Coffee Fortune Telling — reading your fate in the grounds
An ancient Middle Eastern divination that reads the patterns left by coffee grounds in your cup to reveal your love, work, and everyday fortunes.
Professional fortune teller & spiritual advisor
KEY TAKEAWAY
Coffee fortune telling (also known as tasseography) is a centuries-old divination method that originated in the Middle East, where fortune tellers read the shapes and patterns left by coffee grounds at the bottom of a cup. Unlike many forms of divination, it doesn't rely on your name, birth date, or birthplace — instead it reads your current "energy" through a pattern that is never quite the same twice. It can be practiced formally in the Turkish style, or as a simple, fun ritual at home with any cup of coffee you have on hand.
☕Introduction
✦What Is Coffee Fortune Telling?
"It is black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, and sweet as love." That's how Talleyrand — the legendary French diplomat and renowned gourmet — once described espresso. Back then, people stirred plenty of sugar into their espresso, which is why he called it "sweet as love."
Nyanta
What's coffee fortune telling? You can actually read fortunes with coffee!?
Nekosuke
It's an old divination practice where you read your fortune from the patterns left in the cup after drinking Turkish-style coffee.
Talleyrand described coffee in such romantic terms — but did you know you can actually use coffee to tell your fortune? After a good cup of coffee, your mind feels sharper, and inspiration might strike more easily too.
✧The History and Culture of Coffee Fortune Telling
Turkish Coffee Fortune Telling
In the 15th century, people in Yemen began roasting and drinking coffee beans, and the beans were later presented to the sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Around the 18th century, coffee traveled through Turkey into Europe, spread by the Romani people to France, Germany, Italy, and other European countries.
Along with coffee itself, coffee fortune telling became a beloved everyday divination practice across many countries — Persia (Iran), Armenia, Russia, Greece, and more. In Istanbul's Beyoğlu district, there are said to be so many coffee-fortune cafés that it has become quite a competitive neighborhood for them.
With these roots, coffee fortune telling is said to have originated in the Middle East. It can be used to read anything — love, work, relationships.
Many forms of divination use information like your name, date of birth, or birthplace. Coffee fortune telling, by contrast, reads your "current energy" from the pattern that appears in the cup. And because no two patterns are ever exactly alike, the shape that rises up in your cup expresses your unique energy in a beautiful, mysterious way.
It's a one-of-a-kind divination that reflects your "now" — and yours alone.
Arash's Coffee Fortune Telling
Just to be clear, this isn't a shop where the reading is done by any pop idol — it's run by a Persian (Iranian) man named "Arash," who has opened an authentic Persian coffee-fortune specialty shop called ARASH COFFEE&BAR in Hiroo, Tokyo. Arash is a warm, dapper gentleman with a well-groomed beard.
If you can't drink coffee, he'll happily read your fortune with tea instead. He recommends coffee because its grounds reveal finer, more detailed patterns than tea leaves, but you're free to switch to tea if you prefer.
Arash's coffee is said to go down smoothly — it keeps coffee's distinctive aroma while carrying a gentle, toasty character reminiscent of hojicha (roasted green tea). Even people who can't handle black coffee are said to enjoy it fully (and you can add sugar too).
Judging by the comments from people he has read, many find comfort simply in Arash's personality. Sipping delicious coffee, surrounded by its aroma, while being read in his gentle voice seems to leave people calm and uplifted. His readings are said to be highly accurate too — everyone who consults him reportedly leaves in good spirits.
You might expect mostly female clients for a fortune-telling service, but plenty of men visit as well — some days the clientele is almost entirely male.
Known affectionately as "the father of Hiroo," Arash welcomes anyone who's troubled or feeling down to visit his shop.
☀How to Do Coffee Fortune Telling (Turkish Style)
| 1 | Prepare finely ground, dark-roast coffee and place it in a small dedicated pot (similar in shape to a ladle). |
| 2 | Add water and sugar, then place the pot over heat. |
| 3 | Stir with a spoon and let it simmer slowly over very low heat. |
| 4 | When foam starts to rise, remove from the heat. Stir gently with a spoon, then return to the heat. Repeat this about three times. |
| 5 | Don't filter it — pour it straight into a small cup. |
| 6 | Let it sit briefly, and once the grounds have settled, drink the liquid on top. |
| 7 | It's hot, so sip it slowly while chatting or thinking over whatever's on your mind. By the time you're nearly finished, grounds will have collected at the bottom of the cup. |
| 8 | Cover the cup with the saucer, and while holding a question in mind, turn the cup clockwise three times, then flip it over. Wait for the cup to cool. |
| 9 | Read your fortune from the position and shape of the grounds that appear in the cup. |
Meanings of the Patterns in Turkish Coffee Fortune Telling
The patterns drawn by the coffee grounds see through to your heart. Here are some example meanings for patterns at the bottom of the cup, for reference.
| Full Moon | A lucky day where everything you try goes well. If you're hoping for love, the footsteps of a wonderful romance may be drawing near. Go after it boldly. |
| Half Moon | A calm, uneventful day. Pay attention to your relationships and stay modest, going along with those around you. |
| Crescent Moon | You may miss a good opportunity and feel frustrated about it. Keep a comfortable distance in your relationships, and if your heart still takes a hit, head straight home and rest. |
| New Moon (a faint stain remains in the cup) | It might be a day where you feel like shouting "ugh, this is the WORST!" Don't get angry — have a cup of coffee and calm down. Return to your usual self. Lead with cheerfulness, keep an open mind, and take a step back before acting. |
| None of the above | Fortune is unpredictable, like a rope of twisted strands of luck and misfortune — you truly never know what life will bring. And that's exactly what makes life thrilling and fun. Today looks like it could be full of exciting, nerve-wracking surprises. |
♡Different Styles of Coffee Fortune Telling
Chino's Coffee Fortune Telling
What comes to mind when you hear "Is the Order a Rabbit?" The answer is the four-panel manga created by koi, which was also adapted into an anime.
The story is set at a café called Rabbit House, and features a fortune-telling practice called "Café de Mancie." That's right — it's coffee fortune telling. In the story, it's done using cappuccino.
Since the series is full of cute girls, it might be the perfect entry point into the world of coffee fortune telling for manga and anime fans.
Next time, try saying "Do you know about coffee fortune telling?" — it might pique someone's interest and even help draw out their true feelings.
Of course, you can read fortunes with cappuccino, drip coffee, café latte — anything. Just be careful not to order a cream parfait (this is coffee fortune telling, after all), and skip iced coffee too — with ice cubes in the cup, you won't be able to flip it over. To create the right mood, a hot drink is definitely recommended.
A Simple Coffee Fortune Telling You Can Try Yourself
Here's a version of coffee fortune telling you can easily do at a coffee shop or at home. Prepare a cup and saucer — nothing fancy needed. As mentioned, any drink works: cappuccino, drip coffee, café latte. You don't need psychic ability or spiritual power. Anyone can do it.
| 1 | Leave two or three drops of coffee at the bottom of the cup. |
| 2 | While silently thinking of what you want to know, place the cup upside down on the saucer using your left hand. If you don't have a specific question, this will read your fortune for the day. |
| 3 | Slowly count to seven. |
| 4 | Gently lift the cup and look inside. |
| 5 | Which direction on the saucer did the spilled coffee flow? Divide the saucer into four sections (an eyeball estimate is fine) to judge the direction. |
| Upper right | A mix of good and bad fortune. A hint that things may stall partway through. Act carefully. |
| Lower right | A caution sign. Proceed with everything without rushing. Watch out for your health. |
| Upper left | Today calls for patience no matter what happens. Humility will raise your overall fortune. |
| Lower left | A lucky chance! You can expect help and cooperation from those around you — your luck is on the rise. |
Next, look at the shape formed by the spilled coffee on the saucer. Don't overthink it — go with the very first shape that comes to mind. Inspiration is key. Whatever you see there is the answer to what you wanted to know, and it's deeply connected to who you are right now.
Examples of Shapes You Might See
| Heart | A heart-fluttering new encounter or a gift from someone — happy events are on the way. Kindness will bring you even more good fortune. |
| Star | Represents "hope and confidence." Your luck is turning around, and a secret wish may come true, so act with confidence. A hint that you'll meet an ideal romantic partner. |
| Moon | Confusion. A hint of romantic but risky love on the horizon. Keep an eye toward fantasy as well. (See also the moon readings under "Turkish Coffee" above.) |
| Sun | Represents victory and success. Both mind and body are in good shape — being active will help your talents get recognized, bringing a sense of accomplishment. You might also meet someone full of energy. |
| Flower | Your charm is on the rise. A sign that a heartwarming, happy event is approaching. Trying new cosmetics or fashion to polish yourself up will attract even lovelier encounters. |
| Cloud | You may run into some trouble. A time of uneasy relationships and a source of declining fortune. |
| Feather | Can hint at feeling "ungrounded," but it's also a time of great leaps forward. It also tells you that someone who will protect you is about to appear — they may be easy to overlook, so remember to thank anyone who shows you kindness. Telling them directly will help that support last. |
| Dog | You'll gain a true friend who will never betray you. A hint that a friend will help you — or that a friend may be quietly asking for your help, so keep an eye out for them. It can also reflect a desire to run around freely, like a dog. |
| Cat | A symbol of protection and good fortune, with the power to ward off bad luck and draw in good fortune. You may find a charming, adored romantic partner — though they might also keep you on your toes. It can also reflect a longing to be as carefree as a cat. |
| Boat | A rising sense of adventure — exploring a new direction is favorable. A time when connections to foreign countries come easily. |
| Person | You're feeling sensitive. Appears when you're craving connection with others. |
| Plant | Looks like you've been working hard continuously. You may be a little tired. |
| Bird | A strong urge to play. Have fun and enjoy a change of pace. |
| Triangle | Change is coming to your everyday routine. An upward-pointing triangle means a good change; a downward-pointing one signals change for the worse. |
| Circle | The results of your efforts are showing. If there's a line nearby, those results may be delayed. A dot near the circle can mean a new family member — such as the birth of a child. |
| Line | A straight line means things will proceed smoothly. A wavy line may mean some hardship. A diagonal line means you should be extra careful, or you risk failure. |
| Key | Your current wish may come true. The conditions are already in place for it to happen. |
| Ring | Hints at marriage. However, if the ring appears broken, there may be an issue. |
| Door / Entrance | A good sign. A chance for success is coming your way, so don't let it slip past. |
| Bell | Unexpected news is coming. If it appears higher up, it's good news related to work; lower down, the news may not be so good. If there are two bells, expect heartwarming, pleasant news. |
| Candle | A powerful mentor who will guide you to success will appear. You'll learn something very important. |
| Tree | Rest assured — things are heading in a good direction. |
| Bean | You may find yourself short on money. |
| Hand | Does anything come to mind involving someone important to you, like friendship or family? |
| Ear | Surprising news is coming your way. |
| Eye | You may feel jealousy or frustration. |
| Face | Someone important is thinking of you — or worrying about you. |
| Baby / Cradle | A hint of a very small worry arising. |
| Angel | Good news or a happy event is coming soon. |
| Fish | Life will be enjoyable and fulfilling. |
| Bee | You may gather with old friends, or an old friend may want to get back in touch. |
| Ant | The moment you think of it is the lucky day — act right away, and good results may follow. |
| Can't tell what it is | When you're unsure of the shape, don't force it into a category — interpret it instead by the feeling it gives you, like "warm," "cold," "fun," or "vaguely uneasy." Trust your intuition, and feel free to take it lightly. |
Nyanta
Being able to tell your fortune while drinking coffee is so nice!
Nekosuke
It's perfect for a relaxing day at home. Why not start by brewing a cup of Turkish coffee?
⚖Summary
What did you think? It's surprising to learn how deeply fortune telling is woven into something as familiar as coffee.
Expanding your inspiration and imagination helps sharpen your "thinking power" and "creativity." All you need is a cup and saucer, so you can try it anywhere, anytime — highly recommended.
Try reading the fortunes of friends or someone you're interested in, and you might just become popular. Why not give coffee fortune telling a try?
Reviewed by
Usatoko WHITE
Professional fortune teller specialising in tarot, oracle and Lenormand reading. Usatoko supervises every divination guide at Luna Factory to keep them accurate and beginner-friendly.
Written by the Luna Factory Editorial Team
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