Superstitutions linked to tea leaf reading: I do not connect this method of divination with any specific rituals.
The person whose leaves are being read should drink the tea - not necessary!
The teapot should be of a specific color of style - also not true.
Swirling the tea grinds 3 times in the cup - you do this as your soul guides. It is equivalant to using cards and saying - cut them 3 times. Your answers will come - not matter what ritual you use. I have been doing this too long and know this to be true.
To look at tea leaves and interpret them by their shapes is like taking a Rorschach Inkblot Test. It is science not metascience.
When I look at the patterns in the cup - they move for me - they dance - take shape - 'speak' to me.
Anyone can look at patterns and give them meaning on the third dimension level. The trick is to see beyond third dimension - and psych on the formations that are created.