How to Read your Palms
WELCOME to this portal where you can discover how to make the best use of your natural talents and inclinations. By examining your own hands, you can find solutions to persistent life problems and queries, substantially improving your circumstances for greater happiness.
I like to shine a light on the mystical philosophies behind the age-old questions of destiny and free will, and in the process, re-kindle the spirit of wonder that permeates this fascinating subject.
Hand analysis is both an art and science.
No two hands are alike, and your lines do change, and if they do not, there is significance in that too. Each part of your hand holds a special meaning: the fingers and thumb, the size and shape of your hand, the swirls and patterns in your palm (skin ridge patterns), the lines themselves, and even “empty” spaces where no lines exist.
When you look at your palms, note outstanding features that draw your eye. Is it a special marking or set of crisscross lines? What line stands out? Are your hands broad or narrow? Do you have many lines? Few lines?
Note whether you have long or short fingers, and if they are straight or bending to one side. What is your thumb doing? Is it stretched out or hugging close to the palm? Does your baby finger point away from the rest of the fingers?
Where did Palmistry come from?
The earliest glimmerings began with our ancient ancestors observing their hands and wondering. The prehistoric caves in France and Spain display hands with major lines, and archaeological digs have unearthed hands made of stone, wood and ivory.
The origin of palmistry goes back 3,000 years documented from several places simultaneously -- Arabia, Africa, India and China dating back into antiquity.
Arab knowledge of palmistry showed...///
African cultures showed knowledge...///
In India, palmistry was referred to as Samudrik Shastra, meaning 'ocean of knowledge'. Tradition held that both Buddha and Lord Krishna had the various marks of greatness on their feet, and to have any of these signs in your hands would foretell a great destiny. Symbols such as the fish, conch, flag and cave were popular findings to an experienced Indian palmist, but western readers found these symbols difficult to understand, since they often came with vague descriptions as to how they should look in the hands.
In China, ....///
Through the great trade passages and blending of cultures, knowledge of palmistry passed into Europe around 12th century A.D. Palm reading may have enjoyed a more respectable time in ancient Arabia and India, but as it moved through Europe, it came under acute attack by the Roman Catholic church for several centuries after.
Its colourful path from the 1200's with original texts in Latin, led to the Middle Ages filled with volumes of 'blood and thunder' predictions. Much of its work reveals how they truly thought born out of the times in which they lived. There were tales such as, "If a figure like an 'e' is found near the bottom of the hand, the owner will kill his father or mother or despoil a holy church." Another belief held that if you had a grille in a certain place in the palm, you would "die on the scaffold by hanging".
Palmistry has evolved since, and intuition and imagination undoubtedly played a part back then as it does today.
Palmistry attracted the gypsy caravans of India and Eastern Europe during their long treks to the West. It was a blend of knowledge from their travels mixed in with their own folklore. Clever in obscure arts, they were able to peddle their brand of mystique, yielding surprising influence for several hundred years more.
The famous French palm reader, Marie Anne Lenormand (1772-1843), held great sway in Napoleon's court by accurately foretelling events for both Empress Josephine and Emperor Napoleon. Though not a gypsy herself, she learned about card reading through gypsies. Unfortunately, due to dubious means in her rise to power, she ended up in prison several times. By the end of her life, she had written many controversial articles and had amassed a fortune, which passed down to her only heir, a nephew, who as a devout Catholic, burned all of her writings and only took the money.
In England, practising palmistry meant being a gypsy or a witch, and therefore at risk of death penalty until the 1700's, when it was repealed during the reign of George III.
It wasn't until the 1800's and early 1900's when several systems emerged to classify hand shapes, particularly by palmists Casimir Stanislas D'Arpentigny, Adrien Adolphe Desbarolles, and William G. Benham, which are still used today. It was the beginning of a scientific empirical approach combining various elements between hand shape, lines and mounts.
A new wave surfaced with a more psychological view associated with temperament, basic urge patterns, heredity and character traits, such as in the exhaustive works of William Benham titled, "Laws of Scientific Palmistry" and by Charlotte Wolffe, "The Human Hand". Other western authors began to emerge: Carol Gustav Carus, Mrs. Robinson with "The Graven Palm", Julius Spier, Beryl B. Hutchinson, Katherine St. Hill and Cheiro, famed readers of their time.
More
information surfaced from ancient indigenous cultures on the subject of
palmistry. The Hopi Indians of the _______ plains, ....
Author and palmist, Andrew Fitzherbert, noted that even totally insane people wrote palmistry books. In his invaluable work, "Palmists and Palmistry Books", he wrote about Watson Bradshaw, 'In 1913 Watson Bradshaw published The Freak Hand, in which he set out to prove that his palm was actually a plan of the St. Paul's Cathedral...if his hand was super human and so was he, this was proof of the validity of Palmistry'.
Books are cropping up every decade with ever-evolving perspectives on the age-old mystery of destiny, free will, and human nature, and no doubt, there is a great deal yet to be discovered.
With ever new discoveries, I wonder where palmistry will be at, let's say -- two hundred years from now.
Yet I muse over an ancient Indian sage who once made a remarkable observation, "The hand should have one thumb and four fingers, and if there are any more, it is a very bad sign!"
Let’s start with some basics:
Many small lines all over the palm form part of a larger meaning, instead of reading every single line. A network of many fine lines (Fig. 1) shows a refined and sensitive nature, a congenial and gentle approach to others, and a generally weaker constitution than shown with strong-lined patterns. With many broken line markings, one can become high-strung with a life filled with many dramas of one sort or another. There is a tendency to procrastinate and therefore leave decisions to the end or feel under pressure when it comes to taking important steps. You will likely pursue many mental interests.
Many strong and vibrant lines belong to a more forceful personality, one who communicates ideas well and gets things done (Fig. 2). You may be multi-talented, charismatic, and capable of far-reaching goals you set yourself.
Fig. 3 - Very few fine lines
Very few fine lines (Fig. 3) show a withdrawn or quiet and cautious person with a mild temper. His demeanour is cool at first, but once you get to know him, you will find him to be a sensitive and intellectual fellow. He is normally a slow speaker and to the point in his words. He may not have a wide circle of friends, preferring the companionship of a select few, and as a rule, he is careful to draw attention to himself, especially in public exhibitions. He does not like crowds.
Very few strong lines in the palms (Fig. 4) belong to people who are earthy by nature, who work with their hands and enjoy the outdoors. They often like to build something, whether that be constructing a home or fixing the fence. They are usually focused and direct, and firm and unflinching in their emotions. With negative markings, they can be intolerant towards others and do not adjust to change easily. With other positive signs in their fingers or palms, they are capable of great fortitude and loyalty.
You can get brief messages from just a glance and touch of your hands. For instance, are your hands soft? If so, you are sensual, impressionable, adaptable, and magnetic. People come easily into your life and you will find many are willing to help you with your ideas and projects. Your emotions are close to the surface, and you are apt to be moody, yet overall you are easy-going. If the hands appear too soft and full, it can signal laziness and dependency on others.
Fig. 4 - Very few strong lines
Firm hands mean you are persistent and tough in spirit, and you have a forthright personality. You can be relied upon to get things done, but you may come across at times rather harsh or unyielding. Firm and thick show a physically active and often generous nature, one who likes consistency in all things.
Very firm and thin flat palms, with skin tight like a drum, reveal an independent and nervous streak. They enjoy their time alone, especially if the fingers are knotty (pronounced knuckles). They have a keen mind and are known to have strong opinions, and they should guard against being too brusque in manner by cultivating sensitivity and tolerance towards others.
When hands are usually hot and dry, you are leading an active life, possibly using your hands, or possibly working outdoors or working with heavy equipment. You will need to drink more fluids to keep the body supple and moist. It also signals tendency to digestive ailments due to strong meats or over-spiced foods.
Sweaty hands show an active endocrine system or a general nervous temperament. Extemely sweaty palms may indicate a condition called Hyperhidrosis that affects the sympathetic nervous system. Medical experts have isolated the sympathetic chain of nerves that run alongside the spine as the possible culprit for this condition.
Pale hands and lines show limited energy, or it could indicate a quiet or timid sort of person, and they usually enjoy mental and spiritual pursuits, Gardening or nature walks will soothe and strengthen their vitality,. They don’t care much for the limelight, preferring to do their work from behind the scenes.
Reddish hands and lines indicate a bold and robust nature, full of zest, sometimes overwhelming others with their strong presence. These people are hardworking, enthusiastic, opinionated, and perhaps have a little bit of anger in the mix. They enjoy outdoor activity and they are the doers, always in action.
Cold hands, warm heart? Well, maybe so…yet it usually means a blocked or sluggish circulation. Oftentimes a change in diet and physical exercise can make a difference. Try experimenting with foods high in protein and minerals. Usually cold-handed people are not getting enough outdoor exercise, which can also make a difference. Hand temperatures change over the years. If your hands become abnormally and suddenly cold (apart from freezing temperatures or a physical ailment), it will be an indication of mental stress or a recent shock in your life, and this eventually changes over time with your hands becoming warm once again.
Large hands mean that you like to be the centre of attention and have a powerful personality. You also have a detailed mind and critical eye for small things, and a thorough approach to everything you do.
Many leaders, jewellers, and composers have large hands. You will be slower to start, but once you gather steam, there is long staying power to any project you put your mind to.
Overly large hands (in comparison to your body size) will indicate a tendency to overwork or take on more responsibilities than one could handle, risking mental or physical health ailments as a result.
Small hands show a keen quick mind with a ready sense of humour. You initiate quickly what you set your mind to, but you may not have enough patience to see things through to completion. This is why you need organized people around you to help with your many ideas. If you have small hands, you adapt to change and you enthuse others with your stream of ideas. You think big, initiate big, and often like to drive large cars!
The Right Hand and Left Hand
In palmistry, both hands are read together for an overall picture, and separately for different reasons.
The dominant (usually right) reveals acquired characteristics, motivations and actions in present time, as well as, current life directions.
The passive (usually
left) shows past action, inherited qualities and potentials already in motion.
It also refers to the inner emotional life, thereby in a supportive role.
SOME EXAMPLES:
If the dominant hand shows a remarkable sign of success, but not in the passive hand, it reveals an unexpected new development. If the remarkable sign is in the passive hand only, then it means unexplored potential. If in both hands, the potential is realized and success is assured.
If you are left-hand dominant, then switch the above meanings. Keep in mind, left-handers have strong right-hand tendencies, due to living in a predominantly right-hand world (90%). The scissor is mainly for right-handers. So is the guitar and violin. To be sure, a left-handed baseball player up to bat will challenge a right-handed pitcher!
Usually both hands have some differences, representing change and growth in the respective areas. If both hands look almost identical, then the paths chosen are fixed and steady with more or less predictable outcome. You are what you were with little change. It’s part of your character and life path.
If both hands are wildly different, there may be a schism in the paths chosen, a dual existence you are reconciling towards an ultimate goal, whether that be in practical or spiritual matters. Indications in the palms will reveal the timing of these turning points. It’s part of your character and life path also.
Factors that determine which hand is dominant – What hand do you throw or catch a ball with? If hanging from a rope on a mountainside cliff, which hand has the strongest grasp? Which hand looks larger than the other? The dominant hand tends to have less lines, btw.
Try this test. Clasp your hands together. Which thumb is on top? That would be your dominant hand. Now shift the fingers to show passive thumb on top. Feels weird, right?
