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      Chapter 1. Traditions of fortune telling on coffee grounds

      Coffee grounds divination, also known as tasseography, is an ancient practice that has been used by various cultures for centuries to predict the future and understand hidden knowledge. This

      method of divination has a rich history and cultural values that vary from country to country. The history of ha Denmark on coffee grounds begins in the regions where coffee has become a popular drink. It is believed that the first practices of tasseography appeared in the Middle East in the XV century, shortly after coffee began to be cultivated and consumed in everyday life. Coffee houses, which spread to the cities of the Ottoman Empire, became places of social interaction, where fortune-telling on coffee grounds turned into a popular entertainment.

      Tasseography is treated differently in different countries. For example, in Turkey, the grounds are turned over in a cup so that it leaves an imprint on the side wall and bottom of the cup, which is interpreted by a fortune teller. In Greece and Cyprus, fortune telling is also very popular, and there it is used to predict the future on a personal level, often on New Year’s Eve or at other significant moments. Not everyone knows that tasseography is not only the art of interpreting symbols, but also a psychological game. The fortune-teller uses his intuitive and psychological skills to interpret patterns, which makes fortune-telling look like reading artistic images, each time unique. One of the unexpected aspects of fortune telling on coffee grounds is its influence on contemporary art and culture. For example, in some modern art projects, images and symbols inspired by fortune-telling on coffee grounds are used, creating works that explore boundaries between chance and premeditation in art. Symbols appearing in coffee grounds can range from simple shapes such as hearts or circles to complex images such as animals or faces. The interpretation of these symbols depends on the cultural and personal attitudes of the gambler and the one who applies for the prediction. For example, meeting a fish image in a cup may mean an upcoming trip or new opportunities in Turkey, while As in some Western cultures, it can symbolize abundance or financial success. Tasseography also reflects cultural differences in approaches to time and fate. For example, in Western cultures, coffee grounds are often seen as a funny and frivolous practice, whereas in the Middle East and Eastern Europe it is treated with great respect and seriousness, considering it an important element of spiritual life and an important decision-making tool. In recent years, interest in fortune-telling has revived, partly due to the growing popularity of coffee as a cultural phenomenon. Cafes and private parties sometimes They include tasseography in the list of entertainment, offering visitors not only to enjoy the taste of coffee, but also to look into their future. This practice has adapted to modern life, sometimes being used for psychotherapeutic and entertainment purposes, which makes it accessible to a wide range of people. Tasseography as a form of divination is interesting because it reflects cultural differences in the perception of time and destiny, which are deeply rooted in the historical and social contexts of different peoples. These differences can be revealed in how people interpret the symbols found in coffee grounds, as well as in the questions they ask and the answers they expect to receive from divination.

      In Middle Eastern countries such as Turkey or Iran, divination by coffee grounds is traditionally considered a serious matter. In these cultures, it is common to believe that a person’s destiny is predetermined, and divination can help to reveal its secrets. For this reason, tasseography sessions can be accompanied by rituals and prayers. It is also important to consider that in these cultures there is often a belief that time is cyclical and that the past, present and future are more closely linked than in the Western linear concept of time.

      In Western countries, including Europe and North America, tasseography is often viewed as more lighthearted and entertaining. There is an emphasis on personal responsibility and freedom of choice, so tasseography is seen as more of a pastime than a serious way of predicting the future. Time is perceived as linear, and each person is expected to have influence on their own destiny, which is reflected in more open and meaningful interpretations of the symbols in the coffee grounds.

      In East Asian countries, where tasseography is less traditional, such forms of divination may be adapted to take into account local views on karma and predestination. For example, in China and Japan, other forms of divination, such as the inching, are popular, which also rely on the interrelationship of the past, present, and future, and this concept may overlap with tasseography when it is adapted in these countries.

      Differences in religious and philosophical beliefs also profoundly affect the practice of tasseography in different cultures. Religious teachings can either restrict or support the use of divination depending on their view of divination and free will. For example, in Islam, the practice of reading coffee grounds may face religious restrictions. Islam has traditionally been skeptical of divination, since predicting the future may be seen as an attempt to know something that only Allah knows. However, in many Muslim societies, reading coffee grounds continues to be a popular folk custom, performed in a more informal and entertaining manner. Views on divination may also vary within Christian communities. Some sects may find divination unacceptable, seeing it as a form of idolatry or superstition. At the same time, in Catholic and Orthodox cultures, including divination, exist that coexist with formal religious practice, especially in areas with strong traditional beliefs. In cultures where Eastern philosophies predominate, such as Buddhism or Taoism, ideas about fate and time may differ greatly. In these philosophies, time is often perceived as cyclical, and a person’s life is seen as a series of reincarnations, each providing opportunities for spiritual growth. Divination in such contexts may be viewed as a tool for meditation and self-knowledge rather than as a means of accurately predicting the future. Tasseography not only reflects philosophical and religious attitudes, but also serves an important social function. In many cultures, divination sessions serve as an occasion for gatherings and social meetings where participants can discuss personal and social issues. This creates a special atmosphere of community and support, where participants can share their hopes and fears in a protected, supportive environment. We can assert that Tasseography, as a form of teaching, is closely linked to cultural, religious and philosophical beliefs, which makes it not just a way of predicting the future, but also a mirror reflecting the views of society on the world and human destiny. Fortune telling on coffee grounds is often accompanied by various rituals, which may include special prayers, preparing the place, choosing the time for fortune telling, and even a specific way of serving and drinking. With the advancement of technology and changes in social attitudes, tasseography has also adapted to the modern world. For example, some online platforms now offer virtual coffee grounds reading sessions, where traditional methods are combined with new technologies to attract young people and people interested in new forms of spiritual practice.

      Modern

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