The History of Palmistry

Judging by the number of hands painted in prehistoric caves it would seem the human hand held a interest for humans since the stone age. Archaeological discoveries have discovered hands made of stone, wood and ivory by ancient civilizations. The emperor of china used his thumbprint when sealing documents in 3000 bc. Information on the laws and practice of hand reading have been found in Vedic scripts, the bible and early Semitic writings. Aristotle (384-322 bc) discovered a treatise on palmistry on an alter to the god Hermes. The Greek physicians Hippocrates and Galen (ad 130-200) were both knowledgeable about the use of palmistry as a clinical aid. Julius Caesar (102-44bc) judged his men by palmistry. 

The practice of palmistry was unfortunately forced underground by the catholic church who branded it devil worshiping. Anyone found to have an interest was quickly murdered. As the church started to lose its influence in society common sense prevailed. Notable people such as Paracelsus (1493-1541) and Fludd (1574-1637) brought respectability to palmistry through their writings. Later Dr Carl Carus, physician to the king of saxony in the 19th century matched palms to personality. Advances in genetics, psychology and forensics have propelled palmistry into the modern age. 

In 1901 Scotland yard adopted the technique of fingerprinting in criminal investigation and identification. Medical researchers studying skin patterns (dermatoglyphics), have discovered a correspondence between genetic abnormalities and unusual markings in the hand. Research has confirmed a link between specific fingerprint patterns and heart disease. These days palmistry is well accepted throughout the world. Professional palmists can be found reading palms in every country in the world. Pick up almost any copy of a women's magazine and there is some information on palmistry. There are thousands of books written on the subject and there are palmistry clubs the world across.

This page is here to help you read your friends and or others hands.... Palm reading is one of the easiest ways to look into a person.

Palmistry is an ancient art and one that has many systems of interpretation. It is also an intuitive art that is easily learned just by learning a few basics about the symbolism that is represented by the lines that run across the palm, the mounts (or fleshy parts) of the palm and the structure of fingers.

In some systems, the right hand represents who you are today and the left hand, everything that you were born with when you came into this world. For "palmistry on the run" though it is best to read the hand that the person writes with, as that would be considered to be dominant hand.

In palmistry, the hand as a whole is divided into three different sections. The Fingers represent the mind and the higher self. The middle of the palm represents day-to-day life and the conscious mind. The lower half of the hand represents primal instincts, health and basic drives of the subconscious. Palmistry is all about proportion, symmetry and distortions of what would be considered to be a perfectly formed hand.

You can tell a lot about a person by looking at their thumb and fingers. The thumb has three phalanges. Its tip represents will power. A club shaped thumb indicates criminal tendency. Pointed or long tips indicate creativity and intelligence. The middle phalange represents logic. The longer the phalange, the more efficient and strategic the person. The fleshy part at the base of the thumb is called the Mount of Venus, which represents empathy, emotion, grace and compassion. The fatter and fleshier this part of the hand is, the more sensitive and compassionate the individual.

The index finger correlates to the planet Jupiter and indicates good fortune and career. The middle finger is related to Saturn and limitations and restrictions in life. The ring finger is called the Apollo. It relates to self-expression and intelligence. The pinky finger belongs to the planet Mercury, which is about your ability to communicate with others and sustain relationships. The longer and straighter the finger, the more good fortune a person can expect to have in these areas. All these fingers have their own mounts, which are located on the palm right below each one. The more developed or pronounced these fleshy mounds are beneath the finger, the more developed that trait is in a person.

The Mount of Jupiter below the index fingers represents ambition, leadership, religion, honor and love of nature.

The Mount of Saturn below the middle finger represents sanity, sobriety, wisdom, introversion and karmic events such as good or bad luck.

The Mount of Apollo below the ring represents confidence, creativity, impulsiveness and extroversion.

The Mount of Mercury below your little finger has to do with ability to sell yourself, communication, quickness, connection as well as writing and mathematical abilities. Sometimes the Mount of Mercury will be feathered with short vertical lines that are called Lines of Affection. These sometimes indicate the number of deep emotional connections or significant relationships in a person's life.

Right below the Mount of Mercury (below the little finger there are two more mounts. About half way down is the Mount of Upper Mars, which reflects your temperament: if this mound is fleshy then the person tends to be more courageous or war-like. Below that, near the base of the hand is the Mount of Luna (also known as the Mount of the Moon). This mound reflects such qualities as generosity, warmth and imagination. If it is over pronounced it can indicate a tendency to madness.

Below the Mount of Jupiter (follow the index finger downwards) lies the Lower Mars, which deals with aggression, hostility and capacity for evil. The center of the palm is called the Plane of Mars. If the plane has a dip in it you are calm, cool and collected. If it is raised or flat you are more likely to display a bad temper.

The Heart Line cuts laterally across the upper palm between the mounts of Jupiter and Mercury. Loops, bubbles, cuts and breaks in this line indicate relationships and episodes occurring in a person's love life.

The Head Line is normally positioned and can cut across the palm or curve downward. It is an indicator of intelligence and mental health. An optimum Head line runs straight, is deep and has a long extension almost to the other side of the palm. This more the headline curves downward towards the list, the less control the individual may have over his or her emotions.

The Life Line usually circles the thumb and begins under the mount of Jupiter and extends to the wrist. It encircles the Mount of Lower Mars and Venus and in most cases ends at the base of the hand. This line indicates major life events as well as the health of the subject. The longer this line is, the longer the individual will live.

The fourth main lie on the palm is called the Line of Fate (also known as the Line of Faith. This line runs vertically from the middle of the base of the palm and up towards the middle finger. It is an indicator of material and financial strength. The deeper, stronger and less broken the line, the more likely the person is likely to be successful. It also indicates a serious, business like nature.

The line of Apollo is a vertical line that is found on the upper part of the Mount of the Moon. It has been called the line of the Sun, and the line of Brilliancy, and to it has been ascribed the gift of great artistic talents, wealth and fame. Not every hand possesses this line.

The line of Mercury has been variously called the line of Health or the line of Liver. It is found either on Mount of Mercury or the Plain of Mars. If there is no line you are probably blessed with excellent health. Strong markings in this area indicate troubles with health.

There are many Minor Lines that don't appear in every hand but one of the best known is the Girdle of Venus that starts between the Mounts of Jupiter and Saturn and ends around the little finger. This line looks like a loop circling three of your four fingers and its presence is supposed to indicate beauty and luck in romance. The hand is filled with all kinds of markings, lines, feathers, stars, and crosses --each with particular meanings.

As a rule of thumb (no pun intended) any time you find a marking on a mound, it usually indicates that something special is going on in that department of your life. Next month's New Age Notebook will go into more detail about the meanings of these symbols in the hand.

Palmistry, also known as Chiromancy, is the art of telling a person's fortune by looking at the lines and bumps on a person's hand. However, since the 1920s, the art of Chiromancy has come a long way. Chirognomy is a related science in which hand shape; finger shape, fingers, nails and the texture and consistency of the flesh are examined in order to get a glimpse into the inner workings of the personality. Dermatoglyphics is the study of ridge patterns and formations found on the fingertips and palm itself to detect and diagnose inherited diseases. However here we are dealing with what I would call the “Romany Reader Basics�?of the Art.

In an earlier New Age Notebook called Basic Palmistry I identified the major lines and mounts of the human hand. In this article we are going to examine other kinds of markings and characteristics that are common indicators of personality, temperament and fate.

Bubbles and Loops - Bubbles and loops that occur on life lines, heart lines and fate lines indicate significant episodes in your life or a life that is broken by many odd experiences. Strong clean lines without bubbles are always preferable if you are looking for a serene and quiet life.

Broken Lines - These usually indicate that a life will be disrupted in an upsetting manner. A broken lifeline can mean an early or tragic life. A break in the head line can mean a period of insanity or mental illness.

Crosses and cross-hatching: These marks on any mound or area of the hand often represent stressful influences, events or people. Usually the influence is a significant or important relationship. The deeper the line the more traumatic or life-defining the experience is said to be. The nature of the event is determined on which mound you find the cross or cross-hatching. For instance, if you have a lot of cross-hatching on your Mound of Lower Mars you may encounter a lot of war or violence in your life. Crosses and cross-hatching on your Mound of Apollo can indicate troubles with career, confidence and success. On the outer edge of the hand, just below the little finger and the Mound of Mercury such marks are said to indicate how many children are in your future. If horizontal lines or cross-hatching occurs on your thumbs or fingertips it is a sure sign that you are under too much stress.

Attachment lines: These are lines that occur above the heart line and wrap from the side of the hand and extend out beneath the little finger. This is supposed to indicate the number of significant relationships or attachments you will have in your life.

Healer Stigmata: a long horizontal line that is crossed by three shorter lines indicates this. It is a symbol of natural healing abilities and usually occurs on the mound of Mercury just below the little finger.

Squares: If you find a square on your hand it means that you are a teacher or natural born leader and meant to enlighten others. The area of interest where you will excel is indicated where it is placed on a mound. For instance, a square that is found on the mound of Mercury indicates a career in teaching or education. A square found on the Mound of Venus below the thumb can indicate a nurse, doctor or healer.

Feathery light lines: These can be found all over the hand and are usually an indication of failing health. If the lines travel up from the wrist to the little finger it can indicate a chronic disease or disability.

X's: X's found anywhere in the palm usually indicate travel. If it is found on either of the Mounds of Upper or Lower Mars or on the plain of Mars it means traveling as a result of war or a military career. An X on the mound of Venus (below the thumb) means relocating for love and on the mound of Jupiter an X can mean relocating for reasons to do with career advancement.

Triangles: Triangles anywhere on the palm indicate a decent upbringing and emotional or intellectual strength. This once again depends which mound the triangle is found on. For example: a triangle found on the Mound of Venus indicates emotional strength and understanding when it comes to love. A triangle found on the mound of Saturn beneath the third finger indicates incredible physical and emotional endurance during times of trouble.

The Ring of Solomon: This is a line that circles the base of the Jupiter finger (index finger) and is found in the hands of those who are said to be psychic. It is also believed to represent royal blood or ancestry.

Stars: A star-shaped hatching of lines can mean that you will enjoy especially good fortune wherever that star is located. For instance if you have a star on your Mound of Venus, it can indicate fame. A star on your Mound of Mercury can mean success at relationships. Wherever you find a star on your hand, you are most likely to find good fortune unless it is located on the mound of Saturn beneath your third finger. In that case, it means a life of arrogance and pride without the prizes. Palmistry, also known as Chiromancy, is the art of telling a person's fortune by looking at the lines and bumps on a person's hand. However, since the 1920s, the art of Chiromancy has come a long way. Chirognomy is a related science in which hand shape; finger shape, fingers, nails and the texture and consistency of the flesh are examined in order to get a glimpse into the inner workings of the personality. Dermatoglyphics is the study of ridge patterns and formations found on the fingertips and palm itself to detect and diagnose inherited diseases. However here we are dealing with what I would call the “Romany Reader Basics�?of the Art.

In an earlier New Age Notebook called Basic Palmistry I identified the major lines and mounts of the human hand. In this article we are going to examine other kinds of markings and characteristics that are common indicators of personality, temperament and fate.

Bubbles and Loops - Bubbles and loops that occur on life lines, heart lines and fate lines indicate significant episodes in your life or a life that is broken by many odd experiences. Strong clean lines without bubbles are always preferable if you are looking for a serene and quiet life.

Broken Lines - These usually indicate that a life will be disrupted in an upsetting manner. A broken lifeline can mean an early or tragic life. A break in the head line can mean a period of insanity or mental illness.

Crosses and cross-hatching: These marks on any mound or area of the hand often represent stressful influences, events or people. Usually the influence is a significant or important relationship. The deeper the line the more traumatic or life-defining the experience is said to be. The nature of the event is determined on which mound you find the cross or cross-hatching. For instance, if you have a lot of cross-hatching on your Mound of Lower Mars you may encounter a lot of war or violence in your life. Crosses and cross-hatching on your Mound of Apollo can indicate troubles with career, confidence and success. On the outer edge of the hand, just below the little finger and the Mound of Mercury such marks are said to indicate how many children are in your future. If horizontal lines or cross-hatching occurs on your thumbs or fingertips it is a sure sign that you are under too much stress.

Attachment lines: These are lines that occur above the heart line and wrap from the side of the hand and extend out beneath the little finger. This is supposed to indicate the number of significant relationships or attachments you will have in your life.

Healer Stigmata: a long horizontal line that is crossed by three shorter lines indicates this. It is a symbol of natural healing abilities and usually occurs on the mound of Mercury just below the little finger.

Squares: If you find a square on your hand it means that you are a teacher or natural born leader and meant to enlighten others. The area of interest where you will excel is indicated where it is placed on a mound. For instance, a square that is found on the mound of Mercury indicates a career in teaching or education. A square found on the Mound of Venus below the thumb can indicate a nurse, doctor or healer. Feathery light lines: These can be found all over the hand and are usually an indication of failing health. If the lines travel up from the wrist to the little finger it can indicate a chronic disease or disability.

X's: X's found anywhere in the palm usually indicate travel. If it is found on either of the Mounds of Upper or Lower Mars or on the plain of Mars it means traveling as a result of war or a military career. An X on the mound of Venus (below the thumb) means relocating for love and on the mound of Jupiter an X can mean relocating for reasons to do with career advancement.

Triangles: Triangles anywhere on the palm indicate a decent upbringing and emotional or intellectual strength. This once again depends which mound the triangle is found on. For example: a triangle found on the Mound of Venus indicates emotional strength and understanding when it comes to love. A triangle found on the mound of Saturn beneath the third finger indicates incredible physical and emotional endurance during times of trouble.

The Ring of Solomon: This is a line that circles the base of the Jupiter finger (index finger) and is found in the hands of those who are said to be psychic. It is also believed to represent royal blood or ancestry.

Stars: A star-shaped hatching of lines can mean that you will enjoy especially good fortune wherever that star is located. For instance if you have a star on your Mound of Venus, it can indicate fame. A star on your Mound of Mercury can mean success at relationships. Wherever you find a star on your hand, you are most likely to find good fortune unless it is located on the mound of Saturn beneath your third finger. In that case, it means a life of arrogance and pride without the prizes .

Lines on the palm:

Life Line:

The Life Line begins at the wrist near the base of the thumb and curves around the Mount of Apollo to the edge of the palm. The Life Line doesn't reveal how long you'll live, but rather your enthusiasm for life and willingness to enjoy and fight for what you want and love. 

deeply etched life line with no breaks or tassels, means that you are a high energy person who embraces challenge and opportunity. You have courage, energy, and desire to win.

Breaks and disappearances in a life line signify that you are a thinker more than a doer. you owe yourself to be more assertive.

When line makes a wide sweeping curve across your palm, you are a very sunny, optimistic individual. You like being praised for what you did well.

A life line beginning high under the index finger denotes a need for acknowledgement. you have a big ego and a large ambition. You always believe the way you are doing things is the right way. for you the motto is, "My way, or the highway!"

When the life line hugs the thumb closely, you shy away from the spotlight. You don't really fight for yourself but you fight for others for the greater good of all.

The Head Line:

the Head line stretches somewhere in between your Heart and Life lines. Your quality of mind and intellectual appetites what the head line is all about--Not your IQ!

A short head line that doesn't pass halfway across the palm suggests a one-track mind, close sightedness, and being closed to new ideas. Issues of power and control are likely to play a part in your future.

The longer the head line, the greater your perceptive abilities and dedication to learning. You are very opinionated and have many friends.

a faint or broken head line that resembles a lined chain means that you are really unorganized! You're open to new ideas and insist upon doing things, your way 

the deeper the head line, the more you harness your wits and put your know-how to good use. You are a true optimist and are very talkative.

if your head line travels strait and level across your palm, you're the just-the-facts, cool and logical type. you are very stubborn and set in your ways regardless of what others think, you are the ultimate pessimist.

When the head line takes a sharp upward bend towards the little finger, you use your wits for making money- lots of it! you are what they a smooth talker. you have that no nonsense attitude.

A head line curving gently downward towards the wrist denotes imagination. you drift in and out of conversations, your mind is always preoccupied.

A head line plummeting downward toward the wrist with a share curve is a sign of a wonderful imagination... which enables you to know what others are thinking or feeling. you're very artistic and always looking to the future instead of the present.

When the head line joins the life line near the thumb, you're cautious, conservative, and focused.

A head line ending in a tassel, or a fork -called a writers fork-shows that you are versatile, curious, and inventive. the wider the fork, the more adaptable and resourceful you are. 

The Heart Line:

The heart line runs across the palm at the base of the fingers. The heart line searves as your emotional barometer and tells about your affections and feelings for all of the people in your life, not just your lovers or life partners.

Deeply etched heart line means that you see yourself as a peacemaker. you enjoy art. you have strong ties to your family, you are an optimist.

A faint heart line says that you enjoy being pampered. Your Heart rules your head, and your opinions and ideas are colored by emotional attachments. you hate to be alone. 

The heart line is considered long when it reaches just below the index finger. this is a sign of the true romantic. you're productive, nurturing, and devoted to friends and loved ones. maintaining your relationships is a must for you.