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Palm Reading

Palmistry is the art of divination through the study of the palm. Its roots go back to Indian astrology and Roma fortunetellers. The first reference in Indiana was over 5000 years old; likewise, the Chinese practiced palmistry around 3000 B.C. It is often combined with other techniques like holistic healing and psychology.

Today, there are many schools of palmistry. Not all of them agree on the interpretation of various features. What follows is a brief look at modern palmistry–other versions may vary in the details.

In palm reading, information on a person's character and future can be read on their palm. The various lines and bumps on the hand are interpreted in different ways. Some cultures also studied the fingernails, skin texture and color, and overall flexibility of the hand.

Readings usually begin with the dominant hand, the one which that person uses the most. Some traditions believe that the opposite hand may contain information on past lives or karma and heredity.

The shape of the hand is divided into four different shapes which correspond to the four elements of Earth, Air, Water, and Fire. Earth hands are broad and square, often with coarse skin and a ruddy color. Air hands have square palms with long fingers. Water hands have long palms, sometimes oval-shaped, with long flexible fingers. Fire hands has a square or rectangular palm with short fingers.

There are several lines on the hand, though three of them are most commonly used by palm readers. The heart line (see diagram) indicates your emotional stability, susceptibility to depression, stoicism, and perspectives on romance. It also is a valuable indicator of cardiac health. The head line represents the way you think, communicate, and learn. It may also indicate whether you prefer a left brain or right brain approach, showing whether you are creative or analytical. Finally, the life line represents your physical health, vigor, and general well-being. It may reflect major injuries, traumatic events, and relocations. It is, however, not believed to indicate the length of your life.

Your fate line is linked to your choices in school and your career. It may reflect both successes and obstacles. Some people believe the fate line reflects your choices and their consequences; others believe it reflects those circumstances that are beyond your control.

A number of smaller lines are also commonly used in palmistry. The sun line indicates fame, and occasionally infamy. The Girdle of Venus is linked to emotional intelligence. It may also indicate an ability to manipulate others. The Mercury line indicates skill in business or communication, though it can also be a warning of persistent health issues.

Some of the lines of the hand in Palmistry. Courtesy Wikipedia.
1: Life line - 2: Head line - 3: Heart line - 4: Girdle of Venus - 5: Sun line - 6: Mercury line - 7: Fate line.

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