BACKGROUND ART Fortune telling using tea leaves is one of the earliest forms of geomancy, the art of divining fortunes from the patterns made by various objects. The Chinese believed that tea had not only medicinal qualities but also spiritual qualities and that the patterns formed by the leaves in a cup or bowl mirrored similar patterns that existed in the Astral.

The meaning of these symbols were passed on through generations and were brought to Europe by the traders of old.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION The present invention is directed to a fortune telling game which, through the intuitive and interpretive input of the player, can be used to attain personal answers to his or her fortune for the coming year, coming week or answers to questions involving marriage, success, wealth, love, career or happiness. One player can also attain these answers for another player. The invention includes a deck of fortune telling cards based on the accepted meanings of the various shapes and designs that wet tea leaves form on the bottom and side of a cup after the tea has been drunk, alone or in a combination with two game board apparatus and also the methods of playing the game.

The present invention includes a deck of fortune telling cards used for divining the coming year or the coming week for the querist. The deck of fortune telling cards is also

used for arriving at a response posed by a player to questions about marriage, success, wealth, love, career and happiness. The deck of cards is made up of a plurality of cards, each of which is round and has an indicia bearing face. The opposite face may, for example, have decorative work thereon. The indicia of the indicia bearing face is oriented in a common direction. The indicia may be a combination of at least one word, a symbol and a meaning for the symbol. The suggestive relationship of the cards is personal to the player and may be interpreted in different ways by different players.

The present invention includes two game boards: 1. Twelve cards representing the months of the Julian calendar. Each of the cards is round and has an indicia bearing face. The opposite face may, for example, have decorative work thereon.

2. Six cards representing the Astral Houses of Mariage, Success, Wealth, Love, Career, Happiness. Each of the cards is round and has an indicia bearing face. The opposite face may, for example, have decorative work thereon.

The present invention includes an oversize teacup with a lid, both bearing decorative design on the exterior, which serves as a container for the game.

The types of problems encountered in the prior art is the querist accurately predicting future and/or current events. Unless the querist has studied the meanings of the standard playing cards or Tarot cards, the querist must rely on the interpretation of the diviner of either the standard playing cards or the Tarot cards.

If the querist is unaware of the meanings of these cards the diviner can interpret the cards as he or she chooses without necessarly revealing the accurate meanings of the cards.

In the prior art, unsucessful attempts to solve this problem were attempted.

However, the problem was solved by the present invention because a combination of astral, tea leaf fortune cards and month cards with the meanings clearly indicated were utilized facilitating fortune telling by the user.

The present invention solved a long felt need for users to predict future and current

events in their lives.

The present invention produced unexpected results namely: by utilizing different methods of the game, monthly, yearly, weekly and current events can be predicted.

A synergistic effect was produced utilizing the present invention due to the following facts and results from experimentation between the astral cards, tea leaf cards and/or the Julian month cards.

The novel features which are considered characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 are top views of tea leaf fortune cards with corresponding predictions.

FIGURE 2 are top view of month cards.

FIGURE 3 are top views of astral house cards.

FIGURE 4 is a diagrammatic view of a method of predicting a future for an upcoming year.

FIGURE 5 is a diagrammatic view of a method of predicting a future for an upcoming week.

FIGURE 6 is a diagrammatic view of a method of predicting an answer to a specific question.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to FIGURE 1 which are top views of tea leaf fortune cards (10) with corresponding predictions, respectively, exhibiting the following cards: ANGEL, Representing spiritual guidance. Protection from harm; ANT, Representing work, achievement, success; APPLE, Representing temptation will test you; ARCHWAY,

Representing new opportunities, possibilities, paths opening up; ARROW, Representing you are on the right path regarding some aspect of your life, AX, Representing forces working against you; BAG, Representing something important like a new job or a raise; BARREL, Representing you feel something is lacking in your life. Could be love, money, goals; BASKET, Representing recognition. Reward for merit; BAT, Representing take care-enemies are working against you; BEAR, Representing danger, especially in money matters; BEETLE, Representing good fortune; BELL, Representing announcement; BIRD-FLYING, Representing news is on the way; BIRD-PERCHED, Representing waiting for news, package, letter; BOAT, Representing money or property through an inheritance, winnings or windfall; BOOT, Representing increase your efforts if you want to achieve your goals; BOUQUET, Representing compliments from an admirer; BOW, Representing you are highly thought of ; BOWL, Representing plenty of material things, BOX, Representing you will receive a gift; BREAD, Representing period of prosperity and plenty; BRIDGE, Representing successfully overcoming a problem; BROKEN BRIDGE, Representing unsuccessful outcome to a problem; BROKEN RING, Representing parting of the ways in either romance or business; BROKEN WISHBONE, Representing wish will not be granted; BROOM, Representing new home; BULL, Representing do not back down from opposition. Show strength and fortitude; BUTTERFLY, Representing a change for the better; CAMEL, Representing persevere and you will overcome problems; CANDLE, Representing you will be shown the way; CANE, Representing pay attention to your health; CARRIAGE, Representing a journey either physically or mentally; CARROT, Representing opportunity or windfall; CASKET, Representing someone going out of your life or the end of a situation; CAT, Representing a two-faced friend; CATERPILLAR, Representing someone is jealous of you; CHAIN, Representing chain of events that will affect your life; CHAIR-FILLED, Representing someone new is entering your life; CLAW, Representing be careful-do not take risks; CLOUDS, Representing temporary problems; CLUB, Representing someone will try to make you do something against your will; COBWEB, Representing protected

from negative forces beyond your control; COINS, Representing money will be coming to you; CRACKED CUP, Representing dissatisfaction with life; CRIB, Representing birth or conception of a child or enterprise; CROWN, Representing honor and respect will come to you; CUP, Representing you should accept valid criticism; DAGGER, Representing fear, worries, tense situations; DARK MAN; Representing dealings or relationship with a man with dark complexion or hair; DARK WOMAN, Representing dealings or relationship with a woman with dark complexion or hair; DESK, Representing pay attention to your work; DIAMOND, Representing gift of jewelry; DOG, Representing protection from a powerful friend; DOGS, Representing getting together with friends; DOG-BARKING, Representing advice from a friend; DOG- CLOSE UP, Representing pleasure with a close friend; DOG-FAR AWAY, Representing a distant friend is thinking about you; DOLPHIN, Representing financial gain, usually coming from something you did in the past; DOOR, Representing opportunities are awaiting you; DRAGON, Representing beware of self-delusion; EAGLE, Representing triumph over troubles, obstacles; EAR, Representing good news; EGG, Representing success assured with good plans and hard work ; ELEPHANT, Representing long journey either physically or mentally; EMPTY CHAR, Representing someone leaving your life; EYE, Representing psychic ability; FAIR MAN, Representing dealings or relationship with a man with light complexion or hair; FAIR WOMAN, Representing dealings or relationship with a woman with light complexion or hair; FAN, Representing romance, celebration, party; FEATHER, Representing someone you know is undependable, insincere; FINGER, Representing warning you of a problem either now or in the near future; FIRE, Representing strong emotion. Passionate love or hate; FIRECRACKER, Representing excitement; FLAG, Representing do not be tempted to lower your standards; FLOWERS, Representing happiness; FLUTE, Representing disappointment in a friend or lover; FLY, Representing a period of ill health; FOREST, Representing muddled, unclear thinking; FOUR LEAF CLOVER, Representing great good fortune; FOX, Representing shrewdness and resourcefulness especially in business; FRYING

PAN, Representing trouble, accusations; FUNNEL, Representing period of frustration.

Lessons to be learned; GAVEL, Representing involvement with the law; GOLDFISH, Representing increase in material wealth or spiritual growth; GONG, Representing an exciting event; GRAPES, Representing time to go out and have fun; GRASSHOPPER, Representing situations in the balance that require careful handling; HAMMOCK, Representing taking a vacation, physically or mentally; HAND, Representing in need of help, assistance, guidance; HANDSHAKE, Representing a meeting with a stranger could be important; HARP, Representing great happiness, HAT, Representing you will be playing a different role; HAYSTACK, Representing karma-ou will reap what you have sown; HEART, Representing love, deep affection, caring; HILLS, Representing obstacles to overcome; HORSE, Representing short journey; HORSESHOE, Representing good luck; INKPOT, Representing problems to be resolved; JUG, Representing lighthearted, carefree time; KANGAROO, Representing unsettled times.

Need to plan ahead; KEY, Representing successful outcome to problems; KITE, Representing vacation; KNOT, Representing unsuccessful plans; LADDER, Representing climbing toward success; LEG, Representing stepping into a new experience; LIGHTNING, Representing control your anger or you will be sorry; LILY, Representing spiritual love; LION, Representing time to act; LOBSTER, Representing financial pinch; MAN, Representing dealings or relationship with a man; MICE, Representing discord among friends or family; MONEY PATH, Representing a path with money is waiting for you to find it; MOON, Representing changes in your life; MOUNTAIN, Representing major challenge to overcome; MOUNTAIN ROAD, Representing you are on the road to success; MULE, Representing someone is extremely stubborn and unwilling to change; NEEDLE & THREAD, Representing a sincere wish will be granted; NEST, Representing emotionally secure, loving family; OLDER MAN, Representing dealings or relationship with an older man; OLDER WOMAN, Representing dealings or relationship with an older woman; OWL, Representing good advice from a wise person; PAIL, Representing time to get out of a situation; PARROT, Representing someone will gossip about all your

secrets; PEACOCK, Representing beware of great pride; PIG, Representing beware of greed; PIN, Representing new job, career; PINEAPPLE, Representing reconciliation; PURSE, Representing pay attention to your finances; QUILL, Representing get back to the basics; RABBIT, Representing too much concern with sexual matters; RAINBOW, Representing the most difficult part of a situation is over; RAM, Representing a stubborn, aggressive person; RAT, Representing someone working against you behind your back; RING, Representing a marriage will take place, either romantic or business; ROOSTER, Representing an arrogant, boastful person you should not cross; ROSE, Representing romance is in the air; SCALES, Representing keep your life in balance; SCISSORS, Representing disappointment in some affair; SEA HORSE, Representing family matters; SHARK, Representing take care or there will be a loss of material wealth; SHIELD, Representing you need to defend yourself ; SKULL, Representing hidden secrets can harm you; SPEAR, Representing heartache over what you no longer have; STAFF, Representing you will be taken care of in difficult times; STAR, Representing guaranteed success; STORK, Representing news of a birth or a new business opportunity; SUN, Representing happiness and well being; SUNRISE, Representing new creative ideas.

New ventures. A fresh start; TABLE, Representing favorable period for you; TANKARD, Representing celebration, fun, enjoyment; TARGET, Representing goal oriented person; TEAPOT, Representing deep friendship with someone of the same sex; TEARDROPS, Representing great personal sorrow; TENT, Representing temporary situation; THRONE, Representing position of authority; TIGER, Representing doing something risky. Taking a chance; TORCH, Representing spiritual development, great enlightenment, awareness, understanding; TORTOISE, Representing slowly but surely getting ahead; TOWER, Representing solid foundation. Success with effort; TREE, Representing affairs with your family; TULIP, Representing great passion; TURKEY, Representing someone is behaving stupidly; UNICORN, Representing use your intuition to make beneficial changes; V, Representing victory in some endeavor; VALLEY, Representing deep personal strength and peace that assure success; VASE, Representing

secret admirer; VINE, Representing you must seek out information that will help you; VULTURE, Representing beware of a person who wants something you have; WALL, Representing misunderstanding; WEDGE, Representing someone is trying to come between you and a friend or something you want; WEEPING WILLOW, Representing family sorrow; WELL, Representing family wishes come true; WHALE, Representing great worry over nothing; WHEEL, Representing indecisiveness. Allowing your life to flow instead of taking charge; WINDCHIMES, Representing peace and harmony; WISHBONE, Representing a wish is granted; WOMAN, Representing dealings or a relationship with a woman; WREATH, Representing sorrow over a loss; YOKE, Representing feeling tied down, frustrated; YOUNGER MAN, Representing dealings or relationship with a younger man; and YOUNGER WOMAN, Representing dealings or relationship with a younger woman. During the fortune telling game a user chooses one or more of these cards which represent predictions of the future and/or current events.

These cards are preferably round in shape having a graphic picture of the symbol such as an ANGEL, drawn in a graphic form to represent ground tea leaves, with the prediction such as"Spiritual guidance protection from harm"printed on the same side of the card.

The opposite side of the card may have decorative indica thereon.

Referring now to FIGURE 2 which are top views of month cards 400 exhibiting the following Julian months: JANUARY 402; FEBRUARY 404; MARCH 406; APRIL 408; MAY 410; JUNE 412; JULY 414; AUGUST 416; SEPTEMBER 418; OCTOBER 420; NOVEMBER 422; and DECEMBER 424. During the fortune telling game a user chooses one or more of these Julian month cards which represent predictions of the current and/or future months. These cards are preferably round in shape having a graphic month picture printed on one side of the card. The opposite side of the card may have decorative indica thereon.

Now referring to FIGURE 3 which are top views of astral house cards 500 exhibiting the following cards: MARRIAGE 502; SUCCESS 504; WEALTH 506; LOVE 508; CAREER 510; and HAPPINESS 512. During the fortune telling game a user chooses one

or more of these astral house cards 500 which represent current and/or future predictions of life situations. These cards are preferably round in shape having a graphic astral house symbol printed on one side of the card. The opposite side of the card may have decorative indica thereon.

Referring to FIGURE 4 which is a diagrammatic view of a method of predicting a future for an upcoming year 600 exhibiting the following steps: arranging twelve month cards in a face up position in a circle representing twelve months of the year starting with a current month at the top 602; shuffling laterally all tea leaf fortune cards 604; covering each month card in a clockwise rotational direction with a tea leaf fortune card in a face down position beginning with the current month 606; shuffling the tea leaf fortune cards and covering each month card with a tea leaf fortune card in a clockwise rotational direction with a tea leaf fortune card in a face down position beginning with the current month 608; repeating the shuffling the tea leaf fortune cards and covering each month card with a tea leaf fortune card in a clockwise rotational direction with a tea leaf fortune card in a face down position beginning with the current month until there are four tea leaf fortune cards on each month 610; telling a user's fortune by turning over and reading the tea leaf fortune cards for the current month, the tea leaf fortune cards, thus giving the user the future events for the current month 612; and proceeding with telling a user's fortune by turning over and reading the tea leaf fortune cards for other months, the tea leaf fortune cards, thus giving the user the future events for the other months until all other months have been completed of a future year 614. This method predicts the future about the current month and the upcoming year. This method should always be used first when a user is using the cards for the very first time. Preferably, the user should use this method every three months but certainly not more frequently than once a month as a user's long term energy needs time to reflect the changes before future predictions can be told to the user by utilizing the cards.

Referring to FIGURE 5 which is a diagrammatic view of a method of predicting a future for an upcoming week 700 exhibiting the following steps: shuffling tea leaf fortune

cards 702; concentrating by a user on what is happening in the user's life as well as a user's hopes, fears and wishes 704; placing one tea leaf fortune card face down 706; repeating six additional times the shuffling tea leaf fortune cards, concentrating by a user on what is happening in the user's life as well as a user's hopes, fears and wishes, and placing one tea leaf fortune card face down until there are seven tea leaf fortune cards in a row commencing from a left to a right direction 708; and telling a user's fortune by turning over and reading the tea leaf fortune cards, thus giving the user future events in an upcoming seven day week 710. Laterally shuffling or mixing all of the tea leaf fortune cards 10. It is not preferable to utilize a"gamblers shuffle"for example: halving the deck and shuffling it end to end. A user must concentrate on what is happening in that user's life as well as that user's hopes, fears, and wishes. When a user feels he or she has shuffled the cards or mixed the cards enough, the user places one tea leaf fortune card 10 in a face down position. The process is repeated six times until there are seven cards face down in a row. It is necessary for a user to shuffle between selections of the tea leaf fortune cards 10.

The user then turns over the cards. The tea leaf fortune cards 10 will tell the user the positive and negative energy surrounding him or her in the upcoming week.

Lastly, referring to FIGURE 6 which is a diagrammatic view of a method of predicting an answer to a specific question 800 exhibiting the following steps: choosing one of an astral house card 802; placing the chosen astral house card on top in a face up position of a pyramid configuration 804; shuffling tea leaf fortune cards choosing and placing two tea leaf fortune cards face down below the chosen astral house card in a pyramid configuration 806; shuffling tea leaf fortune cards choosing and placing three tea leaf fortune cards face down below the chosen two tea leaf fortune cards in a pyramid configuration 808; shuffling tea leaf fortune cards choosing and placing four tea leaf fortune cards face down below the chosen three tea leaf fortune cards in a pyramid configuration 810; and telling a user's fortune by turning over and reading the tea leaf fortune cards, thus telling a user energy sources surrounding an astral house 812. This

method utilizes an astral house pyramid to yield answers to specific questions. The user first chooses one of the astral house cards 500 and places atop of an imaginary pyramid.

The user then laterally shuffles or mixes all of the tea leaf fortune cards 10. It is not preferable to utilize a"gamblers shuffle"for example: halving the deck and shuffling it end to end. The user then chooses two tea leaf fortune cards 10 and places them face down below the astral house card 500 to begin forming a pyramid configuration. The user then humes the tea leaf fortune cards 10 and chooses three tea leaf fortune cards 10 and places them face down below the two tea leaf fortune cards 10 continuing to form a pyramid configuration. The user then shuffles the tea leaf fortune cards 10 and chooses four tea leaf fortune cards 10 and places them face down below the three tea leaf fortune cards 10 continuing to form a pyramid configuration. The user then turns over the tea leaf fortune cards 10 and reads them. The tea leaf fortune cards 10 will tell the user the positive and negative energy surrounding the user's astral house at that moment.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the type described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a fortune telling game, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention has commercial applicability functioning in the field of games and toys.