Divination FAQ

How do I book a tea leaf reading?

Remote tea leaf readings are available worldwide. In-person sessions are offered at events in the Mid-Atlantic region. You may schedule a remote reading directly through the booking page.

How does a remote tea leaf reading work?

For remote sessions, you drink loose-leaf tea at home, turn your cup, and send clear photographs of the interior. I create a detailed pen-and-ink drawing of your symbols and we meet via Zoom to review the reading and discuss your questions. Please see the video below for full details.

What is tasseography?

Tasseography, also known as tasseomancy or tasseology, is the traditional practice of interpreting symbols formed by tea leaves in a cup. The word translates to “cup writing,” referring to the images revealed in the remaining leaves after drinking.

Where does tea leaf reading originate?

The precise origins are unknown, though the practice likely developed alongside early tea traditions in China, India, or the Middle East. It later spread to Europe through historic trade routes, including the Silk Road.

How did you learn to read tea leaves?

I am largely self-taught and have practiced tasseography for decades. My early training in pattern recognition began long before I formally studied cultural symbolism. Over time, I have expanded my symbolic vocabulary through continued study and experience.

Is tea leaf reading a way to predict the future?

Tea leaf reading reflects present circumstances, patterns, and emerging possibilities. While symbolic insights may point toward potential outcomes, individual choices and free will always shape the future.

Do you do tea readings for parties or private events?

Yes. Each reading takes about an hour and I never do more than 5 in a day. So tea leaf reading might not be ideal for all events. But for small gatherings or a brunch with close friends, this could be the right form of divination for your private group. Contact me for details and availability.

Do you teach tasseography?

Yes. I offer introductory tea leaf reading classes both in person and remotely. Contact me for details and availability.

How do I book a tarot reading?

Tarot and oracle readings are available remotely worldwide and occasionally in-person at Mid-Atlantic events. You may schedule directly through the booking page.

How does a remote reading work?

Remote sessions are conducted live via Zoom. Together, we explore the cards in real time, allowing space for reflection, discussion, and focused inquiry.

Where does tarot originate?

Tarot began in 15th-century Italy as a card game known as Tarocchi. Its use as a divination system developed later, particularly during the 18th-century Spiritualist movement in France. While many myths surround tarot’s origins, its documented history is well established.

The 22 Major Arcana cards evolved from “cards of triumph,” added to the standard four-suit deck in the 1400s. The widely recognized Rider–Waite deck was published in 1909 and shaped modern tarot symbolism.

How did you learn to read tarot?

Tarot is part of my family lineage. I inherited my first deck from my mother, and I am not the first — or even the second — tarot reader in my family. My early training was at home with a cherished Tarot de Marseille deck; my family reads in a Romani tradition. I have since continued my studies through formal coursework and decades of personal practice.

How many decks do you use?

I work with a curated collection of tarot and oracle decks, selecting the appropriate deck based on the reading format and client needs. For group sessions, I often use the Rider–Waite system due to its familiarity. Certain vintage decks are reserved exclusively for remote sessions.

Is tarot a way to predict the future?

Tarot offers reflection, pattern recognition, and emerging possibilities. While cards may suggest potential trajectories, outcomes are shaped by personal agency and choice. Readings illuminate perspective rather than determine fate.

Do you do tarot readings for parties or private events?

Yes. Tarot is my most requested offerings for private gatherings. I read for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, bachelorette events, networking nights, fundraisers, galas, festivals, wellness retreats, and more. Contact me for details and availability.

Do you offer tarot for charity events?

Yes. Mini tarot sessions are available for in-person fundraising events, and divination gift baskets can be provided for auctions. Please inquire to discuss details and availability.

What is capnomancy?

Capnomancy, or smoke scrying, is an ancient method of divination that interprets shapes formed in flame, rising smoke, and soot patterns. It uses symbolic forms to explore present circumstances and perspective.

How does a smoke reading work?

During a session, I work with flame and incense to produce patterns in smoke and residue. I read both the movement of the smoke and the resulting soot design to offer structured insight into your situation.

What can I expect from a smoke reading?

Smoke scrying sessions provide reflective insight into your present questions and patterns. Each reading concludes with an original soot drawing created in session, which serves as a visual record of your symbols.

Is capnomancy predictive?

Smoke scrying is interpretive, not a tool for absolute prediction. It offers reflection, perspective, and possible themes, but outcomes are shaped by your choices and agency.

Are smoke readings in person or remote?

Currently, smoke readings are offered remotely only. Your original soot drawing is mailed to you after the session.

Do you do smoke readings for parties or private events?

Not at this time. The set-up required for capnomancy is very specific and not all homes/venues allow open flames.

Do you teach capnomancy?

Yes, introductory capnomancy classes are available both in person and remotely.

What is cleromancy?

Cleromancy is one of the oldest forms of divination, traditionally practiced through the casting of stones, bones, or marked objects. The patterns formed by their placement are interpreted symbolically to offer reflection and insight.

How does a reading work?

In session, a curated collection of crystals is cast (rolled like dice) and I read their position, proximity, and relational patterns. Each stone carries layered symbolic meaning, and together they form a structured narrative around your question.

Is this an ancient practice?

Yes. Cleromancy predates many formal divination systems and has appeared in various cultures throughout history. While methods differ by tradition, the central principle remains the same: meaning is revealed through pattern.

My approach blends historical foundations with a contemporary, intuitive framework.

Do you offer cleromancy remotely?

Yes. Cleromancy sessions are available both in person and remotely via Zoom. The casting is performed live so you can observe the pattern as it forms.

Is cleromancy predictive?

Cleromancy reveals themes, patterns, and emerging possibilities. It does not override personal agency. Like all divination, it offers perspective rather than fixed outcomes.

Do you do cleromancy readings for parties or private events?

Yes. Crystal casting is wonderful for private gatherings such as birthday parties, bridal showers, holiday parties, networking nights, wellness retreats, and more. Contact me for details and availability.

Do you teach cleromancy?

Yes. Introductory cleromancy classes are available in person and remotely. These sessions explore symbolic systems, casting techniques, and interpretive structure.

What types of educational workshops in divination & symbolic systems do you offer?

I offer structured workshops in tea leaf reading (tasseography), tarot and oracle cards (cartomancy), smoke scrying (capnomancy), and casting stones (cleromancy). Also, I offer a workshop on how to reconnect to your intuition, which is a great primer for any divination practice; a history of Tarot class; and a general history of divination. Sessions may be introductory or more advanced, depending on the audience.

Are workshops available remotely?

Yes. Workshops can be conducted live via Zoom for private groups, libraries, or organizations. Remote sessions are interactive and include guided demonstrations and practice exercises.

Do you offer in-person workshops?

Yes. I offer in-person workshops for private gatherings, libraries, festivals, conferences, and community groups. I have led sessions for intimate family groups as well as large conferences of 100+ attendees.

Do participants need prior experience?

No prior experience is required. Workshops are designed to be accessible, grounded, and educational, with historical context and practical instruction.

Are workshops educational or experiential?

Both. Each workshop includes historical background and cultural context, along with guided practice so participants leave with foundational skills and understanding.

How long are workshops?

Workshops are typically 90 minutes, though shorter, longer, or multi-session formats can be arranged.

How do I book a workshop for my group?

Please use the booking page or contact form to discuss availability, format, and audience size.

Disclaimer: No form of divination is a substitute for needed professional services. Please note that I, Rissa Miller, am not a therapist, financial advisor, lawyer, medical doctor/nurse, realtor, or psychologist. If you are consulting a diviner but really require other services, be aware that no divination method can offer what you truly need.

I am not qualified to give medical, mental health, legal, real estate, or financial advice.

Any action you take is your own responsibility, and yours alone. No divination artist can guarantee full accuracy of any reading as all people and animals have free will in all life events.