Today we’re talking with Ani Carla, an intuitive energy healer, a mystic and holistic mother, who is a master of coffee reading.
1. Can you explain to my readers what is tasseography?
Tasseography, which for me alludes to the art of coffee reading, is a mystical form of divination where fine powder-like grinds of Armenian-style coffee are read once the cup is turned over in its saucer after drinking. The cup is a demi-tasse, an espresso size, and the coffee itself is boiled with cardamon, preferred flavors, and sweetness in an antique copper pot that I like to call my little cauldron. Since the coffee is not filtered, once it’s poured and consumed with intention, gravity pulls the grinds to the bottom, and inside are revealed symbols, omens, signs, patterns, and intuitive messages. The grinds represent the metaphysical frequency of the querent, where nature’s formations are realized as magical. Many are familiar with tea leaf readings which can be similar. Tasseography is a combination of orally passed-down traditions/techniques and intuitive spiritual insights.
2. How did you learn about tasseography?
I learned tasseography at home through the women elders in my life. The practice was not just a norm, but an expected standard at family gatherings. As a little girl, I’d watch my mother, aunties, her cousins, and guests tell vibrant stories, speak of symbols, and even shed tears at the table with the little cups as our guide. There was always one or two good readers among each gathering and everyone would patiently wait their turn to questions of the past, present, and future in mind.
I was always captivated by the powerful energy and the accuracy of the readings. The elders would speak with such confidence and sometimes even humor, that was so inspiring to me.
3. How does your Armenian heritage inform your practice?
Since this is an ancestral practice, my Armenian heritage is the foundation of my work and it is embedded with ancient Armenian symbolism which has been orally passed down from generation to generation. Rooted in centuries-old Armenian tradition, my coffee reading practice honors a heritage shaped by resilience and loss. As a people who have endured genocide, preserving cultural practices like tasseography is essential. It’s more than divination; it’s a connection to nature and a pathway to healing and well-being. In a wellness industry often marked by cultural appropriation, authenticity is paramount, and proper representation matters. I am committed to sharing my knowledge while supporting Armenia and other communities in need.
Coffee readings have long been a cornerstone of Armenian life, fostering connection and care especially for women who shared their lives over cups, finding solace and support. This tradition, rich in ritual and symbolism, continues to be a source of strength and hope.
Each family has its unique coffee-making ritual which is key to the whole experience. Accompanied by fruits, nuts, and sweets, coffee-sharing became a sacred act of comfort and support. The simple request to “put the coffee on” signified a deeper need for companionship and guidance. I bring this ritual and sensory journey to retreats, creative spaces, wellness centers, and private sessions. From start to finish, I hospitably guide my guests into consuming their coffee with calmness, care, and sacred intentions just as the elders in my family do, and I hope, that my daughters will do in the future.
4. What is your preferred coffee for doing a reading?
I like a medium roast with a lot of body for my coffee, as long as it’s ground to the absolute finest grind it should work. Armenian coffee is akin to Greek, Arabic, Yemenese, and all the finely grounded coffees with similar traditions from all over the world from its origins in Ethiopia, through the SWANA (South West Asian and North African) regions, all the way to Eastern Europe. Some brands I love are: Henry’s House of Coffee, Sevak Coffee, Edna’s, Tazah Coffee, and Al Ameed.
5. If someone was interested in learning how to do coffee readings, what would you recommend?
This is a tricky question, that I get asked all the time. I used to teach workshops but I stopped after I had my first daughter. My ancestors sent me a nudge that this is something I should keep in my family because my particular gifts are unique and teaching them is meant for my girls from now on. Sort of like how I was able to learn it by witnessing and participating at home in my early years. Although I guide them, I’ve told my students that I could never fully teach them anyway because each person has their own intuitive way of tapping in, what I can do is foster them in activating their intuition so that they are in control from within.
So I would say this: get in touch with your intuition and get very comfortable with it so the modality that is meant for you will feel like second nature. Learn the deep language of symbolism beyond the words and definitions printed on pages, but how does it connect to your own mind and the greater human consciousness? Symbols can be the keys to intuitive information. And of course, the cliche that holds true is to practice, practice, practice.
6. You offer online readings. What’s it like to get a coffee reading from you online?
I bridge ancient tradition with modern technology, offering virtual coffee readings. Your participation is simple: bring yourself, a notebook, and an open heart. The sessions are live through Zoom so we meet face to face just on the virtual platform. You are a part of the whole process as you watch me brew a special Armenian-style coffee in your name, and then I guide you through a meditation to connect you to your ancestors, spirit guides, angels, and us energetically. As you set your intentions, I pour your coffee out and interpret the resulting patterns. You get to see it all and can request pictures of your cup and saucer as well. This combined reading and healing session allows for questions and insights. I’ve uniquely blended energy healing, guided meditation, and ancestral coffee reading wisdom to create this transformative experience.
7. What is your go to coffee order at a coffee shop?
I love to support small and family-owned businesses over big chains. Using quality coffee is very important for the health of the body and sustainability of the earth. Because I make so much coffee at home and have tried hundreds of varieties and flavors, I have deemed myself a coffee snob. When it comes to ordering coffee at a coffee shop, I like to try their craziest most robust concoctions and I do like it fancy like a lavender, rose, or golden milk latte.
8. Thoughts on decaffeinated coffee? Yay or nay?
Although it’s not for me, I understand the sensitivities that people have with caffeine and I respect their choice in decaf coffee. I can make it at special request. I try my best to make sure to have everyone’s preference in mind and stay inclusive for the most comfortable experience.
9. What’s next? Do you have any upcoming projects that my readers should be aware of?
Upcoming I have my virtual schedule which is on my updated calendar, my monthly pop-up in The Sewists Room inside the Asch Building in Houston Heights on August 18th, a Los Angeles tour filled with exciting collaborations, retreats, private gatherings, and one-on-one session opportunities from September 17th – October 8th, and the highly anticipated Modern Witches Confluence in San Francisco on November 2nd! After that, the holidays get filled up quickly with many people gifting online sessions to their loved ones.
10. Parting Shot! Ask us at The Magical Buffet any one question.
What is your preferred spiritual healing modality? Have you ever had a coffee reading before? What can you say you are most gifted in?
I don’t feel like I’m particularly gifted in a spiritual healing modality or much else. That’s not a put down or anything, I tend to view myself as a “jack of all trades, master of none.” I have done some coffee readings before and have quite the love for coffee. However, I’ve never had anyone read coffee for me. Yet.
About Ani Carla:
Ani Carla is an intuitive energy healer, coffee reading master, and a mystic and holistic mother. She weaves together the ancient wisdom of symbols, psychometry, and channeled messages to guide individuals on their journeys of self-discovery.
Inspired by her Armenian heritage, Ani carries on ancestral traditions, empowering others to connect with their greater purpose and foster personal growth and a deeper understanding of the soul.
A creative at heart, Ani Carla is the first practitioner to integrate sacred coffee reading divination ceremonies into retreats, healing events, and transformative circles. She gives back to her community by raising funds, building awareness around the culture of diaspora, genocide, and healing for future generations.
She writes about authenticity, deep thought and wisdom, intuition development, mystical exploration, sensory awakening and the transformative power of ancient practices bridged into this modern era to make it work.
You can follow Ani Carla and her work at:
https://www.instagram.com/ani.vibes
https://thecoffeemystic.substack.com/
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So cool!