CHAPTER V
A COLLECTION OF SPECIMEN CUPS, WITH INTERPRETATIONS
The succeeding ten figures are copied from actual tea-cups that have been at different times subjected to the proper ritual by various consultants and duly interpreted by seers. They are selected out of a larger number as being representative of many different classes of horoscope, and they should afford students practical instruction in what symbols to look for, and how to discern them clearly as they turn the cup about and about in their hands.
By reference to the interpretations provided upon the pages facing the illustrations he will be able to ascertain the principles upon which to form a judgment of the cup generally; and this, once he has mastered the method, he will be able to supplement, by consulting the alphabetical list of symbols and their significations in the previous chapter, and in this way will speedily attain proficiency in reading any tea-cup presented for his consideration.
INTERPRETATIONS AND ILLUSTRATIONSINTERPRETATIONFIG.1
INTERPRETATIONS AND ILLUSTRATIONSINTERPRETATIONFIG.1
INTERPRETATIONS AND ILLUSTRATIONS
INTERPRETATION
FIG.1
This is a fortunate horoscope. If cup has been turned by a man it shows that he will gain success, honour, and wealth in the profession of a naval officer. If by a woman then her luck is bound up with that of a sailor or marine.
The pistols on the sides show the profession of arms, and the naval gun in the bottom of the cup accompanied by a trident the branch to which he belongs. The on one side and the tree on the other are two of the best signs of promotion, rewards, and prosperity. The house near the pistol pointing towards the handle of the cup indicates the acquisition of property, but as neither tree nor house are surrounded by dots this will be a town, not a country, residence. The repetition of the initial 'L' may show the name of the admiral, ship, or battle in which the officer will win renown. The triangles confirm the other signs of good fortune.
[Illustration: FIGURE 1]FIG.1Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 1]FIG.1Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 1]
FIG.1
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
INTERPRETATIONFIG. 2
INTERPRETATION
FIG. 2
There is nothing very significant in this tea-cup. The wavy lines denote a troublesome journey leading to some small amount of luck in connection with a person or place whose name begins with the initial 'E.' The hour-glass near the rim and the place from which the journey starts denotes that it will be undertaken in order to avoid some imminent peril. The numeral '4' conjoined with the sign of a parcel shows that one may be expected in that number of days.
[Illustration: FIGURE 2]FIG.2Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 2]FIG.2Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 2]
FIG.2
Principal Symbols:—
Wavy lines.Initial 'E' in conjunction with Horse-shoe.Hour-glass near rim.Parcel in conjunction with numeral '4.'
INTERPRETATIONFIG. 3
INTERPRETATIONFIG. 3
INTERPRETATION
FIG. 3
This shows, by means of the crescent moon on the side, prosperity and fortune as the result of a journey denoted by the lines. The number of triangles in conjunction with the initial 'H' indicates the name commences with that letter, and, being near the rim, at no great distance of time. The bird flying towards and near the handle, accompanied by a triangle and a long envelope, denotes good news from an official source. The flag gives warning of some danger from an enemy.
[Illustration: FIGURE 3]FIG. 3Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 3]FIG. 3Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 3]
FIG. 3
Principal Symbols:—
Crescent moon.Bird flying.Triangles.Flag.Initial 'A' in conjunction with sign of letter in official envelope.Other initials, 'H' and two 'L's.'
INTERPRETATIONFIG. 4
INTERPRETATIONFIG. 4
INTERPRETATION
FIG. 4
The consultant is about to journey eastward to some large building or institution, shown by the figure at the end of the straight line of dots. There is some confusion in his or her affairs caused by too much indulgence in pleasure and gaiety, denoted by the butterfly involved in obscure groups of tea-leaves near the handle. The tree and the fleur-de-lys (or lily) in the bottom of the cup are, however, signs of eventual success, probably through the assistance of some person whose name begins with an 'N.'
[Illustration: FIGURE 4]FIG. 4Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 4]FIG. 4Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 4]
FIG. 4
Principal 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
INTERPRETATIONFIG.5
INTERPRETATION
FIG.5
A letter is approaching the consultant containing a considerable sum of money, as it is surrounded by dots. The future, shown by the bottom of the cup, is not clear, and betokens adversities; but the presence of the hammer there denotes triumph over these, a sign confirmed by the hat on the side. The consultant will be annoyed by somebody whose name begins with 'J,' and assisted by one bearing the initial 'Y.'
[Illustration: FIGURE 5]FIG. 5Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 5]FIG. 5Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 5]
FIG. 5
Principal Symbols:—
Hammer in centre of bottom.A letter approaching the house, accompanied byDots,Hat,Initials 'Y' and 'J' (accompanied by small cross).
INTERPRETATIONFIG. 6
INTERPRETATIONFIG. 6
INTERPRETATION
FIG. 6
A letter containing good news, shown by bird flying and the triangle, may be expected immediately. If from a lover it shows that he is constant and prosperous, owing to the anchor on the side. The large tree on the side indicates happiness and prosperity. A letter will be received from someone whose initial is 'L.' In the bottom of the cup there are signs of minor vexations or delays in connection with someone whose name begins with 'C.'
[Illustration: FIGURE 6]FIG. 6Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 6]FIG. 6Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 6]
FIG. 6
Principal 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
INTERPRETATIONFIG. 7
INTERPRETATION
FIG. 7
The two horse-shoes indicate a lucky journey to some large residence in a north-easterly direction, the tree surmounting which denotes that happiness and fortune will be found there and that (as it is surrounded by dots) it is situated in the country. The sitting hen in the bottom of the cup, surmounted by a triangle (to see which properly the illustration must be turned round) is indicative of increased wealth by an unexpected legacy. A letter from someone whose name begins with 'T' will contain a remittance of money, but it may not arrive for some little time.
[Illustration: FIGURE 7]FIG.7Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 7]FIG.7Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 7]
FIG.7
Principal Symbols:—
Large horse-shoe, edge of bottom, in conjunction with 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.
INTERPRETATIONFIG.8
INTERPRETATIONFIG.8
INTERPRETATION
FIG.8
This tea-cup appears to give warning by the flag in conjunction with a rifle and the letter 'V' that some friend of the consultant will be wounded in battle, and as there is a coffin in the bottom of the cup that the wounds will be fatal. On the other side, however, a sceptre, surrounded by signs of honours, seems to indicate that 'V' will be recognized by his sovereign and a decoration bestowed upon him for bravery in battle, shown by the initial 'K' accompanied by a letter-sign, and by the astrological sign of Mars, intervening between these and the sceptre.
[Illustration: FIGURE 8]FIG. 8Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 8]FIG. 8Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 8]
FIG. 8
Principal 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.Initial 'V' near flag and rifle.
INTERPRETATIONFIG. 9
INTERPRETATIONFIG. 9
INTERPRETATION
FIG. 9
If the consultant be single this cup will, by means of the hare on the side, tell him that he will speedily be married. The figure of a lady holding out an ivy-leaf is a sign that his sweetheart will prove true and constant, and the heart in conjunction with a ring and the initial 'A' still further points to marriage with a person whose name begins with that letter. The flower, triangle, and butterfly are all signs of prosperity, pleasure and happiness.
[Illustration: FIGURE 9]FIG.9Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 9]FIG.9Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 9]
FIG.9
Principal Symbols:—
Hare sitting on side.Butterfly near rim.Heart and ring.Large flower on edge of bottom.Figure of woman holding ivy-leaf in bottom.Triangle.Initials 'A' and small 'C' with dots.
INTERPRETATIONFIG. 10
INTERPRETATIONFIG. 10
INTERPRETATION
FIG. 10
This is typical of the cup being too often consulted by some people. It is almost void of meaning, the only symbols indicating a short journey, although the flower near the rim denotes good luck, and the fact that the bottom is clear that nothing very important is about to happen to the consultant.
[Illustration: FIGURE 10]FIG. 10Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 10]FIG. 10Principal Symbols:—
[Illustration: FIGURE 10]
FIG. 10
Principal Symbols:—
Line of dots leading W.S.W toFlower.Two letters near rim
CHAPTER VI
OMENS
How have omens been regarded in the past? An appeal to anciency is usually a safeguard for a basis. It is found that most of the earliest records are now subsisting. 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 and Assyrian priests from time immemorial predicted events which they believed would happen in the near or in the remote future. They deduced these omens from the appearance and actions of animals, birds, fish, and reptiles; from the appearance of the entrails of sacrificial victims; from the appearance and condition of human and animal offspring at birth; from the state and condition of various members of the human body."
In India, where the records of the early ages of civilization go back hundreds of years, omens are considered of great importance.
Later, in Greece, the home of the greatest and highest culture and civilization, we find, too, omens regarded very seriously, while to-day there are vast numbers of persons of intellect, the world over, who place reliance upon omens.
That there is some good ground for belief in some omens seems indisputable. Whether this has arisen as the result of experience, by the following of some particular event close upon the heels of signs observed, or whether it has been an intuitive science, in which provision has been used to afford an interpretation, is not quite clear. It seems idle to attempt to dismiss the whole thing as mere superstition, wild guessing, or abject credulity, as some try to do, with astrology and alchemy also, and other occult sciences; the fact remains that omens have, in numberless instances, given good warnings.
To say that these are just coincidences is to beg the question. For the universe is governed by law. Things happen because they must, not because they may. There is no such thing as accident or coincidence. We may not be able to see the steps and the connections. But they are there all the same.
In years gone by many signs were deduced from the symptoms of sick men; the events or actions of a man's life; dreams and visions; the appearance of a man's shadow; from fire, flame, light, or smoke; the state and condition of cities and their streets, of fields, marshes, rivers, and lands. From the appearances of the stars and planets, of eclipses, meteors, shooting stars, the direction of winds, the form of clouds, thunder and lightning and other weather incidents, they were able to forecast happenings. A number of tablets are devoted to these prophecies.
It is conceivable that many of these omens should have found their way into Greece, and it is not unreasonable to believe that India may have derived her knowledge of omens from Babylonia; or it may have been the other way about. The greatest of scholars are divided in their opinions as to which really is the earlier civilization.
The point to be made here is that in all parts of the world—in quarters where we may be certain that no trace of Grecian, Indian, or Babylonian science or civilization has appeared—there are to be found systems of prophecies by omens.
It may be accounted for in two ways. One that in all races as they grow up, so to speak, there is the same course of evolution of ideas and superstition which to many appears childish. The other explanation seems to be the more reasonable one, if we believe, as we are forced to do, that omens do foretell—that all peoples, all races, accumulate a record, oral or otherwise, of things which have happened more or less connected with things which seemed to indicate them. In course of time this knowledge appears to consolidate. It gets generally accepted as true. And then it is handed on from generation to generation. Often with the passage of years it gets twisted and a new meaning taken out of it altogether different from the original.
It would be difficult to attempt to classify omens. Many books have been written on the subject and more yet to be written of the beliefs of the various races. The best that can be offered here is a selection from one or other of the varied sources. In Greece sneezing was a good omen and was considered a proof of the truth of what was said at the moment by the sneezer.
A tingling in the hand denoted the near handling of money, a ringing in the ears that news will soon be received. The number of sneezes then became a sign for more definite results. The hand which tingled, either right or left, indicated whether it were to be paid or received. The particular ear affected was held to indicate good or evil news. Other involuntary movements of the body were also considered of prime importance.
Many omens are derived from the observation of various substances dropped into a bowl of water. In Babylon oil was used. To-day in various countries melted lead, wax, or the white of an egg, is used. From the shapes which result, the trade or occupation of 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 northern counties of England egg, wax and oil.
Bird omens were the subject of very serious study in Greece. It has been thought that this was because in the early mythology of Greece some of their gods and goddesses were believed to have been birds. Birds, therefore, were particularly sacred, and their appearances and movements were of profound significance. The principal birds for signs were the raven, the crow, the heron, wren, dove, woodpecker, and kingfisher, and all the birds of prey, such as the hawk, eagle, or vulture, which the ancients classed together (W. R. Halliday, "Greek Divination"). Many curious instances, which were fulfilled, of bird omens are related in "The Other World," by Rev. F. Lee. A number of families have traditions about the appearance of a white bird in particular.
"In the ancient family of Ferrers, of Chartley Park, in Staffordshire, a herd of wild cattle is preserved. A tradition arose in the time of Henry III. that the birth of a parti-coloured calf is a sure omen of death, within the same year, to a member of the Lord Ferrers family. By a noticeable coincidence, a calf of this description has been born whenever a death has happened of late years in this noble family." (Staffordshire Chronicle, July, 1835). The falling of a picture or a statue or bust of the individual is usually regarded as an evil omen. Many cases are cited where this has been soon followed by the death of the person.
It would be easy to multiply instances of this sort: of personal omen or warning. The history and traditions of our great families are saturated with it. The predictions and omens relating to certain well known families, and others, recur at once; and from these it may be inferred that beneath the more popular beliefs there is enough fire and truth to justify the smoke that is produced, and to reward some of the faith that is placed in the modern dreambooks and the books of fate and the interpretations of omens.
OMENS
ACORN.—Falling from the oak tree on anyone, is a sign 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-dayIs handsome and wise and loving and gay."
BUTTERFLY.—In your room means great pleasure and success, but you must not catch it, or the luck will change.
CANDLE.—A spark on the wick of a candle means a letter for the one who first sees it. A big glow like a parcel means money coming to you.
CAT.—Black cat to come to your house means difficulties caused by treachery. Drive it away and avoid trouble.
CHAIN.—If your chain breaks while on you means disappointments or a broken engagement of marriage.
CLOTHES.—To put on clothes the wrong way out is a sign of good luck; but you must not alter them, or the luck will change.
CLOVER.—To find a four-leaf clover means luck to you, happiness and prosperity.
COW.—Coming in your yard or garden a very prosperous sign.
CRICKETS.—A lucky omen. It foretells money coming to you. They should not be disturbed.
DOG.—Coming to your house, means faithful friends and a favourable sign.
DEATH-WATCH.—A clicking in the wall by this little insect is regarded as evil, but it does not necessarily mean a death; possibly only some sickness.
EARS.—You are being talked about if your ear tingles. Some say, "right for spite, left for love." Others reverse this omen. If you think of the person, friend, or acquaintance who is likely to be talking of you, and mention the name aloud, the tingling will cease if you say the right one.
FLAG.—If it falls from the staff, while flying it means danger from wounds inflicted by an enemy.
FRUIT STONES OR PIPS.—Think of a wish first, and then count your stones or pips. If the number is even, the omen is good. If odd, the reverse is the case.
GRASSHOPPER in the house means some great friend or distinguished person will visit you.
HORSESHOE.—To find one means it will bring you luck.
KNIVES crossed are a bad omen. If a knife or fork or scissors falls to the ground and sticks in the floor you will have a visitor.
LADYBIRDS betoken visitors.
LOOKING GLASS.—To break means it will bring you ill luck.
MAGPIES.—One, bad luck; two, good luck; three, a wedding; four, a birth.
MARRIAGE.—A maid should not wear colours; a widow never white. Happy omens for brides are sunshine and a cat sneezing.
MAY.—"Marry in May, and you'll rue the day."
NEW MOON on a Monday signifies good luck and good weather. The new moon seen for the first time over the right shoulder offers the chance for a wish to come true.
NIGHTINGALE.—Lucky for lovers if heard before the cuckoo.
OWLS are evil omens. Continuous hooting of owls in your 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 said to be unlucky.
RAT.—A rat running in front of you means treacherous servants and losses through enemies.
RAVEN.—To see one, means death to the aged or trouble generally.
SALT spilled means a quarrel. This may be avoided by throwing a pinch over the left shoulder.
SCISSORS.—If they fall and stick in the floor it means quarrels, illness, separation of lovers.
SERPENT OR SNAKE.—If it crosses your path, means spiteful enemies, bad luck. Kill it and your luck will be reversed.
SHOES.—The right shoe is the best one to put on first.
SHOOTING STARS.—If you wish, while the star is still moving, 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 not be disturbed. Long-legged spiders are also forerunners of good fortune.
TOWEL.—To wipe your hands on a towel at the same time with another, means you are to quarrel with him or her in the near future.
WHEEL.—The wheel coming off any vehicle you are riding in means you are to inherit some fortune, a good omen.
WASHING HANDS.—If you wash your hands in the water just used by another, a quarrel may be expected, unless you first make the sign of the cross over the water.