Coffee Ground-Reading
The art of coffee ground-reading is sometimes inaccurate and unspecific. Due to the alarming rate of misinterpretations,
that is, seeing an object in the grounds as something it is not (seeing a turtle instead of a wolf), the act of reading
the grounds has been labeled untrustworthy by many witches and wizards. However, if done correctly and carefully,
it can be just as helpful as anything else. Regardless of its status in the wizarding world, it is still highly
reccommended teaching practice.
The Cheet Sheet will give an idea of what shapes and objects could mean what if seen in
the coffee grounds. It is important to be sure you know what you are seeing before jumping to a hightened conclusion that
you or someone close is going to die, for example. If you are unsure, it is better to get a second opinion than assume a grim
fate.
It is important to keep a copy of the Cheat Sheet close or within easy viewing of yourself
while reading coffee grounds. It is not until you can prove you have memorized each symbolic meaning that you will be
allowed not to bring it with you to class. Homework will mainly be aimed at explaining these symbols, as to help aid you in
remembering their significance.
Cups are to be grasped in your right hand if you are right-handed. Face the cup and your hand parallel
to your chest, your palm aimed towards your body. This will show you the top and bottom of the inner-cup's surface. It
is important, for some objects, to note whether the shape is near the top (furthest from your body) or near the bottom (closest
to you). This same principle goes for the left-handed as well, that is, grasp the cup in your left hand and face it accordingly.
Coffee grounds are to be put in a container near the front of the classroom after readings, and will eventually
be spread around the Hogwarts grounds. It is said that this sprinkling of grounds can ward off bad spirits, and this act of
sprinkling has been taking place ever since Hogwarts was founded.
