This article is in Russian — the editorial team currently writes them in Russian only.
How to Read Coffee Grounds at Home: Brewing, Turning the Cup and Reading the Patterns
Choosing the Right Coffee and Cup
The best choice is natural ground coffee for a cezve—either a Turkish blend or finely ground Arabica/Robusta. It produces a dense sediment that forms clear shapes. A fresh medium-roast blend is ideal: coffee that is too lightly roasted will leave a watery residue, while an overly dark roast creates an even black mass.
Choose a white, shallow porcelain cup with a narrow rim and a broad inner base. A saucer is essential: it is used to invert the cup and catch any excess grounds. Avoid thick-walled cups, as they prevent even cooling and can interfere with the formation of the pattern.
Brewing and Pouring: Ratios and Technique
The classic method uses a cezve: 1 level teaspoon of coffee for every 50–60 ml of water, with a little sugar added to taste if desired. Heat slowly until foam forms, without letting it boil over; bring it to the edge of foaming three times, removing it from the heat each time. Do not strain the coffee—the grounds must remain in the cup.
Pour slowly and evenly, making sure a visible layer of grounds remains at the bottom (a few spoonfuls). You do not need a lid or coaster—leave the cup for a minute so that most of the sediment settles. Do not stir after pouring, as this will disrupt the pattern.
How to Turn the Cup and How Long to Wait
Place the saucer on the table and set it over the cup with the rim facing down, positioning the handle comfortably; it indicates the direction of questions concerning people. Hold the cup with one hand and, with the other, turn it over quickly and smoothly so the steam can escape, then place it on the saucer. Press lightly to prevent spills.
Leave the cup until it has cooled completely—usually 3–7 minutes. The longer it cools, the more far-reaching the events it reveals tend to be. Reading it immediately shows what is closest at hand, while reading it after 10–15 minutes points to more distant developments. Do not shake the cup or wipe its rim—important signs can appear there.
Reading the Patterns and Preparing a Photo for AI
Read the cup by zones: the rim represents the near future and current circumstances; the walls show the path and obstacles; the bottom reveals the heart of the question; and the handle relates to people and relationships. Large figures near the rim indicate swift events, while those near the bottom point to roots and conclusions. Common symbols include a ladder for progress, a bird for news, and a bridge for meetings; always interpret them in the context of your question.
If you plan to send a photo to an AI, take it from directly above, perfectly perpendicular to the cup, in neutral lighting without glare and against a plain background. Frame the image so that the entire inner circle and part of the saucer are visible; do not use flash or submit a blurry image. This helps the AI recognize the outlines more accurately and offer more useful guidance.
With a little practice, you will soon learn to read coffee grounds with confidence and a keen eye for detail.