Roxy O'Reilly - THE LADY OF THE CUP 2009 Pb Tassology

CONDITION:    NEW condition - this is a pristine unread copy.

In the world of oracles rife with myriad systems for learning more about our existential relationships with the world and its people, a book on Tassology is a rarity. A first-rate book on Tassology is even rarer. This is one such book.

Tassology is an ancient art of divination using tea leaves or coffee grounds. Roxy O’Reilly not only reveals the secrets of reading the cups, but she also shares her own journey into Tassology which was inspired by her very gifted grandmother, Annie Bella O’Reilly who is the Lady of the Cup.

In this book the reader will also take a journey of their own and a fascinating one it will be. Just relax and have a cuppa and you will learn to read the signs.

The style of the book is warm and accessible even for those who have never experienced such a system of divination. For I Ching and Tarot readers – you will be on somewhat familiar ground. Be assured that the system is very experiential, intuitive and easy to learn, but, of course, much practice is required to achieve a competent level. The photographs of the cups in this book are extraordinarily clear and beautiful. There are no drawings, just the real thing in both colour and monotone images.

The first section of the book has a short history of Roxy and her relationship with her grandmother when it was evident the talent of the sight had been passed to Roxy through her grandmother.  The next section examines the history of Tassology and where it is practiced. There is no surprise that it seems to have followed the trade routes of tea and coffee. A section follows of major images that have been recorded by Roxy during numerous, memorable readings. Explanations accompany these images allowing the reader to fully understand the methods of interpretation.

The business end of the book for all who are keen to learn the art themselves follows next. Consideration is given to the types of beverage preferred, the types of teapots or coffee machines, cup or mug, and ways to get the best reading. The explanations on positioning of images and how to tell timescales of portents is extremely important. Roxy is clear at every step of the way that the skill or art needs to be practised a lot, but not forced in any way. The beginning reader is developing their intuition and this can often take time. She outlines and explains the main types of images usually experienced by beginners.

All this teaching is interspersed with brief anecdotes from Roxy’s own experiences over the decades she has been conducting readings. Seeing and interpreting images seen in the cups are two entirely different processes. Great sensitivity is required in interpretation. As your intuition becomes honed, you will not only read the cup, but the person as well. Make sure that you are not straying into the minefield of counselling, or offering advice – unless, of course, that is your professional role. Another word to the wise is always to ask before you read someone’s cup. It is a very personal thing and people can often be quite vulnerable. Roxy has much more sound advice for beginners and I would urge the reader to pay close attention to this section.

The A-Z Glossary of Image Interpretations takes up the bulk of the book and is exhaustive. Every one of the amazingly singular photographs has been taken from one of Roxy’s readings and they are stunning.

Whether you see Tassology as an energetic intuitive tool for divination, or an interesting entertainment/game, this book will satisfy. Roxy is an experienced reader with strong intuitive gifts and an excellent teacher. She has given the gift of this book for others who wish to take the same path. It is a beautiful book which will give unlimited pleasure.