This is actually a form of hydromancy, divination using water. I'm not sure if it was mentioned before, but I thought I'd point out that this doesn't have to be the first lesson in divination in general.
About the ripples, you're supposed to use a small smooth stone, not a large or rough one. There are less ripples that way and it's easier to count. You hold the stone a certain distance from the bowl, different people teach different distance but generally it's not above 6 inches. This also makes for less ripples. You want there to be enough ripples for the answer to be accurate, but few enough that you're not counting above 12 or so.
Re: Ripple in The Romany Tide By: WhiteRav3n / Knowledgeable
Post # 13 Nov 30, 2011
Interesting. Did your great grandmother teach you tea leaf reading too? I've tried it a number of times. It's a very interesting way to divinate. I read up on it from someone who claimed they were of a Romany bloodline. My cup broke though at my daughter's hands. It's hard to find the right type of cup, with a wide round bottom, much like a bowl. I was lucky enough to find the one I did in a tiny corner store on the southside of Chicago, and it was the last one. If she did teach you, I'd love to read about your method. I will eventually replace my cup.
About what was mentioned concerning the past and present, it is very important, and neglected because most people look so much to the future. But many forms of more complex divination sustain the past and present as a dominant factor. But if you read Unseen's first post, he merely said yes/no questions, which could mean concerning past, present or future. Most who work with divination know that questions about the past and present have far more reliable answers than those about the future.
I suggest hand making Cups. And Yes I do. But I have not done any Tasseography for a year. But I do other ways. And the type of tea you use has an effect to the meaning as well,
Re: Ripple in The Romany Tide By: WhiteRav3n / Knowledgeable
Post # 15 Dec 01, 2011
Really? Making your own is not an easy task. I sculpt and wheel throw clay, so making my own isn't a problem. It's just that dips (glaze) needed to make safe pottery to eat and drink off of is a little expensive. I would need to test my glazes for leaching, which is a long annoying process or expensive if you have someone else do it. You don't have to just worry about lead and cadmium, but leaching of the other chemicals in the glaze. That's why I keep my work decorative only. Most glazes, especially those with bright colors leach chemicals. All dinnerware safe ceramic is tested. Even then, some of your dinnerware and mugs are allowed a certain level of lead that is considered "safe amounts". I eat off glass plates, and brand name mugs that have high standards and reputations. Normally if it says "microwave and dishwasher safe" and doesn't have bright reds, yellows, or oranges, it won't leach toxins. If they ever discolor, throw them out.
Unless you know what you're doing, I would never suggest making your own. It could mean your health!
