cover image Reading the Leaves: An Intuitive Guide to the Ancient Art and Modern Magic of Tea Leaf Divination

Reading the Leaves: An Intuitive Guide to the Ancient Art and Modern Magic of Tea Leaf Divination

Sandra Mariah Wright and Leanne Marrama. TarcherPerigee, $16 trade paper (240p) ISBN 978-0-593-08655-1

Mariah Wright and Marrama debut with an approachable, savvy guide to tea leaf reading. With a focus on reading tea leaves as a way of connecting with the spirit world and lost loved ones, the authors share sentimental stories of clients who found symbols in tea leaf remnants—such as initials and numbers—that functioned as messages from the dead. Leaf reading can also be done, the authors suggest, to answer questions about love, money, and future success. Sections on setting the space for the tea reading, being mentally prepared, choosing appropriate cups, and drinking the brew to be used during the reading helpfully walk practitioners through the basics of tea divination. The authors also provide a brief history of tea and recipes for brews and traditional tea-time snacks; their charming black and white sketches serve as examples of shapes and symbols that may appear during readings. Wright and Marrama’s enchanting handbook is a great starting point for those interested in tea-leaf reading. (May)