First, the one whose fortune is to be told should drink a little of the
tea while it is hot, and then turn out the rest, being careful not to
turn out the grounds in doing so, and also not to look at them, as it is
bad luck.

Then she must turn the cup over, so that no water remains, for drops of
water in the teagrounds signify tears.

Next, she must turn the cup around slowly toward her three times,
wishing the wish of her heart as she turns it.

After this she must rest it a minute against the edge of a saucer--to
court luck.

Then the fortune-teller takes it and reads the fortune.

Three small dots in a row stand for the wish. If near the top it will
soon be realized. If at the bottom some time will elapse.

If the grounds are bunched together it signifies that all will be well
with the fortune-seeker, but if they are scattered it means much the
reverse.

A small speck near the top is a letter. A large speck, a photograph, or
present of some kind, either one depending on the shape of the speck.

The sticks are people--light or dark, short or tall, according to their
color and length. A small one means a child. A thick one, a woman.

If they lie crosswise they are enemies. If straight up, intimate
friends, or pleasant acquaintances to be made.

If a large speck is near them, it means they are coming for a visit,
bringing a valise or trunk.

If there is a bottle shape near a stick it means a physician. If a book
shape, a minister or lawyer. If many fine specks, a married man.

The sticks with a bunch of grounds on their backs are bearers of bad
news, or they will "say things" about you.

A long line of grounds with no openings between foretells a journey by
water. If openings, by rail.

A large ring, closed, means an offer of marriage to an unmarried woman.
To a married one, it means a fortunate undertaking. To a man, success in
business.

A small ring is an invitation.

Dust-like grounds bunched together at the bottom or side are a sum of
money.

A triangle signifies good luck, so does an anchor or a horseshoe.

A half moon or star to married people means a paying investment. To
unmarried, a new lover or sweetheart.

A pyramid is extremely lucky.

A square or oblong, new lands.

Flowers, a present.

Leaves, sickness and death.

Fruit of any kind, health.

A hand, warning, if the fingers are spread. If closed, an offer of
friendship or marriage.

A cross signifies trouble. Any musi