LOVE POTION #9

lOVE POTION # 9

It’s too easy in life to forget that in order to find love you need to love yourself first!  In response to that, Love Potion # 9 presents a blend of traditional herbs used for the internal cleansing and rejuvenation and love of your body, mind and spirit. Sweetened with licorice and yerba santa, this tea combines dandelion root, yellow dock, nettles, and rosemary into a pale green infusion that is loaded with love and goodness!

Ingredients - Licorice,  yerba santa, dandelion root, yellow dock, nettles, and rosemary.

Some people spend so much of our time waiting to be loved, hoping love will find  them, searching, yearning for that special love. Feeling empty and lost without it. Wanting someone to give them love and fill  them up. Unfortunately, that’s not usually how life works. You will draw to you exactly what you create in life, and what you believe you are worthy of.  I f you think you must  have someone to complete you you become the vampire that sucks all the life out of those around you.  So loving yourself can create love in your life, a love you can eventually learn to share with others. When you expect love from an external source, and someone or something does not fulfill your void and fantasy's, then you will feel worse than before. This starts the rounds  of love and sex addiction.  You are only happy when you have a host.

If you rely on your significant other to bring you happiness then eventually this will catch up with you and damage your relationship. For a while you may feel happy in a new relationship, but it is just  projection.  You only see what you  want to see and not the real person.   This kind of love is deaf, dumb, blind and retarded.  For the first year you don't even know his feet stink!   Often times when the newness of a relationship wears off and one person doesn’t love who they are, it is the reason the relationship sours. It is fine for your partner to add happiness to your life, but individually you need to be happy and love yourself with or without that person.  

How doe you love and care for yourself?

 1.)  Start with you diet.  Garbage in Garbage out.  Hippocrates said "Let they food be they medicine and your medicine be they food."  I f your food has no  nourishment,  how can you feel vibrant and alive?  Eat whole foods and herbs and avoid processed food.  Many times what you find  on the shelf in the Supermarket has more nourishment in the card board than the contents.  (I kid you not.)  Some people complain about the cost of good food, I say the cost of you health is  higher. 

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2.) Exercise.  This doesn't me you have to go to the gym and pump iron.  But you do have to get up and more around.  sitting in front of the lobotomy box or the laptop exposes you to radiation.  You need to move and you need to see sunshine.   You have to get at least a 1/2 hour of light for you body to process  vitamin D and make hormones properly.  Gypsy say dance is the best exercise because is moves the body and the spirit. 

3.) Breathe.  Year of working as a massage therapist has taught me how many people forget to breathe.  Shallow breath causes carbon monoxide to build up.  It eventually has to work it's way out, and it come out through the shoulder blades. Take two minutes a couple times a day for cleansing breath work.

4 .)  Learn to relax.   Turn on soothing music and light candles, dim the lights, and burn  incense even when you are alone.   The most sooth way to unwind it use the  magic of Lemon gran and sage.  Native Americans have long know the powers of these  herbs to calm the spirit.

5.) Laugh.  Norman Cousins check out of the hospital and into a hotel  to watch Laugh In.  He was cured naturally.  We release powerful chemicals when we laugh that can heal the body.  In Buddhism there are ceromies when all they do is laugh.  Laughter is very good for the soul.

6.) Change jobs.  Since this is where most people spent most of the waking hours, this is an important issue. I you are not happy it will eventually cost you your health.  This puritan believes about hard work and struggle, don't ring true for today's workforce. Figure out what you would like to do and just do it.  Those great benefits won't benefit you when your in the ground.

7.) Stop comparing.  Comparing and competing with others is not being true to your self.   So, your sister go a big house.  But you hate yard work, figure out what life style works best for you.  Your neighbor may have a new car,  but you may may not  love making the payments the payments. 

8.) Use  positive affirmations.  Talk to your self like you are the most wonderful person int he world.  Because you are.  If you are not the center of your life, you don't have one.  You wouldn't let other talk to you in a negative  manner, so don't do it to yourself.

When you take care of yourself and love yourself you will radiate that love.  Like attracts like and when you like and loves yourself others  will to. 

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by ZAHARA'S GYPSY TEA  is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider

GYPSY WOMAN MAGICAL BREW

Zahara's gypsy Tea 's premiere tea is Gypsy Woman Magical Brew.  Gypsy's, midwife's and herbalist have used herbal  brews since ancient times as medicine,  food and spiritual energy brews. Gypsy Women  is magic. This magical tonic designed to balance a woman’s body, mind and spirit.  This natural blend combines flowers, fruits, and leaves to achieve vital health and happiness!   Feel the gypsy energy and freedom. This brew will make you feel like a new woman.   This blend is rich in iron. ''

  

Ingredients:  Raspberry leaf, vitex, nettles, linden flower, lemon verbena, lemon peel,  cinnamon, roses, and stevia.   The herbal blend is high in iron and is caffeine free.      

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by ZAHARA'S GYPSY TEA  is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Raspberry leaf  is known at the "Woman's Herb."  Raspberry  leaf has traditionally been used to balance hormones and reduce menstrual flow and cramps, for allaying morning sickness, ease  labor pains, prevent postpartum depression and increase mil flow. .  Raspberry leaf tones the uterine muscles and is good for women of all ages.  During menopause the Adrenals take over for the lack of hormones and cause adrenal fatigue.  Men with adrenal fatigue can also benefit  from the use of Raspberry leaf.   Raspberry leaf helps support the adrenal function.Raspberry  can improve the immune system. Raspberry leaf is used in Europe for morning sickness, uterine irritability, and threaten miscarriage.  It is noted to reduce the need for  forceps.  (Pregnant or nursing woman should consult their medical provider before consuming any herbal products or food containing herbs.)  Raspberry leaf is reports prevent the progression of Cataracts by 97 percent.   It has been tested and shows improvement in Macular degeneration, and shows significant help for Diabetic Retinopathy. Standard  American medical advice is that pregnant not used Raspberry leaf because it can cause contractions.  Dilutes solutions of Raspberry leaf are used to treat diarrhea in children.    

 Vitex was used as a traditional folk remedy for a range of female conditions, such as post-partum hemorrhage and to help with the "passing of afterbirth". One of its alternate names, "chaste tree", comes from the historical belief that it can suppress libido. Vitex does not actually contain hormones. It appears to increase progesterone by stimulating the release of a hormone called luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland. Insufficient levels of progesterone cause ovarian  cysts.  Vitex is also thought to normalize excessive prolactin levels and promote fertility. Vitex is reported to reduce Fibrocystic breast disease, breast tenderness, cramping, and headaches.  It improves acne that is related the menstrual cycle. Vitex helps relieve heavy menstruation and Menopausal symptoms

 

Nettles  has been used  by Native American women to strengthen the fetus and ease delivery, stop uterine bleeding after delivery, and relieve PMS. Nursing mothers have used it to increase milk production.  Nettles has a diuretic effect and hast been helpful to patients with congestive hearth failure. It is helps for arthritis, anemia, hay fever and kidney problems. It is used to make your hair more glossy and can ease eczema. It has been used to treat Benign prostatic hyperplasia in men.  Nettles has been used to treat rheumatism and by body builders to increas muscle mass.  Nettles helps flush the urinary tract of bacteria and reduce bladder infections. 

Linden flowers are traditionally used for hypertension, their general sedative effect, calming the digestive system, reducing respiratory mucus in colds and flu, boosting the cardiovascular system, as well as to relieve headache migraine complaints, night sweets, decrease blemishes, preventing osteoporosis, and reduce stress.  The sapwood is used to reduce high blood pressure, as well as calming the stomach, to reduce water retention and to increase the flow of bile.  This herb will help you sleep and tone the venous (veins and capillary) system, while thinning the blood decreasing varicose and spider veins.  The flowers are used over the long term to treat high systolic blood pressure associated with arteriosclerosis. Because of their emollient quality, linden flowers are used in France to make a lotion for itchy skin.  High doses over long can cause damage to the heart , so consult  your doctor is you have a heart condition.

Lemon verbena health benefits: Lemon verbena has been used to treat fever, congestion, asthma, insomnia, intestinal problems, stress, and even depression. It is used to treat Candida (yeast overgrowth) as it has properties that help eliminate the fungus. Lemon verbena is claimed to have many therapeutic properties such as : a digestive tonic, strengthening the nervous system, de-stressing, regulating menstrual cycle and lessening PMS. Lemon Verbena is said to aid digestion, to help with metabolism and to help break down cellulite, thus it aids in slimming. It is also used to aid digestion, and is believed to have a mild calming effect on nerves.

Lemon peel is a ionic to digestive system, immune system, and skin. Used in Ayurvedic medicine to tonify liver. Strengthening to blood vessels. Helpful in relieving symptoms and discomfort of varicose veins, phlebitis, and peripheral circulatory system function. Increases circulation to extremities. Used to treat and prevent vitamin deficiencies, colds, flu, and scurvy.

Cinnamon is one of the oldest known spices.  Beside use in cooking, cinnamon has many health benefits.

Besides using it in cooking, cinnamon is also thought to have health benefits.  In traditional Chinese medicine, Cassia cinnamon is used for colds, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, and painful menstrual periods. It's also believed to improve energy, vitality, and circulation and be particularly useful for people who tend to feel hot in their upper body but have cold feet.  In Ayurvedic medicine, cinnamon is used as a remedy for diabetes, indigestion, and colds, and it is often recommended for people with thekapha Ayurvedic type. Recent studies have found that cinnamon may have a beneficial effect on blood sugar.  Preliminary lab and animal studies have found that cinnamon may have antibacterial and antifungal properties. It's active against Candida albicans, the fungus that causes yeast infections and thrush, and Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers.

People taking diabetes medication or any medication that affects blood glucose or insulin levels shouldn't take therapeutic doses of cinnamon unless they're under a doctor's supervision. Taking them together may have an additive effect and cause blood glucose levels to dip too low.

Also, people who have been prescribed medication to manage their blood sugar should not reduce or discontinue their dose and take cinnamon instead, especially without speaking with a doctor. Improperly treated diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve damage

Roses add a very spiritual touch to this exciting brew. Roses are not only the most beautiful of flowers but have many health benefits.  The use of the rose is far and varied. It has a long history in its use in folk remedies, especially in the area of skincare. It is suitable for all skin types, but it is especially valuable for dry, sensitive or aging skins. It has a tonic and astringent effect on the capillaries just below the skin surface, which makes it useful in diminishing the redness caused by enlarged capillaries. The rose also offers a soothing property to the nerves and emotional /psychological state of mind. It is regarded as a mild sedative and anti-depressant. It is increasingly used in treatments for conditions of stress: nervous tension, peptic ulcers, heart disease, among others. There is indication that rose essence may also positively influence digestion, bile secretion, womb disorders and circulation. In addition, a tea made with rose petals (pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1 /2 grams of rose petals) often soothes a mild sore throat.

Stevia is a natural sweetener.  For centuries, residents of Brazil and Paraguay have used stevia as a sweetener in medicinal teas for treating various ailments, and as a treatment for type II diabetes. And now, a recent one-year clinical trial revealed that hypertensive individuals who consumed 250 mg of stevioside three times a day, experienced a 10% drop in blood pressure. Stevia has a negligible effect on blood glucose, so it is attractive as a natural sweetener for the management of diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and for use in carbohydrate-controlled diets. The Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans have used stevia in foods and soft drinks for many years as an alternative to the artificial sweeteners, cyclamate and saccharin, which are suspected carcinogens. The wide use of stevia has been without any apparent harmful effects.

The health benefits of this Magical Brew make this delicious tea a better choice for many woman that harmful hormone replacements or prescription and over-the-counter medications that can cause liver damage and other health complications.  As always, check with you doctor before using herbal products.  This tea is not recommended for children.   Not for pregnant or nursing  women!

Besides the hype of the health benefits of Gypsy Woman Magical Brew, it is just a pain good tasting herbal tea that is good both hot to warm in the winter or cold for summer refreshment.

To order Gypsy Woman Magical Brew go to http://zaharasgypsytea.com/ 

 

GOOD LUCK CHARM

ZAHARA'S GYPSY TEA  asks  "What is a good luck charm?

A good luck charm is an object that produces a positive influence over the fortunes of a person, or set of persons upon possession.

Certain objects have the ability to emit positive or negative spiritual energy, depending on their nature. The 'Lecher' and 'Lobe' antennae are simple scientific devices, which can be used to measure subtle amounts of energy emitted from living organisms and inanimate objects. 

As a Gypsy Psychic ,  I often get inquiries from people who want to know which good luck charm can help them win the lottery, or win at gambling and other other games of chance. It is possible to make such a recommendation  depending on details provided. the  But do good luck charms actually work? In a word - yes. However, the question one should really ask is:  "How can I find a Good Luck Charm that works for me?

Helena Zahara  introduces Good Luck Charm that is good for everybody.   She is excited to announce her new brew by that very name.  This is a rich red tea mad from Hibiscus Flowers.  This delicious tea can be served hot or cold.   The fragrances of Hibiscus has been sought after for use in  perfumes around the world, and a sweet-tart natural citrus taste.  It's rich red color is more vivid than many wines.  This drink makes and excellent substitute for alcoholic beverages and can be served in you beautiful wine goblets to impress your guests.     

There is  history of healing with Hibiscus Flowers.  In  Africa it has been used topically to sooth skin from bites, stings, and wounds.  It has been used as a mild diuretic and laxative and for weight loss.  In Egypt is has long been a folk remedy for heart disease.  In Iran it  has long been used to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, help weigh loss,  improve kidney function,  reduces free radicals and decreases stress.   Scientific studies have  recently proved that it strengthens your immune system.  In some parts of the world Hibiscus is used to treat cancer, especially b rain and skin cancer.  Hibiscus Tea is used to toast wedding in the Middle-East and Africa and is easily made into a delicious syrup. In the Caribbean  Hibiscus Tea is served at Christmas Celebrations.  In Thailand it is made into wine for celebrations.  In Trinidad it is served mixed with beer, and in Jamaica it is mixed with rum. This flower is traditionally worn by Tahitian women to signal they are single.   So with so much celebration, and  good health at hand, who wouldn't feel lucky?

 Zahara's Gypsy Tea only sells loose tea. Why you ask?   Because the tea needs to float to enhance all of it's healing properties.  Tea bags are made from paper with many chemical processes and often bleached.  The tea inside is  usually ground so fine that it resembles saw dust and quickly looses all it's flavor while it sit in  boxes on the shelf.  Many companies add sugar, corn starch and other stabilizers that further rob the tea of it's natural healing benefits.  Often the cardboard box contains more nourishment than the tea.

 Don't let the word tea miss lead you, This beautiful flower is great in salads, soups and baked good.  It adds fibers and is complete edible.  I even put it in oatmeal with some homey for breakfast!

 Warning: As with all herbal products you should consult you doctor before using if you have health problems or taking medications because some herbs can interact with medications.  Doctors suggest that all pregnant and nursing women avoid herbal products. There is some warning documentation that Hibiscus flower can increase the reaction of chemotherapy drugs. Do not use if you have low blood pressure. Don not drive under the influence of herbal herbal products until you know how you will react to them.  Hhibiscus is know to cause euphoria and sedation and euphoria in some people.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by ZAHARA'S GYPSY TEA  is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider

If you would like to order some of this delicious tea  go to http://zaharasgypsytea.com,   it's not on the  menu yet but, just email us or phone and we will be glad to fill you order for good health and GOOD LUCK!  

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Hand of Fatima For Good Fortune

The symbol of the hand in Mediterranean and Eastern cultures is ancient.  It is a powerful magical protection against the Evil Eye.  I believe it may be an ancient remembrance of the "Eye in the Sky" the forms in the heavens when Ophiuchus the 13th  Astrology sign  forms the Wheel of Fortune between Sagittarius and Scorpio. The next  return of this constellation will be December 21, 2012.  Thus it makes the regained of popularity of  this amulet very appropriate at this time.

The evil eye is also called the wandering eye. Usually the bearer of the evil eye does not give someone else the "evil eye" consciously or maliciously. They usually do so out of envy or jealousy. The Hand of Fatima is one of many traditional symbols throughout most of the world to protect oneself from this phenomena. Eyes are often used for protection because they are supposed to deter the person giving the evil eye from focusing on the real object. This eye in the hand is a distraction from the real object. Some animals use something similar as a protection from predators. The "eye" in the feathers of a peacock's plume, for instance, is both a mesmerizing object for the female peacock, as well as a distraction for the predator. Many moths and butterflies have fake "eyes" on their wings to confuse birds and other predators into thinking that they are bigger animals than they are.

Fatima was, according to legend, the Muslim prophet Mohammed's daughter, and was often called upon for protection and compassion. The hand is a healing symbol and healing truth, as many people heal through their hands. The snakes along the fingers and moon and spiral have long been symbols of the Goddess.

Although the Hand of Fatima or Hamsa  has been symbolic in Islam and Judaism for centuries, archeological digs in the Middle East provide evidence that the hamsa hand pre-dates these religions and originated with the Phoenicians and was used as a protective symbol for an ancient Middle Eastern goddess. The Hand of Fatima has always been associated with a female entity offering protection from evil and misfortune.  The amulet symbolizing The Hand of Fatima represents the Hand of God. In all faiths it is a protective sign. It brings it's owner happiness, luck, health, and good fortune.  The Hand of Fatima hand can be worn with the fingers pointing up or down, and both are believed to offer its owner happiness, peace, and prosperity, as well as protection from the ayin ha'ra, or the evil eye. Another formula uttered against the evil eye in Arabic is khamsa wa-khamis  Due to its significance in both Arabic and Berber culture, it is one of the national symbols of Algeria and appears in their national Emblem.

The  Hand of Fatima is  is known by many names—hamsa, hamsa hand, hamesh, hamesh hand, khamsa, and chamsa. It is also called the Hand of Miriam, named for Moses and Aaron’s sister. There are two main styles of a hamsa hand: the most popular is the stylized hamsa hand with two symmetrical thumbs, but there are also hamsa hands that are not symmetrical and shaped like actual hands.. There are speculations that the Jews were among the first to use it as a protective amulet, also called “Hand of Miriam”. This tradition predates the Muslim use of the Hamsa (called the hand of Fatima, daughter of Mohammed) by at least a thousand years.The renewed interest in Kabbalah and mystical Judaism has brought the Hamsa back into vogue, and many artists are using the image of the hamsa hand in various aspects of their art including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, wall and door hangings, and amulets.

 

 (The photo above is a painting available for sale at The Magick Candle,  203 S. Audubon St.,   Indianapolis, Indiana, 46219  For more info on the painting or the artist phone:  317-357-8801 )

The word “hamsa” or “hamesh” means five. There are five digits on the hamsa hand, but the number five has additional symbolic meaning in the Jewish and Islamic traditions. Five (hamesh in Hebrew) represents the five books of the Torah for Jews. It also symbolizes the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, "Heh", which represents one of God’s holy names. It symbolizes the Five Pillars of Islam for Sunnis, and the Five People of the Cloak for Shi'ites.

In the Jewish religion, the Jewish hamsa hand also symbolizes the Hand of God. Many Jews believe the hamsa pendant symbolizes the Hand of Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron. In the Islamic faith, the hamsa hand symbolizes The Hand of Fatima, daughter of the Prophet Mohammed.

Many Jews believe that the five fingers of the hamsa hand remind its wearer to use their five senses to praise God. Hamsa hands often contain an eye symbol, which is a powerful talisman against the evil eye. It is most often worn as a hamsa necklace, but can be found as a decorative element in houses, on key chains, on other jewelry items, and is quickly gaining popularity as an amulet in baby carriages. In addition to averting the gaze of the evil eye, it brings its wearer or owner happiness, luck, health, and good fortune.

The hamsa hand(Arabic) or chamesh hand (Hebrew) is an old and still popular amulet for magical protection from the evil eye known to draw positive energy, happiness, riches and health. The Chamsa’s (semitic root meaning five) includes five digits and symbolizes the Creator’s protective hand. Five is by itself a number   Hamsas include fishes and a eye. Sometimes in a Sephardic household the symbol of a fish is used to repel the eye; this originates from the Talmud where is stated that fishes are immune from the evil eye because they are under water, and this makes fish an effective amulet. In Avital's Hamsas, the blue or red bead stands for the Almighty’s watchful eye.

The hamsa  has several uses , hung on a wall, is a very common ornament in Morocco, Israel and the Middle East. The use of the Hamsa is part of the Jewish and Israeli folklore and superstition, but it has nothing to do with the official Jewish religion. Of course, many people today display or wear hamsas as ornaments, without giving any thought to their supposed magical properties.

The hamsa hand(Arabic) or chamesh hand (Hebrew) is an old and still popular amulet for magical protection from the evil eye known to draw positive energy, happiness, riches and health. The Chamsa’s (semitic root meaning five) includes five digits and symbolizes the Creator’s protective hand. Five is by itself a number   Hamsas include fishes and a eye. Sometimes in a Sephardic or Romani  household the symbol of a fish is used to repel the eye; this originates from the Talmud where is stated that fishes are immune from the evil eye because they are under water, and this makes fish an effective amulet. In Avital's Hamsas, the blue or red bead stands for the Almighty’s watchful eye. 

The significance  of the color red is also thought traditionally to ward it off. Many mothers and grandmothers tie red ribbons and strings to children's underwear and bedding to prevent the evil peer. The color red is significant within Jewish history because it was one of the items necessary for the building of the original Temple. Red thread and dye were used to make fabric; the red thread came from a type of worm. Rabbi S. R. Hirsch points out that the worm was the lowest form of life, and yet it was intrinsic to the building of the Sanctuary. The red thread, reminiscent of the lowly worm, can be seen as protection against this. Each time a person looks at the string he is reminded that a person is really as lowly as a worm. This humility is the ultimate weapon against the "evil eye".

In recent years, activists for peace in the Middle East have adopted the Hand of Fatima . Because Hand of Fatima symbology is believed to predate most modern religions, those who actively support a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Israeli conflict believe that wearing the hamsa hand highlights not only the similarities of Judaism and Islam, but also the similarities of the origins of the religions. The hamsa symbol is believed to originate from an ancient Middle Eastern religion, and some Jews and Muslims wear the hamsa as a gesture for hope, peace, and prosperity in Israel and other areas of the Middle East.

 Zahara's Gypsy Tea has Evil Eye Protection  Spell kits.  Kits include directions on how to teat for the Evil Eye, Directions and needed materials for removing the curse, and amulet of protection  to avoid being  afflicted again.   New item is not on the menu, but just phone or email and we will be happy to fill your order. 

WHAT IS TASSEOLOGY?

 Tasseology is the ancient art of reading the the cup.  This method of divination interprets pattern s in tea leaves, coffee grounds , or wine sediments .  The terms derive from the French word tasse  (cup), which in turn derives from the  cognate Arabic word tassa, and the Greek suffixes graph (writing),  -ology (study of), and -mancy (divination).   Demitasse is a small cup that to used to serve Arabic coffee or espresso.  Reading coffee grounds has been very prevalent in middle-eastern culture.  My Grandmother and Great Grandmother read coffee grounds.  The art appears to be dying, so maybe that's why my Grandmother came to be in a dream and said "make tea."

 Cup Reading is becoming a dying art - but it is a method of divination which anyone with a little psychic intuition can learn. In many places in the world tea bags have replaced the traditional tea leaves so you may need to buy a box specially for this. Though I deepy love herbal blends which are correctly called tissanes, or ptsine from the Greek word barley, black or green teas are best for for readings. There are plenty of books available if you feel you need more help.  I suggest Time  For Tea by Lindel Barker-Revel.

It is useful to have some knowledge and understanding of symbology - although as in any divinatory method exact terminology should not be relied upon. An active imagination combined stimulated through light meditation and your 'gut feelings' will serve you best.

A wide, white breakfast cup is best for tasseology and the 'sitter' as we will call the person having the reading done.  Place a teaspoon of loose tea in the bottom of the cup and  pour boiling water over the leaves.  The sitter will gaze in to the cup thinking of the question or problem they want  resolved. Tea may be drank with mil or honey to taste.  Sugar is not advise because it can make the leaves stick together.  The sitter will stir  the tea 3, 9, or 30 times while concentrating on the issue.  The sitter will drink the tea or coffee, leaving just a small amount in the bottom of the cup in which to swirl the remaining tea leaves around with.  Adaptation of the cup is equivalent to shuffling of the cards in a Tarot Readings.  The sitter must think of a question they seek answered as they drink and swirl the tea three times with non-dominate hand. The cup as a mirror and the "sitter" reflects on the the question at hand.    Cup readings may be most accurate because the they use on of the four elements: water. Water is traditionally used to represent emotions and intuition.

Although many people prefer a simple white cup for readings, there are also traditions concerning the positional placement of the leaves in the cup, and some find it easier to work with marked cups. Beginning in the late 19th century and continuing to the present, English and American potteries have produced specially decorated cup and saucer sets for the use of tea-leaf readers. Many of these designs are patented and come with instructions explaining their mode of use. Some of the most common were those that were given away with purchases of bulk tea. There are dozens of individual designs of fortune tellers' cups, but the three most common types are zodiac cups, playing card cups, and symbol cups.

The cup is the turned upside down in it's saucer with the handle facing the sitter, and with her left hand she must turn the cup completely around three times, anti-clockwise, so that the handle ends up facing her.  Then the cups sits for a minute or two as it is allowed to rest.  In the  Gypsy Tradition the 'sitter" taps the three times to ask  Spirit permission to read to cup.

She will then hand the cup to the reader, without looking into it.

As the reader holds the cup, in both hands she will look for the clusters of tea leaves, or coffee  grounds,  reading into the shapes of them; the position of the leaves will tell her how imminent something is. As the cup is read the reader will go into a light meditative trance and allow the shapes of the leaves to form images in her mind.

It is traditional to read a cup clockwise from the present to the future by starting along the rim at the handle of the cup and following the symbols downward in a spiral manner, until the bottom is reached, which symbolizes the far future.  Images in the bottom  of the cup are the most powerful.  Most readers see images only in the dark tea leaves against a white or neutral background; some will also read the reverse images formed by seeing the symbols that form in the white negative spaces, with a clump of dark leaves forming the background.

Some people consider it ill-advised for one to attempt tasseography using tea from a cut-open bag or to use a symbol dictionary. The reasons for these prohibitions are practical: tea-bag tea is cut too finely to form recognizable figures in the cup and tea-leaf reading has its own historic system of symbolism that does not correspond exactly with other systems, such as symbolic dream divination.   Readings were done in cultures that were mostly illiterate and the symbology may evoke different  meanings to each person.  Tea bags also contain very over processed tea.  It does not allow the delicate spirit of the leaves to float freely in the cup, Nor,  give the rich aroma that is part of the therapeutic value of a reading.

IT STARTED AS A DREAM

 

It started in a dream.  In Helena Zahara's family many things start from dreams.  One night her grandmother and namesake came to her and said "I love you, make tea."

Growing up in New England, the tea kettle was always warming on the stove. Often, her mother would make tea and do Gypsy Card Readings. Helena grew her own herbs and experimented with making herbal teas. She found some of her blends to be a better choice than prescription sleep medications, and had a family member swear that cranberry tea she'd made healed her.

Having always dreamed of being a healer, Helena has made a life's study of healing therapies. She is a Certified Reflexologist, Certified Massage Therapist and Reiki Master. She spent 20 years working as a substance abuse counselor and helping others make healthy decisions. Helena always encourages a Holistic Lifestyle.

Helena's grandmother came to her again and said "make tea, it is your family inheritance." Helena went into the garden and blended lemon balm, lavender, Chamomile and Catnip. It was inspiring. She no longer has time to grow her own herbs, but still enjoys healing others. Helena includes a Gypsy Blessing with each container of tea.