Chapter 3

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.