It's All In The Leaves

 

One of the lovely things about reading leaves is the opportunity to sit quietly with your cuppa.  There is a sense of calm and a feeling that comes over you much like your soul taking a deep breath from the inside.  You cradle the cup in your hands and feel its warmth extend from your fingertips to the palms of your hand. You drink in the aroma and watch the steam rising elegantly from the cup, coming somewhere from its source.  From a moment of reverie you look up at the person you are reading for and note as they hold the cup to their heart, their eyes are closed and a relaxed expression on their face.  Sometime even a smile.  The tea does that to you.

Tea leaf reading is a dying art so one I feel very privileged to have been taught. My teacher and mentor taught me the ancient ritual of turning the cup.  The cup is turned several times for love, money and wishes and then turned over to reveal an array of wonderful pictures.  It never ceases to amaze me the pictures the leaves are able to create which all help us put things into perspective.  Sometimes there are lots of pictures.  Sometimes there is only one predominant image.  Each cup is as unique as the person being read for.  I am always in awe that I am there to share that with people.  Reading and receiving a reading is special. 

Hint: Try reading your own cup at home and learn to see the pictures.  It’s like cloud watching – see what wonderful image forms in yours.  Use a large leaf tea with golden tips for the best results.

Words and photo contributed by Suzi van Middelkoop
Certified Tea Master and owner of Tea by the Sea

Tea Tastes Better in a Teacup

When most people think of tea – they usually think about a nice strong cup of black tea (usually English or Irish Breakfast) with a touch of milk and two sugars. The kettle boils, the trusty teabag goes in the mug and is left there while the brew gets stronger and darker. The teabag is rescued after about five minutes and every last drop of water squished out of the bag as it is wrapped around the teaspoon and squeezed to an inch of its death. Usually a slurp or two is taken while we madly rush around doing other things at the same time.

Tea has made a long and sometimes arduous journey to offer you its brew. Wouldn’t it make sense to take the time to really enjoy that cup? In order to do that, let’s start with a cup, not a mug. Maybe you already have a favourite one hiding in the cupboard that you never use, or it only comes out at special occasions? Make today a special occasion! Drinking real tea out of a cup and saucer brings life to your tea. If you don’t own one, make it your mission to find the perfect one for you. Find yours at a market, the op shop, a department store, online or maybe even ask your gran – she’d be delighted.

Hint: Surprise yourself, and enjoy a new ritual - brew a pot, sit down and drink in a moment of calm – just you and your cup.

Words and photo by Suzi van Middelkoop
Certified Tea Master and owner of Tea by the Sea.