Chiromancy
Chiromancy is the art of interpreting the future by reading palm lines. The line-reading branch of palmistry and the most commonly known type of hand reading.
Related Terms
Chirognomy
The branch analyzing character through hand shape, finger structure, nail form, and general hand appearance. A separate expertise from line reading.
Palmistry History
A deep-rooted tradition dating back to 3000 BC. It developed independently in India, China, Mesopotamia, and ancient Greece. Aristotle is known to have written about palm reading.
Fingerprints (Dermatoglyphics)
Unique skin patterns on fingertips. Three main types: loop (adaptability), whorl (independence), and arch (practicality). Don't change throughout life.
Line Quality
Lines are evaluated for depth, clarity, and continuity. Deep lines represent strong energy, thin lines sensitivity, broken lines periods of change.
Hand Shape
Hand types divided into four elements: Earth (short, square fingers), Air (long fingers, square palm), Fire (long palm, short fingers), Water (long palm, long fingers).
Special Marks
Special symbols found in the palm such as stars, crosses, squares, triangles, islands. Each has different meaning: star (success), square (protection), island (obstacle).
- Last updated
- Based on
- The chiromancy tradition. The system in use today was codified by the 19th-century French school (d'Arpentigny, Desbarrolles).