Reading the Tea Leaves of Tea Leaves

Tasseography is the method of predicting our futures through interpretation of tea leaf patterns, or, simply, Reading Tea Leaves! "The process of tasseography stimulates the imagination to create individualized interpretations and solutions to patterns in tea leaves. Tea leaf reading is a fun, healthful and creative way to listen to yourself." (http://tasseography.com) I’m going to talk about the method just a little bit for the fun of it, but my real purpose in this blog is to discuss what to look for in quality teas.

There are a few basic steps for reading tea leaves

•         Preferably start with a white teacup and brew any loose leaf tea;

•         While the tea steeps, enjoy quiet time and relax;

•         Once your tea is steeped, sip as usual except for one important thing, use your left hand if you are right-handed, and vice-versa. As you clear your mind and relax, find that one thought that just will not go away and focus on that;

•         When you have almost finished your tea, swirl it three times, then put your saucer over the teacup and invert carefully discarding the remaining liquid. Take three cleansing breaths and remove the teacup;

•         Identify symbols in the tea leaves. (This is a little bit like  finding forms in clouds!)

•         Determine your reading. (I found this link you might enjoy: http://www.teausa.com/14531/reading-tea-leaves

Interestingly enough, as I researched this fun topic, I found that most writers were adamant about using quality teas. Many companies that produce and sell teas do not taste, or "cup", each shipment and the result is that sometimes there are twigs and leaves as well as much powder in their teas. Finding companies that are as passionate about the quality of their teas as you are about enjoying a perfect cup is vital to your enjoyment of the time-honored ritual of serving, drinking and enjoying tea.

Be careful of companies that try to sell you "things" to add to your tea. While sugars and honey might be what you like in your tea, I believe you should taste the tea by itself to determine its quality. Some stores will sell you tea in bulk, or package it for you from large containers. While this is a great way for retailers to interact with their customers, make certain that they, too, are exercising the best quality control possible. For example, how are they handling their teas? How do they store it at the end of the day? Do they add tea to the "end of the barrel" or do they bring the older tea to the top?

We used to measure out bulk teas at our store, but over the years we have become great fans of pre-packaged tins and have opted for five outstanding companies that have proved the quality of their teas over and over to us and our customers.

In short, educate yourself about the teas you purchase. Take the time to relax and enjoy  the moment. After all, this is what tea time should be all about. And, if the tea leaves "speak" to you in a moment of reflection, you might want to listen to your inner self!

Ana Hernandez is the owner of All Spiced Up in Jacksonville, Florida.  Visit her website at  http://spice-blends.com