Secrets of the Past, Present, and Future
At social functions, such as garden and evening parties, fairs, &c., there are few people whose notice and attentions are so solicited as the palmist’s. He speedily finds himself the central figure of a knot of people of both sexes, all eager to thrust their hands under his discerning eye, and compare their own estimation of their character—which, alas! is often subject to a severe shock—with that revealed by the sage’s comparison of lines, mounts, and stars engraved upon the palm.
The true palmist is no flatterer, nor is he over-hasty in judgment.
Fig. 1.—Names of the “mounts” and their signs.
Most hands index as many contradictions and complexities of disposition as the human face, and the experienced reader of these hieroglyphics finds that, to secure a just diagnosis of the subject’s character, comparison of the many signs and minute calculations are necessary. The art of addition, subtraction, and multiplication is the fundamental principle of his profession.
Shape, quality, proportion, and texture are of paramount importance, and these should be examined before the lines are studied. The size of the fingers, and the manner in which they are set on the hand, furnish the key to the character of the hand examined. Each finger has its name and sign, and each has its distinguishing characteristics. For just as every leaf and petal possesses some minute difference that distinguishes it from its neighbor, so no hands in the world are exactly alike in form and structure.
The name given to the first finger is Jupiter; to the second, Saturn; to the third, Apollo; to the fourth, Mercury; and to the thumb, Pollux. [Fig. 1] shows some signs with their respective names.
The natural bend of the fingers is important, and the palmist should be quick to notice its natural attitude before examining the interior of the hand.
Some fingers are distinguished by their independent, prominent position over the rest. When the tips are inclined to curl to the palm, a plodding, determined nature is indicated, one that does not easily relinquish a set aim or purpose because of obstacles.
A wide space between Jupiter and Saturn shows unconventionality, and originality of thought and outlook.
When the Jupiter finger is upright and straight, and of normal length, a just, candid nature is revealed. Should its position be in advance of the other fingers, the love of dominion. Falling slightly behind: dependency on others, a shirking of taking the initiative and responsibilities. Short: ingratitude, no enthusiasm. Pointed: tact, comprehension, and sympathy. ([Fig. 2].) Square: integrity, unkindly frank in expressing opinions.
The generous and broad phalanges of Saturn show gravity, depth of character, and sense of proportion. A short Saturn: imprudence, inclination to act on impulse, somewhat foolhardy. Spatulate: energy. Square: cool, clear-headed, thought before action, absence of hasty judgments. ([Fig. 3].)
Fig. 2.—The Jupiter pointed finger.
Fig. 3.—The Saturn square finger.
Fig. 4.—The Apollo spatulate finger.
Apollo: well-developed, artistic tendencies. Forward: painting, drawing, or sculpture. Pointed: the artistic ability is greater than the practical. Spatulate: a sense of the beautiful in form and color, dramatic powers. ([Fig. 4].)
Mercury, set lower than the other fingers, reveals the fact that many adverse circumstances have been battled with. Pointed: tact, discrimination, intuition. Square: love of scientific pursuits, good reasoning powers.
Beneath each finger rest their respective mounts. There are two mounts of Mars—that immediately at the base of the Jupiter mount, and that situated beneath Mercury mount. The mount of Luna is directly opposite to that of Venus, which is found where the thumb joins the wrist. ([Fig. 5].)
In many hands it will be observed that the position of the mounts varies. Jupiter may swell over the boundary line, and squeeze Saturn into close proximity with Apollo, which, in its turn, may take the place allotted to Mercury. These signs are important.
Jupiter’s approach to Saturn shows timidity and self-consciousness.
Saturn’s approach to Apollo shows that the creation of art and literature is tinged with melancholy.
Apollo’s approach to Mercury shows humanity, charity, and a peaceable disposition.
Mercury’s approach to Mars: self-reliance and resource in danger.
Mars’ approach to Mercury: originality, defiance, and ability to hold one’s own against opposition.
Luna inclining towards the wrist: reveries, some frivolity and love of pleasure.
Fig. 5.—Showing the position of the various mounts.
A glance will reveal which bumps are most developed in the hand, and these, taken together, are valuable keys to character.
Jupiter and Mercury are worldly, versatile traits.
Jupiter and Apollo are honest, noble traits.
Jupiter and Venus are somewhat selfish, vain traits.
Saturn and Mercury are signs that, unless among gay companions, the individual has no power of resource.
These mounts are generally prominent in the hands of those who depend entirely upon others for their amusement, and have developed no powers by which to create a world of their own. They are shallow, discontented persons as a rule, unable to concentrate their minds on books or music.
Saturn and Mars: a thrifty temperament, verging on the avaricious.
Saturn and Luna: hypersensitiveness, distrust of self. A nature which is distressed, and rendered almost morbid by the sadder side of life, art, and literature.
Apollo and Luna: extreme imaginative force.
Apollo and Mars: in a creative hand show an inclination to depict the strong things of life, a certain amount of realism in portrayals. A love of danger and adventure.
Mercury and Mars: a superabundant amount of fun and good spirits.
Mercury and Venus: a gay, somewhat heartless, temperament.
Mercury and Luna make a humorist.
Venus and Apollo: a charitable, generous individual.