Produced by Ruth Hart
[Transcriber's note: for this online edition I have added a Table of
Contents and have indicated section breaks with three asterisks.
Also I have made the following spelling changes: Chapter II:
"shapened like a shephard's" to "sharpened like a shepherd's";
"course in leaves" to "coarse in leaves". Also the sentence
beginning "This is a retrospective day for your soul" is incomplete.
Chapter IV: "agrandizement" to "aggrandizement"; "repoductions" to
"reproductions". Chapter VI: "sitting ud" to "sitting up". Chapter
VII: "Chapter V" to "Chapter VII". A Few Toasts: "murmer" to "murmur".
Three Great Commanders: "Owen Meridith" to "Owen Meredith".
Entertainment Suggestion: "calender" to "calendar". Characters
in Finger Nails: "strickly" to "strictly". Strange Wills: "There
have been many" to "There have not been many", and "MacCaig" to
MacCraig". Something to Remember: "Spender Percival" to "Spencer
Perceval".]
CUPOLOGY.
HOW TO BE ENTERTAINING.
INTERESTING FACTS FOR BOTH YOUNG AND OLD.
TOASTS -- GEMS.
HOW TO TELL AGE.
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, CLARA.
CINCINNATI, OHIO:
PRINTED BY FRANK H. VEHR.
1904.
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1904, by CLARA, in
the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Inspired Cup-Reading.
Chapter I. Helpful Hints for Friendly Social Gatherings.
Chapter II. One Year Later.
Chapter III. The Woman's Era of National Import.
Chapter IV. Mystical Cup.
Chapter V. The Acquisitive Adept.
Chapter VI. Three Coquettes.
Chapter VII. Superstition.
Cupology
Popular Toasts
Three Great Commanders
A Hint on Entertaining
Look at Your Cup
Entertainment Suggestion
Have a Peanut
What the Eyes Tell
Revealed by the Thumb
Characters in Finger Nails
Beauty's Seven Nurses
To Discover a Woman's Age
How He May Be Won
Dew Drops
Birth Stones for Luck
Kruger's Unlucky Diamond
Strange Wills
Laughagraphs
The Man Who Can Make Us Laugh
Queer Blunders
A Mysterious Telegram
Fortune
Dead Easy
A Bad Spell of Weather
For An Evening Game
Something to Remember
The Four Leaved Shamrock
INSPIRED CUP-READING.
Not Mere Fortune Telling.
[_From Sun-Flower_.]
PROPHECY.
"Prophecy is the science of being able to sense the casual
influences or vibrations governing the person or subject on
which the consciousness is centered, and knowing the purport
or meaning of these influences. To the non-sensitive this has no
existence, and he must judge the future by surface effects
entirely--his knowledge of human character or of the subject to
which he is devoted. A feeling of peace or quietude; that which
disturbs or irritates; animates or enervates; engenders joy or
gloom; that which attracts or repels without visible effects, are
some of the sensations experienced and have their specific
meanings, which must be grouped, counter-effects considered,
and conclusions drawn from this to make the forecast or outline
of the subject's future. To avert mistakes, however, the reader of
destinies must have sufficient self-knowledge to distinguish his
own influences or vibrations from those sensed in others and
not combine them as coming from one source. Every individual
is governed by this 'cause upon him,' and if he studies himself
he can become his own prophet."
[Illustration: horseshoe]
THE FOUR-LEAF CLOVER.
ELLA HIGGINSON.
I know a place where the sun is like gold,
And the cherry blooms burst with snow,
And down underneath is the loveliest nook,
Where the four-leaf clovers grow.
One leaf is for hope, and one is faith,
And one is for love, you know;
And God put another one in for luck--
If you search you will find where they grow.
But you must have hope and you must have faith.
You must love and be strong, and so,
If you work, if you wait, you will find the place
Where the four-leaf clovers grow.
OMENS IN THE TEA CUPS.
When, after making the tea, you forget to replace the lid of the
teapot, expect a caller to drop in and share with you the cup that
cheers.
SENSING OF ATMOSPHERES.
HOW TO BE ENTERTAINING.
READING FROM TEA OR COFFEE CUPS.
As delineated by a Cincinnati lady on different occasions,
for the pleasure of guests, both young and old, who became
desirous of acquiring this fine art, this character reading gift.
[Illustration: calligraphy flourish 1]
THE GRACE WE SAY TO GOD.
[JEAN INGELOW.]
So take joy home,
And make a place in thy great heart for her,
And give her time to grow and cherish her;
Then will she come and oft will sing to thee
When thou art working in the furrows; ay,
Or weeding in the sacred hour of dawn.
It is a comely fashion to be glad--
Joy is the grace we say to God.
LOVE'S SECRETS READ.
These revelations are honestly dedicated to bright folks, who
study human needs, and to such as possess and inspire a bit of
high-soul, creative imagination, as well as to humanitarians,
who become capable of knowing, advising and showing the
better sides of life by lofty mental concentration, which ever
lifts the thinker into the special soul atmosphere of each
separate mentality, by the power of attraction and repulsion,
verily, by the cosmic law of life, gaining thereby deeper insight
into what seemeth best to think and to do for self and for others.
Believing that these, my life-long experiences, will prove both
instructive and highly entertaining, I am happy to send forth
these _talismanic_ best thoughts, which may indeed become
noble and satisfying possessions to many active and wisely
applying minds, for the healthful enjoyment of their friends and
associates.
[Illustration: fan]
CHAPTER I.
HELPFUL HINTS FOR FRIENDLY SOCIAL GATHERINGS.
First cup turned was by a tall, handsome girl, who, herself,
possesses keen imagination with true power for character-reading,
and with love for the study of the occult sciences.
In her very first turn, the sky with misty scenes and an _airship_
were traced well up in the lines surrounding the lady.
High, sailing hopes, said the reader. You are gifted beyond the
ordinary. You love books, study and art; do not yet care for any
domestic duties. You are in cloud-lands.
In her second toss, the reading was as follows:
You are a little more practical. Here is formed a dusting-brush,
also a _kitchen_ and yard with a happy family of _chickens_,
meaning cares and pets; also a _horse_ and _sleigh_. You love
luxuries. You have traveled over land and seas. The _ferry-boat_
is here.
I read now in your third, the certainty, though not fully, noting
some of the minor events. Everything has changed from your
present thinking. You have climbed the ladder to some public
recognition by the influence of friends. You have yet much to
achieve--will become a real benefactress. So I read by the
people before you. The two _stars_ yet beyond, and the _sword_
which belongs to your family, represent some hero in wars yet to be.
The national bird, either an _eagle_ or _turkey_, promises good
results.
The trials of others will fall upon you, all through life. Your
views here are full of the different objects. A tall visitor will
give you a surprise, attended by coming pleasure, and a new
friend; also a _foe_--a _spider_. You have been disappointed in
three different forms, one is yet to entail a financial loss_--fish_,
you see, have their heads and tails cut off; and the _rings_ are
broken for some past and present enterprise. You are learning
mental philosophy, also, from a male relative to whom you are
very dear.
How truly and wonderfully you have read! I have also gained an
idea how to trace and to hold the mind in other special desires.
Thanks to you for this lesson.
* * *
The next was a dainty, little, self-conscious lady, who is
desirous of some special, social accomplishment, aside from her
sisters. She is very cunning. See the little head of the _fox_ near
her, though vexations are with her now, yet the three similar
little straight forms, or lines, are realizations, as in this cup, of
some pleasant event. The _road_ here in view, a short and
agreeable journey, upon which you meet a lady friend who is to
visit you soon. These upper _dots_ are letters and small
packages near at hand, with two little _hearts_--love secrets.
You will, said the reader, receive many. One, that is in present
expectation, containing an invitation affording pleasure. The
_flowers_ bespeak it, being near the edge of the cup, with the
formation of letters. H will be the initial of one of the writers.
Now, you have a _little man_ who is to be cut off from some
desire--a broken _road_ is near him--with a period of indecision
and anxiety. Two male forms are holding his desires by their
neglect, not by malice. The wish is in their power, you see, yet
they are looking away from it.
Your third is with tears for a friend, though no death symbol is
near. Ah, here it is! You are to wed with a fair gentleman, not
your slight form--first love. You will be fairly happy. Confusion
is shown by the various objects in crooked and wavy lines, with
those tiny _crosses_, many little cares, and yet the _tree_ shades
the _house_. Your _castle_ on the highway with the little child's
_crib_ and the _parrot_, an imitative, impudent inmate of the
home.
Now, let your own fancy roam over these formations. Set them
in your mind. I have reserved this gift of love for the last sitting.
Do you see the _jeweled ring_ with the light flashing for you?
That will come when years have flown. You will be a widow.
That event will benefit your entire family, as the _wavy lines_
and _tears_ indicate, so do not lose heart. This late blessing is
enough to inspire courage and patience. Yes, it is for your
household. Do you see the broad sky-scenes? That is good.
* * *
Next: _A hay-mound_ and a _field_. You love rural life, young
man.
I do, said he, as a retreat and recreation. This _square_ promises
you a business house in a commercial city. See the stacks of
letters and the figures 3, 7, 10,--and the many heads of men in
calculation.
Now you stand by an open grave. Your dearest friend has died.
The dark cloak enfolds your form and your wish--_the circle_--
is in doubt. _Spears_ and _weeds_ are near it, also a crude
_cross_. A time of dissatisfaction will come to you before three
years have passed, yet there are promises beyond. Cast, now,
for the better times for certainty.
* * *
Third: _Friends, horses, dogs, birds, trees_.
In touch with life's blessings you possess a kind, social nature--
a _stream_ of clear water. Health and friends in plenty, great
activity. You are to rise above many ills.
A broken _bridge_ is at the far end of this _road_, but your face
is turned away, in this you are spared an evil, be wise. The
South will offer you last and final protection. See, the light is
shading in that direction. An _old lady_ will be your faithful
friend. There will be also a trusty _colored man_--see how he
stands in _line?_ Your last years will be in rural life, with a
family and an income with fair surroundings. The space is clear.
You see light is over your last scenes. See the young girl--no
doubt your daughter--under the beautiful fruit trees?
Orange groves in the sunny South, said he, smiling.
Most important for yon appears a distant battle-scene with deep
sorrows. Some great personal honors in life for a son. Yes, an
American battle scene with the _eagle_ distant, yet sure to gain
the day.
SOME NATIONAL CRISIS.
NEXT READING.
_Key_ to the situation. See, it is within a short time, only a little
way from the edge of the cup.
Good, said the recipient, I know what that is now, am glad of it.
Well, you are, however, to weep over the matter soon, as
speaking to some friend of this affair. There is much to it. See
the _cross_ and _tears_, as holding up the cup. Yet you would
not now dream that there are complications in this affair. Three
factions, yet all in positive expectations, though fight is coming.
See the little _dog_, how angry, and the _cat_, with her back up,
and the other animal with a spring? Why here. Can't you see it!
Of course it's not quite as distinct as a real dog and cat fight.
One of the animals is retreating from the scene in fear. Your
faces are all turned in the same direction, you know each other.
Well, the _crescent_ is in the lower part of the cup. Some later
news--also the fine _horse_, a _friend_ with some testimonial of
appreciation. A _wreath_ and victory. Here are several _letters,
_one containing news of death. The _coffin_ is here for the little
child. Many tears are shed by two women--each looks into the
grave.
Ah, the spite lines! See them, there are little jealousies, too. We
all have these to content with, said the reader, especially if we
ever rise above the common level of life and as independent
thinkers.
An illness of importance is now developing an event long ago
foretold to your family. A fine steed comes from another city
through a church-yard, much resembling Trinity E of New York
City. Some _letters_ follow--see the succession of _dots_ and
_squares. Houses_ of _smoke, news_ and _trailing objects_,
representing deep-laid intrigues.
Now you are aboard a steamer on the broad ocean. A tall,
military looking man is with you, also a young man and woman.
Something of importance has taken place in your national
life and in your financial position, as well as in political
and church affairs. See the crowing _cock_ and the _stork_, a
change that is to play its part for the tall man. _Flags_ are
waving. You will all return to a new life in America. The
surprising change is for a public man.
NEXT READING.
An enemy is for you, sir, in your present conditions of duty.
Some spoil is here. A _ditch_, a _wasp_, and _serpents_ at the
top with tongues out. If you are now in politics or litigation
defeats await you, for the _briars_ are thick and a blind man at a
desk holds some document. You appear to be very expectant,
though fearing something. A woman is also against you. See,
her head is up. She is fair in appearance and influential, yet
false. Some men are back of her acts.
Dark complexioned people are, at present, your better allies and
friends. Some doctor stands by your side, see his medicine
chest, he is of fine mind. A straight path lies between you,
though some road is cut in two; you are to be disappointed in an
enterprise. _Wheels _are broken. This is connected with cars,
engines and automobiles--have care.
Your mind is often too ready to speed forward. Things are so
confusing.
Now concentrate on the future. You are enmeshed by others.
Your social affairs, too, are meddled with by your family and
pseudo friends. See the quacking _duck_ and the distant
_goose_, with dots, letters, etc. See the heads put together, with
mixture of objects before them. No symbol of peace is in this
realm, no light nor clean spots are as yet seen as results to you.
Ah! here. It is a _long road_ into new conditions. Anger and
loss cause you to turn away from the dark and vexing things.
One true friend will follow. See the _straight form_ and the
_dog_ and _wheat_--that signifies great good as in clean
sheaves. That will be your best destiny in a new life-deal--far
westward--some treasure in minerals, too. See the rocks shining
forth.
* * *
Next: The _monkey_ and the _skunk_! For a moment the
hostess and the reader exchanged words. "I wonder if there is
such an object now in our midst! I am full of laugh, though not
in the belief of such a fact. Oh, it is too amusing how these
objects will form. I wish some one else to see this strange cup."
This gentleman has need to be most cautious in some of his
undertakings. Do not deal with uncertain characters--see the
_monkey_ and the _cat-tiger_ or _skunk_ looking object--lest
some vile scandal becomes your lot. _Cross-roads, hollows_,
and _eels_--slippery things--are near your _present wishes_.
The _keys, circles, anchor, squares, links_--these represent
realizations. Yours are in other lines, yet a _bell_ is traced near
you. A belated wish lies under cover. It is in a field not yet in
your thoughts, though an _anchor_, a human form and a crooked,
broken path lie yet beyond that.
THIRD TOSS.
Now is revealed some disaster to friends, confusion and a large
family _whirlwind_, also, some obstinate man--see the _rickety
team_ with the _mule_ in the lead, as running away--a woman
in black as the outcome. See how she climbs the steep, jagged
hill. Your face is turning towards her in mutual friendship. The
_moon_ shines on the top of the mountain--your destination.
You will no doubt wed with the widow--this woman in black.
Some of the first lines hit very close to facts, said he.
I know it, said the lady, and there is very much to read. I do not
know all that may transpire before this occurs, yet you will have
a numerous progeny--many relatives. See the people and the
letters from the different localities, again true. You will live to
advanced age--see the grand _old tree_. You will ever have care
over others. The man-mule is to meet his natural death. His
respected widow and household are to become your high possessions.
The mules and the whole team? said he. Thank you, there is
happiness in store.
No doubt as elevated step-father to this numerous family. You
are a genius in this art reading, so fanciful.
* * *
Next expectant:--A Civil Engineer with fondness for travel and
_inventions_. Perhaps you will also write books on some new
methods in heating houses--an _oven_ and _tubes_ are in
formation; so also a tall man at his desk with pencils. I do like
to get something worth reading, but here is a break-down,
something really thrilling--the mountain topples over on the
road. You are soon to be, or have been, in great peril. I also see
a _fireman_. Do you see his hat?
The man smiled, yet confessed, as I read on.
You carry an atmosphere that aids the reading. You have had an
escape by not being at the "Windsor" that special afternoon.
He was surprised. "She is a fine guesser," said the young man,
highly pleased.
Again, you cherish a happy hope in an elderly couple. They are
your true friends. You are now all in the same lines of thought.
Oh, there is a modest, young lady coming to the elderly folks.
She is now away in some large building--a school, I think. You
will _love her_. She has a lover who writes to her--you do not--
yet the signs are to be favorable to both of you. Now for the last
toss.
I am disappointed in your efforts. Oh, how it storms! See the
snow-flakes and the great stream of water! I really feel its cold
currents now. Something is to be destroyed by it ere you meet
the lady. She is in the bottom of the cup. Why have you left her
so long. I can hardly find her. You will need to strive for your
good fate.
She is to pass out of your life I think some years before you do,
yet you will live an active life. Many artistic _new roads_ and
the _plough. _You will create something truly beautiful--see the
_pedestal_ amid the landscape--the _swing _and _gardening_.
How _restful_ it makes me feel! You will be so, sometime,
young man.
OBJECT LESSONS.
Now, young ladies, concentrate your minds and let us note the
symbols, if your wish really to have views and comprehensive
enjoyment, so that what is shown in each cup may be at the
close interestingly connected. Like in a Primer, let us go
straight through. You have heard other readings, develop your
descriptive faculties. Do not stop till done to discuss in detail,
thereby losing the best effects, and you will thus find some
interesting results. You see how most persons like to lift the veil
to revelations. Much progress lies before us all.
SURPRISED.
Just look here, Florence, said the amateur, _rings_ and a
_sunrise_, not out of the clouds either. Look, too, at the oval
forms like _eggs. _At home we can't get such cups. Here we are
in the higher waves. We are determined to read something to
inspire others, as you read to us, said the girls with eagerness.
But, which one of you ladies turned the cup? I ought to have
directed my occult forces on one at a time. Now, you need to
divide honors and loss.
The one who is herein represented is in a most happy frame of
mind. I wish it were the test cup--the third and certainty--for the
sake of the fortunate lady and her family, then your destiny
were assured and your mentality would advance into lofty
channels by the influence of an elderly couple and their
progressive _sons_, for here is a _tower_ of moral strength.
_Hearts, circles, Bible_ and _clovers_ are in the life-path. The
skies, too, are clear and every thing is high up you see in
optimism.
Let us now to business. Ah! here it is--gains. A large _goose
egg_ is in shape, also a _nest_. That is the home, though a great
care has fallen into it. See the rain and these many little crosses
here together so near the _nest_, which, in this turn, is the
home, as there is no other symbol for it; now you can trace the
square as the home-hearts also.
You are kind and come from sympathetic people who love
truth, books and progress, as does this Bible family. An old man
who is in another city will write. See the _M._, the _letters _and
the _road_. There being no form of a man you take the initial.
He may be _sixty-one _years of age; see, the numbers are
touching the _M_.--man--in the midst of the dots. _Sticks _and
_crossties_ with _wavy lines--_common vexations.
Do not worry. Though you are now apprised of a large theft
which may come into your home. See the sly _rat_--a thief or
burglar hovers nigh, have care. You have a few events in Jupiter
still left.
How is it to be read?
Each reader must speak as the momentary inspirations come to
suit occasions: We must promise the best, to stimulate _all_
good efforts, not only for self.
Well, you are really good and correct. I feel elevated by this
interesting reading.
We are delighted and shall share together this life-reading. Our
families are very dear to each other and may be still further
united. Then she blushed slightly, as whispering confidentially.
Oh, it's lovely, said the two girls, as others said the fates had
favored them most of all.
* * *
Several of the readings were too ordinary, just as many people
are in truth, who contribute nothing for the benefit of higher
thought and action, while others were not in good mental states
nor in their lucky days, as they said, and as is partly true.
One young man, a news-gatherer, could get nothing as all things
lay distant and for others. "My life is to be forever blocked,"
said he though feigning total scepticism, yet a tone of
disappointment was quite apparent when told that six months
hence he should have a comprehensive word with new hopes.
You are in the wrong world, and somehow I felt that he would
be fairly driven into his real vocation by a lucky circumstance,
for Mother Nature is ever kind to her children, though needing
all honest co-operation. Those keen eyes with fine perceptives
and vivacious mentality would direct his impulses eventually,
for the power of reason and resource lay within his then,
somewhat undecided, brain, so have faith in your higher
destiny, friends.
[Illustration: calligraphy flourish 2]