortune told disappears. The Fortune-teller no longer possesses the singleness of mind orpurpose necessary to a clear reading of the symbols

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he or she consults. The amount of the fee is the firstconsideration, and this alone is sufficient to obscurethe mental vision and to bias the judgment. Thisapplies to the very highest and most conscientious ofFortune-tellers—persons really adept at foreseeingthe future when no taint of monetary rewardintervenes. The greater number, however, ofso-called Fortune-tellers are but charlatans, with themerest smattering of partly-assimilated knowledge ofsome form of divination or 'character-reading';whether by the cards, coins, dice, dominoes, hands,crystal, or in any other pretended way. With these,the taint of the money they hope to receive cloudssuch mind or intuition as they may possess, and itfollows that their judgments and prognosticationshave precisely the same value as the nostrums of thequack medicine-vendor. They are very different fromthe Highlander who, coming to the door of his cottageor bothie at dawn, regards steadfastly the signs andomens he notes in the appearance of the sky, theactions of animals, the flight of birds, and so forth,and derives there from a foresight into the comingevents of the opening day. They differ also from the'spae-wife,' who, manipulating the cup from whichshe has taken her morning draught of tea, looks atthe various forms and shapes the leaves and dregshave taken, and deduces thence such simple horaryprognostications as the name of the person fromwhom 'postie' will presently bring up the glen a letteror a parcel or a remittance of money; or as towhether she is likely to go a journey, or to hear newsfrom across the sea, or to obtain a good price for thehose she has knitted or for the chickens or eggs sheis sending to the store-keeper. Here the taint of amoney-payment is altogether absent; and noHighland 'spae-wife' or seer would dream of taking afee for looking into the future on behalf of anotherperson.It follows, therefore, that provided he or she isequipped with the requisite knowledge and some skilland intuition, the persons most fitted to tell correctlytheir own fortune are themselves; because theycannot pay themselves for their ownprognostications, and the absence of a monetary taintconsequently leaves the judgment unbiased.Undoubtedly one of the simplest, most inexpensiveand, as the experience of nearly three centuries hasproved, most reliable forms of divination within its

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own proper limits, is that of reading fortunes intea-cups. Although it cannot be of the greatestantiquity, seeing that tea was not introduced intoBritain until the middle of the seventeenth century,and for many years thereafter was too rare and costlyto be used by the great bulk of the population, thepractice of reading the tea-leaves doubtless descendsfrom the somewhat similar form of divination knownto the Greeks as "κοταβος" by which fortune in lovewas discovered by the particular splash made by winethrown out of a cup into a metal basin. A fewspae-wives still practise this method by throwing outthe tea-leaves into the saucer, but the reading of thesymbols as they are originally formed in the cup isundoubtedly the better method.Any person after a study of this book and by carefullyfollowing the principles here laid down may withpractice quickly learn to read the horary fortunes thatthe tea-leaves foretell. It should be distinctlyunderstood, however, that tea-cup fortunes are onlyhorary, or dealing with the events of the hour or thesucceeding twenty-four hours at furthest. Theimmediately forthcoming events are those which casttheir shadows, so to speak, within the circle of thecup. In this way the tea-leaves may be consultedonce a day, and many of the minor happenings of lifeforeseen with considerable accuracy, according to theskill in discerning the symbols and the intuitionrequired to interpret them which may be possessedby the seer. Adepts like the Highland peasant-womencan and do foretell events that subsequently occur,and that with remarkable accuracy. Practice and theacquirement of a knowledge of the signification of thevarious symbols is all that is necessary in order tobecome proficient and to tell one's fortune and that ofone's friends with skill and judgment.There is, of course, a scientific reason for all forms ofdivination practised without hope or promise ofreward. Each person carries in himself his ownDestiny. Events do not happen to people by chance,but are invariably the result of some past cause. Forinstance, in the last years a man becomes a soldierwho had never intended to pursue a military career.This does not happen to him by chance, but becauseof the prior occurrence of la European war in whichhis country was engaged. The outbreak of war issimilarly the result of other causes, none of which

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happened by chance, but were founded by stillremoter occurrences. It is the same with the Future.That which a person does today as a result ofsomething that happened in the past, will in its turnprove the cause of something that will happen atsome future date. The mere act of doing somethingtoday sets in motion forces that in process of time willinevitably bring about some entirely unforeseenevent.This event is not decreed by Fate or Providence, butby the person who by the committal of some actunconsciously compels the occurrence of some futureevent which he does not foresee. In other words, aman decrees his own destiny and shapes his ownends by his actions, whether Providence rough-hewthem or not. Now this being so, it follows that hecarries his destiny with him, and the more powerfulhis mind and intellect the more clearly is this seen tobe the case. Therefore it is possible for a person'smind, formed as the result of past events over whichhe had no control, to foresee by an effort what willoccur in the future as the result of acts deliberatelydone. Since it is given to but few, and that not oftenof intention, to see actually what is about to happenin a vision or by means of what is called the 'secondsight,' some machinery must be provided in the formof symbols from which an interpretation of the futurecan be made. It matters little what the method ornature of the symbols chosen is—dice or dominoes,cards or tea-leaves. What matters is that the personshaking the dice, shuffling the dominoes, cutting thecards or turning the tea-cup, is by these very actstransferring from his mind where they lie hidden evenfrom himself the shadows of coming events which byhis own actions in the past he has alreadypredetermined shall occur in the future. It onlyremains for someone to read and interpret thesesymbols correctly in order to ascertain something ofwhat is likely to happen; and it is here that singlenessof purpose and freedom from ulterior motives arenecessary in order to avoid error and to form a trueand clear judgment.This is the serious and scientific explanation of thelittle-understood and less-comprehended action ofvarious forms of divination having for their object thethrowing of a little light upon the occult. Of all theseforms perhaps divination by tea-leaves is thesimplest, truest, and most easily learned. Even if the

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student is disinclined to attach much importance towhat he sees in the cup, the reading of the tea-leavesforms a sufficiently innocent and amusing recreationfor the breakfast- or tea-table; and the man who findsa lucky sign such as an anchor or a tree in his cup, orthe maiden who discovers a pair of heart-shapedgroups of leaves in conjunction with a ring, will besuffering no harm in thus deriving encouragement forthe future, even should they attach no importance totheir occurrence, but merely treat them as anoccasion for harmless mirth and badinage.Whether, however, the tea-leaves be consultedseriously or in mere sport and love of amusement,the methods set forth in succeeding chapters shouldbe carefully followed, and the significations of thepictures and symbols formed in the cup scrupulouslyaccepted as correct, for reasons which are explainedin a subsequent chapter.

CHAPTER IIRITUAL AND METHOD OF USING THE TEA-CUPThe best kind of tea to use if tea-cup reading is to befollowed is undoubtedly China tea, the original teaimported into this country and still the best for allpurposes. Indian tea and the cheaper mixturescontain so much dust and so many fragments oftwigs and stems as often to be quite useless for thepurposes of divination, as they will not combine toform pictures, or symbols clearly to be discerned.The best shape of cup to employ is one with a wideopening at the top and a bottom not too small. Cupswith almost perpendicular sides are very difficult toread, as the symbols cannot be seen properly, andthe same may be said of small cups. A plain-surfacedbreakfast-cup is perhaps the best to use; and theinterior should be white and have no pattern printedupon it, as this confuses the clearness of the picturepresented by the leaves, as does any fluting oreccentricity of shape.The ritual to be observed is very simple. Thetea-drinker should drink the contents of his or her cupso as to leave only about half a teaspoonful of the

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beverage remaining. He should next take the cup bythe handle in his left hand, rim upwards, and turn itthree times from left to right in one fairly rapidswinging movement. He should then very slowly andcarefully invert it over the saucer and leave it therefor a minute, so as to permit of all moisture drainingaway.If he approaches the oracle at all seriously he shouldduring the whole of these proceedings concentrate hismind upon his future Destiny, and 'will' that thesymbols forming under the guidance of his hand andarm (which in their turn are, of course, directed byhis brain) shall correctly represent what is destined tohappen to him in the future.If, however, he or she is not in such deadly earnest,but merely indulging in a harmless pastime, such aneffort of concentration need not be made. The 'willing'is, of course, akin to 'wishing' when cutting the cardsin another time-honoured form of fortune-telling.The cup to be read should be held in the hand andturned about in order to read the symbols withoutdisturbing them, which will not happen if the moisturehas been properly drained away. The handle of thecup represents the consultant and is akin to the'house' in divination by the cards. By this fixed pointjudgment is made as to events approaching the'house' of the consultant, journeys away from home,messages or visitors to be expected, relativedistance, and so forth. The advantage of employing acup instead of a saucer is here apparent.'The bottom of the cup represents the remoter futureforetold; the side events not so far distant; andmatters symbolised near the rim those that may beexpected to occur quickly. The nearer the symbolsapproach the handle in all three cases the nearer tofulfilment will be the events prognosticated.If this simple ritual has been correctly carried out thetea-leaves, whether many or few, will be founddistributed about the bottom and sides of the cup.The fortune may be equally well told whether thereare many leaves or few; but of course there must besome, and therefore the tea should not have beenmade in a pot provided with one of the patentarrangements that stop the leaves from issuing fromthe spout when the beverage is poured into the cups.

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There is nothing to beat one of the plain old-fashionedearthenware teapots, whether for the purpose ofpreparing a palatable beverage or for that of providingthe means of telling a fortune.

CHAPTER IIIGENERAL PRINCIPLES TO BE OBSERVED IN READINGTHE CUPThe interior of the tea-cup when it is ready to beconsulted will exhibit the leaves scattered apparentlyin a fortuitous and accidental manner, but really inaccordance with the muscular action of the left armas controlled by the mind at whose bidding it hasworked. These scattered leaves will form lines andcircles of dots or small leaves and dust combined withstems, and groups of leaves in larger or smallerpatches: apparently in meaningless confusion.Careful notice should now be taken of all the shapesand figures formed inside the cup. These should beviewed front different positions, so that their meaningbecomes clear. It is not very easy at first to see whatthe shapes really are, but after looking at themcarefully they become plainer. The different shapesand figures in the cup must be taken together in ageneral reading. Bad indications will be balanced bygood ones; some good ones will be strengthened byothers, and so on.It is now the business of the seer—whether theconsultant or some adept to whom he has handed thecup to be read—to find some fairly close resemblancebetween the groups formed by the leaves and variousnatural or artificial objects. This part of theperformance resembles the looking for 'pictures in thefire' as practised by children in nurseries andschool-rooms and occasionally by people of a largergrowth. Actual representations of such things astrees, animals, birds, anchors, crowns, coffins,flowers, and so forth may by the exercise of thepowers of observation and imagination be discerned,as well as squares, triangles, and crosses. Each ofthese possesses, as a symbol, some fortunate orunfortunate signification. Such signs may be eitherlarge or small, and their relative importance must be

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judged according to their size. Supposing the symbolobserved should be that indicating the receipt of alegacy, for instance: if small it would mean that theinheritance would be but trifling, if large that it wouldbe substantial, while if leaves grouped to form aresemblance to a coronet accompany the sign for alegacy, a title would probably descend upon theconsultant at the same time. The meaning of all thesymbols of this nature likely to be formed by thefortuitous arrangement of leaves in a tea-cup is fullyset forth in the concluding chapter; and it isunnecessary therefore to enlarge upon this branch ofthe subject.There are, however, several points of a more generalcharacter that must be considered before it ispossible to form an accurate judgment of the fortunedisplayed. For instance, isolated leaves or groups of afew leaves or stems frequently form letters of thealphabet or numbers. These letters and numberspossess meanings which must be sought inconjunction with other signs. If near a letter L is seena small square or oblong leaf, or if a number of verysmall dots form such a square or oblong, it indicatesthat a letter or parcel will be received from somebodywhose surname (not Christian name) begins with anL. If the combined symbol appears near the handleand near the rim of the cup, the letter is close athand; if in the bottom there will be delay in its receipt.If the sign of a letter is accompanied by theappearance of a bird flying towards the 'house' itmeans a telegraphic despatch: if flying away from thehouse the consultant will have to send the telegram.Birds flying always indicate news of some sort.Again, the dust in the tea and the smaller leaves andstems frequently form lines of dots. These aresignificant of a journey, and their extent and directionshows its length and the point of the compasstowards which it will extend: the handle for thispurpose being considered as due south. If theconsultant is at home and lines lead from the handleright round the cup and back to the handle, it showsthat he will return; if they end before getting back tothe handle, and especially if a resemblance to a houseappears where the journey line ends, it betokensremoval to some other place. If the consultant beaway from home, lines leading to the handle show areturn home, and if free from crosses or othersymbols of delay that the return will be speedy:

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otherwise it will be postponed. The occurrence of anumeral may indicate the number of days, or if inconnection with a number of small dots groupedaround the sign of a letter, a present or a legacy, theamount of the remittance in the former, the numberof presents to be expected, or the amount of thelegacy coming. Dots surrounding a symbol alwaysindicate money coming in some form or other,according to the nature of the symbol.It will be seen that to read a fortune in the tea-cupwith any real approach to accuracy and a seriousattempt to derive a genuine forecast from the cup theseer must not be in a hurry. He or she must not onlystudy the general appearance of the horoscopedisplayed before him, and decide upon theresemblance of the groups of leaves to natural orartificial objects, each of which possesses a separatesignificance, but must also balance the bad and good,the lucky and unlucky symbols, and strike anaverage. For instance, a large bouquet of flowers,which is a fortunate sign, would outweigh inimportance one or two minute crosses, which in thiscase would merely signify some small delay in therealisation of success; whereas one large cross in aprominent position would be a warning of disasterthat would be little, if at all, mitigated by the presenceof small isolated flowers, however lucky individuallythese may be. This is on the same principle as that bywhich astrologers judge a horoscope, when, aftercomputing the aspects of the planets towards eachother, the Sun and Moon, the Ascendant, Mid-heaven,and the significator of the Native, they balance thegood aspects against the bad, the strong against theweak, the Benefics against the Malefics, and so strikean average. In a similar way the lucky and unlucky,signs in a tea-cup must be balanced one against theother and an average struck: and in this connection itmay be pointed out that symbols which stand outclearly and distinctly by themselves are of moreimportance than those with difficulty to be discernedamid cloudlike masses of shapeless leaves. Whenthese clouds obscure or surround a lucky sign theyweaken its force, and vice versa. In tea-cup reading,however, the fortune told must be regarded chiefly asof a horary character, not, as with an astrologicalhoroscope, that of a whole life; and where it is merelyindulged in as a light amusement to while away a fewminutes after a meal such nicety of judgment is not

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called for. The seer will just glance at the cup, notethe sign for a letter from someone, or that for ajourney to the seaside or the proximity of a gift, or anoffer of marriage, and pass on to another cup.It should be observed that some cups when examinedwill present no features of interest, or will be soclouded and muddled that no clear meaning is to beread in them. In such a case the seer should wasteno time over them. Either the consultant has notconcentrated his or her attention upon the business inhand when turning the cup, or his destiny is soobscured by the indecision of his mind or thevagueness of his ideas that it is unable to manifestitself by symbols. Persons who consult the tea-leavestoo frequently often find this muddled state of thingsto supervene. Probably once a week will be oftenenough to look into the future, although there issomething to be said for the Highland custom ofexamining the leaves of the morning cup of tea inorder to obtain some insight into the events the daymay be expected to bring forth. To 'look in the cup'three or four times a day, as some silly folk do, issimply to ask for contradictory manifestations andconsequent bewilderment, and is symptomatic of theidle, empty, bemused minds that prompt to suchill-advised conduct.Of course the tea-cup may be employed solely for thepurpose of asking what is known to astrologers as 'ahorary question', such, for instance, as 'Shall I hearfrom my lover in France, and when?' In this case theattention of the consultant when turning the cup mustbe concentrated solely on this single point, and theseer will regard the shapes taken by the tea-leavessolely in this connection in order to give a definite andsatisfactory answer. An example of this class ofhorary question is included among the illustrations(Fig. 10).

CHAPTER IVAN ALPHABETICAL LIST OF SYMBOLS WITH THEIRSIGNIFICATIONSA question that will very naturally occur to persons ofan enquiring turn of mind in regard to the figures and

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symbols seen in the tea-cup is: Why should onesymbol necessarily signify one thing and notsomething quite different?The answer, of course, is that the meanings given tothe symbols are purely arbitrary, and that there is noscientific reason why one should signify one thing andnot another. There is no real reason why the ace ofclubs, for instance, should not be considered the'House Card' instead of the nine of hearts, or why thedouble four in dominoes should signify an invitationinstead of a wedding, like the double three.It is obviously necessary, however, in attempting toread the future by means of any kind of symbols,whether pips, dots, numbers or anything else, to fixbeforehand upon some definite meaning to beattributed to each separate symbol and to hold fast tothis meaning in all events. In the case of tea-leaves,where the symbols are not mere 'conventional signs'or numbers but actual figures like the pictures seen inthe fire or those envisaged in dreams, there is nodoubt that the signification of most of them is theresult of empyrical experience. Generations ofspae-wives have found that the recurrence of acertain figure in the cup has corresponded with theoccurrence of a certain event in the future lives of thevarious persons who have consulted them: and thisempyrical knowledge has been handed down fromseer to seer until a sufficient deposit of tradition hasbeen formed from which it has been found possible tocompile a detailed list of the most important symbolsand to attach to each a traditional meaning. Thesesignifications have been collected by the writer—in adesultory manner—over a long period of years chieflyfrom spae-wives in both Highland and LowlandScotland, but also in Cornwall, on Dartmoor, in MiddleEngland, in Gloucestershire and Northumberland.Occasionally it has been found that a differentmeaning is attributed to a symbol by one seer fromthat given it by another. In such cases an alternativesignification might, of course, have been given here,but as the essence of all such significations is thatthey shall be stable and unvarying, the writer hasfixed upon whichever meaning has been most widelyattributed to the symbol or appears to have the bestauthority for its adoption, so that the element ofdoubt may be excluded.Although included in their alphabetical order in the list

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which follows, there are certain figures and symbolswhich are of so common occurrence and bear suchdefinite interpretation that it is advisable to refer tothem here in detail. Certain symbols are invariablysigns of approaching good-fortune: certain others ofthreatened ill-luck. Among the former may bementioned triangles, stars, trefoil or clover-leaves,anchors, trees, garlands and flowers, bridges orarches, and crowns. Among the latter, coffins,clouds, crosses, serpents, rats and mice and somewild beasts, hour-glasses, umbrellas, church-steeples, swords and guns, ravens, owls, andmonkeys are all ominous symbols.SYMBOLS AND SIGNIFICATIONSABBEY, future ease and freedom from worry.ACORN, improvement in health, continued health,strength, and good fortune.AIRCRAFT, unsuccessful projects.ANCHOR, a lucky sign; success in business andconstancy in love; if cloudy, the reverse must beread.ANGEL, good news, especially good fortune in love.APES, secret enemies.APPLES, long life; gain by commerce.APPLE-TREE, change for the better.ARCH, a journey abroad.ARROW, a disagreeable letter from the direction inwhich it comes.ASS, misfortune overcome by patience; or a legacy.AXE, difficulties overcome.BADGER, long life and prosperity as a bachelor.BASKET, an addition to the family.BAT, fruitless journeys or tasks.BEAR, a long period of travel.

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BEASTS, other than those mentioned, foretellmisfortune.BIRDS, a lucky sign; good news if flying, if at rest afortunate journey.BOAT, a friend will visit the consultant.BOUQUET, one of the luckiest of symbols; staunchfriends, success, a happy marriage.BRIDGE, a favourable journey.BUILDING, a removal.BULL, slander by some enemy.BUSH, an invitation into society.BUTTERFLY, success and pleasure.CAMEL, a burden to be patiently borne.CANNON, good fortune.CAR (MOTOR), and CARRIAGE, approaching wealth,visits from friends.CART, fluctuations of fortune.CASTLE, unexpected fortune or a legacy.CAT, difficulties caused by treachery.CATHEDRAL, great prosperity.CATTLE, prosperity.CHAIN, an early marriage; if broken, trouble in store.CHAIR, an addition to the family.CHURCH, a legacy.CIRCLES, money or presents. They mean that theperson whose fortune is read may expect money orpresents.CLOUDS, serious trouble; if surrounded by dots,financial success.CLOVER, a very lucky sign; happiness and prosperity.At the top of the cup, it will come quickly. As it nears

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the bottom, it will mean more or less distant.COCK, much prosperity.COFFIN, long sickness or sign of death of a nearrelation or great friend.COMET, misfortune and trouble.COMPASSES, a sign of travelling as a profession.COW, a prosperous sign.CROSS, a sign of trouble and delay or even death.CROWN, success and honour.CROWN AND CROSS, signifies good fortune resultingfrom death.DAGGER, favours from friends.DEER, quarrels, disputes; failure in trade.DOG, a favourable sign; faithful friends, if at top ofcup; in middle of cup, they are untrustworthy; at thebottom means secret enemies.DONKEY, a legacy long awaited.DOVE, a lucky symbol; progress in prosperity andaffection.DRAGON, great and sudden changes.DUCK, increase of wealth by trade.EAGLE, honour and riches through change ofresidence.ELEPHANT, a lucky sign; good health.FALCON, a persistent enemy.FERRET, active enemies.FISH, good news from abroad; if surrounded by dots,emigration.FLAG, danger from wounds inflicted by an enemy.FLEUR-DE-LYS, same as LILY (q.v.).

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FLOWERS, good fortune, success; a happy marriage.FOX, treachery by a trusted friend.FROG, success in love and commerce.GALLOWS, a sign of good luck.GOAT, a sign of enemies, and of misfortune to asailor.GOOSE, happiness; a successful venture.GRASSHOPPER, a great friend will become a soldier.GREYHOUND, a good fortune by strenuous exertion.GUN, a sign of discord and slander.HAMMER, triumph over adversity.HAND, to be read in conjunction with neighbouringsymbols and according to what it points.HARE, a sign of a long journey, or the return of anabsent friend. Also of a speedy and fortunatemarriage to those who are single.HARP, marriage, success in love.HAT, success in life.HAWK, an enemy.HEART, pleasures to come; if surrounded by dots,through money; if accompanied by a ring, throughmarriage.HEAVENLY BODIES, SUN, MOON AND STARS,signifies happiness and success.HEN, increase of riches or an addition to the family.HORSE, desires fulfilled through a prosperousjourney.HORSE-SHOE, a lucky journey or success in marriageand choosing a partner.HOUR-GLASS, imminent peril.HOUSE, success in business.

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HUMAN FIGURES must be judged according to whatthey appear to be doing. They are generally good anddenote love and marriage.INTERROGATION (mark of), doubt ordisappointment.IVY, honour and happiness through faithful friends.JACKAL, a sly animal who need not be feared. Amischief maker of no account.JOCKEY, successful speculation.JUG, good health.KANGAROO, a rival in business or love.KETTLE, death.KEY, money, increasing trade, and a good husband orwife.KITE, a sign of lengthy voyaging and travel leading tohonour and dignity.KNIFE, a warning of disaster through quarrels andenmity.LADDER, a sign of travel.LEOPARD, a sign of emigration with subsequentsuccess.LETTERS, shown by square or oblong tea-leaves,signifies news. Initials near will show surnames ofwriters; if accompanied by dots they will containmoney; if unclouded, good; but if fixed about byclouds, bad news or loss of money.LILY, at top of cup, health and happiness; a virtuouswife; at bottom, anger and strife.LINES indicate journeys and their direction, read inconjunction with other signs of travel; wavy linesdenote troublesome journeys or losses therein.LION, greatness through powerful friends.LYNX, danger of divorce or break off of anengagement.

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MAN, a visitor arriving. If the arm is held out, hebrings a present. If figure is very clear, he is dark; ifindistinct, he is of light complexion.MERMAID, misfortune, especially to seafaringpersons.MITRE, a sign of honour to a clergyman or throughreligious agency.MONKEY, the consultant will be deceived in love.MOON (as a crescent), prosperity and fortune.MOUNTAIN, powerful friends; many mountains,equally powerful enemies.MOUSE, danger of poverty through theft or swindling.MUSHROOM, sudden separation of lovers after aquarrel.NOSEGAY, the same as BOUQUET (q.v.).NUMBERS depends on symbols in conjunction withthem.OAK, very lucky; long life, good health, profitablebusiness, and a happy marriage.OBLONG FIGURES, family or business squabbles.OWL, an evil omen, indicative of sickness, poverty,disgrace, a warning against commencing any newenterprise. If the consultant be in love he or she willbe deceived.PALM-TREE, good luck; success in any undertaking. Asign of children to a wife and of a speedy marriage toa maid.PARROT, a sign of emigration for a lengthy period.PEACOCK, denotes success and the acquisition ofproperty; also a happy marriage.PEAR, great wealth and improved social position;success in business, and to a woman a wealthyhusband.PEDESTRIAN, good news; an important appointment.

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PHEASANT, a legacy.PIG, good and bad luck mixed: a faithful lover butenvious friends.PIGEONS, important news if flying; if at rest,domestic bliss and wealth acquired in trade.PINE-TREE, continuous happiness.PISTOL, disaster.RABBIT, fair success in a city or large town.RAT, treacherous servants; losses through enemies.RAVEN, death for the aged; disappointment in love,divorce, failure in business, and trouble generally.RAZOR, lovers' quarrels and separation.REPTILE, quarrels.RIDER, good news from overseas regarding financialprospects.RIFLE, a sign of discord and strife.RING, a ring means marriage; and if a letter can befound near it, this is the initial of the future spouse. Ifclouds are near the ring, an unhappy marriage; if allis clear about it, the contrary. A ring right at thebottom means the wedding will not take place.ROSE, a lucky sign betokening good fortune andhappiness.SAW, trouble brought about by strangers.SCALES, a lawsuit.SCEPTRE, a sign of honour from royalty.SCISSORS, quarrels; illness; separation of lovers.SERPENT, spiteful enemies; bad luck; illness.SHARK, danger of death.SHEEP, success, prosperity.SHIP, a successful journey.

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SNAKES are a sign of bad omen. Great caution isneeded to ward off misfortune.SPIDER, a sign of money coming to the consultant.SQUARES, comfort and peace.STAR, a lucky sign; if surrounded by dots foretellsgreat wealth and honours.STEEPLE, bad luck.STRAIGHT LINE, a journey, very pleasant.STRAIGHT LINES are an indication of peace,happiness, and long life.SWALLOW, a journey with a pleasant ending.SWAN, good luck and a happy marriage.SWORD, dispute, quarrels between lovers; a brokensword, victory of an enemy.TIMBER, logs of timber indicate business success.TOAD, deceit and unexpected enemies.TREES, a lucky sign; a sure indication of prosperityand happiness; surrounded by dots, a fortune in thecountry.TRIANGLES, always a sign of good luck andunexpected legacies.TRIDENT, success and honours in the Navy.TWISTED FIGURES, disturbances and vexation;grievances if there are many such figures.UMBRELLA, annoyance and trouble.UNICORN, scandal.VULTURE, bitter foes.WAGON, a sign of approaching poverty.WAVY LINES, if long and waved, denote losses andvexations. The importance of the lines depends uponthe number of them and if heavy or light.WHEEL, an inheritance about to fall in.

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WINDMILL, success in a venturous enterprise.WOLF, beware of jealous intrigues.WOMAN, pleasure and happiness; if accompanied bydots, wealth or children. Several women indicatescandal.WOOD, a speedy marriage.WORMS indicate secret foes.YACHT, pleasure and happiness.YEW-TREE indicates the death of an aged person whowill leave his possessions to the consultant.ZEBRA, travel and adventure in foreign lands.

CHAPTER VA COLLECTION OF SPECIMEN CUPS, WITHINTERPRETATIONSThe succeeding ten figures are copied from actualtea-cups that have been at different times subjectedto the proper ritual by various consultants and dulyinterpreted by seers. They are selected out of a largernumber as being representative of many differentclasses of horoscope, and they should afford studentspractical instruction in what symbols to look for, andhow to discern them clearly as they turn the cupabout and about in their hands.By reference to the interpretations provided upon thepages facing the illustrations he will be able toascertain the principles upon which to form ajudgment of the cup generally; and this, once he hasmastered the method, he will be able to supplement,by consulting the alphabetical list of symbols and theirsignifications in the previous chapter, and in this waywill speedily attain proficiency in reading any tea-cuppresented for his consideration.

INTERPRETATIONS AND ILLUSTRATIONS

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INTERPRETATIONFIG.1

This is a fortunate horoscope. If cup has been turnedby a man it shows that he will gain success, honour,and wealth in the profession of a naval officer. If by awoman then her luck is bound up with that of a sailoror marine.The pistols on the sides show the profession of arms,and the naval gun in the bottom of the cupaccompanied by a trident the branch to which hebelongs. The on one side and the tree on the otherare two of the best signs of promotion, rewards, andprosperity. The house near the pistol pointingtowards the handle of the cup indicates theacquisition of property, but as neither tree nor houseare surrounded by dots this will be a town, not acountry, residence. The repetition of the initial 'L' mayshow the name of the admiral, ship, or battle in whichthe officer will win renown. The triangles confirm theother signs of good fortune.

FIG.1

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Principal Symbols:—Two pistols on sides.A cannon in conjunction with a trident in centre.A pear.A tree.on sides.A house.A pair of compasses near the rim.Several small triangles scattered about. Initial letters'L' (twice), 'N,' and 'V' (twice).

INTERPRETATIONFIG. 2

There is nothing very significant in this tea-cup. Thewavy lines denote a troublesome journey leading tosome small amount of luck in connection with aperson or place whose name begins with the initial 'E.'The hour-glass near the rim and the place from whichthe journey starts denotes that it will be undertakenin order to avoid some imminent peril. The numeral'4' conjoined with the sign of a parcel shows that onemay be expected in that number of days.

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FIG.2Principal Symbols:—

Wavy lines.Initial 'E' in conjunction with Horse-shoe.Hour-glass near rim.Parcel in conjunction with numeral '4.'

INTERPRETATIONFIG. 3

This shows, by means of the crescent moon on theside, prosperity and fortune as the result of a journeydenoted by the lines. The number of triangles inconjunction with the initial 'H' indicates the namecommences with that letter, and, being near the rim,at no great distance of time. The bird flying towardsand near the handle, accompanied by a triangle and along envelope, denotes good news from an officialsource. The flag gives warning of some danger froman enemy.

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FIG. 3Principal Symbols:—

Crescent moon.Bird flying.Triangles.Flag.Initial 'A' in conjunction with sign of letter in officialenvelope.Other initials, 'H' and two 'L's.'

INTERPRETATIONFIG. 4

The consultant is about to journey eastward to somelarge building or institution, shown by the figure atthe end of the straight line of dots. There is someconfusion in his or her affairs caused by too muchindulgence in pleasure and gaiety, denoted by thebutterfly involved in obscure groups of tea-leavesnear the handle. The tree and the fleur-de-lys (or lily)

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in the bottom of the cup are, however, signs ofeventual success, probably through the assistance ofsome person whose name begins with an 'N.'

FIG. 4Principal Symbols:—

Large tree in bottom of cup.Fleur-de-lys (or lily).Butterfly on side approaching handle.Line of dots leading east to Building.Initials 'N' and 'C.'

INTERPRETATIONFIG.5

A letter is approaching the consultant containing aconsiderable sum of money, as it is surrounded bydots. The future, shown by the bottom of the cup, isnot clear, and betokens adversities; but the presenceof the hammer there denotes triumph over these, asign confirmed by the hat on the side. The consultant

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will be annoyed by somebody whose name beginswith 'J,' and assisted by one bearing the initial 'Y.'

FIG. 5Principal Symbols:—

Hammer in centre of bottom.A letter approaching the house, accompanied byDots,Hat,Initials 'Y' and 'J' (accompanied by small cross).

INTERPRETATIONFIG. 6

A letter containing good news, shown by bird flyingand the triangle, may be expected immediately. Iffrom a lover it shows that he is constant andprosperous, owing to the anchor on the side. Thelarge tree on the side indicates happiness andprosperity. A letter will be received from someone

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whose initial is 'L.' In the bottom of the cup there aresigns of minor vexations or delays in connection withsomeone whose name begins with 'C.'

FIG. 6Principal Symbols:—

Large tree on side.Anchor on side.Bird flying high towards handle.Small cross in bottom.Letter sign close to handle.Triangle.Initial 'L' with letter sign.Other initials, 'C' and 'H.'

INTERPRETATIONFIG. 7

The two horse-shoes indicate a lucky journey to somelarge residence in a north-easterly direction, the tree

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surmounting which denotes that happiness andfortune will be found there and that (as it issurrounded by dots) it is situated in the country. Thesitting hen in the bottom of the cup, surmounted by atriangle (to see which properly the illustration must beturned round) is indicative of increased wealth by anunexpected legacy. A letter from someone whosename begins with 'T' will contain a remittance ofmoney, but it may not arrive for some little time.

FIG.7Principal Symbols:—

Large horse-shoe, edge of bottom, in conjunctionwith smaller horse-shoe.Line of dots leading E.N.E. toLarge building surmounted byTree, overlapping rim.Flowers.Small triangles.Initial 'T' with letter and money signs.

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INTERPRETATIONFIG.8

This tea-cup appears to give warning by the flag inconjunction with a rifle and the letter 'V' that somefriend of the consultant will be wounded in battle, andas there is a coffin in the bottom of the cup that thewounds will be fatal. On the other side, however, asceptre, surrounded by signs of honours, seems toindicate that 'V' will be recognized by his sovereignand a decoration bestowed upon him for bravery inbattle, shown by the initial 'K' accompanied by aletter-sign, and by the astrological sign of Mars,intervening between these and the sceptre.

FIG. 8Principal Symbols:—

Coffin in bottom, in conjunction with 'V.'Flag in conjunction with rifle on side.Sceptre on side.Large initial 'K' with letter sign near sceptre.Astrological sign of Mars between them.

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Initial 'V' near flag and rifle.

INTERPRETATIONFIG. 9

If the consultant be single this cup will, by means ofthe hare on the side, tell him that he will speedily bemarried. The figure of a lady holding out an ivy-leaf isa sign that his sweetheart will prove true andconstant, and the heart in conjunction with a ring andthe initial 'A' still further points to marriage with aperson whose name begins with that letter. Theflower, triangle, and butterfly are all signs ofprosperity, pleasure and happiness.

FIG.9Principal Symbols:—

Hare sitting on side.Butterfly near rim.Heart and ring.

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Large flower on edge of bottom.Figure of woman holding ivy-leaf in bottom.Triangle.Initials 'A' and small 'C' with dots.

INTERPRETATIONFIG. 10

This is typical of the cup being too often consulted bysome people. It is almost void of meaning, the onlysymbols indicating a short journey, although theflower near the rim denotes good luck, and the factthat the bottom is clear that nothing very important isabout to happen to the consultant.

FIG. 10Principal Symbols:—

Line of dots leading W.S.W toFlower.Two letters near rim

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CHAPTER VIOMENSHow have omens been regarded in the past? Anappeal to anciency is usually a safeguard for a basis.It is found that most of the earliest records are nowsubsisting. See official guide to the British Museum.Babylonian and Assyrian antiquities, table case H.Nineveh Gallery, the following appears:"By means of omen tablets the Babylonian andAssyrian priests from time immemorial predictedevents which they believed would happen in the nearor in the remote future. They deduced these omensfrom the appearance and actions of animals, birds,fish, and reptiles; from the appearance of the entrailsof sacrificial victims; from the appearance andcondition of human and animal offspring at birth;from the state and condition of various members ofthe human body."In India, where the records of the early ages ofcivilization go back hundreds of years, omens areconsidered of great importance.Later, in Greece, the home of the greatest andhighest culture and civilization, we find, too, omensregarded very seriously, while to-day there are vastnumbers of persons of intellect, the world over, whoplace reliance upon omens.That there is some good ground for belief in someomens seems indisputable. Whether this has arisenas the result of experience, by the following of someparticular event close upon the heels of signsobserved, or whether it has been an intuitive science,in which provision has been used to afford aninterpretation, is not quite clear. It seems idle toattempt to dismiss the whole thing as meresuperstition, wild guessing, or abject credulity, assome try to do, with astrology and alchemy also, andother occult sciences; the fact remains that omenshave, in numberless instances, given good warnings.To say that these are just coincidences is to beg thequestion. For the universe is governed by law. Thingshappen because they must, not because they may.

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There is no such thing as accident or coincidence. Wemay not be able to see the steps and theconnections. But they are there all the same.In years gone by many signs were deduced from thesymptoms of sick men; the events or actions of aman's life; dreams and visions; the appearance of aman's shadow; from fire, flame, light, or smoke; thestate and condition of cities and their streets, offields, marshes, rivers, and lands. From theappearances of the stars and planets, of eclipses,meteors, shooting stars, the direction of winds, theform of clouds, thunder and lightning and otherweather incidents, they were able to forecasthappenings. A number of tablets are devoted to theseprophecies.It is conceivable that many of these omens shouldhave found their way into Greece, and it is notunreasonable to believe that India may have derivedher knowledge of omens from Babylonia; or it mayhave been the other way about. The greatest ofscholars are divided in their opinions as to whichreally is the earlier civilization.The point to be made here is that in all parts of theworld—in quarters where we may be certain that notrace of Grecian, Indian, or Babylonian science orcivilization has appeared—there are to be foundsystems of prophecies by omens.It may be accounted for in two ways. One that in allraces as they grow up, so to speak, there is the samecourse of evolution of ideas and superstition which tomany appears childish. The other explanation seemsto be the more reasonable one, if we believe, as weare forced to do, that omens do foretell—that allpeoples, all races, accumulate a record, oral orotherwise, of things which have happened more orless connected with things which seemed to indicatethem. In course of time this knowledge appears toconsolidate. It gets generally accepted as true. Andthen it is handed on from generation to generation.Often with the passage of years it gets twisted and anew meaning taken out of it altogether different fromthe original.It would be difficult to attempt to classify omens.Many books have been written on the subject andmore yet to be written of the beliefs of the various

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races. The best that can be offered here is a selectionfrom one or other of the varied sources. In Greecesneezing was a good omen and was considered aproof of the truth of what was said at the moment bythe sneezer.A tingling in the hand denoted the near handling ofmoney, a ringing in the ears that news will soon bereceived. The number of sneezes then became a signfor more definite results. The hand which tingled,either right or left, indicated whether it were to bepaid or received. The particular ear affected was heldto indicate good or evil news. Other involuntarymovements of the body were also considered ofprime importance.Many omens are derived from the observation ofvarious substances dropped into a bowl of water. InBabylon oil was used. To-day in various countriesmelted lead, wax, or the white of an egg, is used.From the shapes which result, the trade or occupationof a future husband, the luck for the year, and so on,are deduced in the folk practices of modern Europe.Finns use stearine and melted lead, Magyars lead,Russians wax, Danes lead and egg, and the northerncounties of England egg, wax and oil.Bird omens were the subject of very serious study inGreece. It has been thought that this was because inthe early mythology of Greece some of their gods andgoddesses were believed to have been birds. Birds,therefore, were particularly sacred, and theirappearances and movements were of profoundsignificance. The principal birds for signs were theraven, the crow, the heron, wren, dove, woodpecker,and kingfisher, and all the birds of prey, such as thehawk, eagle, or vulture, which the ancients classedtogether (W. R. Halliday, "Greek Divination"). Manycurious instances, which were fulfilled, of bird omensare related in "The Other World," by Rev. F. Lee. Anumber of families have traditions about theappearance of a white bird in particular."In the ancient family of Ferrers, of Chartley Park, inStaffordshire, a herd of wild cattle is preserved. Atradition arose in the time of Henry III. that the birthof a parti-coloured calf is a sure omen of death, withinthe same year, to a member of the Lord Ferrersfamily. By a noticeable coincidence, a calf of thisdescription has been born whenever a death has

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happened of late years in this noble family."(Staffordshire Chronicle, July, 1835). The falling of apicture or a statue or bust of the individual is usuallyregarded as an evil omen. Many cases are citedwhere this has been soon followed by the death of theperson.It would be easy to multiply instances of this sort: ofpersonal omen or warning. The history and traditionsof our great families are saturated with it. Thepredictions and omens relating to certain well knownfamilies, and others, recur at once; and from these itmay be inferred that beneath the more popular beliefsthere is enough fire and truth to justify the smokethat is produced, and to reward some of the faith thatis placed in the modern dreambooks and the books offate and the interpretations of omens.OMENSACORN.—Falling from the oak tree on anyone, is asign of good fortune to the person it strikes.BAT.—To see one in day time means long journey.BIRTHDAYS.— "Monday's child is fair of face, Tuesday's child is full of grace, Wednesday's child is full of woe, Thursday's child has far to go, Friday's child is loving and giving, Saturday's child works hard for its living; But a child that's born on the Sabbath-day Is handsome and wise and loving and gay."BUTTERFLY.—In your room means great pleasure andsuccess, but you must not catch it, or the luck willchange.CANDLE.—A spark on the wick of a candle means aletter for the one who first sees it. A big glow like aparcel means money coming to you.CAT.—Black cat to come to your house meansdifficulties caused by treachery. Drive it away andavoid trouble.CHAIN.—If your chain breaks while on you meansdisappointments or a broken engagement ofmarriage.

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CLOTHES.—To put on clothes the wrong way out is asign of good luck; but you must not alter them, or theluck will change.CLOVER.—To find a four-leaf clover means luck toyou, happiness and prosperity.COW.—Coming in your yard or garden a veryprosperous sign.CRICKETS.—A lucky omen. It foretells money comingto you. They should not be disturbed.DOG.—Coming to your house, means faithful friendsand a favourable sign.DEATH-WATCH.—A clicking in the wall by this littleinsect is regarded as evil, but it does not necessarilymean a death; possibly only some sickness.EARS.—You are being talked about if your ear tingles.Some say, "right for spite, left for love." Othersreverse this omen. If you think of the person, friend,or acquaintance who is likely to be talking of you, andmention the name aloud, the tingling will cease if yousay the right one.FLAG.—If it falls from the staff, while flying it meansdanger from wounds inflicted by an enemy.FRUIT STONES OR PIPS.—Think of a wish first, andthen count your stones or pips. If the number iseven, the omen is good. If odd, the reverse is thecase.GRASSHOPPER in the house means some great friendor distinguished person will visit you.HORSESHOE.—To find one means it will bring youluck.KNIVES crossed are a bad omen. If a knife or fork orscissors falls to the ground and sticks in the floor youwill have a visitor.LADYBIRDS betoken visitors.LOOKING GLASS.—To break means it will bring you illluck.MAGPIES.—One, bad luck; two, good luck; three, awedding; four, a birth.

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MARRIAGE.—A maid should not wear colours; awidow never white. Happy omens for brides aresunshine and a cat sneezing.MAY.—"Marry in May, and you'll rue the day."NEW MOON on a Monday signifies good luck andgood weather. The new moon seen for the first timeover the right shoulder offers the chance for a wish tocome true.NIGHTINGALE.—Lucky for lovers if heard before thecuckoo.OWLS are evil omens. Continuous hooting of owls inyour trees is said to be one of ill-health.PIGS.—To meet a sow coming towards you is good;but if she turns away, the luck flies.RABBITS.—A rabbit running across your path is saidto be unlucky.RAT.—A rat running in front of you meanstreacherous servants and losses through enemies.RAVEN.—To see one, means death to the aged ortrouble generally.SALT spilled means a quarrel. This may be avoided bythrowing a pinch over the left shoulder.SCISSORS.—If they fall and stick in the floor it meansquarrels, illness, separation of lovers.SERPENT OR SNAKE.—If it crosses your path, meansspiteful enemies, bad luck. Kill it and your luck will bereversed.SHOES.—The right shoe is the best one to put onfirst.SHOOTING STARS.—If you wish, while the star is stillmoving, your wish will come true.SINGING before breakfast, you'll cry before night.SPIDERS.—The little red spider is the money spider,and means good fortune coming to you. It must notbe disturbed. Long-legged spiders are alsoforerunners of good fortune.

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TOWEL.—To wipe your hands on a towel at the sametime with another, means you are to quarrel with himor her in the near future.WHEEL.—The wheel coming off any vehicle you areriding in means you are to inherit some fortune, agood omen.WASHING HANDS.—If you wash your hands in thewater just used by another, a quarrel may beexpected, unless you first make the sign of the crossover the water.

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