An Introduction to Palmistry

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I have divided this section into two parts, the Major lines and the Minor lines. The major lines are found on every persons hand and are easily identified. The minor lines may or may not appear on a persons hand and vary in appearance.

When reading the lines of the hand, look for these characteristics:
1. Depth, definition
2. Length
3. Branching
4. Unique marks

The Major Lines

The Major Lines

The three lines found on almost all hands, and generally given most weight by palmists:

The Heart Line: This is the first of the major lines examined by a reader. It is found towards the top of the palm, under the fingers. In some traditions, the line is read as starting from the edge of the palm under the little finger and flowing across the palm towards the thumb; in others, it is seen as starting under the fingers and flowing toward the outside edge of the palm. Palmists interpret this line to represent matters of the heart, both physical and metaphorical, and believe it can indicate emotional stability, romantic perspectives, depression, and stoicism, in addition to various aspects of cardiac health.

The Head Line: This line starts at the edge of the palm under the index finger and flows across the palm towards the outside edge. Often, the head line is joined with the life line (see below) at inception. Palmists generally interpret this line to represent the person's mind and the way it works, including learning style, communication style, intellectualism, and thirst for knowledge. It is also believed to indicate a preference for creative or analytical approaches to information (i.e., right brain or left brain).

The Life Line: This line extends from the edge of the palm above the thumb and travels in an arc towards the wrist. This line is believed to represent the person's vitality and vigor, physical health and general well being. The life line is also believed to reflect major life changes, including cataclysmic events, physical injuries, and relocations. Contrary to popular belief, modern palmists generally do not believe that the length of a person's life line is tied to the length of a person's life.

A Simian Crease: Is a fusing of the heart and head lines, has special significance in that both emotional as well as reasoning nature have to be studied from this line alone. The peculiar line is thought to be a combination of the head and heart lines on such hands that are separately marked on the rest of the hands. This line, which is also called the Palmar Crease, is rare, and is often passed down genertically. See an example of a Simian Crease

The Minor Lines

The Minor Lines

Verital Lines (Fate Lines)

These lines begin in the lower half of the palm and end under one of the fingers. You may have one or more of these lines, or none at all. Most people only have one vertical line. Some palmists see it as just one line (Called the Fate Line), which can curve towards one of the four fingers.
These lines show where your strengths and interests lay. If the line is present, it indicates an interest or strength in this area of life. Looking at the quality (length, definition, etc.) of the line will give more information. For example, a long but faint Jupiter line may mean that a person would be a good leader, but is not currently in a leadership position.

1. Rising Jupiter

Where to find it: The Jupiter Line, is found near the life line. It begins in the lower or middle half of the inner palm and rises to beneath the (index) second finger.

What it means: The person with this line has a gift or interest in leadership. This person may be idealistic, charismatic and spiritual, but they may also be a social critic. They may find a career as a police officer, judge or religious leader.

2. Rising Saturn (Destiny line)

Where to find it: The Saturn line, also called the Destiny line, runs up through the center of the palm, towards the third and fourth finger.

What it means: The Saturn line reflects a person's professional life. Especially their schooling, career path and material wealth. It measures your standard of living and potential for material wealth. It also indicates your relationship with authority, including the potential for being in authority yourself. A person with a strong Saturn line believes rules and laws are important. They may choose a career in business, management or teaching.

3. Rising Apollo (Sun Line)

Where to find it: The Apollo Line, also called the Sun line, travels from the lower or middle part of the hand, to beneath the third (ring) finger.

What it means: The person with this line has a gift or interest in the arts. A person with a long Apollo line will have a fortunate life, full of lucky chances and unusual coincidences; however, it is up to the bearer whether this becomes fame or scandal. A person with a strong Apollo line is a natural performer. They may become an actor, athlete, or con man.

4. Rising Mercury (Health Line)

Where to find it: The Mercury Line, sometimes called the Health Line, runs from the lower or middle outside of the palm, (near the Mount of the Moon) up towards the forth (little) finger

What it means: The person with this line has a gift or interest in the business or communication. Sometimes the presence of this line is indicates persistent health issues. They may do well in a career in media or public speaking, as a travel agent or salesperson.

Other Minor Lines

• Girdle of Venus: This line starts between the little and ring fingers, runs in a arc under the third and fourth fingers to end between the first and second fingers. The precence and depth of this line is thought to relate to interpersonal intelligence. This is the person who makes friends easily, understands emotions and if they choose, can influance or manipulate others. See an example of the Girdle of Venus.
• Relationship Lines: Sometimes called the “marriage” lines”, these are short horizontal lines found on the outer edge of the palm between the Heart Line and the bottom of the little finger. They are believed to indicate close relationships, sometimes - but not always - romantic.
• Travel Lines: These are small horizontal lines found on the outer edge of the palm between the wrist and the heart line. Each line is said to represent a trip taken by the subject - the longer the line, the more significant the trip is to the subject.
• Mark of the teacher: This is a short horizontal line under the little finger. Its presence may indicate a talent or strong interest in teaching.
• The Line of Intuition: This line appears on the outer palm. It illustrates strong insight. If you have this line you are an extremely sensitive, intuitive person.

Contact us | ©Kathleen Gee 2010 | Updated March 2010