1. Preparing the Tea:
Boil Water: Bring fresh water to a rolling boil.
Steep the Tea: Place a teaspoon of loose leaf tea into the teacup. Pour the boiling water over the leaves and let it steep for a few minutes. Allow the tea to cool slightly before drinking.
2. Drinking the Tea:
Focus and Relax: While drinking the tea, clear your mind and focus on any questions or concerns you might have. Drink the tea slowly, leaving a small amount of liquid at the bottom (about a teaspoon).
3. Swirling the Cup:
Swirl the Leaves: Hold the handle of the teacup with your left hand (or right if you're left-handed). Swirl the cup three times in a clockwise direction, making sure the remaining liquid spreads over the leaves.
Invert the Cup: Place a saucer over the top of the cup and quickly flip it upside down to drain any excess liquid. Let the cup sit upside down for a few seconds.
4. Interpreting the Leaves:
Upright the Cup: Turn the cup upright and look at the patterns formed by the tea leaves on the sides and bottom of the cup.
Divide the Cup: Mentally divide the cup into sections:
Near the Rim: Represents the near future (days or weeks).
Middle Section: Represents the intermediate future (weeks to months).
Bottom: Represents the distant future (months to years).