There are dozens of different ways to interpret the symbols found in tea leaf reading but the most common area of comparison is often the contrast of color.

Since majority of cups used are light in color and the refuse leaves are dark, this inherent contrast in itself has a meaning.
The cup, which is often white or a light color to aid in interpretation, is often denoted as  “good” or positive and holds affirmative connotations for that reading.

While the dark colored tea leaves can be construed as “bad” or having a darker, more sinister meaning for the drinker or person being “read”
Symbols can be anything from a cloud, to a car, to a bell, to a dog and be taken quite literally as “what you see is what is meant”.

However, two or more images can be present representing a more complex idea or concept in the subject’s subconscious. Images appearing close together may be a related thought, while tea leaf symbols spaced far apart in the cup may be completely independent and one may have nothing to do with the other.

The closer the symbol appears to the top of the rim, the more likely that the outcome of that reading will occur soon.
Most symbols are can be read to have a good or bad connotation and are likened to Tarot readings in this regard.

The art of tea leaf reading is highly subjective differs from culture to culture and depends on the, the accuracy, skill and prerogative of the psychic or spiritual advisor.