1. The Line of Life, which begins over the ball of the palm, may with equal reason be called the line of the heart, because it furnishes the skillful palmist with information concerning the heart as well as concerning long life. If this line is long, firm, continuous, it indicates continued good health and a strong heart. It shows cheerfulness and old age. If the line is discontinued, cut transversely with short lines, interrupted with small indentions, spots and warts, and in addition has a pale color, it signifies poor health and heart trouble. If the line is weak and thin at the beginning, but grows stronger toward the end, it means that its possessor is not healthy in his youth, but will acquire robust health as he grows older. If the line begins firmly and then tapers off toward the end, just the opposite meaning is to be deduced.
If the Line of Life issues a branch opposite the index finger and pointing to it, it presages honor and riches for the possessor.
2. The Line of Fate or Fortune, so called because its peculiar formation holds the secret of the possessor’s fortune, which secret may be disclosed only by the skillful palmist—runs from the wrist toward the fingers. If the line begins at the ball of the palm, it signifies success in love and a rich marriage. But if it begins toward the end of the hand, it signifies success in one’s journeys and in foreign countries. Should the line reach the first joint of the middle finger, it signifies good results, but at the same time it also betrays greed and selfishness.
If little twigs issue from the main line they indicate riches and legacies, according to the number of the twigs; while departing branches, on the other hand, show poverty and sometimes imprisonment.
A skillful palmist does not have to see the actual hand in order to give a correct reading. An impression of the palm on a sheet of smoked paper, which is afterward covered with oil in order to retain the impression, shows him the main line with sufficient distinctness to enable him to give a correct reading.
The Shape and Length of the Phalanges
represent certain qualities and features of character, as presented in the following:
Jupiter, the first finger.—If the first phalanx is longer than the second, it indicates ability to control others, direct and maintain order; if the second phalanx is long and well developed, it indicates leadership; if short and thin, intellectual weakness; if the third phalanx is long, it indicates love of power in material things.
Saturn, second finger.—If the first phalanx is longer than the second, it indicates ability for mastering scientific subjects; if the second phalanx is long, it indicates great interest in subjects requiring deep study; if the third phalanx is long, it indicates a love of metaphysics and money.