PALMISTRY, OR TELLING FORTUNES BY THE LINES OF THE HAND.
Reading edition
Many people think the predictions from lines in the hand are all guess-work, but it is a mistake, for they are determined by simple rules and long observation. Let us explain the matter:
In the first place each finger has its name.
(1) Forefinger: Jupiter ♃
(2) Middle finger: Saturn ♄
(3) Ring finger: The Sun ⨀
(4) Little finger: Mercury ☿
(5) Thumb: Venus ♀
Each hand has five main lines.
(1) The Life line: L. Vitalis.
(2) The Natural line: L. Naturalis.
(3) The Table line: L. Mensalis.
(4) The Liver line: L. Hepatica.
(5) The Wrist line: L. Rascetta.
(See Engraving.)
1. Linea Vitalis.
If this line is wanting or nearly so, it is by no means a good sign. It signifies a feeble understanding, a faint heart, and a short, sickly life. This, however, is not the signification in every case; it often indicates, especially with the ladies, changeableness of feeling, a disposition easily influenced by others, and a proneness to enthusiasm.
The length of life is in proportion to the length of the line of Life. It begins between ♃ and ♀ and it is here that you commence with the prophecy.
Each knot in this line denotes an obstacle, or, at least, something momentous in life. Each crossing by smaller lines, some unpleasant occurrence. The larger the cross, the greater the misfortune.
In most cases one or more lines run from the Natural line to the line of Life. This indicates the partner of one’s life. The point where the junction takes place denotes the point of time of the marriage. If this occurs near the commencement of the line, of course the marriage will take place early in life. If two lines unite with the line of Life it indicates two husbands (or wives). If no line joins it, the person will remain unmarried.
The clearer and more distinct the line of Life, the happier the person’s life. When it is fine, deep and sharply defined, it denotes an energetic, and at the same time a noble character.
2. Linea Naturalis.
A regular length and good appearance of this line denotes excellent digestive organs. Large crosses occurring in its course signify imprudence, precipitation.
3. Linea Mensalis.
If it is well defined it indicates an amorous temperament; if accompanied by a side line, it signifies good fortune in love and wedlock. If it is very broad, happiness in domestic life. If it is interrupted it denotes that sad calamity, infidelity.
4. Linea Hepatica.
If it is complete and tolerably long, it promises robust health, a clear understanding, and good humor. If it throws out branches near its commencement it signifies wit, acuteness, presence of mind, a spirit of mischief, perhaps falsehood.
5. Linea Rascetta.
When it is complete and unbroken, it denotes good fortune in all matters of importance.
From the ring finger (Solis ⨀) there commonly runs one or more lines into the Linea Mensalis. These denote the various inclinations of the heart. If but a single line is actually visible, and if this is deep and long, the person loves or will love faithfully and warmly. If a number of smaller lines are found in its place, the person is inconstancy itself, a butterfly roving from flower to flower. Add up all these little lines, and the sum will give you the number of times the person will fall in love.