TURKISH COFFEE

COFFE CUP FORTUNE TELLING.....Are humans indeed free agents or just Shakespeare’s players acting out our scenes?  The answer may lie in the bottom of your cup. Personal experience implies there is not a reading without a long journey, some kind of financial dealing (for better or worse) and a metaphorical mountain involved somewhere, but for most foreigners in Istanbul certainly the journey, and in all likelihood the other two, do indeed lie ahead. Just once in a long while, though, you may find someone whose ability to infer the future from the remnants of your drink is distinctly uncanny. The theory is simple. Once you reach the sediment the cup is turned upside down in its saucer, and, optionally, the bottom is touched for luck. When it cools, the grinds, in sliding down the inside of the cup, will have arranged themselves into various readable signals which forewarn of future events. The practice, however, (much) more often than not, simply covers for probing questions and gossip. “I see something going on with your X (brother/lover/work/etc.)... What would that be?” And as such it serves a useful purpose -boundaries are temporarily lifted and the important issues that didn’t make up the conversation over the coffee can be examined... A thick horizontal line promises material things coming your way. An empty triangle could mean impending gifts or easy money. An empty circle stands for good luck, a good omen for marriage. A bureaucratic problem will be resolved. Ribbons for engagements or weddings – not necessarily your own. Stars for travel or an investment. Sun set: at last – unexpected fulfillment of desire. A friend will come to your rescue. You’ll be meeting new people at holiday. Leaves for good conversation, or old or new friends turning up. Double lines for a sea voyage. Money! A lump sum! An empty square bodes well for the family. A vertical line for a journey. Return should be successful. Success, maybe with hard work, maybe with ruling empires. Three dots in a row for a new adventure or friendship. A necklace says presents might be necessary to win a heart. A bag will bring money, though you should be careful with it. Key to a new home? A new heart? Someone’s watching. Beware or rejoice. Careful of the butterfly – determination and resolution, a must in a friendship. An ear. Don’t believe everything you hear. Dots in a triangle. A friend will be in need, and you must be a friend indeed. A handful of sand. Don’t let money slip through your fingers.