CUP READING SYMBOL · SHAPES, LINES, AND SIGNS

Waves symbol in coffee grounds and tea leaves

A waves drawn inside a cup, from Velvet Omen’s cup symbols

Emotion · Movement · Travel

What does a waves mean in a coffee cup or tea leaves?

Traditionally, wavy lines suggest travel over water, or ups and downs; calm waves, a smoother time. Waves can reflect emotional ups and downs, and the steadiness you can find beneath them.

A question for reflection

Which feelings come and go in waves for you?

One small step

Ride out one strong feeling before you act on it.

Where the waves sits in the cup

Near the rim: emotion in what is close to you now, or soon.
On the sides: emotion in what is developing over the coming weeks.
At the bottom: emotion in what is settled, further away, or deep in the past.
Near the handle: emotion in you, your home, and the people close to you.
Opposite the handle: emotion in other people, and the wider world.

A clear shape counts for more than a faint one. Families and readers differ, so treat these as starting points.

More shapes, lines, and signs

Triangle · Wings · All shapes, lines, and signs · All 61 symbols

Read your own cup ↗ How to read coffee grounds ↗ How to read tea leaves ↗

Symbol artwork: Velvet Omen’s original cup drawings.