CHAPTER VII THE "NELROS" CUP TWO EXAMPLE READINGS OF ITS SIGNS "If thou wouldst learn thy future with thy tea, This magic cup will show it thee."

Some readers may find an additional interest in divination by tea-leaves, if they use a cup marked with the planetary symbols, patented as the "Nelros Cup of Fortune." A short explanation of the symbols, and the method of using this cup, will be helpful for those who are not familiar with its signs. I am not suggesting the use of the "Nelros" saucer, for the reason that its signs are somewhat obscure, and students who have no experience in the science of astrology would find it confusing, if used in addition to the cup, in which all needful signs are illustrated.

As in the case of the ordinary tea-cup, the handle remains as the representative of the consultant. The turning of it and draining of the moisture should be carried out in the usual way.

Immediately under the handle, and above the space given to the Sun, are seen a Diamond and a Horseshoe. Next on the left are a Snake twisted round a stick, and a Spade, these being placed over the space given to Saturn.

Following them are a Bell and a Club, seen over the sign of Venus. Next, an Eye and Envelope, above the space given to Jupiter.

Then comes a Cross, with the sign of Pisces, the Fishes, these being over the sign of Mercury.

Next are a Winecup and a Spider above the space of Mars.

Followed by a Cat's Head and a Heart, above the Moon.

Each one of these signs round the brim has a symbolic meaning, though their meaning must also be judged by the position they occupy in the cup.

Now, taking the signs round the brim of the cup, and connecting them with the planetary symbols beneath.

Beginning at the handle is a Diamond, this being a token of wealth, which, with the sign of the Sun below, indicates much prosperity, favours, and general well-being, the Horseshoe over the Sun also betokening good luck and successful projects.

In the next space, reading to the left, is the Snake twisted round a stick, over the sign of Saturn. This is emblematical of a risk of poverty coming through deceit, and with a Spade over Saturn, whose characteristic is privation, there is a further indication of toil, loss, undoing.

The next sign is a happier one; the Bell over the sign of Venus, with the Club beyond, indicates joyful news, events meaning much happiness, love and peace, the characteristic of Venus being peace or placidity.

Next is the sign of Jupiter, whose characteristic is expansion; above it are placed an Eye and an Envelope, the Eye showing the power of penetration, seeing things in a right perspective, and light thrown on difficult questions, the letter showing that news from all parts of the world is made possible by its expansion.

Next come the Latin Cross and the watery sign Pisces, the Fishes. These being in connection with Mercury, whose characteristic is activity, show much alertness and desire for knowledge; the Cross meaning obstacles and hindrances in the chosen path, whilst the sign of Pisces denotes interesting news from distant lands, with much desire for travel and exploration.

In the next space the Winecup and Spider, in connection with the sign of Mars, the characteristic of Mars being energy, show the strength, courage, and perseverance needed to carry out a successful career; the Spider being a symbol of concentration, patience, and achievement, whilst the Wine-cup tells of joy and realised ambition.

Following these signs are the Cat's Head and the Heart, with the Crescent Moon below. The characteristic of the Moon is change, mobility; it is also a symbol of good fortune in the tea-leaves. In combination with the Heart it indicates a romantic love affair. The Cat's Head shows interference by those who are mean and spiteful.

Having learned from this brief explanation the symbols of the "Nelros Cup," the reading of the tea-leaves in relation to those symbols will be easy. For instance, suppose the wife of a sailor to be the consultant. Her husband is on his ship in the North Sea, and she is eagerly awaiting news of him. In the cup she has "turned," the symbol of a letter comes in the watery sign )-( with a large ivy leaf beneath it. Further patience will be necessary, the ivy leaf tells us, as the wished-for letter is still far away. The distance from the handle (the consultant) shows this, also the letter symbol being in the watery sign indicates the fact that it will come from across the sea. The waiting for the news causes a feeling of disappointment and sadness; these will vanish later on, and the waiting be compensated by the happy news that will come in the longed-for letter. This is seen by the tea-leaves which appear on other symbols of the cup.

The form of a man is seen between the signs of the Bell and Club; near this form is the letter "A," the first letter of the consultant's name. Round this initial letter is a well-formed circle; a trident lies at a little distance from it.

Here is evidence of the joyful news coming from her husband, the tea-leaves in the spaces of the Bell and Club making a prediction of the satisfactory news a safe one. The circle round the letter "A" and the symbol of the trident near, enable the seer to prophesy a good promotion, much success and happiness.

This example reading of the "Nelros" cup is a fortunate one. We will now consider one of a less satisfactory character.

The consultant is a widow; opposite the handle of the cup she has "turned" is the Envelope over Jupiter, upon the Envelope tea-leaves forming an Owl are seen, beneath is a small arrow pointing towards the handle. These signs foretell bad news probably coming from a far country; the sign of Jupiter and distance from the handle (the consultant) would show this. The symbol of the Owl indicates the anxiety caused by the arrival of the letter and its news. The arrow pointing towards the handle would show that the matter is personal, and will much affect the consultant.

Upon the sign of Saturn, with an arm stretched towards the Spade above it, is the figure of a man. The characteristic of Saturn being privation, and the Spade being a symbol of toil, it is evident that the figure of the man represents someone related to the consultant for whom the present prospects are very bad. It may well be this man from whom is coming the news in the letter which will cause her so much anxiety.

Fortunately, on the Anchor at the bottom of the cup is a well-formed key. Being in this position, it shows that someone at a distance, having the welfare of the consultant much in their mind, will be the means in the future of helping her out of the difficulties. The key being on the Anchor indicates the security she may feel in the friends, who will be instrumental in giving her happiness and peace of mind.

These two example divinations will illustrate the manner in which the tea-leaves are read in relation to the signs upon the cup. To some it may appear an easier means than that of the ordinary tea-cup.

In any case it is very useful to have an alternative method of foretelling the future. Variety is always acceptable, and for this reason I commend the "Nelros Cup of Fortune" to my readers.

rt of the consultant, may be looked for within seven days.

The rock, motor, and wavy lines being in conjunction, warn the consultant of some forthcoming vexation, and possibly alarm, in connection with a motor expedition, but the episode is in the distance, and will not be more than a passing cloud.

The slug, at the bottom of the cup, predicts a future disturbance with someone, but the matter will be trifling. The large symbol of the king and queen upon the throne, opposite the handle, foretells a future of honour and wealth, and the assurance of every happiness for this fortunate consultant.

FIGURE IV

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

Opposite handle on circle.—Two women, inside figure carrying basket, outside figure with parcel under arm.

On sides.—Line of wavy dots. Large rock. Motor. Bird's nest. Pen. Numeral "7." Inkpot.

On circle.—Large arch with carving.

In centre.—Slug. Figures of King and Queen on throne.

Under handle.—Seal. Weasel.

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE V

The large rock on the side, with the letter "J" beside it, speaks of a forthcoming vexation or trouble caused by someone whose name begins with "J." The necklace and jewellery beyond, with scattered dots around, give a cheerful assurance to the consultant of coming prosperity. This is further emphasised by the circle of dots above the letter "C" in the centre. As the initial is large, it probably indicates the name of the place from which the source of wealth may be anticipated; and that much happiness will come to the consultant in the future, is shown by the dancing figure and carved figures being in conjunction.

The small basket, the sausage, and roll of bread, with the query and "2" beyond, all point to the fact that the consultant will have little complaints and grumbles to put up with, and there will be some doubt as to which of two people is most to blame. But it will be only a small ripple upon the otherwise smooth surface of the consultant's outlook.

FIGURE V

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

On sides.—Large rocks. Letter "J" in conjunction. Necklace. Jewellery.

In centre.—Large ornamental "C." Circle of dots above. Figure of girl dancing with arm upraised beneath. Carved figures.

In centre near circle.—Basket. Large sausage with roll of bread in conjunction. Small query. Numeral "2."

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE VI

The numeral "4," beside the shapeless leaves, and the line leading from this to the flat rock beyond, indicate that in about four days the consultant may expect to meet with obstacles in the way of some prospective outing or pleasure, which will probably fall through.

The corkscrew, with the letter "C" in conjunction, signifies vexatious curiosity as to the consultant's private concerns, on the part of persons whose names begin with these initials. But that it is merely a passing annoyance is shown by the symbol of the arch, and dancing figures above it, and, with the fig tree beyond, foretells the development of things most wished for, and much future happiness and prosperity.

The anvil in the centre, with the branches of a tree in conjunction, suggests that it will be largely owing to the consultant's energy that this hopeful outlook in the future may safely be predicted.

FIGURE VI

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

On sides.—Corkscrew. Letter "C." Arch. Dancing figures above. Fig tree.

Near rim.—Shapeless leaves. Numeral "4." Line leading to flat rock.

In centre.—Anvil. Branches of a tree.

Under handle.—Scattered dots.

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE VII

Although the small symbol of the dagger points towards the consultant, it would not in this case predict a personal danger, as there are no further signs of illness or misfortune. So that it may safely be taken to mean that the consultant will shortly be going to see a friend who has had an operation; this fact is borne out by the short dotted line beyond, leading to the door knocker, under which is written the word "in."

The numeral "7" coming at the end of the dotted line would show that it will probably be seven weeks before this friend recovers from the illness. This friend's name is shown to begin with "L," as that letter is also near the end of the lines.

The more distant signs of a brooch and a cabinet beyond both foretell the unexpected development of good fortune. If the consultant is married, the thimble in the centre would show future changes in the household; that they will be advantageous is shown by the large feather which gives assurance of a prosperous future.

That this may come about through a friend, or lover, is shown by the cigar, and is further emphasised by the large dots beside it.

A warning against extravagance, however, is given to the consultant by the crinoline, which appears amidst these signs of future wealth.

FIGURE VII

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

Near rim.—Small dagger. Short dotted line leading to door knocker, with "in" written beneath. Numeral "7." Letter "L." Dots.

On sides near circle.—Group of dots and small symbols showing presents. Brooch. Cabinet.

In centre.—Crinoline. Large feather. Small cigar. Thimble.

Under handle.—Symbols of letters and parcels.

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE VIII

The only definite indication of future prospects is shown by the symbol of the organ, and acorn, upon the circle at the bottom of the cup, the position of these signs showing that hope will not be realised for some time.

But these symbols make the prediction of ultimate success a safe one. Should the consultant be a musician, triumph in the profession would be assured.

The coal scoop and beetle are significant of domestic worries and household cares. But the tea cosy in the centre promises compensation in the way of small comforts and affection.

FIGURE VIII

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

Small symbol of a coal scoop.

On circle.—Organ. Acorn beside it. Beetle.

In centre.—Tea cosy.

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE IX

This cup would be singularly disappointing from the consultant's point of view, as it is devoid of incident.

The large spray of thistle on the rim indicates an unselfish life of endurance. For the present, there is no sign of a more eventful existence.

The dust-pan, brush, and duster, in the centre, point to future domestic vexations, but the large spray of iris beside it promises a pleasure which will far outbalance the trifling disturbance.

FIGURE IX

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

Near rim.—Thistle.

Centre.—Dust-pan and brush. Duster. Large spray of iris.

Under handle.—Shapeless leaves.

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE X

The most striking features of this cup are the various indications of pleasure and social enjoyment. These being shown by the cake and butterfly, while the orchid in conjunction predicts that the consultant's personal charm and power of attraction will result in a future of wealth and social distinction.

The pillar, near the rim and handle, gives a pleasing assurance of security and loyal friends. The bird flying from the cage brings joyful news, that something which has been an obstacle in the way of the consultant's desires is about to be removed, and much future happiness may be looked for.

The figure of the man fishing from a rock foreshows the arrival of a visitor, who will have some pleasant news to tell.

The toque opposite the handle, but at the bottom of the cup, gives further evidence of the good luck coming to this fortunate consultant.

FIGURE X

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

Near rim.—Small stone pillar. Cake on dish. Man on rock fishing.

On sides.—Bird cage, small bird flying from it.

On circle.—Butterfly. Lady's hat.

In centre.—Orchid with long stalk.

Under handle.—Shapeless leaves.

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE XI

This cup indicates that the consultant is apt to be ruffled by trifles and to become upset by anything unexpected. As, for instance, in the case of the arrival of visitors, shown by the mass of leaves and chair. The query beside it shows the indecision of the consultant's mind as to necessary arrangements. The boots on the opposite side denote that lack of income will not trouble the consultant.

But that there is some misfortune or hindrance in the future is shown by the symbol of the broken cross in the bottom of the cup; the head and shoulders of the woman beside it suggest that this trouble will be caused by a woman. Compensation will be found in the happy love affair, which is clearly predicted by the cherries, the figures of the man and woman embracing, and the man's hat and pipe.

Large dots signify that wealth will be added to happiness. This event must not be expected for some months, as the symbols are in the bottom of the cup.

The letter "N" with the dots and small tree beyond show an immediate pleasant happening, in connection with a person whose name begins with that letter.

FIGURE XI

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

Near rim.—Mass of leaves. Stones.

On sides.—Chair. Query. Two boots.

On circle.—Figure of man and woman embracing. Small bunch of cherries beneath. Several dots. Man's hat and pipe in conjunction.

In centre.—Broken cross. Head and shoulders of woman.

Under handle.—Letter "N." Small tree beyond.

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE XII

The present conditions of this consultant are not cheering. The large cloud, associated with dots, the small dog on the opposite side, and the policeman beyond, all point to grievous money worries, possibly caused by dishonesty.

The somewhat indistinct axe implies a brave effort to overcome, and final mastery of, some of the difficulties.

However, the future has more pleasant prospects, and may be looked forward to with hope. The symbols of the clover and cherries, give assurance of this.

The spray of ivy speaks of the patience with which the present trials are borne, also that true friends are a source of comfort to the consultant.

FIGURE XII

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

On side.—Small dog lying down.

Near rim.—Policeman. Indistinct symbol of an axe. Large cloud. Dots.

Centre.—Two small butterflies. Small symbol of a stocking. Small bunch of cherries. Spray of ivy. Clover.

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE XIII

The consultant who has "turned" this cup must be prepared for delays, and must not expect real happiness until rather late in life, this being shown by the bonnet and strings on the side of the cup.

The small symbol of birds on a perch gives further evidence that having to wait is a feature of the consultant's lot. The rock and pipe beyond show some dismay with regard to a dear friend.

The large spray of mistletoe and holly at the bottom of the cup, with the letters "F" and "L" in conjunction, implies that some event of importance to the consultant, in connection with persons whose names begin with these initial letters, will occur in the winter. If the cup has been "turned" during the autumn or winter, probably a year will pass before the event takes place, as the mistletoe indicates delay. But this consultant is prepared to hear the truth, and faces it calmly, even if it is a little unpleasant; the symbol of the woman looking into the glass brings this fact to light.

The child playing with its toys foreshows future pleasant plans which will result in tranquillity and satisfaction.

FIGURE XIII

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

On sides.—Bonnet and strings. Birds on perch. Pieces of rock. A pipe.

On circle.—Child with toys.

Centre.—Large sprays of mistletoe and holly. Letters "F" and "L." Figure of woman looking in glass.

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE XIV

This cup was "turned" by a well-known authoress. Its sinister appearance is accounted for by the fact that at the time of "turning" the cup, she was arranging mentally a murder plot for the book she was then writing.

The symbols speak for themselves and need no explanation.

It is a most interesting specimen, as being absolutely unique.

FIGURE XIV

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

On side overlapping circle.—Tail and hindquarters of rat, with head in a hole. Monster with a man's head and bear's paws.

On side.—Dead fish beyond.

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE XV

The consultant who "turned" this cup was sorrowful and had either just passed through a bereavement, or such will take place in the immediate future. The rough cross and the grave near the handle point to this. The bed, with the figure of the woman in nurse's cloak near it tells of serious illness in the home. But this is a future trouble, as the symbols appear at some distance from the handle. The saucepan also bears witness to the general gloom.

The ivy leaves beyond the rough cross show the patience with which the consultant bears the trials; also that good and loyal friends will be a source of comfort.

The small bit of wood and the closed book are symbols of hope, and assure this sad consultant that the expected improvement in affairs will certainly take place and will relieve some of the present anxieties.

This is the most that can be foretold of the future, for there are no signs of pleasant events or definite changes. Indeed, the symbol of the loaf of bread in the centre of the cup shows that monotony and ordinary routine are all that can be predicted from the divination.

FIGURE XV

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

Near rim.—Rough cross. Ivy leaves beyond. Large closed book.

On sides.—Log of wood. Bed. Figure of a woman in nurse's cloak beside it. Grave, with small cross.

In centre.—Loaf of bread. Small symbol of a saucepan.

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE XVI

This cup gives an impression of a somewhat undeveloped character which is further brought into notice by the stump of a tree on the circle; the hen on a nest, near the handle, points to a home life of comfort and affection.

The egg in the cup, and the duck, show that a risk of threatened disaster, as a result of rash speculation will be averted, and with the symbol of the three boots, fortunate prospects, and the guarantee of hope fulfilled, may safely be predicted for the future.

FIGURE XVI

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

On sides.—Hen on nest. Shapeless leaves. Egg in cup.

Near circle opposite handle.—A duck.

On circle.—Stump of tree. Three boots.

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE XVII

The figure of the child, with its toys beyond, implies that new plans, to be made very soon, will be most beneficial, and will bring much pleasure to the consultant. But as the sausages and snail are not far distant, there is likely to be a marring of the pleasant conditions, caused by an act of unfaithfulness on the part of someone with whom the consultant is closely connected.

The bellows beyond suggest that the matter is treated with as much philosophy as possible, and with a resolve to make the best of a bad business; the ham also, being in conjunction, it is evident that the episode will not interfere with the consultant's success in life.

The sign post, with the running figure beside it and the large letter "M" beyond, prepare the consultant for startling news, the result of which will be of great importance. The news will come from a place beginning with the letter "M." There is no doubt that the matter will turn out admirably and bring about many advantages, as shown by the spreading branches of the tree; while the grapes beneath promise abundant success and joy.

The large boot-tree and latch-key on the circle beneath the handle predict a fortunate and unexpected gain in the near future. This consultant may look forward with confidence to the pleasures which fate has in store.

FIGURE XVII

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

On sides.—Child seated. Toys beyond. Sausages. Snail. Ham. Bellows.

In centre.—Sign post. Running figure beside it. Large letter "M" in conjunction.

On circle.—Tree with spreading branches. Bunch of grapes beneath. Large boot-tree. Latch-key.

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE XVIII

The shadow beneath the haycock shows that the consultant will soon be placed in a somewhat trying position and will have considerable difficulty in finding a way out of it.

The future is full of promise and there can be little doubt that the consultant will enjoy the pleasures of prosperity.

A journey to a cold climate to be taken later will result in very propitious news as shown by the symbol of the pheasant.

FIGURE XVIII

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

On sides.—Shapeless leaves. Haycock. Shadow beneath.

In centre.—Pair of boots. Spreading branches of a tree. Pheasant flying.

Near circle.—Head of a polar bear.

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE XIX

The doll on the side, with the small symbol of a toadstool beside it, gives a warning to the consultant against folly and a bad habit of gossiping when feeling bored in society. The stuffed head of the deer, in this case, shows that much distress is caused by the unguarded talk, and the consultant certainly cannot be described as an "innocent cause."

The various scattered shapeless leaves point to confusion, and a somewhat "happy-go-lucky" nature. The spray of poppies on the circle beneath the handle foreshows that a pleasant experience may be expected in the summer.

The broken gate, with the cross above it, denotes that a new opportunity which awaits the consultant at a future date, will coincide with a time of perplexity and trouble, which fact is further borne out by the running figure below. This being in conjunction with a large letter "Y," implies that the disturbance will arise in connection with a place, the name of which begins with "Y."

FIGURE XIX

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

On sides.—Small symbol of a toadstool. Doll. Head of a stuffed deer.

Near rim.—Many shapeless leaves.

On circle.—Spray of poppies.

In centre.—Broken gate with cross above it. Large "Y." Running figure.

INTERPRETATION

FIGURE XX

This cup shows confusion and that the consultant was in a state of mental turmoil at the time of "turning" it. But in spite of this drawback there are some interesting facts to be found.

The dotted circles and large ornamental arch point to a most hopeful outlook and to the successful development of some desire at present unattainable.

The various initials and small numerals scattered about show correspondence as to plans and fixing of dates. The bush apple tree speaks of some pleasure which may be looked forward to in the summer.

The dancing figures predict much future happiness; the numerous changes which are likely to come about will all tend to success and the gratifying of the consultant's wishes. And what more cheerful outlook than this can be desired?

FIGURE XX

PRINCIPAL SYMBOLS

On sides.—Scattered shapeless leaves. Several initials. Small numerals. Dotted circles. A large ornamental arch.

Near circle.—Bush apple tree.

In centre.—Dancing and grotesque figures.