XVIII.—THE MENSA, OR PART OF FORTUNE.
This space being great and broad, and the figure decent, declares a liberal man, magnanimous and of long life.
But if small and narrow, it indicates a slender fortune and fearfulness.
A cross or star within it, clear and well proportioned, especially under the region of the ring finger, betokens honors and dignities to ensue from, or by means of great and noble personages. If the character of Jupiter, it then promises great ecclesiastical dignities, &c.
The same star or cross tripled, portends good fortune; but if it be cut by confused little lines, the good fortune is thereby diverted, and anxieties and labors threatened in defending his honors, especially if they are under the region of the ring finger.
A cross or star in the uppermost part of the mensa, is a sign of fortunate journeys.
The mensa sharpened by the concourse of the thoral and cardiac lines, points out deceit and danger of life.
If no mensa be shown in the hand, it shows obscurity both of life and fortune.
Good and equal lines in this space do declare the fortune to be good, but if evil and decomposed they quite overthrow it.
A little circle shows perfection of wit, and the obtaining of science, the others assenting thereunto.