Book Review: Reading the Leaves by by Sandra Mariah Wright and Leanne Marrama

I was not a Tea Leaf or Coffee Ground reader before. I am now.

That’s the highest praise I can give to a book that sets out to teach a technique. It hooked me with the presentation. It drew me in with clear explanation of history, theory, and method. It delivered in terms of enabling me to do the thing it describes. I am a better Sorcerer for having read the book.

I love it when authors dive deep into a subject, and Sandra and Leanne leave no leaf un-turned. They start with a brief history of the practice but by page 12 they are delving into everything you need for your reading. I mean everything. Setting up a space that offers atmosphere and privacy, choice of cup and tea, how to find patterns in the leaves, and most importantly how to evaluate your findings to make sure you are not just BS’ing yourself. These instructions are followed by extensive example readings, which is where you really learn to do the reading. It’s one thing to have theory, but its quite another to be able to examine case studies and see how this all plays out for real.

Apart from the information, the writing is delightful. If you know your 80’s pop music you will constantly delight at chapter names and section headings – just a little added spice for your tea.

Reading the Leaves is available at bookstores and websites everywhere. 

Leanne Marrama is a full-time professional psychic. She teaches classes, presents at festivals around the country, and hosts weekly séances in Salem. Among her many media appearances, she has been featured on TLC’s What Not to Wear, Ghost Chronicles, and Beyond Belief with George Noory.

Sandra Mariah Wright owns an events business (Spirit Beacon Psychic Fair & Mystical Marketplace), as well as a jewelry and occult supply company (Gallows Hill Witchery), and manages the largest annual psychic fair in the country (the Salem Psychic Fair & Witches’ Market). She has appeared on the Travel Channel and Showtime, and has been featured on Dish Network’s Magnificent Obsessions.