The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

A GREAT-AUNT OF MINE CLAIMS THE ABILITY TO TELL
FORTUNES BY TEALEAVES. THE LEAVES ARE SWIRLED IN THE
CUP WITH A SMALL AMOUNT OF LIQUID, THEN TURNED OVER
ON ITS SAUCER AND TURNED AROUND THREE TIMES, THEN
TURNED UPRIGHT. SHE WOULD THEN PROCEED TO "READ"
THE LEAVES. I HAVE SEEN HER REVEAL SOME RATHER IN-
TIMATE INFORMATION SHOWING AT LEAST GREAT POWERS
OF OBSERVATION. MANY MEMBERS OF OUR FAMILY ACTUALLY
BELIEVE SHE REALLY HAS THIS POWER. IN HER HOME TOWN
SHE IS WELL KNOWN AND IS PAID WELL TO TELL FORTUNES
AT TIMES.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT WILL NOT REVEAL HOW SHE LEARNED HER TRADE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 12-00-1963