Palmistry

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A Basic Overview of the Palm

The following presentation is meant to guide the reader in interpreting the lines and markings of the hand though a generalized, deductive approach. Though some texts provide examples of configurations of the hand for rote memorization, this author prefers to establish a generalized framework by which the intelligent cheiromancer may discern for themselves what the import of a specific set of markings mean, for there are far too many combinations of features of the hand for it to be worthwhile to memorize.

This overview is further divided into four sections:

Divisions of the Palm

The palm is divided into four sections, as indicated in the diagram to the left. These quadrants are divided by two lines. The line which divides the hand between inward perspective and outward perspective is roughly defined by the Line of Fate, though should this line be aberrant in any respect, it is the vertical line that would pass straight through the finger above the mount of Saturn. The line which separates the ideal from the material is more strictly defined as the division created by the Line of Head.

A further explanation is warranted, and will begin with the division between inward and outward perspective.

An individual is often torn between two worlds--what he believes and how he expresses these beliefs, the difference between these two being known as cognitive dissonance. An individual may feel something very strongly, but may act upon them differently with others, perhaps to make themselves a martyr, perhaps to promote social harmony, or perhaps because they are willing to sacrifice some ideals for a greater good. A good example of this can be seen in the Mounts of Mars. The Mount of Lower Mars represents an individual's outward aggression, and lies in the demesne of outward perspective. Contained in the inward realm, however, is the Mount of Upper Mars, which signifies how stubborn an individual is with their beliefs. Both mounts relate to the same belief, but approach this belief from two different sides: The outward expresses this belief to others, while the inward is a true reflection of the individual's passions and thought processes.

The other division is how and to what extent an individual interacts with the material world versus the ideal world.

The optimal place to commence in this explanation is in the Line of Head itself. A steep, sloping Line of Head betokens a very creative, idealistic individual. The reason for this is not necessarily to be found in the slope, but the amount of area it allocates for the upper, ideal portion of the hand. An observer may well notice that a steep Line will devote much more space to matters of the mind, and consequently decrease space devoted to material concerns. And these material concerns are as what one may expect: money, food, spirits, athleticism, and other such things as take on a physical existence. This is where we find the Line of Life and the Line of Health, both of which deal with the physical constitution of the body. One who lives in a material world may be obese as a lover of food, or vainly opulent, indulging in luxuries and possessions. They operate well in matters of the world, for their drive to assume ever more possessions sparks many an entrepreneurial venture.

On the other side of this division lies those interested with ideas, such as scientists, spiritualists, artists, and priests. For them the collection of physical possessions is not nearly as important as the collection of ideas and feelings. It is in this realm that both the Line of Head and the Line of Heart exist, for one deals with ideas, the other with passions, both of which are utterly intangible. These individuals invent and inspire, but their intellectual dynamism is a powerful front for their frail, idealistic natures. As this is exclusively connected with the Line of Head, it is not surprising that a very steep Line may sometimes portend a tendency to suicide, as harsh reality suffocates so many of the beautiful ideals one may conceive of.

Of course, the previous cases are simply extremes. Most individuals find themselves at a comfortable balance between the ideal and material, the inward and the outward. But the reader should always bear these divisions in mind when interpreting both mounts and lines, for they will prove to be extremely useful landmarks in both interpreting and remembering the science of cheiromancy.

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Texture and Composition of the Hand

How firm or soft a hand is may temper the entire reading. The following are the different types of textures the reader may encounter whilst practicing cheiromancy:

Smooth hands--For one to possess smooth hands betokens a very calm and unruffled temperament. These individuals will rarely lose their temper.

Rough hands--To possess rough hands denotes the opposite. Their temper is uneven and easy to rouse. Such individuals usually are more coarse and earthy, and are more fascinated with the concrete than abstract ideas.

Lined hands, that is, hands that are networked with a large amount of fine lines, reveal a person who is fretful, worrisome, and easily vexed.

Soft hands--To possess soft hands betokens sloth. Though an individual may possess brilliant markings designing great talent, if the hand be soft, they will find motivation difficult, and perseverance even moreso. These hands have a tendency for sensuality.

Firm hands--Firm hands denote a great deal of energy and drive; an active nature. Those with firm hands will start many projects, often simultaneously, and possess the energy and followthrough to see them to their end.

Hard hands--If the hands be hard but not springy, and instead bony and tough, the individual lacks energy and enthusiasm. This lacking differs from soft, fleshy hands, however: in the case of soft hands, the individual possesses the energy, but it goes to waste through laziness; in hard hands, there is no energy to begin with. It means a dispassionate, selfish, and potentially pessimistic nature.

Naturally, a hand may possess a combination of the above qualities, for it is possible to have a soft, smooth hand or a hard rough hand.

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The Colors of the Lines and Flesh

The various colors the reader may encounter importune the same for hands and lines alike.

Red indicates a great robustness. A red hand will be passionate, quick-tempered, and ardent. This extreme vivaciousness, however, may end in apoplexy. A red line will indicate much of the same, but it will be modified by the function of the line, i.e. a red line of life will indicate a vigorous, robust health coupled with an active nature, while a red line of heart will denote overflowing and heartfelt emotion.

Yellow is the mark of the melancholy and morose.

Pink denotes a hopeful, sanguine, enthusiastic, and bright nature. One may consider it to be a less extreme manifestation of a red hand or line. This is the optimal color for any line in a healthy, well-adjusted person.

White denotes a lack of interest in the outside world and those with whom the bearer may associate. White hands are egotistical, consequenting in selfishness and a lack of sympathy for others. It is also a symbol for general ill-health and weakness.

A dark or black line denotes a trait of a person as grave, haughty, distant, and vengeful.

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Qualities of the Lines

When diagnosing the import of a line, color, length, and direction are not enough. Often the manner in which the line is etched into the palm will indicate its overall power.

A deeply-cut line strengthens the influence of the line over other traits. The deepest line on a palm signifies the most important aspect of their life, i.e. a deeply-cut Line of Heart would designate an emotional, passionate person, while a deep Line of Head would betray an individual enamored with ideas and the intellect.

A thin line indicates the opposite, as would be expected. A thin line will have little influence over the bearer's life, just as a thin Line of Fate would show little direction in life and a thin Line of Life would show weakness of constitution.

A broad, shallow line is also a sign of weakness, but typically due to physical factors, either congenital or incidental.

All of the above lines preclude the normal line, which is straight, firm, light pink in hue, and clearly marked on the palm.

Apart from the primary and secondary lines, there may be lines of chance and influence that rise and fall. One may discern whether a line is rising or falling by the varying thickness of a line. The thicker end of the line marks the point at which it gives rise, and the waning end marks its terminus.(78)

The meaning of the left and right hands.

As many newcomers to cheiromancy are apt to ask, "which hand should be consulted when reading the palm?" It is unanimous that both palms need to be considered. One is the hand with which the bearer was born, indicating the potential of the subject. The other is a glimpse into the future livelihood of the individual, revealing how their potential shall be harnessed or squandered, how they shall avoid the perils marked on the hand of the past, and how they shall create new ones for themselves.

Though the cheiromancers agree on the importance of both hands, there are disparate views of what the right and left hands mean. There are some who contend that the right hand predicts the future, the left a past history. Others claim that it is the hand which is used the most frequently by the individual that foretells the future, while the more neglected hand is the marked by the past. One author(156) claimed that it was the right hand that portended the future on men, whilst the left did so on women! However, if the reader give the same thought this author did upon the subject, it should become quite clear which perspective to elect.

The hand of the past is the hand one is born with, the hand that from the first day reveals the aptitudes, constitution, temperament, and talents of the bearer. If this truly be the hand one was born with, should its imprint not be crystallized in time for later comparison?

But comparison with what? The hand of the future, that which has seen the action, the life, and the changes of the individual that has caused it to differ with the hand of the past. This hand that has seen the industry of life has changed due to its activity. As the bearer uses their hands, they will favor one over the other, and this hand will see more activity than the other. "Depending on the way you hold you hands, certain mounts may be more developed," and so too for the lines and overall composition of the hand.(7) Thus, would it not stand to reason that this frequently used hand, in its activity, has erased some lines that the individual was born with, and created others? At both times of business and leisure, they will be altering the very shape of their more frequently-used hand, while the neglected hand will experience little change.

Thus, in right-handed individuals, the right hand reveals the future, while the left hand the past; it is just the opposite for those who have merited the distinction of being left-handed. One may inquire further as to which hand should be consulted in the case of ambidexterity. This is a difficult matter, for if the individual is truly ambidextrous, it will be uncertain as to whether either hand has preserved the past. As a general rule of thumb, seek the hand that is used to write as the active hand. Careful interrogation may also give insight to a slight bias to a particular hand. Use caution, however, when remarking on great changes they have made in life, for the contrast is not as pronounced in the ambidextrous.

Throughout the centuries, the markings and features of the palm have established a considerable repertoire of pseudonyms, the most common of which are displayed below. Some names are fairly interchangeable, while some are clearly outdated and potentially confusing, such as the archaic reference to the heart line as the "mensal" line. Though the author will endeavor to use only the primary name of each feature, this table will prepare you for the various alternate referents one may use.

The mount of Venus carries with it attributes of vivacity, robust energy, sympathy, generosity, an affectation for music, and "kindred social virtues which attract the opposite sex (67)." If the mount be well-developed, the bearer possesses a healthy digestion, physical vitality, and a convivial and empathetic manner. Should there be no ill marks on the hand to impugn the power of this mount, the bearer will always have a plentitude of friends.

An overdeveloped mount carries with it an unhealthy and over-exercised desire for sensual activities, be they of eating, drinking, or venereal congress. A greatly swollen mount of Venus that is red in hue is a very bad sign, as the bearer will be consumed with a violent passion for the opposite sex(64). This is modified, however, by the location of the overdevelopment. If it be puffy near the thumb, the individual is ruled by emotions; when located lower down on the mount, the bearer is self-indulgent and egocentric in their pursuits. Naturally, both attributes will be present if both areas are puffy.

If underdeveloped, the mount tells of a lack of energy, a poor resistance to disease, and dark pessimism. Though the bearer of such a mount is capable of love, it will manifest itself mentally rather than physically(90). If the mount isn't necessarily flat but narrow, the owner demonstrates a cautious nature.

The mount of Jupiter denotes ambition, pride, enthusiasm in anything attempted, and a desire for power(64). Those who bear a well-developed mount will promote themselves through industry and honesty, and possess a strong sense of religion: "a sense that power should be spiritual as well as worldly(120)." The reader may find this confusing, as both the mount of Luna and the mount of Saturn relate to religion. The defining characteristics of this differ, however, in that one with a well-developed mount of Jupiter carries with them a love of ceremony and display(47), and thus it is the procedure and the recognition of religion which enchants them. With favorable marks, it denotes a well-developed leadership ability rather than raw pushiness that an otherwise unrefined mark would carry. Finally, it represents activism, be it in political, social, or interpersonal causes. This mount's role plays an important part in determining the idealism of an individual, and is especially important in conjunction with the line of the heart.

If overdeveloped, the individual becomes bossy and pushy, pompous and vain. Greed and extravagance are also exhibited. The individual enjoys wielding power for egocentric ends. This individual will find it difficult to make and keep rewarding friendships, as their ego will often countermand the truly generous and attractive traits necessary for perpetuating the friendships. Instead, the friends of such an ambitious person will often find themselves as mere tools of their ambition, and if the bearer lack positive markings on the mount or a well-developed mount of Mercury, this reality will be glaring indeed for his friends, for the bearer has not even the tact to attempt to conceal or soften their utility. All of the above traits are accentuated if the finger of Jupiter is long as well.

An underdeveloped mount of Jupiter will bring a lack of confidence and drive resulting from feelings of inferiority, and as such, the bearer may be easily manipulated, trusting not their own leadership instincts, but those of others who are more assertive. They will also lack drive and wallow in idleness (89).

The mount of Saturn is a measure of one's soberness and studiousness. Those with well-developed mounts can be expected to enjoy solitude and possess prudence and patience in their expectations and actions. Where the mount of Venus contributes to one's social virtues, the mount of Saturn is unconcerned with society, and one may expect an asocial nature from one who possesses a very strongly developed mount. Its meaning is greatly intertwined with the line of fate, which is primarily concerned with one's course in life: their career, business, direction, and drive.

If overdeveloped, this can lead to a large degree of morbidity, inner disquiet, unhappiness, miserliness, and misanthropy. Unfortunately, the studious, critical nature of the individual may be over-emphasized and result in pessimism, suspiciousness, and paranoia. If coupled with a full mount of the moon and a sloping line of head, there exists a penchant for suicidal tendencies.

If underdeveloped, The bearer possesses low vitality, little confidence, a low degree of self-control, and is easily influenced. They will tend not to treat matters as seriously as should be necessary. Henry Frith goes as far to declare such a hand the grim token of a "wasted existence."(89)

Where one finds Apollo, one finds fame, self-actualization, and the arts. It also signifies the charisma of the bearer, owed to an intuitive understanding of others.(105) An Apollonian possesses a vivacious affection for those he loves, but this sort of love is neither amorous nor sensual; it being instead a desire for synergy and empathy with the beauty he witnesses.(57) The bearer possesses a divine enthusiasm for all that is beautiful and artistic, be it imaginative poetry, sweeping symphonies, or merely susurrant plaints from grass bowing to a breeze. Do not, however, equivocate a love for the arts with a talent for the arts. For the bearer to possess both traits, look to the mount of luna and the line of the head for confimation.

If the mount be overdeveloped, the wearer will exhibit snobbery, selfishness, vanity, foppishness, and artistic egotism. As they long for public recognition, they are often overly credulous when praised and may fall prey to flatterers. Those who show off will possess an equally aggrandized mount of Apollo.(139)

An underdeveloped mount denotes poor intuition, lack of interest in the arts, and less of an exhibition of flash and drama. They will possess a nondescript demeanor, and their life will exhibit little but the monotony their drab existence creates.(106) These dullards will be content with less cerebral pursuits, accustomed to their creature comforts and material gains.(89)

The Mount of mercury betokens great mental acuteness, an alacrity of wit; a love of change, novelty, and adventure; and a flair for science and critical thought. This is the mount of salesmen, doctors, actors, scientists, lawyers, and, unfortunately, con men and grifters. Their dexterity of wit and staggering resilience belie their great talent in eloquence and tact, and thus denotes an individual capable of great acts of diplomacy. And unlike the idealistic Mount of Jupiter, the introspective mount of Saturn and the artistic and effervescent mount of the Sun, the mount of Mercury signifies the practical application of one's intuitive abilities.

If it be overdeveloped, the bearer will want of morality and instead implement their blessings for perfidious means. They will abuse their verbal dexterity and wield their unctuous nature for selfish gains, as are evident in a swindler or a charlatan.(90) The individual may also be rife with the vices of alchohol and drugs, though this should be collaborated with the mount of Venus.(107) If coupled with short fingers, the bearer will suffer fits of impulsiveness and bitter temper.

If underdeveloped, the mounts denote a dullard lacking both enthusiasm and charisma. Powers of communication are clumsy and inelegant, and talent for business, science, and literature is poor.(107-8) If the mount be completely lacking, the individual possesses no sense of humor.(155)

The mount of Luna is a symbol for external influences on one's life, and the "inner way in which we deal with the outer world".(152) Lines that stream from this mount are in concordance with travel and strangers who affect our lives. It is the hallmark of inspiration, dreams, occultism, creativity, and ideality. As a result of this, the mount of Luna indicates the creative output of an individual. They are lovers of journeys, especially regarding the sea. A well-developed mount of Luna with no conflicting marks will designate the bearer as one who rides the currents of imagination, who captures the beauty of its waters with poetry, prose, art, and other abstract and synaesthetic media. These are the dreamers, the romancers, whose headiness is amplified further with long, slender, and tapered hands.

All that the archetype of the moon and femininity provides us, we may find in the mount of Luna. Darkness, mysteriousness, water, intuition, coldness, occultism. Let these primal symbols be your guide as you chart the expanses of the palm.

NB: If there be a large bulge near the bottom of the palm, the subject possess a more sensual imagination, fired by contact with external stimuli and sensations. If the bulge be at the top, nearer the mount of upper Mars, the imagination is more intuitive and internalized.(157-8)

If overdeveloped, the bearer may have difficulty in differentiating their world with reality, or they, in their deference to their dream world, will withdraw from reality themselves. They have a propensity for excessiveness in spirituality and love of beauty. They are anxious and uneasy as the result of their hyperstimulated imaginative faculties. They are subject to delusion, and may deceive others quite unwittingly as they are drawn into their fantasies. It is no coincidence that there exists the term "lunacy."(154)

If the mount be underdeveloped, the bearer lacks enthusiasm and imagination. This want of imagination makes it difficult to conceive the point of view of another person.(161) A flat, white mount betokens an utter dearth of imagination, coupled with bleak and bitter pessimism.(93)

The presence of Mars is observed in three sections of the hand: There is the mount of lower Mars, which lies just above the mount of Venus and is typically enclosed by the lifeline. It often is of a slightly more pinkish taint than its surrounding areas. The mount of upper Mars lies above the mount of Luna and below the line of heart on the percussion of the hand. It is integrated more thoroughly with the mount of Luna, but closer examination should reveal a slight bulge where the mount of Luna should be tapering. Between the two lies the plain of Mars, the smooth expanse in the center of the hand. It is interesting though not terribly edifying to note that the plain of Mars is marked with a large 'M', the 'M' being composed of the lines of heart, fate, head, and life.

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The Mount of Lower Mars

The mount of lower Mars ordains the active manifestation of an individual's energies: It is the martial spirit(95), enthusiasm, aggressiveness, strength and power.(62) This mount is the mark of a pugilist, a soldier, and on occasions, a bluffer.

If overdeveloped, the individual is hotheaded and eager to either start fights or join the fracas. They are forceful, quarrelsome, and selfish(65), and indulge in the more base pleasures of eating, drinking, and when collaborated by the mount of Venus, a propensity for sinful designs pertaining to the opposite sex, which need not be discussed here.

If underdeveloped, the bearer will be spineless. They will possess poor confidence, they will be withdrawn and uncertain, and they will have difficulty motivating themselves.(97)

The mount of Pluto is not typically documented in most palmistry texts, and in all truth of the matter, was only encountered in one text. However, though its historical precedent may not exist, the reader may find its curious portent of interest.

The mount of Pluto can be found at the base of the wrist directly beneath the mount of the moon, if it at all exists. Its presence signifies wisdom, and the bearers of such a mount will often serve as mentors and be a trusted and dependable source for temperate advice.

Transverse Markings

A transverse marking is an evil sign that serves to drain the positive qualities of any mount it is found upon. Though a person may have the markings of a heroic mount, these qualities can be reduced to depravity if bespoiled with a score of transverse lines. An example of such a misfortune are transverse lines across the Mount of Mercury, which indicate that the bearer will use their talents of diplomacy and tact for deceit and guile for ill gains.

Vertical Markings

Vertical markings are not to be confused with sister lines, which accompany a major line on the palm. They are, however, still a beneficent sign. If found on the mount, they heighten its positive qualities and assist in annulling any poor signs also located on the mount. They are the antithesis of the aforementioned transverse markings. To use the case of the Mount of Mercury as expressed above, vertical markings upon this mount will bring a great deal of tact and loquaciousness to serve for pleasant communication and camaraderie. It will emphasize science and business skills. In fact, two vertical lines on the Mount of Mercury are often the symbol of a doctor or biologist.

The Grille

The grille is a point at which the energies of the hand dissipate. If grilles enmesh the entirety of the hand, the power of its bearer is constantly drained by vexations and imagined slights. If a grille appears on the mount, it saps or thwarts the qualities of the mount, e.g. such a mar on the Mount of Apollo will forever dash the attainment of any true success in life.

The Cross

Crosses denote troubles, disappointment, danger, and when found on lines, the harm to the bearer may be aggravated. Occasionally it can refer to a dramatic change in one's life due to a crisis or hardship. They should always be considered an ill omen save for two cases: when found on the Mount of Jupiter and when located between the head and heart lines, known as the "Croix Mystique". The bearer of such a symbol is purported to possess a greater degree of mysticism, occultism, and superstition. The length of the head line in conjunction with the Croix Mystique is quite important; should the bearer demonstrate a short (hence, unimaginative and uncreative) Line of Head, they will tend to be quite superstitious, bordering on paranoia. One with a longer Line will have a greater affinity and comfort with the occult.

The position of the "Croix Mystique" is also quite important. If located high up, near the Mount of Jupiter, the bearer will exhibit belief in mysticism only for their own gain. When their future is divined, they care not for the means and the circumstance of their oracular prediction, but only for how it will relate to their life. Those with crosses further from the Mount of Jupiter will care more for the principles and methods by which the mystical experience was expressed rather than its immediate application to themselves.

If it be at the other extreme, near or on the Mount of Luna, the bearer ascribes great feeling to mystical experiences, and possesses a flair or affinity for sensationalism and miracles.(69)

The Star

The star is a symbol of great and sudden brilliance in a person's life. This brilliance is often arbitrary and unexpected, and is always an event that the individual can exercise little control over.(147) A line that ends in a star signifies the greatest accomplishments possible; however, the star often carries with it an unpleasant price. For example, put it the case that the Line of Apollo ends in a star: this denotes great fame, but this often results in the bearer suffering the loss of their private sphere to their successful public sphere. Though the bearer is now extremely famous (or perhaps infamous), they may find their accomplishments to announce a hollow victory.

A star on the mounts will naturally denote great proficiency with the mount's corresponding traits, yet these traits may consume some of the other bearer's qualities. It is no enigma that the star on the Line of Head may at times be the harbinger of blindness or damage to the eyes, for its brilliance is so great as to tumble the most virtuous of individuals. The star is certainly a sign to be viewed with great caution. Seek temperance and balance when marked with such a capricious blessing.

The Island

The Island is always a negative sign, save for some systems in determining an individual's fecundity. It is often a sign of some hereditary evil, such as a heart condition or intemperance with spirits, but it may just as easily represent non-congenital emotional stress or a dire pecuniary situation.

Unlike the star or the cross, the island is a gradual and prolonged, and oft times subtle period of strife in an individual's life. It could represent mounting stress on the line of the head, and manifest itself as headaches. Because of the gradual nature of this malady, the bearer may not have even noticed that they are in a darker period of their life. On the Line of Fate, It could be a period in which the individual finds themselves surrounded with mounting debts that peak at the widest point of the island.

In accordance with the interpretation above, it should come as no surprise that these misfortunes will last to the extent that the island is long.

The Square

The square is almost always a beneficent symbol. It denotes an especial significance when covering an area that is experiencing turmoil, such as chained, broken, or dotted lines. In this instance, difficulties will arise (whose nature are to be discerned from the line), but the bearer will persevere and the crisis will be averted. Damage may be reduced or prevented all together. A square after perturbations in a line signifies repair.

The one instance in which the square denotes negative influences is when it is found on the upper portion of the Mount of Venus near the life line, where it portends detention or incarceration.(148)

The Circle

The circle is a very rare marking in cheiromancy, and little is said about it. It is an evil mark unless it be on a mount, in which case it usually augments the powers and promise of a mount.(143) If it touch any line, it brings inescapable misfortune importuning to the line it touches. "...In other words, he will, as it were, go round and round in a circle without being able to break through and get free."(130)

The Triangle

The triangle is nearly always a positive sign, though strong significance should be ascribed to it only when it stands as an independent mark, not composed of intersecting lines. It denotes mental flourish and success corresponding to the location of the mark, i.e., if it were to be found upon the mount of Apollo, it would denote an artistic success, such as music or acting. If found alongside a line, it will naturally take on significance dependent upon the line, marking a point at which satisfaction and accomplishment is achieved through the exercise of mental powers. The triangle will never reach the great heights of success that its cousin, the star, but it possesses balance and will not carry with it the backlash that so often accompanies the star.

The Spot

The spot is a sign of a distinct event or malady, though it often comes in groups that betoken a chronic disorder. If found on a line, it typically signifies a temporary illness corresponding to the demense of the line, e.g., a spot on the Line of Head portends some violence to the head or brain fever.

If located on one of the mounts, it is the bearer of unique and possibly lasting meaning. Cf. the individual mounts for their specific meaning.

The Trident

The trident is a most propitious marking wherever it may lay. If it rise from a line, it will expound the qualities of that line and draw additional power from the mounts or lines that the branches on either side head towards. If found on a mount, the trident carries with it great flourish of the properties of that mount in conjunction with its neighboring mounts. The trident is such a powerful symbol that it eclipses the star in beneficence.(161)

The Tassel

The tassel one may liken to a frayed rope, whose tightly-coiled energy and structure has dissipated in the wake of stress, age, or a sudden calamity. A tasseled line can oft be found at the end of the lifeline; as the individual weakens and deteriorates with age, so too does the line. Such is the case with the Line of Head, where it denotes a weakening of mental clarity and approaching senility; the Line of Heart with a deteriorating heart condition or emotional trauma that has left the individual enfeebled and unstable, et cetera.

Drooping Offshoots

Lines that droop from any larger line each indicate a disappointment in life. Along the Line of Heart, it denotes disappointment in love or an unfortunate event in which the individual became too emotionally involved. Along the Line of Head, it may signify the thwarting of one's ideals or disillusionment.

Rising Offshoots

Rising offshoots are the inverse of drooping offshoots. They represent periods of sudden inspiration, fruition, and happiness. When determining the nature of the offshoot's properties, it is essential to observe in which direction the offshoot is headed. It will draw upon the qualities of the mount that it is directed to. For example, an offshoot springing from the Line of Head and nearing the Mount of Mercury is a sign of scientific prowess--perhaps an invention, or a discovery, or a synthesis of concepts that have long been drifting through the individual's mind, but had hitherto been dissociated.

Sister Lines

Sister lines bolster the line along which they follow. Some sister lines are quite common, such as the Line of Mars, which accompanies and strengthens the constitution denoted by the Line of Life; some cheiromancers feel that the Line of Apollo is a sister line for the Line of Fate, as it serves a similar function and accentuates the fulfillment one feels in the course of their career.(124)(41)

In a more generalized sense, however, sister lines protect and heal lines that are broken, crooked, frayed, or side-by-side. Lest a line exist with several negative markings, sister lines will be the guiding hand that shall shield the bearer from the brunt of life's assaults.

The Lines.

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This point marks the beginning of the navigation of the lines within the palm itself. Before the reader embarks upon this journey, it should be assured that he keeps the lessons discussed in previous sections in his memory, for though each line and mark carry their own particular import, these inferences should not be announced lest they be collaborated by accompanying marks (or their absence). For

no single evil mark must be accepted as decisive. If the evil is important, almost every principal line will show its effect, and both hands must be consulted before the decision can be final. A single sign in itself shows only the tendency; when, however, the sign is repeated by other lines, the danger is then a certainty.(74)

Also of importance are the mounts, which may prove to cancel some of the qualities read within the lines. Though an individual may have a strong Girdle of Venus denoting a great force to the passions which may eventuate in carnal gratification, it would be unwise for any cheiromancer to declare their subject a sensualist without first consulting the mount of Venus, whose great flatness could annul the overabundant qualities embodied within the Girdle. These things being considered, the reader is presented with a choice. Below are discourses on the five principal lines of the palm, and eight auxiliary lines:

The line of fate is a symbol of wordly affairs and one's course in life. It is most intimately associated with careers, but as a corollary to this it is associated with how an individual is influenced, and what barriers and obstacles one encounters. And as always, it is a harbinger of things to come in life, denoting by its alterations in course and composition the trials and boons it offers to all mankind. It charts the course between the line of life, which consists of family and longtime friends, and the mount of the moon, which is the origin of the strange and mysterious. As such, it is the path we wend through a world of uncontrolled circumstances. The events portrayed in the line of fate are those over which man has little governance, being instead the circumstances over which we wield little control.(110)

On the less-used hand, it is symbolic of the potential (or lack thereof) that the bearer may hope to attain. The well-used hand demonstrates how the bearer effected this potential. It is the eternal struggle between thought and action, the inward spirit, the outward mein. In another more material sense, the neglected hand signifies legacy and inheritance, while the favored hand denotes what has been achieved through our own labor.

The Line of Heart, perhaps, necessitates little introduction. It represents the passions of an individual, those emotions which cannot be explained through rational means but define the soul and intensify the force behind what would otherwise be pure fact. In addition to its more generalized, emotional connotation, it naturally carries with it an indication of the attraction of the sexes from natural causes, and further divination using the Line of Heart will reveal the manner in which these venereal urges manifest themselves.

The Line of Heart also demonstrates its corresponding physical component: the condition of the circulatory system and strength of the heart itself.(128) For a weak Line denotes not only an enervated emotional state, but a weakened or endangered constitution in relation to the bearer's vascular system.

The Line of Head includes in its scope not only those of mental faculties, but that of mental intensity, creativity (or lack thereof), the manner of talent possessed, and the lifespan of an individual. It functions in union with the line of life--one physical, one mental--to ascribe the overall health of of the bearer. For one can live a long life whilst wanting in spirit, surviving in a vegetative existence requiring the efforts of others; likewise may one's constitution flag while their mind remains as keen and well-honed as ever.

In addition to its current mental significance, it is an important indicator towards the potential of the bearer when both hands are consulted. Perhaps the bearer has waxed indolent in a relaxing of academic standards, or perhaps they never would have had the potential to begin with: it is all related, dispelled, and revealed in the Line of Head.

The Line of the Sun represents happiness that springs from mental flourish and artistic talent. When present, it Increases the success of the Line of Fate, and gives fame and distinction when in accordance with the work and career given by the other lines of the hand; it is also an indicator of the general youthfulness, health, confidence, and vitality of an individual.(144) Its power takes root in the power of artistry, yet with poor markings, this talent may remain untapped and frustrated, allowing the bearer only to appreciate art, not create it. Though the Line of Fate may symbolize success through diligence and drive, the Line of the Sun brings a much more disproportionate success: it demonstrates the fame and accolades reaped without great effort.(294) This is not to say that those who experience wild success do not work heavily, but there is a great difference in the investment of time between one who takes home a weekly salary versus widespread recognition of a single painting. As the Line of the Sun represents spontanaeity, so too is it spontaneous and fickle, for often those who enjoy the fruits of fame savor this recognition only by whim of the public, which changes with the shifting of the winds.

Finally, this line is to be considered as a sister line to the Line of Fate, and as such, it should be interpreted in a like manner. It is almost always a positive sign, strengthening the Line of Fate; in this case, it adds felicity and fulfillment to one's life. But it also represents a ward against calamity; where there be the Line of Sun, there shall be happiness, regardless of the course one's career and fate has taken.

Solomon's Ring encircles the base of the finger of Jupiter. When present, it denotes a rejection of the conventions of the world and material values. In their place burgeons a heightened spirituality. Should the bearer also possess a creative Line of Head or a well-developed Mount of Luna, he shall have a proclivity for occultism. The bearer typically is blessed with a high intelligence and shall have the ability to understand and influence other people.(123)

A Ring that is only half-developed correspondingly expresses the above traits to a lesser intensity: the bearer shall exhibit a lack of interest in money and a questioning, philosophical mind.

Unlike the Ring of Solomon, which typically conveys positive connotations, the Ring of Saturn is an evil mark. The Ring encircles the Mount of Saturn, effectively severing the Line of Fate from the mount. Because of this inability to reach the mount, the bearer shall be rife with lofty ideas and plans, but want of continuity shall thwart any potential success. He may be observed as a man feckless and irresponsible, with no clear direction in life(104)

The Girdle of Venus is a frequently misunderstood marking. Traditional palmistry has considered it a hallmark fo wanton sexuality and moral licentiousness, yet it is only upon those hands for whom such behavior is a tendency will these traits be realized. It is not evil in itself, yet when misdirected, it leads to evils.(44) The Girdle, in its purest sense, is an indicator of a highly sensitive and intellectual nature; however, such sensitiveness renders the bearer moody, touchy, and easily offended. It is often seen in the hands of high-strung and anxious people, and should the line be wholly unbroken, a propensity for hysteria shall exist.

It may benefit the reader to consider this line a sister line to the Line of Heart, one that intensifies the emotions to an extreme degree.(134) Some consider the Girdle to point to defects in the emotional state of the individual, but the purpose of this work is not to debate where personality ends and psychological disorders begin.

Composition of the Line of Heart

One could not partake of the Venusian qualities without touching upon attraction to the opposite sex. Though the Girdle does not necessarily enhance an individual's predilection for sensual pursuits, it is likely that the Girdle will enhance this. If it does bear upon their activities, it often results in base and unwholesome interests. The reader should take heart, however, that a propensity for sensuality only exists on those hands which are broad and thick; all other hand types only draw from the more abstracted sensitivity and nervousness of the Girdle. In the case of a hand that is broad and thick, however, there are additional signs to note:

A sister line for the Girdle of Venus is a foul portent. Its import is detailed by Sibly:

If this line have a sister, it argues intemperance and lust in both sexes, and baseness in venereal congression, a filthy man, who abhors not an unnatural crime; and, if dissected and troubled, losses and infamy by reason of lusts.(165)

If the bearer possesses a Via Lascivia, the likelihood of immoral acts increases.

Should the individual possess overdeveloped mounts of Venus, thick thumbs, and islands in the basal joints of the fingers, the bearer shall be at best a seducer, at worst, a rapist.

Composition of the Line of Heart

A sister line for the Girdle of Venus is a foul portent. Its import is detailed by Sibly:

If the bearer possesses a Via Lascivia, the likelihood of immoral acts increases.

Should the individual possess overdeveloped mounts of Venus, thick thumbs, and islands in the basal joints of the fingers, the bearer shall be at best a seducer, at worst, a rapist.

Perhaps one of the most salient questions of a cheiromancer's patient concerns the quantity and quality of romantic intrigues he or she may enjoy. The Lines of Affection, in conjunction with the Lines of Heart and Fate, can inform the reader of the answer to such a question. These lines have been named, quite inappropriately, Lines of Marriage, but the hand does not recognize the ceremony--it merely measures the influence others have had over our lives, and denotes the length of time that love is felt for the person concerned.(155)If the line truly represents marriage, it shall be long, and it will be marked elsewhere on the hand, most likely in the form of a Line of Influence joining the Line of Fate. Should the line be short, it represents a relationship of strong emotion, or a relationship in which marriage was contemplated. The information concerning the Lines of Affection is composed of the following sections:

Composition of the Lines of Affection

Points of Ascension

Points of Termination

Offshoots

Markings

Children as Foretold by the Lines of Affection

Miscellaneous Attributes

Composition of the Lines of Affection

A Line of Affection should be straight, well-marked, pink, and free from defects. Otherwise, there shall be a deviance in the outcome of the relationship marked.

A Line that is chained, drooping, and fretted with fine lines reveals an individual poorly suited for marriage. It would be wise to counsel him not to marry.

A break in the Line signifies a corresponding break in married life, usually sudden and traumatic. Should the broken lines overlap, the separation is quickly salved.

A Line that is thin initially but which thickens as it crosses the mount symbolizes a growing love. The opposite is true as well, as a waning line diminishes the emotions.

Points of Ascension

The Lines of Affection almost always originate from the percussion of the hand and stretch across the Mount of Mercury. At what height they originate from, however, is the property important to the cheiromancer. The following are rough guidelines to determine the age of the bearer at the time of the relationship in question.

If the line is one-quarter of the distance from the Line of Heart to the top of the Mount of Mercury, the relationship shall occur between the ages of 14 to 21.

If the line is halfway up, 21 to 28.

Three-quarters, 28 to 35.

Though most Line begin singly, the strongest union is represented by two lines which taper and merge to become one. An individual with such a marking shall enjoy a stable and fruitful union.

Points of Termination

A Line that droops sharply denotes the death of the mate, occurring before the bearer's own death.(112) A more gradual curve denotes sorrow and disappointment in the marriage.(140)

A Line drooping and ending in a cross portends the infidelity of the mate.

A Line drooping and ending in a fork fortells a drifting apart. If the involved parties are married, a divorce shall ensue.(112)

A Line drooping to cut through the Line of Heart portends widowhood or widowerhood.(266)

A Line that swoops upward indicates that the bearer is not likely to ever marry.(266)

Should the Line join the Line of the Sun, a wealthy union is assured.(267)

Should it droop and cut through the Line of the Sun, the bearer will suffer a loss in status through their marriage.

Offshoots

Fine lines drooping from a Line of Affection denote the illness of a mate, and possibly disappointments and sorrow in marriage as a result.

Fine lines rising upward denote a period of spiritual and emotional uplift.

An offshoot sent to the Line of the Sun represents a union with a very successful and often famous mate.

Markings

An island within a Line of Affection denotes separation for a duration equal to the length of the island. It is typically caused by quarreling, though it may represent a guilty intrigue.

A vertical bar crossing a Line signifies an obstacle that threatens to destabilize the relationship.(157)

A thin horizontal line running parallel to a Line of Affection should not be interpreted as a sister line; in this case, it represents a love for another that the bearer continued to love despite their current relationship to another.(271)

Children as Foretold by the Lines of Affection

There are many different methods by which one may divine the number and gender of children the bearer shall have, the most widespread of which relies upon the Lines of Affection. Vertical lines rising from a Line of Affection is the sign of a child. If there shall be more than one child, the line closest to the outside of the palm shall be born first, then the second-closest second, etc.

If the line be fine, it is a female. If it be broad, it is a male.

Should the line be clearly marked, the child shall be strong. Likewise shall a weak line portend infirmity.

Should the line end in an island, death is foretold.

A long line shall reveal a child who excels in importance when compared to his or her siblings.

Should there be islands in the lowermost line encircling the thumbs, the likelihood of having a child is very favorable.(157)

Miscellaneous Attributes

A further collaboration of marriage may be found in a single clear line following alongside the Line of Life, for concurrent lines often represent the opposite sex. The farther away this line is from the Line of Life, the more different in personality the mate shall be.

Line of Health

The Line of Health, as its name suggests, is an indicator to the general health of the individual. Its presence affects more than health, however: it gives action and force to passions, and when clearly marked, it denotes a keen business sense. The information concerning the Line of Health is composed of the following sections:

Composition of the Line of Heart

Points of Ascension

Points of Termination

Offshoots

Markings

Miscellaneous Attributes

Composition of the Line of Health

The Line of Health is a peculiar marking, for its absence is always a good sign, while the meaning of its presence is indicative of the quality of the Line. Should it be clearly marked and well-etched in the hand, it is a sign of robust health and business acumen; but should the line be of a poor quality, the bearer shall be bedeviled with maladies of the liver and digestive processes.

A well-formed Line that is neither broken nor wavy is a sign of excellent health.

If the Line is poorly formed and has taken on a fractured experience, the individual will experience digestive problems due to a poor diet.

If at any point the line should attenuate, this thinning represents the weakening of the individual's health. Should the line start thin and grow thicker, the bearer's constitution is steadily improving after being born a sickly infant.(131)

A break in the Line denotes a serious setback in health.

Points of Ascension

The Line of Health should originate near the base of the wrist at the percussion and ascend steadily towards the Mount of Mercury.

Providing that the line is of excellent quality, a Line rising from the rascettes is a sign of unflagging health and vivacity.

It is very unfavorable for the Line of Health to rise from the Line of Life itself. In such a case, the bearer suffered through bouts of poor health when he was young, very likely stemmed from a disease of the heart.(128) If the Line of Health remains steady and well-cut, however, the effects will be negligible.

Points of Termination

The Line of Health should terminate near the Mount of Mercury. Any deviance should be viewed with concern.

Should the Line divert in its course and veer towards the Mount of Venus, the bearer's life shall be cut short of its natural length due to excesses. If it cuts the Line of Life, the individual's health and lifespan shall be further impaired.

Offshoots

Offshoots sent to mounts are an auspicious sign, save for the Mount of Venus. As expected, each offshoots brings success to the bearer by way of the specific qualities of the mount. The bearer will enjoy the success of the offshoot from the point at which it leaves the Line.

An offshoot sent to the Mount of the Sun denotes shrewdness, intellectual brillaince, fame and success.(152)

An offshoot sent to the Mount of Saturn denotes business success through hard work, honesty, and sensibility.(152)

Should the Line send an offshoot to the Mount of Jupiter, the acquisition of power or authority contributes to the business success of the bearer.(152)

Markings

If a star appears upon the Line of Health at the exact moment that it crosses the Line of Head, the individual had difficulties during birthing.

An island in the line denotes gradual disorders whose duration and magnitude are set by the length and width of the island, respectively.(152)

A bar through the line denotes an accident. Should it cross through an island, it represents a strain that precipitates a breakdown in constitution. Multiple bars signify repeated illnesses or business reverses.(206)

A line terminating in a grille forbodes little success due to ill-health or dishonesty of the bearer.(132)

Miscellaneous Attributes

Should the line be completely absent from the hand, it is a sign of a quick mind and an alert disposition.(201)

If the line be very close to the edge of the hand, it serves a similar yet lesser purpose than the Line of Intuition.(201)

Via Lascivia

The Via Lascivia, like the Line of Health, imparts action and force to the passions. It is a sister line to the Line of Health, lying closer to the outside of the hand, and as a sister line, its presence shall repair many defects exhibited in the Line of Health. With a strong Line of Health, it adds to the ardor in energy in all pursuits of life(133) and brings success through talent and eloquence. As its name suggests, its enhances the bearer's sensuality, and further heightens his enjoyment of physical intercourse.

Should it terminate exactly on the Mount of Mercury, the bearer shall possess excellent luck, eloquence, and shall be a clever politician. However, these merits often are compromised by a lower moral standard.(209)

A forked Line indicates impotence and again touches upon unwholesome morals, which shall drag the bearer down in their practice.

Should the Line veer and cross the Line of Life, there is a great desire to escape.

The Line of Intuition manifests itself as a semicircle inscribed upon the Mount of Luna. It denotes an impressionable nature, one that is keenly sensitive to surroundings and influences. The bearer of this mark shall possess presentiments for others as well as access to knowledge not visible to most. They are often visited by vivid dreams that presage events, and they often express unaccountable knowledge and suspicions.(131) Some claim that this marking denotes telepathy, clairvoyance, precognitive abilities, and other metaphysical phenomena. Due to the nature of these talents, those bearing this mark shall often involve themselves in the occult.

Should a cross appear below the Mount of Saturn, the the individual possesses strong, if not overwhelming powers in the occult.(210) This is also termed as "Le Croix Mistique."

An island within the Line will effectively annul the bearer's intuitive powers.

Vertical Lines across the Line of Intuition are always deterimental, and are, in this case, health considerations:

Should the bars counter the top third of the Line, the subject will experience intestinal problems.

Bars encountered in the middle third of the Line shall reveal rheumatic disorders.

On the bottom third, horizontal bars represent bladder, kidney, and gynaecological weaknesses.

A line terminating on the Mount of Upper Mars shall bless the bearer with a charisma, a strong power for influencing others.

Should the line in its course run along the bottom to meet with the lifeline or the fateline, the bearer shall have diabetes.(95)

If the Line resembles the Line of Health as much as the Line of Intuition, the "exercise of intuitive faculties will prejudice the health and particularly affect the nervous system to its disadvantage.(137)" In such a case, the bearer is advised not to utilize their intuitive abilities lest it hamper their health.

The Rascettes

The Rascettes are a relatively unimportant set of markings, but they can add to the overall interpretation of the hand in a few instances. The first rascette below the hand is of the greatest interest; its overall condition and the offshoots it sends can be quite informative.

Should the Rascettes be well-defined, the bearer's constitution is strengthened. Conversely, a weak primary Rascette diminishes the constitution.(142)

Should the Rascettes, especially the primary Rascette, be composed of chains, the bearer will suffer harrowing labor which will eventually result in fruition.

One approach to the Rascettes is to allot the bearer 30 years for each Rascette; thus a man possessing 3 Rascettes shall live 90 years.(125) Though this may serve as an expedient guideline by which to judge a lifespan, note that it is certainly not the only premise that should constitute this prediction, nor should it be steadfast, for the lines in the hand change, and to presage events more than 5 or 10 years in the future is a dangerous practice.

Should the first bracelet be raised high into the hand, especially into the shape of an arch, the bearer will suffer a weakness of the internal organs of the body and may possibly face sterility. For women, this arch denotes difficulty in childbirth.

The importance of branches sent to the mounts are listed by mount below and are covered in more detail in Henry Frith's Language of the Hand.

Branches sent from the primary Rascette to the Mount of the Moon represent sustained travels, not simply a visit to one's relatives for a fortnight.

A branch sent to Jupiter represents a marriage into a rich family.

To Saturn: Marriage to an older person.

To the Mount of the Sun: A union with a person of artistic tastes.

A branch sent to the Mount of Mercury presages a marriage to a rich merchant, or through means derived from commercial undertakings.

Though the reader may find this primer quite thorough in the demenses of the lines on the palm and the mounds, and though these markings may suffice to foretell a score of predictions and insights, the following elements, which are wanting in this treatise, will lend much-needed accuracy and completion to extrapolations:

Cheirognomy

Basic hand shapes

Fingertip shapes

Size, length, and meaning of the phalanges

The hairs on the hands and phalanges

Nails, their constitution and appearance

The patterns of the fingerprints

Cheiromancy

The quadrangle

The great triangle

To a lesser extent, this work will not expound upon the specific maladies and organs governed by the lines. Though they be of especial importance when predicting the death and sufferings of an individual whose hand bears ill markings, the emphasis of this book lays in predicting the character, potential, and significant events in the life of the bearer. For an excellent source on the health portended by markings in the hands, vide Rita Robinson's Health in your Hands.

If you need any help with anything Wiccan, Witchy or Pagan. need a potion or spell help E-Mail me, or add me to your MSN Messanger with ask_a_witch@hotmail.com

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