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EXPLANATION

Line of the Heart
Line of the Head
Line of Life

Line of F an:

E E Line of Health

F F Line of Apollo.
G G Girdle of Venus
H H The Racettes

 

  
 
        
    
      

 
 

Practical

Palmisfry
g;

A reliable treatise on the art of character
reading, and methods of recalling past
and foretelling future events upon

examination of the hand

\
l 19’ HENRY FRITH
. msg- Philadelphia;
_ Ute/Penn Publishing Company

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m. Puamsnme Contact

399 BY THE. PE
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Commaa'l‘ 1

 

CONTENTS

PAGE

INTRODUCTION ......... . . . . . . . . . 7

PART I
CHIROGNOMY

CRAP.
L—THE VARIOUS TYPES OF HANDS ..... . . . . . 19

Spatulate ................. 2]
Square .. . . ...... . . . ..... 26
Artistic..................32
Elementary ..... . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Mixed ....... ...........40
Philosophic................45
Psychic ..... . . ....... . . . . 46
THETHUMB ................... 49
THE CONSISTENCY 0F HANDS—FINGERS ....... 54
THENAILS ................... 61
THE PALM OF THE HAND ...... . . . . . . . 65
2.—THE METHOD OF PALMISTRY . . . . . ....... 67
TheMounts ...... ..........67
Venus.................71
Jupiter........... ...... 73
Saturn ........ .........75
Apollo.................77
\Mercury ........ ........78
Mars ......... .........80
Luna .......... ........83
Other Aspects of the Palm . . . . . . . . 86

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6 CONTENTS

PART II
CHIROMANCY

CRAP. PAGE
1.-—THE LINm OF THE PALM OF THE HAND . . . . . . 92
Heart Line ....... . ..... . . . 98
HeadLine ....... .........111

Lineof Life ........ ........125
LineofFate .. ..... ...‘.....139

Line of Apollo ........ . . . . . . 162

1.1“”; Hepatica or Liver Line . . . . . . . . . .172
‘E j Girdle of Venus ........ . ..... 178
, Marriage and Other Lines ......... 183
4 Venus Lines ....... . ..... . . . 191

2x—LINES UPON THE WRIST . . . . . . . . . . . . .194

PART III
SPACES AND SIGNS

1.—THE QUADRANGLE . . . . ........ . . . . 197
2.—THE TRIANGLE, THE ANGLES, THE LITTLE TRIANGLE . 202

K—SIGNSINTHEPALMS ...............205
Cross...... ..... ........208
Star ...... ..............210
Square..................212
Circle...... ..... ........213
Island..................214
Grille..........'.........218
Fork .......... ....219
Triangle, Chains, Dots, Worry Linea . . . . 220

INTRODUCTION

It is unfortunate for the practice of the “Science
of Palmistry” that it has been so mixed up and con-
fused, in the minds of some people, with the vulgar
fOrtune-telling of the booth and the encampment, or
of the area-belle. We do not, however, deny that
the gipsy often possesses the practical inherited
knowledge or the acquired art of palm- -reading, for
we have known instances in which her forecasts
have been far more trustworthy than those concern-
ing the weather, but those whose prophecies are en-
tirely dependent upon, and actuated by, the amount
of’the fee, will naturally render the prophecies sil—
, ver-lined or gold—tipped in proportion.

What we do contend for is fair play for Palmistry.
Ordinary people, as a rule, confess that “there is
something in it after all,” but when brought face to
face with a fact, with the announcement of an inci-
dent which had occurred in their lives, they either
deny the fact publicly, and confess it privately, or
laugh it off and exclaim—

7

8 fintrobuctton

“Oh, of course; So-and-So told you that!”

It is useless for the friend referred to to deny this
accusation. Vain are the assurances of the palmist
that he (or she) has never seen or heard of the “sub—
ject” before. No, the “subject” is certain that his
character cannot be read though he hears himself
accurately, or nearly accurately, described, his past
life announced and his future hazarded.

This is a type of individual very common. He
will not believe because he cannot understand the
first principles of the Science, just as his ancestors
derided Stephenson and the locomotive, and later
minds even are skeptical concerning multi-teleg-
raphy. They cannot grasp such facts, and therefore,
though they see and hear results which are actually
true, they refuse to yield their assent, preferring to
regard Palmistry in the light of a conjuring trick,
and when brought face to face with an announc‘e—
ment which they and only they as individuals know
——or could know—they accuse the palmist of “col-
lusion” or of guess-work!

These are common specimens—the conceited,the
ignorant, and the obstinate, and those who combine
these attributes with talent and believe nothing at
all!

Now, this is what we have termed unfair” to
Palmistry, and personally, I am certain that if physi-

H

1r ntrobuctton 9.

cians and other scientific men would devote them~
selves to the study of Chirosophy, they would not
only vastly increase their own knowledge and repu—
tation, but would confer an inestimable benefit
upon mankind.
/ ‘ ”1 And this in any case. If they, after study—un—
biassed study—and some practice in Palmistry, dis—
, covered that there was “nothing in it,” then, by all
means, let them say how far their conclusions have
reached and by what means. This announcement
made by one responsible physician or physiologist
would have weight—more weight than the state—
ment of a writer who is in some sense an interested
party.

If the physician or other savant declared that the

' “Science of Palmistry” is “humbug” and “all non-
sense,” let him prove his theory and give Chiros-
ophy its coup de grace; but if the Chiromant can
prove his case, why not accept his statement? Yet
this is the very thing which the scoffer will not do.
He cannot deny the full evidence of his senses, but
he is convinced that there is trickery somewhere——
it is “charlatanism,” he declares.

Thus in England the magistrate and the justice
fine or imprison the “fortune-teller,” as they, ig-
norantly, by authority of an Act of Parliament, term
the Chirosophist. On such an assumption they

10 1! ntrobuctton

would have convicted the prophets of the Old Testa—
ment and given Micaiah “seven days" as Ahab did.

The truth is, Palmistry is not studied by the ma-
jority or even by the many. The result is but a
smattering gained from books, and no sedulous
practice is attempted. So when the Interpreter is
questioned, he is unskilled, and makes blunders,
because he is afraid to confess his ignorance of
certain points, or is fearful of hurting his “patient’s”
feelings, and conceals something. In both cases
he loses, even if the patient be perfectly frank-—
which is somewhat unusual.

I remember an incident which occurred to my-
self in April, 1884, when lecturing at Trinity Col-
lege (London) to the Athenaeum Society, then in
course of incorporation. After the lecture several
people questioned me and seemed satisfied, if sur-
prised. But one gentleman, after having confessed
the general and particular correctness of the diag—
nosis, asked—-

“Am I a married man? can you tell me that 1"”

I replied after a moment’s reflection—

“Yes, and have children—four, I believe.”

“You are wrong, sir; I never was married.”

The audience tittered, of course.

My reply, quite as audible as his statement, was—

“If not, then you ought to have been.”

1! nttobuctton 11

Ten minutes later, when the audience was dis—
persing, this same gray-haired gentleman beckoned
me to him, and said privately——

“You were really quite right, sir. I was never

. actually married in church, or out of it, legally, but
I am regarded as a husband and am the father of
four children.

Now, that denial, I considered, and still consider,
was unfair. Many other instances have occurred
in my own experience wherein those under exam—
ination deny or half deny the “soft impeachment,”
the broken engagement, the well but not wisely—
bestowed affection, and such “accusations” of which
they are ashamed, or are desirous to conceal. But
the audience only hears the denial, and discounts
the Interpreter. The subject and the palmist know
the truth.

In the course of the following pages I may have
occasion to mention some curious instances of
prognostication, and I beg to assure the reader
most solemnly, that such instances are absolutely
true in fact, and in strict confidence the subjects can
be referred to by any incredulous person. There is
no reason why in any quoted instance the persons
should not be indicated, but one would rather not
so act without permission, and addresses are diffi-
cult to ascertain. Readers may, however, take my

12 1! ntrobuctton

word for the facts; the subjects were all strangers,
or, at most, chance acquaintances, and the results
have been in most cases privately communicated to
me by common friends.

Such prognostications may appear marvellous, or
even uncanny, or “wicked” as some say. But those
who reason thus do not grasp the extended attri-
butes of Nature. I feel that I shall be subjected to
criticism, but I am decidedly of opinion that the
Hand is the indicator of the individual, and to a stu-
dent of Chiromancy, the general characteristics of
any individual are apparent at a glance even at the
back of the hand.

In that momentary and yet not minute inspection
the type of the individual may be decided on, be he
realistic, artistic, sensuous, sensual, material, or-
derly or the reverse, energetic or indolently in-
clined, of an inquiring mind, or careless, impulsive.
obstinate or yielding, in general. All this is from
the general aspect, mind: the character, the natural
inclination of the person. But closer observation
will perceive modifications, and the verdict must be,
in most instances, corrected. The hand—both
hands—must be studied and compared. ’

Why? Why, because the natural tendencies and,
as his said, the “fate” laid down for him is in the
left hand (unless the subject be “left—handed”), and

1l ntrobuctton 13

the use he has made of his life is shown in his right
hand—the working hand.

“Bosh!” cries some one. Well, then, ignorant
reader, observe your own palms and then confess
to yourself whether or not the lines are similar!
’ I am not now referring only to the main lines, what
some people term the creases in the hand. Look at
the multitude of small lines crossing your palms, or
rising or falling from the main lines. Are they
there for nothing? What caused them? You don’t
know! You have done no hard work which you
think might have “brought them out!” Brought
them out, indeed. If so, what alters them? Why
do they fade and rise again, later? Why are they
chained in your hand, and clear in the hand of your
brother, partner, or father? Accident! Is it acci-
dent thatiiI, or any one who studies Palmistry, can
tell you that at twelve years old you—now a man
of forty—had a fall and cut your head—a rather se—
rious fall which affected you for some time?

You smile. “Nonsense,” you say. But when
you begin to think, or to ask your parents, or your
guardians at the time, they will recall the fact and
remind you that you were riding the pony, were
thrown, cutting your head severely, and rendered
insensible.

This illustration is an actual experience of my

14 1t ntrobuctton

own; the statement was made, denied, and subse—
quently remembered and confessed to, during a club
dinner.

The most careless observer must perceive that the
hands differ in their lines. This is not chance. Di-
vines tell us that there is no such thing as “chance.”
Nothing in Nature is useless, nothing is wasted.
In the tree the rings tell its age by the autocratic
will of Nature. The insensible tree carries its evi-
dence in itself. The rings are nothing to the ordin-
ary observer: the bark is bark, the stem is stem, the
leaf a leaf. But the student of Nature can weave
you a story, a true tale of that tree’s life and charac-
ter, from the markings upon it or within it! Yet
you do not call his story nonsense—you merely ex—
claim “Wonderful!”

Then why not credit Nature in the highest of all
media, in the highest of her manifestations? for the
human hand is undoubtedly the most complete and
God-like member of all we possess. Our wills may
subject it to base uses, but “the thumb alone
would prove the existence of a God,” as Newton
wrote.

In a treatise upon Palmistry which professes to
be practical it is not admissible to plunge into The-
ories very deeply, but some reasons should be ad-
duced for the existence of the traits in our hands.

1l ntrobuction 15

The question so often put deserves an answer so far
as we can give one.

“But how do you acount for the lines? Grant—
ing that they do indicate our characters and the
chief incidents of our lives, how do you account for
‘ these markings?”

The reply is, Nature sends the ever-passing
nerVe—fiuids from the brain, which is the seat of sen—
sation, and the focus of our actions, tastes, pas-
sions. The blood being more plentiful in the hands
than in other places, the channels and lines made by
the nerve-fluid are evident there as well as in the
face and in the feet and in the body.

But the most sensitive parts of the body are those
which are the ruddiest ; there is the blood, and there
the corpuscles are in evidence. The nerves emanate
from the brain, and all our sensations and thoughts
pass along these nerves ; so the more often the sen—
sations pass along the same sets of nerves the more
plainly they must display the effects of the habit of
thought or acts. The drunkard, the hypocrite, the
ill~tempered, each and all bear the traits of their
failings on their faces, so in the hand the constant
sensations—those which make up temperament
—are impressed under the skin (epidermis), not
upon the outward but upon the inner skin. Hered—
ity will give the form of the hand, and even the lead-

16 flntrobuction

ing lines, but the smaller lines will rise, change and
disappear in the hands of babes in a few weeks, as
the infant to some extent develops. His hands tell
you if the brain is feverish or dull. As he grows
older the brain grows; he develops habits ofthought
and action which are impressed upon and by the
nerves in certain channels which observation and
study have shown to be indicative of certain dispo—
sitions.

As the gardener can distinguish the type of tulip
by its growth and markings, so the Chiromancer
can diagnose characteristics and events by consider-
ing the natural tendencies and observing the im-
pressions left by the nerves and nerve-fluid.

That is, briefly, the Theory. Practice shows us
that the lines in certain places invariably point to
certain traits—these being modified by the infinite
diversities of shapes, textures, and types of the hu-
man hand.

As no person’s hands are exactly alike, so no two
pairs are ever alike. The fingers, palms, lines, etc,
differ as greatly in different people, as the noses,
eyes, hair, ears, lips, and teeth differ; as the voice,
manner, step, and gait differ. So the characters dif-
fer also. By‘the outcome of their characteristics——
their natural characteristics—their characters are
formed. Indulgence in some pastime or foible

1i ntrobuction ‘17

stamps the man as surely as the slightly “bowed”
legs denote the horseman, or the frown the impa-
tient— —tempered one. The man of iron grip must
naturally possess a big thumb to grasp withal. This
man of iron grip, physically, is tyrannical in his
' methods; he trusts in his strength, he becomes
cruel, he IS cruel and strong— w—illed. His descend-
ants inherit his characteristics, modified, perhaps,
and their thumbs are also large! From such traits
one can detect character by observation and care.

-Nature is the cause, and any one may read her
books. As to ridicule, heed it not. All the finest
inventions of mankind have been ridiculed'and
deemed impossible! We have lived to see these
once-flouted discoveries in daily use, and not even
admired, though valued at a high appreciation,
being necessities in some cases—but always useful.

So in time, and before very many years have
passed, the study of Chirosophy or Chiromancy. will
surely be made by true scientists. It is not an €X—'
act science—‘ ‘only a moiety of science is exact,”
says Herbert Spencer; and this Chiromancy is not
exact because our grasp of it is not full, and human
nature is constantly changing under even constant
conditions.

Can we not fancy the insight which the appre-
ciated study of Chirosophy would bestow upon the

18 fintrobuctlon

physician, who would then be a boon and a blessing
to the insurance company as well as to his own pan
tients. Effects possible and almost certain could be
foreseen, and perhaps provided against, and “fatali-
ties” might be assuaged.

Let the critic, then, not ridicule until he under-
stands the facts. It is easy enough to jeer. He
may smile at the rules and laugh at the Interpreter,
but he cannot deny the facts which the trained stu»
dent of Chirosophy pronounces respecting himself,
and which his fellows endorse. So, even in these
enlightened days, we say, Learn to know thyself,
and by this knowledge guide thy paths aright. As
the finger—post steadily indicates the road to the
traveler, so the Hand will guide the student on his
way through the wilderness of this world, and teach
him wisdom as he goes.

PRACTICAL PALMISTRY

.J

PART I
CHIROGNOMY

CHAPTER I

OF THE VARYING TYPES OF HANDS AND THEIR SIG-
‘ NIFICANCE

IN this chapter we propose to treat as practically
as possible the different types of our Hands, and
here I may say, once for all, that it is not my inten—
tion to speak at length of anything which exper—
ience does not recommend, or which practice has
not c0nfirmed. In this little book I may not be
found always in agreement with my own former
statements, nor with the impressions of other
writers, but at any rate these statements will be
made in good faith, and readers must draw their
own conclusions. I make no claim to infallibility.

19

20 practical palmtstrg

There are recognized in Palmistry—or perhaps
we should say CHIROGNOMY, as the palm is not now
in evidence,—SEVEN TYPES OF HANDS, which may
be distinguished by the shapes and general appear—
ance of the fingers and thumbs, but for simplicity’s
sake these seven may be reduced to four—in prac-
tice. The seven types are classed according to the
forms of the fingers, and are as follows:

/ (I) The Spatulate.

(2) The Square.

(3) The Artistic or Conic.

(4) The Elementary.

(5) The Mixed.

(6) The Philosophic.

(7) The Psychic.

The four important types are the first three and
the last, and actually the first three are those which
include the most important varieties. Practically
all types are included in these as regards the tips of
the fingers ; the distinctions must be noted, of
course ; the more or less rounded,pointed, or square
tips,which are modified or accentuated by the forms
of all the fingers.

Therefore, we may accept as a fact, that all hands
are Square, Spatulate, Rounded or Pointed, and the
other types enumerated are (so far as the finger-tips
are concerned) in the last two mentioned also.

obtrognomg - 21

This may read» a little complicated, but it is
perfectly simple. The Square; the flattened or
Splay—shape ; and the (more or less) Rounded in—
clude all, in fact, for practical purposes; and per—
haps this further reduction to three shapes of tips
may simplify matters.

Having reached this conclusion you will proceed
to note the shapes of the fingers—and thumbs of
course: though the Thumb is truly a study in it-
self, and will be so treated at length.

THE SPATULATE HAND

Let us pass the Elementary or Ordinary Hand
and begin with the Spatulate or Splay—tipped
fingers (Plate 1), leaving the thumb out for the
7 moment.

These Spatulate finger—t1ps indicate activity and
energy; self-reliance; constancy; a seeker after
plenty, and a desire to benefit one s self and make
one ’5 self useful. At times these splay- tips are an-
noying, as they must be doing something, and are
inclined to worry—the owners are so inclined, I
mean. A lady with such fingers and a big thumb
will be always" ‘tidying- up,” dusting, or “spring—
cleaning,” or anxious to “have things put to rights.”
Use{illnessstsznatstialism; no art, nor. _taste,,for...11ter- _
ature there.

22 macttcat Dalmtstrg

These are the obvious indications of the Spatu-
late tips. Now look at the fingers below the
nails. .

Are they smooth or “knotted?” Are the joints
not evident or are they developed? This strikes
one at first glance. Take the former appearance, the
smooth variety.

The smoothness of the fingers indicates a slight
inclinatiohi‘towards art and ease; but though people
thus gifted may appreciate art, they will not make
much of the inclination. They may appreciate it,
but will not succeed in practice. But they will have
some taste for the beautiful, the elegant, in their
houses, and comforts, and will not mind working
with their hands, either. They are active, also, and

"resolute in action; and if the fingers be long as well
as smooth the owners are fond of details, of a useful
type, a reality will intrude, and gardening and agri—
cultural pursuits find favor. Thgvbrainc and the
mind are active as well as the body, and sportswill
be followed—riding, shooting, cricket, and so on,
while music will find them votaries as executants—y
not as singers. I

If thveufingersfi be short details are ignored, and
only the “mass” is accepted ;,quantity not quality is
the characteristic, and the impressions are quick.
Spatulatedfingers denote men or women fitted to

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Gbirogncmg 25

build up a colony, because they are not afraid of
work, have little sentiment, and are fond of tilling,
sowing, ploughing, and all real actions. Being
self—reliant they do not mind camping out alone, and
are generally able to “tough it,” as their appetites
and passions are not greatly in evidence, and lux-
ury is dispensed with.

If the Spatulate fingers be knotted—that is, de—
veloped at the joints—there is great order indicated.
An active and very practical mind, no sentiment,
and sometimes even a want of consideration and
roughness of speech, are apparent; but such fingers
carry with them talents for engineering, inventions,
and the “freedom of the masses.” Action, resist-
ance, perseverance, aggressiveness, are the out-
come of these fingers, and they push their owners
to the front.

In excess this type is irritating, selfish, and tact—
less. ‘These are some of the indications with which
the Spatulate type presents us, but they may be
modified or even increased by the size of the thumb
and the texture of the hand. A large thumb will
give more of the qualities than the small thumb,
while the hard hand also accentuates the character
desirous to rule and intolerant of restraint. In
these we find the revolutionist, the fighting man
and the daring. Spatulates must do something!

26 practical Dalmtstm

The softer type will be more indolent,and fond of
vicarious movement, if I may use the phrase. He
likes the appearance of movement, but is too lazy
(if his thumb be small) to make much effort himself.
So he will ride or drive or travel in luxury if possi—
ble, and read in his easy chair the adventures of
others. If his thumb be large and his hand soft
the will of the thumb may, by sheer force of charac-
ter, drive the man into action, or most likely cause
him to put others upon the work and see it done!

Thus the student will perceive that the Spatulate
Fingers, their action, work, agitation, and combat—
iveness are regulated, in a measure, by the whole
hand—its texture, the size of the thumb and the de-
velopments of the joints, the length and smoothness
of the fingers themselves. Just remember that
smoothness is not “practical,” but knots are. The
former gives intuition or inspiration, an artistic
taste; the latter are practical, orderly, reflective,
reasonable, and even scientific. These traits gov-
ern the hand in proportion as they exist, and must
be considered to that extent.

TH E SQUARE TYPE

We now come to the Square—fingered Hand
(Plate 2), which is the most useful type of all, be—
cause the owner has many of the qualities of the

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thrognomg 29

Spatulate—such as perseverance, and love of rul-
ing, and yet is able and willing to obey.

The fingers of this hand need not be square at the
tips. They will be found planed at the sides; and
- near me now as I write I can see a Square hand, the
fingers of which are truly four—sided, somewhat
smooth with the lower knuckles and the knot of
Philosophy (q. v.) developed. The nails are rather
short (here is argument, self—defence, always ready),
the thumb is obstinate, but with a tactful “waist”
on- it.

These fingers, I am sure, indicate obedience to
authority and to polite requests, to orders from
those entitled to give them, but they will resent in-
terferen‘ce‘from interlopers. They will not make a
' disturbance, however, because they detest a fuss, but
will grumble while they accede. They are punc—
tual and cannot bear unpunctuality ; their love for
outward neatness and politeness and social observ—
ance is marked and general. They like others to be
polite, civil, and respectful as they are, and dislike
brusque manners. They sometimes judge people
by appearances and manner, unfavorably for un—
punctuality, coarseness of speech, and impolite or
rough behavior. Appearances are with such fin-
gers, or their possessors, nearly everything, and as
they do not always act up to this rule themselves,

30 i practical Dalmtstm

through some imaginative or artistic vein in the
character, they are sometimes thought hypocritical,
and are,in fact,inconsistent, if the fingers be smooth.

But the truly square-fingered man with knotted
fingers is tidy, orderly, truthful, obedient to author—
ity, even if he dislike the ruler. He obeys the law—
not the man. This is generally the case with all
square-fingered types, whose possessors are pecu-
liarly sensitive to recognized authority, law, and or~
der, and will rather walk a mile than cross a for-
bidden field as a trespasser. One may be induced to
cross, but he would rather not be seen doing so by
a stranger!

Order is the first law with the Square—tipped, but
the amount of order varies. The smooth—fingered
type will know where his books, papers, shirts, col-
lars, handkerchiefs, etc., are, and will find the par—
ticular article he requires in the dark; but often the
drawer, or the table, is littered and mixed up, to all
appearance, in the individual’s own apartment. But
in his reception rooms, in all outward appearance,
he is neat and tidy.

So he dresses neatly, and looks well dressed even
in old clothes, because he is tidy and careful with
them. ' He may and does wear jewelry, but it is not
ostentatious in its display. His taste in dress is
quiet and “gentlemanlyfi deferential to the old and

abirognomg 31

to ladies, respectful in manner, courteous, and
will have things “just so.” A muddy dress,
splashed boots, an untidy glove, an unbrushed
cloak or gown he longs to have cleaned or mended,
and will pick threads from a skirt in his desire for
tidiness. The individual cannot help doing it, and
at times, with all his observance of etiquette, and his
desire that others should observe it, he will involve
people in risky situations when his personal feelings
are concerned—not from selfishness or rancor, or
any wish to compromise the other, but he is simply
carried away by impulse which he will repair by the
most diplomatic cunning if suspected. Neverthe—
less,“he would condemn himself later, and condemn
another who had acted in the same way, and who
had been discovered!

There is, therefore, in the smooth—square type of
the finger, with a palm showing a sloping head—line,
some finesse and double—facedness. Yet, curiously
enough, such people cannot willingly acknowledge
this soft impeachment.

The real large, square hand is the best and most
useful if it be knotted, and not inclined to any artis—
tic type. This hand makes its owner regular and
punctual at meals, orderly, neat, tidy, polite, and re-
spectful to authority, truthful and just; not ro-
mantic.

 

32 practical Dalmtstm

THE ARTISTIC TYPE

The Artistic Hand (Plate 3) is the next upon our
list, and this is identical with the Conic form of fin—
ger. It is familiar to all of us in the hands of artists
and singers—the great pianist has not conic fingers
as a rule. The conic or the pointed fingers are not
useful, and the extremely pointed indicate useless—
ness—an unpractical person.

The medium artistic form is good. The hand is
supple and soft; the palm a moderate size; the
thumb rather small. In such a hand, if the bases of
the fingers be not too heavy, we have a type of the
true artist hand. Its owner is impulsive, imaginav
tive, a lover of the beautiful, rather self—indulgent,
and inclined to enjoy life in consequence of his
smooth, conic, rather thick fingers. But, as a rule,
this type is easily influenced by the surroundings,
and will pass from grave to gay or even to melan—
choly at a bound. He cares not for control, and he
has no desire to control. Impulse, cheerfulness,
carelessness, enjoyment, and love of ease, character—
ize these conic hands with a peculiar obstinacy and
absence of real love, for he likes novelty, and his na-
ture is not warm long.

As these characteristics become more or less.
accentuated they affect the individual. The larger

 

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-(
.-:"
/5-\ _\
P: ”a.
A» A
_/~ "‘
“—7!
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\\“ «(/4

llL‘VI‘HE ARTISTIC HAND

 

thrognomn 35

thumb, the larger palm, the smoother fingers,
thicker at the bases, show less order, and more love
of material pleasures. The small second phalange
of the thumb gives tact or finesse with its weaker
reaSon, the larger top joint more will, the full ball of
the thumb stronger passions. So we have in these
points all the data for enjoyment of a sensual de‘
, scription. The pleasures of the senses—not neces—
sarily evil pleasures—are the delight of the artistic
hand, their affections are impulsive, strong and
fickle. Finesse, cynicism, falsehood, shrewdness,
cunning, with gross sensuality, are the bad signs of
the soft, thick, large artistic hand. They seek
beauty to enjoy it, not for any moral or mental rea—
son, but merely to gratify a taste. They are often
effeminate in the face,and eccentric; egotists; “fly-
away”natures. disdaining the domestic hearth,open-
handed to the; intimates, close-fisted to creditors,
with peculiarly warm imaginings, and a love of
“posing” in the world. Venus and the Moon rule
their palms.

If these hands are knotted, the indications are
more favorable. There is less eccentricity and more
reason: still a love of the beautiful, but a more re—
fined attachment, but the art will be less inspired,
and less successful in its originality, but the love of
form and beauty will be there, and if of good size,

36 practical Dalmistrp

thick and short, a strong desire for wealth will be
indicated. '

There is another kind of pointed fingers, the use—
less and unpractical. This in some works is called
the Psychic Hand, and is the seeker of the highest
beauty, purity, and goodness, in the world, not of it,
the best and most lovely form of artistic instincts.
But, though they are not practical hands, such as
the square or the spatulate, not fighting for fight—
ing’s sake, the true faith, devotion and desire to win
the good, will make them determined and terrible
opponents. These soft, small, tapering—fingered
hands may be seen in the warriors of Eastern na—
tions, fanatics, dying for the faith that is in them, for
what they truly believe is the right; obedient, self-
sacrificing and asthetic.

But for the real worldly work? No! They are
unable to devote themselves to hard labor, they
“make things,” they delight in beauty, are not
sensual; imaginative, the long, pointed fingers
searching as it were, the universe for the ideal the
mind has imagined. The vague, the dreamy, the
unpractical, the non-material, the “unorderly,”
the poetic, religious: the imprudent at times, the
ecstatic. (See p. 46 also).

Pointed fingers,including the Conic, may be asso-
ciated with other features, and in such cases the

 

\f‘ \\
r \
/_. r: /\9
,—~ “v
v: L \ / £5
\/
\ (‘ | \‘ n‘
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it

IV.—THE ELEMENTARY HAND

 

 

Gbirognomg 39

form of the fingers, their thickness and texture,
must be weighed. An artistic (hard) hand may in-
dicate a soldier—an officer whose characteristics
have made him highly esteemed and liked, yet in the
field he is well fitted to command by reason of his
large thumb and hard palm. As a rule the artistic
palm does not indicate habits of command at all,
even 0f_se1f—command. Knots when present accen-
tuate reason and order in the pointed fingers.

THE ELEMENTARY HAND

There are two more types usually described, but
the foregoing will perhaps suffice. However, on
reflection,it may be as well to mention the“E1emen-
tary” and the “Mixed” Hands, as they are termed,
_ though there can be only one type of Mixed Hand.

' The Elementary Hand (Plate 4) is short—fingered,
thick, with a heavy palm. Idiots have short fingers,
large palms, and very unsatisfactory Head-lines
(with other signs). The common Elementary
Hand shows little or indistinct F ate—line, and ap-
pears given to materialism. There is not much
imagination in it, but the ball of the thumb is de-
veloped, and the thumb thick. Mercenary soldiers
have such hands. They fight for pay and not for
patrie, and are easily drilled, because they are ma-
chines—only breaking out when their low vices

40 practical Dalmistm

tempt them. The short thumb turns back, the
palm is broad and hard and thick.

Sometimes one may find most of the characteris-
tics of the Elementary Hand connected with a
somewhat conic finger—tip. Under these circum—
stances, as refinement or education is hardly to be
expected, we may assume an imaginative vein, a
romantic tinge in the mind. This vein will proba-
bly crop out in superstition and in the development
of ghost—stories, and curious accounts of battles,
accidents, etc. This “poetic” Vein is not in its
proper place, and the possessor is likely to relin—
quish the struggle with the world, and die a pauper
without mental or pecuniary resources, unless a
liking for music bring solace.

THE MIXED HAND

The Mixed Hand (Plate 5) is a very common ob-~
ject in Chirosophy, and combines in its various
forms the good and evil of the types already de—
scribed. The square finger with the conic tip is one
form, and is a diplomatic hand—upon the other de-
velopments will depend the uses made of this talent
for throwing dust in people’s eyes. The owner is
not good at one particular employment; he is gen—
eral, full of general informatiOn, and yields to cir-
cumstances.

 

V.—THE MIXED HAND

 

A /'\
/‘ ‘
w~ ~\
\. , s
l
m I \\ r—TJ
,\ a] \
M .-_, \,\
V A ./
v \4 . x

»\

J.“

VL—THE PHILOSOPHIC HAND

 

Gbirognomn ' 45

The “Elementary” may mingle with the Artistic,
and indicate carelessness which declines to interest
itself with others. The spatulate and the square is
a good blend, method and regularity, and so on.
- We must consider the attributes of both types ex—
hibited,or there may be three—and then deduce our
verdict from the fining down of one or the other to
a common measure, as it were.

THE PHILOSOPHIC HAND

The Philosophic or knotted type of hand is easily
recognized by the projecting joints of the fingers
and the rounded tips, the sides being squared for or-
der, and the thumb somewhat-large, the upper pha-
rlange being almost, if not quite, the same length as
the lower. On the first finger will be perceived a
prominence outwardly of the topmost joint. This is
known 'as the philosophic knot, and indicates a de-
sire for information, an inquirer. The second pha-
langes are long, as reason predominates, deduction,
analysis, calculation are shown. The somewhat
conic tips giveatinge of art or poetry, love of the
real and beautiful. They want to know, and are
not content to accept facts as they are. They ques—
tion even the Bible, and are skeptical on many sub-
jects unless their reason is satisfied. So they are
scientific, independent thinkers, and express them-

46 practical, Dalmtsttg

selves clearly and with exactness, plainly and with
out redundancy Plate 6).

Such hands give their possessors a well-balanced
mind, for they look at both sides, an independence
and a moderation which are admirable. They are
practical, not fanciful; reason rules them even in
affection, and they are unconventional. Such a
knotted philosophic hand with a small thumb will
indicate obstinacy, and will lead the owner astray.

I
THE PSYCHIC TYPE

This is a charming hand to look at and admire,
but it is not useful. The fingers are very conic,
almost pointed, and the hand is small, delicate,
smooth, and tapering. The upper phalanges are
long in proportion, the lowest (also in proportion)
rather thickened. Idealism and love of ease are
c0mbined in them, and the beautiful, the ethereal,
the imaginative side of existence is theirs. Ro-
mance, luxury, “Orientalism,” want of order, are
characteristics, and such people do not reason
much. They accept Fate as it comes, but they are
enthusiastic, nervous, poetic. The development of
the joints gives invention, but no performance. In
extreme form it is rare—a fortunate thing, as it is
an unpractical hand (Plate 7).

VIL—THE PSYCHIC HAND

 

 

fibttcgnomg 49

II

THE THUMB

We have dealt at some length with the fingers
and their various terminations, and so on. The
Thumb now claims our attention individually, and it
is perhaps the most important of the digits. With~
out the Thumb we are unable to grasp anything
properly and the absence of this grasping-power
foreshadows or indicates weakness or mental inca-
pacity, Man is the only creature which possesses a
thumb. This alone raises him to the highest place
in creation. A thumbless man has come to signify
a coward, because such cannot grasp the sword—~
' pollice truncatus: poltron=poltroon.

It is needless to detail all ,the reasons why the
Thumb appears to be, and is, so prominent in Chi-
rosophy, for its importance has for centuries been
recognized. The “biting of the thumb,” the
“pricking of the thumbs,” the verdict of the Roman
spectators of gladiatorial shows, even the thumb-
screw, indicate the importance attached to the
thumb, and the result of its disablement. When
the thumbs fold underneath the fingers death is
nigh, or, at any rate, syncope is at hand.

But putting aside these, let any reader contem-

.

50 practical palmtstrg

plate the thumbs of his acquaintance, and he shall
presently perceive their influence. We are stating
nothing in these pages which cannot be proved
true, so we appeal at once to the reader who can
verify the statements.

Take a Thumb—not after the cookery-book fash-
ion—and examine it. It is divided into three parts
as the fingers are, and these three are termed, from
the nail downwards, the first and second phalange,
and (the fat portion) the ball of the thumb.
Thumbs are big or little or medium—sized. But
the two former definitions will do for our purpose.

In all thumbs the three divisions indicate from
the top (I) Will—power in all its varying phases; (2)
Logic or Argument, Reasoning; (3) Passion, En—
joyment, Love. The more developed these, sever—
ally, are, the greater is the amount of the quality
indicated. Take them separately.

For instance, a man with much development of
the top joint is obstinate, arbitrary, pugnacious,even
cruel; confident, strong—willed in fact—to a greater
or less degree, vis-a—vis with that joint, if it be
lengthy and large.

A short top-joint means change and weakness
of will, an undecided person, and yielding, wanting
in self—confidence. The shorter and smaller, the
less will—power.

.. ‘11

chirognomyz 51

The second phalange should be at least quite as
long as the first, and is the guide to Reason, judg»
ment, thought, and such qualities, and should be
judged with the first. Suppose Will and Reason to
unite—the large upper phalanges both existing-e
the result is good, as any one may perceive. Judg—
ment and decisive action mean success, and the
large-thumbed individual succeeds—unless Love in
some shape push him aside.

Many a man has been spoiled by the ‘Mount of
Venus, as the ball of the Thumb is called in Chiros-
ophy. Here are found the love of melody, dancing,
a desire to be liked, and made much of, strong pas-
sions—the sensuousness (often the sensuality) of
the subject. Upon the development or non—de-
velopment of this Mount the warmth or coldness of
the character depends.

Now, any reader can perceive the truth of these
statements and make his own deductions. A small
weak top—joint, much reason and much affection,
will lead one to discriminate a weak—willed, easily
persuaded character prone to amusements or indul-
gence. He will give splendid reasons to himself
and others why he should enjoy life, why he
must “laze” or indulge. He even may deceive him~
self if the thumb be broad and not long, for obsti-‘
nacy, not true will, is there. He will argue splen~

52 practical Dalmtsmz

didly on any topic, having once made up his mind
on the subject, and even if his mind tell him he is
possibly in error, obstinacy will have its way, and
he will hold to his opinion until the need for argu-
,ment is withdrawn. Then he will think, and possi-
bly recant next time.

A thin second—joint indicates much impulsive—
ness, a want of reasoning power, but with good—will,
some tact, and judgment if the second be long as
well as “waisted.” There is in such a medium char—
acter plenty of common sense and decision for his
own part, but the opinion of others whom he re-
gards and likes, will turn his decision if the Mount
of Venus be large. Even then he will be obstinate
and will not yield easily to an opponent, or one
whom he'dislikes. If obliged to yield at last, he
will get out of temper and be, perhaps, abusive, be—
cause defeated, and his vanity is wounded thereby.

The short first phalange and a long second tends
to a fairly reasoning, undecided character who does
not carry out his ideas properly. I have known a
man with this form of thumb whose advice is ea-
gerly sought,acted upon,and is excellent when acted
on, but he lacks the decision, the grip, the “snap”
to act at once for himself in most cases. I have
' known this individual to advise a friend in his busi-
ness investments and to go into the City to act so

thrognomg 53

for himself. But an adverse hint affected him, an
acqu_aintance“put him off,” he yielded unconvinced,
and made no profit, while the man he had advised
made a big success in that very investment!

This is one result of the want of strong will and
the presence of Reason.

The effect of a 1arge,broad top to the thumb gives
strong passion and temper, tyranny and unreasona—
bleness. But these evils are often modified by some
taste or calling indicated in the Mounts—art or
ambition—towards the attainment of which the
force is directed. So, before judging the cudgelling
thumb, look at the prime mover, Apollo. But if
Venus rule, the passions are uncontrolled; if the
.Moon rule she may soothe and calm the rough Will
from tyrannous action or ungovernable impulse to
the lower platform of a “hectoring” manner and
dictatorial tone and bearing. '

The characteristics of a large Mount of Venus
have been mentioned, but the smaller formations
must be noticed. The medium is best——as in all
other things. Then affection is warm, not boiling;
if small or entirely absent, cold heart and selfish
feelings; no real warmth even to relations, unde-
monstrative, even when the person’s feelings are
engaged.

We must then regard the Thumb as the gate of

54 practical palmistrg

the citadel, the key to the position. A small
thumb—from the base of the digit upwards—is a
sentimental sign—heart rules. A large thumb rules
by reason and logic.

But in judging by these rules of Thumb—a
rather significant phrase—one must consider the
softness or the hardness of the hand; the smooth-
ness or the “knottiness” of the fingers; and the in-
fluences of the Mounts (Plate 8); the length of the
fingers, their thickness, and their form.

One may give a very fair opinion of the character
from a close inspection of the thumb, but for a true
delineation it is necessary to inspect the whole hand
and to understand the traits presented in it. Then
you must deliver the opinion thus trimmed and bev—
eled by these evidences in your mind.

Here let me detail the general influences of these
traits, which can then be applied as they are ob-
served.

III
THE CONSISTENCY OF HANDS—FINGERS

Soft hands mean indolence somewhere, generally
physically. Laziness of body, except with square
fingers and smooth—then the mind is indolent. A

thrognomg 55

liking for the strange and the unseen, and imagina-
tion are there.

Hard hands indicate energy, activity—~but if very
hard and thick, stupidity; selfishness, and lack of
intelligence, are in the extremely hard hands. But
hard hands can work and suffer hardships which
soft ones cannot sustain. Not by the epidermis are
hands tested ; the firmness and flexibility or softness
underlies the outer skin, and can be estimated by
gentle pressure.

Smooth fingers are those whose joints are unde-
veloped. Knotted fingers are orderly and philo—
sophic—why this should be so is a debatable ques—
tion. There must be some reason for the differ-
ence, and the consequent characteristics of each
type, but I am unable to give it.1

The smooth finger denotes a taste for art, and

impulse in ar1v1ng at a conclusmn. W0 men gener-
ally have smooth fingers, or at anygate the majority

M

have no highly developed joints, hence their ca—

mer—lt,‘ ‘inspiration,’ and the

ngetc- “wru—
The knotted finger is the reasonable, calculating

 

 

1 Unless the knots are “locks,” or stopping-places across
the current of nerve-flow, checking impulse and so giving
deliberation and arrangement in the ideas.

56 (bracttcal Dalmtstrg

one. The owners of the fingers with knots are
orderly, 'but the upper and lower developments in—
dicate different kinds of order, the upper being
mental, order in ideas, arrangement in the thoughts ;

while the lower gives material order, punctuality,

neatness outwardly.

Both together developed, the attributes become
the more accentuated, and yet, with a large thumb,
in a female hand, the subject will be worrying, and
if the fingers be long in the same hand, much fussi—
ness will result from love of order, attention to
detail, and desire to have one’s own way being com—
bined; and if the finger be also square, then those
who live in the house are irritated beyond measure
by the possessor of such hands.

But knotted fingers denote thought and order.
The small‘ bulge” upon the forefinger 15 known as

 

the 3339’: of philosophy“ A person w1th the lower
joint, on nl,y eve lopedX-L is pu Mdmly, partic-

ular, thoughtful for others and for self and so on;

the absence \Effiuthe u er swelling making__w ~hirri
rat er_ unsettled in ideas, wanWm to
one subje_ct,_ straying thoughts, and of defective

h"‘”‘—“" N...

 

 

 

 

 

THE Wot, only, developed, ives order in

MW talent, independence, and ar-

W
tistic execution; but if both knots exist in the fin-

M ‘-‘--———-—~
VNu”

thrognomg 57

gers this executive talent dies; art is supplanted by
rem*'“‘ “MW“ fl” ‘ ’ '

.«M

Len thy and short fingers indicate, respectively,

love of detail an qu1c ness 0 Judgme'fifn—There is

 

more—«impulse in the latter type, a more rapid deci—

siciri, no arguing with self, while the long-fingered

 

 

are discursive and love elaboration,”:finnickinflg’:

 

 

V-Dw—mx—u M...

detail, inquisitive, specially so if the fingers" do not

__,————w M.

fit tut—rig in“; when hET’a'Hfito the light, the hand being

f. y... fi_.‘s-.» -

lirTélBsed. ”FEWWQ

 

 

are these fin ers.
Short and thick fingers are inclined to sensuous-

ness and perhaps to cruelty, and shgrt, knotted fin—

gers are very good because the reason of the knots

 

, and'the smartness of the short fingers bring an ex—

cellent result 1n action. 5 a r‘fil‘é‘s‘ffijrt’fingersde-
spise 36133115, they wants results; prearmsmare

 

the quickly translate into performance. Hence
brusquerie, staccato speech, promptness. Here is
a grasp of the whole question in opposition to the
slower process by steps of detail.

The 1W“
parison with the palm, to which we must pay atten-

I W
hen later.

Ectore parting with the fingers let us examine the

 

eucondary to their impulses andinsptincgts, which

58 practical malmisttg

relative lengths of the phalange, the upper bein i -
tellect, art or reli ion' the second reason, thought;

the third worldliness, sensuality, love file mate—
rial inffiféf’ffaafiéa‘fimcts.

Bending bmm‘and
self-deception. A thumb turning ac mean§§€n~

H.“ “Mr.“
0

 

.____~.._- ,.__._.‘ ‘

The indegcz or first finger, like the thumb and all
the other digits, embraces thre “ orlds” or rades

of talent, the uppermost being the highest, most re-

fined and Beautiul; the second-the reasonable and
mathematical; the third, 'th worldly and material.
e rst phalange of the 15613th is "“R‘é‘Iigi‘on;

quickness, Aparticularlymmhencifigvfiflggjisiwflaifiiéd-

The second halange of the Index isAmbition.
The third phalange o E’Ifidefieisflf‘olirzewo’imlgul-

ing anfLIiride. ..._._.- ,1
“If the finger itself be long, it tends to pride, lux—

ury, and enjoyment._TfTsh~o—rt, relatively, to actiVify.
THFHEW—f must also bmion

H _J

of thejointed or the truthfulness of the “square,”

the reproduction in art of the actual, as distin—

guished from the ima inative. This Index finger
should be ong or the possessionigcirethought
and‘Thriit. It mam alcatedtouiter.

7 The second finger, offered up to Saturn, should
not be very long, elsWWmel-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-.__——

abirognomxz 59

ancholy. (I have no experience concerning the
m

“murderous instinct,”said to be shown in its twisted
form.) But it carries a tendency to morbidity, and
a yielding to “Fate,” “QW-
tion, which is silly, and 1n Icates feeble will.

Tts shape varies from the occasional pointed to
the conic and the square, etc. The pointing gives
lightness and less melancholy: while gravity arid

W...»

energy and activity accompany the other shapes.

Love of ammals ihorses for choice‘lis indicated by

 

 

 

a long, square Saturn-finger; and if the thirdnfinger

is. the same length, or neglyflso, as the second,
g‘fiBfi’figT’r‘éEirTgTandso on are liked and enjoyed,
bmr’en the first""‘13‘1‘{a'1§fi‘§“駓“v“v"i‘1‘1“Harte“'long—be-
CW gisnot W3fii§tidnwornideal
' The first phalan e long, and (legged, inflsflulch a
hand, would mean'active artistic tastes, architectural
or sculpturing ideas, perhaps. Sadhess'goesvwith
them—Tafla‘n‘iafid in a wealiihandide—pressmn
and even suicide may ensue. Mechanical taste‘igoes
wmg’: or sciefi'E'éT‘agfiETJ ure,?nd
soimfi’g—to suWoy-

ments is resent. Kvarice and miserly instincts

 

 

 

 

 

exist in the long third phalan e; selfishness also is
seen ere.

Bear in mind these “lengths” are relative, not
positive.

60 ' practical Dalmistrg

The third finger, dedicated to Apollo, is the
abode of Art and money; the pointed form being
the most artistic and intuitive. The spatulate form
means activity in art, and hence elocutlon, acting
an’det.

The phalanges follow the tendency of the finger,
art, industry, vanity, and wealth in turn. If the

finger is shorter than the Index,~tl1we_o.v~vner will not
be the dominant partner 1n marriagewgijusjness.

Equalwith the fir ' hows love of art, and a wish

to shine in it: a desire which may exist also in the

———__——-—-——

third phalan e. “Higher than the IfidESC‘itTore-
shadows success. ’

The fourth finger is dedicated to Mercury, and is
especiallmays the
cheat, the liar, and the thief, or the person having
any bias in those directions.

If long it seeks knowledge; science in a good

hard. In a bad hand this knowlaggmbe turned

to bad uses, to business—cunnin , finesse. It: short,
thiiflflfimflmmkmickly. If_-_it do not rise

 

 

 

 

above the 11 per joint of the third finger the‘posi,
sessor will be ruled rat er tfién ruling.

 

The prusiness apt~
itude lies in the uppermost if s uare ti , eloquence
if 1mm, business
mmalange good at teaching and reasonable.

’Gbirognomg 61

The third means industry, work, but if too long the

lying, fraudulent spirit stands confesse T—vvhilé
sometimes mechamca sc1ence lives in the flattened

or spatulate finger-tip. The love of writing is also
confessed in the rather swollen top-joint of the
fourth finger.

Thus the shorter fourth finger .P..9§§¢§§E§,§1Elck‘

VIE-wan

ness and intelligence; the longer, deductive reason-

ingTEHOWICdgeiflThe point'edkli—ttl‘e‘finége—rrgit/53577 elo-

quence, talk, on any filibl.€,§t,. with some smartness
and intamfww“

A few general remarks upon the Hand will close
this section.

A Wm.

A hard hand, activit LsgfiLiriclglgnge.

Harri/hands indicate the desire for luxuries, and

 

 

 

wanWKWw.WM—-w_~-_ .... a, .

if hair be upon the phalanges, anger, evenflcruelty.

Want of hair pre—supposes weakness“Luandweffem—
inacy. 7 7

N

 

IV

THE NAILS

There are no surer indications of character than
Nails, and it is curious that they have not been
more fully treated in books. Such a palpably easy
method of confirming one’s theories is very useful,

62 Dracttcal Dalmtstrg

particularly as a test for temper, and though there
may be slight variations upon the understated
types, the general disposition may be estimated from
them pretty accurately.

In estimating character from the nails, the pinker
portion alone should be considered, thougi t 6
cause or the apparent reason for long or short nails
beyond the finger—tips which they shield should
be noticed. For instance, a bitten nail denotes ner—
vousness and an irritable, worried temperament.
Long, curving nails indicate bad tempers, particu-
larly if flat, instead of rounded, at the bottom parts.
If thin and “fluted” they show warning—signals of
weak health.

Short nails—that is, nails short between the skin
and the finger—tip, with aqtendency in the skin to
cover them—give signs of a critical nature, and

M

often go with_sguare fingers. Short and squarea,

r-..

 

 

they indicate obstinacy if widfle‘LRugnacity if lgn’g.
Sometimes the middle finger displays these char—
acts..r§.tiC.SL.~W~—\hile the .9316? S fififithet What is
termed almond—shapEd, or curved at the bottom, the
thumb displaying a white crescent.

In such a hand we may find obstinacy, irritability,
kindness of heart—when not contradicted too much
—and sensitiveness. A mixed character, the read-

ing of which accurately will be completed by the

‘7—

Chirognomrz 63

lines of the palm. But we can see temper, criticism,
good nature, and some business talent in the
thumbs, whose wide, curved shape denote a “head
for business,” while the red tints pre-suppose anger.
The nails are rather lined, therefore some delicacy
is noted, and those on the art—finger being almond—
shaped, we may put gentleness on that finger, and it
being in this case dominated, we may fairly assume
that the subject is rather sensitive to criticism in his
work.

As a general rule, short nails, like short fingers,
denote quickness, curiosity, intuition. On some
hamn a frivolous disposition—if the hand
be indolent or easy—going. Neat, polished, well-
tended nails of medium length and properly shaped
show much delicacy of mind, gentlemanly feeling

and taste. If Wrdiflnd

of a high moral tone of mind. Thin, they indi-
cate cunning; dark, treachery, falseHoOd; rOund,

lugg'ryj“ white spots are“ Eéhé“ra1'1§"£avorab1e; black
- spots, unfavorable, ”loss of ME??? Wcharacter.

 

Brittle and splitting, delicate health. In all cases,
when the nails are shortjwe may expect a critical,
quizzing, teasing mind, which may develop, by rea-
son of the lines and mounts, into an intolerable
worry and a quarrelsome, irritable disposition.

From these general indications we can deduce

64 DracttcaI malmietm

the particular, the happiness and affection in the
white spot; the faults and errors, or worse, shown
by the passing dark specks. Pale nails are not
good; nor are long, curved talons. Here is the
bird of prey: the hard—hearted, it may be pleasant—
mannered, man or woman, but non—sympathetic;
at times harsh and cruel.

(I should add that I have no actual experience of
the dark spots on nails, but as the white appears to
me to indicate reciprocal affection and friends’ re-
gard, and others say the black spot is bad, I put it
down as evil by force of contrast.)1

1 The following are said to be signs:—

White mark thumb—nail, affection; black, faults of
action.

White mark first finger-nail, gains; black, loss.

White mark second finger-nail, travel; black, death, or
risk of it.
White mark third finger-nail, honor; black, dishonor,
loss. ‘

White mark fourth finger—nail, business gain, confi-
dence; black business loss, unbelief.

cbtrognomn 65

V

‘ THE PALM OF THE HAND

We have considered the hardness and softness of
the hands, and need not again refer to this feature,
but there are a few points in connection with the

Palm which we must note.
The width or spread of the palm is 1nterest1ng

* W1,,,a-o~:.rwu. p._ "raw; (,7,

If wide, we perce1ve a generous, broad minded na-

ture; intelhgent (active or 1ndolent, succe essfuTOr
non— —successfull, but always generous— —m1nded. To

”_Mp. -

bem as near perfection as possible the palm and the

fingers should be the same length. This latter
trait is 00d, and much enjoyment in life”. may be

7 predicted from a large, well- proportioned hand.

K narrow, ‘2 sk1nnya-W‘hmand 1s an'"unenv1able pos-

.- _ u... __,, “_"n t... _--—«_—-_-.

 

 

session. It indicates a rather weak mind, and an‘

 

—«........———

unenergetic disposition. It IS cramped, and the en-

erg1es are also cra ped. A _- _

Even fingers and palm—in length I mean—give

onetojggti‘gn, and a balance of mind, a sense of Jus-

tice, which can make allowances and confess faults

of“ its own.

But the palm must not be too hard, else a proper
nWsures of this life will de-

 

' generate into selfishness 1n en 0 ment, amsé o.

 

66 practical Dalmtstm

pleasure. A touch of “self” will intrude, and even
thfig'enerosity be tainted by a selfish desire.

A very great development, with high mounts,
means a sensual or sensuous type, and whether soft
or hard, the tendency will be the same, but in the
soft hands the effects will be greater ; selfish (or even
“animal”) indulgence being seen.

The centre of the alm whi iiflflthelihol-

low of the hand ” should not be too hollprw,because,
as I have frequently remarked, such a “ 0nd” in the

PW The possessor of this undesir~

able formation will s_t_ruggle, perhaps, but his efforts

will be frequently in vain. This formation is found

often in the mixed hand, where energy and will may
exist, but softness may induce indolence,grrt99.wi_de

w‘v—m

a palm ma destroy, 2L divert the pathwfrom the
worldly success of which we are speakin ; The

person may succeed in lovez for instance, gain llis

end in amusement, but business success, or art-
W.“— , v

4”,“...

 

 

success, will be uncertain and_er3a_ti9 noglasting.
So the properly regulated formationjthe true pro-

portion, is not only correct, it is necessary. The

thumbs and fingers will modify, but not destroy the

influence of the person.

thrognomtz 67

CHAPTER II
THE METHOD OF PALMISTRY

I

THE MOUNTS

HAVING now heard the evidence, you should hear
the summing—up of this chapter for practical pur-

poses.
Look at the Hand as a whole, and the back view

will put you in immediate possession of the attri—
butes of the Nails, the Fingers, and the Thumb.
You will note the formation of the Nails and of the

’ fingers. Is the Thumb large or small? So in pro—

portion is its influence upon the Hand respecting
the character of the individual. ~

Are the fingers smooth or knotted? That must
be your next mental question. In the foregoing
pages you will find the significance of both whether
wholly or only partly in evidence, an orderly dispo-
sition, or the contrary; or an outwardly orderly
character only, etc.

The type of hand you are observing will be plain.
The square, conic, spatulate, or pointed. The

length of the fingers (the palm can be seen later),

68 Dracttcal Dalmtstrg

are they hairyP—the thickness and length of the
phalanges will here tell much, plainly. The upper~
most is the ideal; the second the reasonable and ac~

tual; the third the material, phalange. Remember
this distinction.

The slggLLfingenisquicknesmciudgmgnt, the
long loves detail, the former grasps the matter as a
whole; the latter separates it, as it,-,m_l;e.4..._and ex-

amines 1 ; one 0 ts t e impression, thementaliood,

the (atmke th rees.
The___s_mall or lar e thu L§,n_dr...its_sepatate_joints

williell the tale of stren th of will, obstinacykweak:
ngess, tact, and impulse. The Mount of Venus will
be seen when the hand is turnEd palm upwards

when the signs of the palm will be noted, and the
“consistency” determined.

Having ascertained all these facts in a few min—
utes’ summing up, you deliver your opinion up to
that point. Up to that point I say, advisedly, be-
cause at this point the collateral evidence will begin.
You have made your speech, perhaps intimated
your verdict, but there is yet a court of appeal.
There may be “extenuating circumstances” ad—
vanced before the final verdict can be given.
The “other side”—the lines in the Palm, or the
Mounts—may have some evidence bearing upon
an acquittal of the individual from certain misde-

 

WIT?

WIL—THE MOUNTS OF THE PALM

9 Venus 0 Apollo
1:. Jupiter 2; Mercury
h Saturn 6‘ Mars

D Luna

 

cbttoqnomxz 71

meanors and offences. It is your duty to take all
this evidence and weigh it impartially.

Suppose we examine the Mounts before we at—
tack the Lines. The former are fewer, and are not
so complicated as the latter. Lay the Hand palm
upwards, and say what you see (Plate 8).

A Hand rayed by certain lines—never mind
them. Under some fingers are “bosses” or swell-

~____.._.

ings, soft, yet nrm. TE “Side—outwardly, of the
ha—fi‘mwollen and soft, the ball of the thumb is

raised—may be rayed. Yes Those “bOsses” are

the Mounts, and each of them has a special signifi—

cation in itself, and 1n. correlation with the others.
As we have mentioned Venus ( 9 ) we will politely

give her precedence. She rests at the base of the

Thumb, and bestows upon us many Benefits which,

' if w15er used and controlled'iiv-‘lf make _us happy

and appreciated in this flgd. You can easily sat—
is y yourse ves as to the truth of the diagnosis. I

am stating nothing but the facts ascertained by ex—
perience.

The MOUNT OF VENUS credits us with a love for

. M«-~-—.._\

the oppos s1te sex—and admlration for it, for beauty in

{(—1— a.-.,....-.... _._._.

all forms, a 11Eing for danc1ng1n_good .time,__a_1ove

of melodious music, a tender grace anda - astrong
wish to please our friends and to be liked ourselves.

 

72 practical palmisttg

This Mount also belongs to the passionate lover

txzwcnm WA.“ -, ..-,,._<. w- .—

and'ithe flirt. But if the will be strong, and

pride developed, the suspected evil, or flippant ten—
dencies, will be ruled out of order by the possessor
of even a large Mount of Venus.

But the abssmmw its
appearance. A CWM brain, as “re—

gards the artistic taste, and side of life. The Love
which in the other event is warm, in the absence—5f

the Moun is wan ing, or se 5 ness ' ‘ike
a mist into the life, and dims thug v1510n_ and per;

ceptions.

.,

’Th’e‘excess of the Mount is bad, and betraysia

-a...._.,_- ._.._l.-

heat of passionate affection‘which IS inconSIStcnt,

changlngz and not honorable. With a thick heart
line we may find the passions, if not unbridled, cer-
tainly ridden with a loose rein, and a fall is to be

,. a...~_».._——.—..__q.,.v_... “an. .. .lflcl-Nmflkww

ex ected. The sclft'anipginteifingepsrthe’sensu-

ous hand, the weak will, may, in the absence of

r.._._._..._..._l “rm—“ml‘Am

refleeming Qualities, bringabwout an unpleasant state

of affairs if the Mount of Venus be ligh and_barred.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nevertheless, it gives cheerfulnessz bri htness, an

airy manner and liveliness with the opposite sex,

and taste for the “feminine wforms oA’t'Wb‘edauty,37 the

“cm“

society—of young_ people, a kindness and unselfish-

‘Wi ‘mef'ul,

ness which makes .f—i—‘ien s exEfib‘il they, 9,90! use

mmwuwafln— “aw—M.)

except socialist, The Mount assists s i ‘ c ' he

 

 

 

thrognomg 73
IWM Qijfiectio-n, but- it- ,-does

not help us much 1n our progress in the world for

this assistance is required. {Yet one would not wish
to be without it. The flat crossed and barred
Mount of Venus displays a sadly exhausted lover of
pleasure, anfl-EerfairTBTher signs be present, a
non- -desirable companion.

 

The MOUNT OF JUPITER (2,1) is perceived be-
neath the first finger, onmboth hands of course, and

predicates pride, ambition, religion, a desire to
shine in soc1ety, or am1d one’s neighbors, and con-

sequently a love ol display, and even of high ritual
111W g10unCe

Jupiter is domineering; hence he will be heard,—

the loud talker is so ruled. He wishes to shine in

w... ... .....

the conversation, and is quite confident in himself

With this desire to be “somebody” you Will find
Jupiterw s devotees well supported 5y natuTé; for:they

are generally tall and soldier— like, erect, and slightly

defiant or disdainful, with a tendency toWard ego—
tisrriWét—rg hand will confirm these

attributes; the soft or smooth type will tend to
_______.__----_
luxur .
The results of excess, or of absence entirely, of

this Mount can readily be gauged. PWe-

generate into arrogance, domination give place by i
M ,-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

74 practical Dalmtsttg

force to tyranny, the desire to shine to the lover of

ostentation. With this excess, and hard hands, we
W
find selfishness 1n enjoyment, a certain generosity,

but of a kind which seems calculated to bring 1n a
response of an advantageous kind, particularly if

the hands be White, or the pa alm narrow and the

 

fingers inclined to close into it.
The results of the absence of the Mount of Jupiter

are carelessness 1n religious duties, but even so they

raw,’

 

 

 

will be observed By_ s uare ed fingers, because appear—
ances demand their recognition! Selfishness, idle—

ness, and a sad want of‘ ‘”manners are signs Hlat

, _._..‘.‘

 

 

 

the Mount of Jupiter IS want1ng.MK desire to be

mm...__- ., _.__ .1“ ’ , 4». .__... N

king of the company, and a certain lack of dignity,

.. -M‘.-- ._..._._., . .,-._.

sometimes of self— -resp_ect, LEVldfint Hence the
persons who lack the Mount are liable to contract a

marriage rather warb‘en’eath them not T637713: sake of

money either, but because they have been mafie

WWWMMNM . N .__» ,

mu 1ch of 111 their sphere, and feel at home in slip-
pers! “w ’ ~*‘ A

“There is here also a tendency to idleness, and a
disregard for the feelings of others 1n want oi punc—

tualit, or in arran ements a ectlng ot parties.

such an one would not care if he kept people wait—
ing while his amusement or interests demanded it.
He would not inconvenience himself for any one
unless some advantage lay behind, or some object

 

 

Gmtognomg 75

demanded the temporary sacrifice. Irreli ion 1
another trait in theghandfisans u iter.

 

The MOUNT OF SATURN (12 ) is a very important
7 one, because here the fate of a person is developed,
and this melancholy Mount has power to alter our
apparent destinies; Saturn is a dissatisfying deity,
and has a perplexing, even a complicated, nature.
He seems to possess the secret of the curse pro—
nounced upon mankind after the fall. Possessing
him we may be fortunate, but in the sweat of our
brows we shall eat bread!

In excess we have with it a morbid horror of
death. “Dust thou art, unto dust thou shalt re—
turn,” rings in the ears of those who have Saturn’s
Mount large.

Even when absent, Saturn manages to alarm us
by fears, and yet a carelessness even when asso—
ciated with a fear of an impending, invisible evil
hanging over us, is noted. “I_—can’t—help-it” fee—
ing is manifested; but this is the very spirit of
melancholy, though it sounds resigned! Let it not
overtake you, 0 reader!

For observe: You will never—at any rate hardly
ever—find a true and high development of Saturp’s

hill, It may be well developed, but tending to
Apollo gthe third finger) or to IgpjterLalrehady ide—

 

 

76 practical palmtstrg

scribed. But in cases where it is truly developed,
a morbid tendency to melancholy, suicide, unrea-
sonable fears, and sadness, is to be found or

feared. A“

It is, however, a comforting reflection that the
Mount is g _59‘ _§e1dom W—a circumstance
which tends to confirm the fact that one’s own des-
tiny is greatly dependent upon one’s own conduct!
That this is true no one can deny, and in such meas—
ure as we accept or defy the evil tendencies, the
sooner they will approach or leave us.

Try the remedy, make an effort, and I think you
will find that, if the Mount do not rise, yQuL fate

line rising in the centre ofjhgeflpalm willkascend,

 

 

 

 

and, cutting into the place mherfiefljhe hill might be,

will bring you better feelings, and better “fate. A

\_.______“_______.-.- - - ~~~~——>

tim_id disposition will be recruitegdvbyjuccess, and

the character will be strengthened: The ground

(the soil) clings to the Saturnian. His tastes are
those of the tiller of the earth; even solitude in the

garden orgin the mine. Such people are not sen—
sitive to criticism, and prefer solitude. Yet a small
mount and a good line are indications of success:
pruWWEy will
such be otherwise favorable. The
position of the Mount, as regards those beside it,
will help to determine this.

 

Ghirognomg ' 77

We hope to deal with these developments later
on.

The MoUNT OF APOLLo (Q ), which lies at the
7 base of the third finger, indicates a sunny tempera—
ment and a grace of mind which reveal charming

__ a._____.—————————————-—~————-—'~
qualities. Here we find the beauty of cultivation,

n.“-

art, and literature, artistic tastesga charitable glis—

position. The truest and best qualities of our na-
ture lie in this Mount, with some of those failings
which are somehow almost inseparable from the

arlwwmes snessa. austaiE’t

0f,fick1€n_,_.__€ss anwd a S€£§i§i17fin§5§“whighuoften dis-

turbs a friendship—hence the changefulness.
But the good Mount of Apollo loves gland

beauty for Wes. Then the hand will
not be sensual, nor the body gross. The fingers

W

may be smooth with that charmin carelessness and

want of order which characterizes the devotee of
art,'Biiitwsuch—triiéfitistmetomthewpublic
—they desire to shine, it is true, but amid sympa—
thetic surroundings. The executive artist will pos-
sess conic, or useful, finger-tips, and fairly long
fingers.

In exgess the Mount leads us astray. We find

in it ex_a eration dis 1a extrava ancel luxury,

andibwfiulxonneit, which lovegjpgp‘ose and be

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘ 3-, Ara—.MW.- Hm _-A__ a

78 practical lDaImtstrg

in evidence. A sensual type of finger will accom—
pany this type; the fingers indicating activity and
ardor and little calculation. The hands will be soft,
and thepossessor Wan thiflimselfmmmi
portange, WEEK-i511 the time unstable, and full
of levity, love of money and dress, falsehood and
envy. Both hands should be consulted.

The total absence of any Mount of Apollo is to
be greatly deplored, particularly if Saturn be want—
ing, and there are no «lines on the sun’s place.
Want of the sun kills us in time, so want of the
Mount indicates an aimless, vegetative kind of ex—
istence, an insignificant life, and a taste for pleasure
not the highest !

Lines upon this Mount, as upon all the others,
have certain significations, which we shall consider
later in full; but even if it exist without lines, the
liking for, the appreciation of art will exist in the
soul, and even a desire, perhaps never to be realized,
for artistic production.

The sun then is good. Let it shine in your

palms.

The next mount is that of MW ) which,

as the name implies, endows us with quickness,

sm ness intelli ence, wit, invention, and such
spontaneous attrib ' nda titude for

 

 

dbtrognomg 79

business. These are all admirable, and to the list

we may add the power of expression,.elo_q_uence, or
writing facility, a lightness of bodland a guiclgness

of mind?

A These are all contained in Mercury, the lively
spirit, which desires change of scene, the intelli—
gence to appreciate it, and the eloquence to describe
it in true (if in imaginative) fashion, cleverly.

 

 

be estimated. The attributes are accentuated. The
great quickness and aptitude in business becomes

too great, the smartness becomes dishonesty; the

invention falsehood; the promptness to take advan—
tage descends to robbery, t‘eft‘ treacheryT The

self— deceiving fingers (turned back) excuse many

things, and the soft hands mean 1ndolence—-_a de—

W

sire to gain any how, to spend the gains luxuri-

ously, an un er certa1nc1rcumstances to enjoy very

lo ow pleasures. wmwmwww
The want of the Mount denotes failure in busi—
ness, a negative, aimless, existence. But the pos—

 

 

 

 

 

sessors o e mercur1a em era'rfient are well
'known. They are active in sports and good at
games, cards, etc. , betr a ss,

noLwitlisthding any airiness of manner. The in,
clinations are (in the normal mercurial hand) moral ;
they marry early in life, sometimes as a matter of

80 practical Dalmistrg

,

business, for “partnerships.’ The mercurial one
does not spare himself in business or sport, and
does his best in either direction.

The MOUNT OF MARS ( 8) rests underneath Mer-
cury, not far below, between it and the Mount of
the Moon. Some writers declare that there are two
Mounts of Mars, one beneath Jupiter, whose func-
tions are similar to those of Jupiter himself. For
my part, I believe that one Mount of Mars, only, is
developed in our palms, the other “boss” being only
an extension of Jupiter, rather made manifest by the
hollowness of the palm. But Jupiter and Mars to—
gether are successful—ambition devotion, and

o I %‘
courage a§SISMg..wch&ther.

In the Mount of Mars, as the name implies, we
\-—"‘—

expect to find true courageLphvsical and moral, and

 

, Le.--“ __ ..._.. V

a devoted bravery at times which places the soldier
on the pinnacle of fame, perhaps upon the lower
level of a public statue, or in a cathedral grave.
With Jupiter we can define the results, but even
without him the calm, cool courage of the man, the
resigned will, the resolution and self—respect, the‘
ease in obeying, when necessary; the capability to
command, if desired—all these combine to make the
hero, and the practical religion of the character.
Such a Mount must General Gordon have pos-

Gbirognomg 81

sessed ; a power of resistance, which is the central
stratum in the Mount of Mars, a true and devoted
courage.

The excess of Mars is not always bad—indeed, at
times, it may Wperceive.

For in the excess of courage and gratitude we have
much dash, a bravery even tpgflrashn‘emsws‘bbuLprob—
ablyksuccessTuIIWnE strength of ”(mind—Tin a “good”

fit.“

 

 

fl, __........———_-_.....‘.___ ”flaw—g,

haundz'

~Nevertheless, in a'hand whose lines are bad, and
whose finwruel, the excess of Mars is not_so
pleasant. The worse side of the strength and of the
spirit of command is seen as the tyrant and the
bHJWifiL aiBaSaiOnaiQJudge, Q1: £X?.§Hti0ner,
stand revealed. A man with this excessive devel—
opment in his “bad” ‘hand would be a Jeffreys, and
loving hanging for the sake of it———a “thirst for
blood.” The former type (above) is more of the
style of Nelson or Ney.

The absence of the Mount of Mars arguesfimidity

_ . MW...“—

of be nervousgl’gfiz,apiwalltbipresence of mind.
At times one may perceive a true cowardice in
this, but this is difficult to determine, because pride
under Jupiter may, and probably will, interfere and
prevent any display of cowardice, though presence
of mind and. nervous apprehension are quite likely

to appear in the same character. You will find the

 

82 practical Dalmistm

Mount of Jupiter partly developed in this case near
the base, low down, for the qualities of active cour-
age rise from the ambition and resolution of Jupi—
ter; the best qualities of the Virtue of courage
are on the Mount of Mars, proper, under Mer—
cury.

Sometimes the Mount of Mars is undeveloped in
the left handz and visible in the right. (This-may
also be the case with other Mounts.) In the in—
stance before me it is evident that the individual
whose left hand is lacking the Mount Lsnaturaily
nefY?Wfl3fiiMfEdevelopmentupon the
rightuhand indicates,tha_t_he_,p,ossesses some true

couri‘gtefif no extraordin r ' ‘fihuiithét he ismof a
re‘tiringmdiflspgsifition2 but__no_rcunawayt He is mor-
ally bravema'nd really “plucky” in emergencies, but
shrinks from putting himself forward. Where he
chooses to assert himself he leads.1 _
At a certain club dinner I had the opportunity to
study unnoticed a few hands in the ante—room, and
should name Sir Evelyn Wood, V. C., whose hand

in Mars is well developed, and Dr. Conan Doyle,

 

 

 

 

1 This diagnosis is acknowledged, by the person referred
to, to be accurate. But he adds, “I don’t often lead:
don’t like the responsibility!”

Gbirognomg 83

who is plucky, but retiring. I trust these distin-
guished gentlemen will pardon my mentioning their
names.

Passing now from Mars the Warrior we reach,
by a gentle descent, the base Of the MOUNT OF
LUNA ( D ), or, in general parlance, the MOUNT OF
THE MOON.

This is situated Opposite Venus, vis-a-vis, and
both are frequently developed in the same hands.
The Moon brings with it romance and imagination,

the poetic instinct, the observation "Of" aging, study
ofthefiéaihsnadmirqtion Of beautiful scenery, and
Of all nature’s beauties. There is here also a lpve of
th’eieg rlggfllwexmr sailing, because it maynot
‘agfééziblltif not, th€,§§asid£_£.efiainly_ha&its.attrac—

tion L the waveswthecistorm, and, the.-. moonlight.

 

Sentimentalit will also be present with a high

MW, but imagination, voyaging, and
feeling are in the domain Of the Moon.

Absence Of this Mount argues the want of these
attributes. There is little sympathy, and no “allow-
ance” made by the Moon—less man! The gush,
even the pleasant, if notinvariably sincere sympathy
is wanting, and the person thus unendowed may be
perfectly just, but he is “hard.” He cannot, save
with much difficulty, put himself in your place, so

84 practical Dalmisttg

his decisions will be business—like, or bigoted, as his
“lines” may declare. '

On the other hand—either hand—the excess. of
the Moon is a misfortune It makes one dull and
mm yinotc counteracted by other sicrns. It

makes us Wg. It irritates us
through our We, through
our thin skin, and depresses us by our anticipation
of things which do not occur. We are capricious,
inconstant as the changing moon; dissatisfied with
ourselves and superstitious down to Whe
sentimentWed
and the mind 15 weakened by other influences giving
us too strong a mixture of the Moon.

Thus the Mounts must be studied. Once the stu—
dent has grasped the meanings of the Mounts—
which are named after certain “deities” whose sup—
posed characteristics are indicated by the qualities
actually to be found in the hand—he must connect
them with the presence or absence of other Mounts
which will confirm or mitigate the influence sug—
gested.

In this manner the malign influence of Saturn
may be set at naught by the cheerfulness of Mer—
cury, the courage and resignation of Mars, or the
love of Venus. Jupiter and Venus are good if to-
gether. The Moon and Venus give romantic tem-

 

 

 

 

cbtrognomg 85

peraments and some beauty of form and features.
Mars and Venus jealousy, passion, love; Apollo and

Venus brilliancy, fascination, charm, and so on.

But, according to the older accepted theories——
and for these I am unable to vouch, although as—
trology confirms them—the excess of the Mounts
indicates some ill-effects of the parts of the body
governed by the planets respectively. Venus and
the Moon are rulers over the lower parts of the
body, while Jupiter covers head and lungs, Mars,
the head and throat, the Sun, the heart and eyes and
arms, Mercury, the liver and lower limbs. There—
fore, a subject of Mars may have to fear illnesses af—
fecting the throat and head, such as scarlet fever,
neuralgia, headaches, diphtheria.

’ . But supposing that Mars were allied with Mer—
cury In this case indigestion and rheumatism
would probably have to be dreaded—the lines of the
hands being consulted for confirmation. So 1n the
life ofa person ruled by Mars and Mercury illnesses
would arise, but if Jupiter came up, his power would
perhaps interfere to save the subject from early
death.

Let us continue this argument, which some little
experience, tends to confirm. Suppose that, in ad-
dition to Mercury and Mars, Venus is represented ~

strongly upon the hand. We have then strong pas~

3&1

86 practical Dalmistrg

sions, and with all our cheerfulness and courage
may suffer from their indulgence. With a highly
developed Mount of the Moon, such indulgence
will cause remorse, fears of punishment, detection,
and make us depressed and melancholy in anticipa—
tion. Saturn governs the spleen, and will make us
irritable. So just think of the miserable plight of
the man, who, without Mars or Jupiter, is devoted
to Venus, Moon, and Mercury! A sensualist with-
out balance or courage.

He is a sensualist, one who will stop at no ruse
to obtain his ends, and if Mars be added, he will dis-
play talent and courage in his dissipations and
amusements worthy of a better cause. He will dare
anything at the time to gain his ends, and regret it
afterwards, particularly if the Moon be very high,
the head-line sloping to it, and forked. But fears
will disappear as Venus rises again above the hori—
zon of his mind, and the same round, and remorse,
supervene.

11

OTHER ASPECTS OF THE PALM

The Plain of Mars is in the centre of the palm,
and occupies a portion of the hollow of the hand;
and if this hollow be deeper than ordinary, it is a

 

thrognomg 87

sure indication that much success will not attend the
well—meant efforts of the individual whose palms
show this formation. He may have luck, and his
perseverance and ability may give him a certain
amount of success, but it will be checked and
chequered. If only the left hand be hollowed, the
chances of success are much improved.

The Plain of Mars lies in this hollow, just beyond
the Mount of Mars, and in its higher development
possesses some of the attributes of the latter, a
daring perseverance, a pushing temperament, rather
an aggressive one; but if low, the subject in whose
palm it dips is of a quiet, peacefully—minded disposi-
tion, objecting to strife, and quarrel; but if Mars be
developed the temper will be quick, and tend to
“fighting” when aroused. A very hollow hand is
almost certainly indicative of a lost life—a non—suc-
cess—no position in the profession chosen.

The line of Head (A), as will be seen and ex-
plained later, crosses the Plain of Mars, indicative of
the life—struggle we are continually waging, while
our Line of Fate—sometimes even the Heart Line,
dips toward the Plain—also traverses it, and so our
whole existence lies upon the plain at one time.
When the lines have escaped orcrossed the Plain
of Mars, the life and experiences of the individuals
are usually fixed by custom and habit.

 

88 practical palmistm

The Palm of the Hand, like the fingers, has been
divided into three worlds or zones, in which the
upper portion is the “divine” part, the centre the
natural, or reasonable; the lowest part the material,
or sensual, portion. The space between the Heart
Line and the bases of the fingers includes the intui-
tive portion; the remaining zones may vary in their
extent. The soft fat hand tells its own tale, ma-
terialism.

There are spaces traced upon the Palm, bounded
by the lines, common to all hands. These spaces
are termed the Quadrangle and the Triangle; the
former between the two upper lines, the latter in the
Plain of Mars already located.

All the other characteristics of the hand, the lines,
crosses, circles, branches, and so on, will be fully
dealt with in Part II, under the heading of Chiro-
mancy, as this first portion is Chirognomy, the
whole science being Chirosophy.

The Palm is susceptible of other nomenclature,
and it has been divided into the “male” and “female”
portions, the male being indicated by the upper and
harder, the female by the softer and more sensuous
lower part. Or, again, the north and south are re-
spectively measured.

To detail these we may refer to the constituent
parts. The upper male or northern part possesses

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thrognomg 91

industry, art, and strength, in Mercury, Apollo, and
Jupiter. Far be it from the present writer to in—
sinuate—much less maintain—that industry, art,
and power do not rest also in the Female Line. We
see the results every day to the contrary, but this
is the old reading which distinguishes the occupa-
tions of the man in the world from those of the
woman; or those feminine attributes as distin-
guished from the hardy occupations of the man.
' Nowadays, the comparison is not needed, nor would
it hold, because the “womanly” hand is assimilating
to the “manly” in many respects as ladies advance
into the domain of the athlete; the cricketer, the
golfer, the cycler, and the hockey or foot—ball player.

The north and south is a better comparison, as
the northerner is hardier, less sensuous, less indo—
lent than the southerner, the worker and the dilet—
tante respectively. Climate, of course, influences
them, but the same characteristics remain. Nature
insists.‘

There is not much more necessary for me to say
concerning the fingers and mounts on the palm, as
palm. We now turn to the more interesting side of
our subject, the lines of the hand—CHIROMANCY.

PAR' I' h
CHIROMANCY

CHAPTER I

THE LINES OF THE PALM OF THE HAND

LEAVING now the hand, with its general indica—
tions of heat and coldness, hardness, softness, flexi-
bility, and the outlines of the fingers, let us come to
the Lines of the Palm—the trunk—lines upon which
the wheels of our existence turn.

There are individuals who declare that all the
lines in our palms are simply creases, and that it is
’absurd to pretend to read anything in the palms of
the hands. While admitting that the four—some—
times five—main lines may be the natural creases in
the hands of the new—born infant, we deny the ex—
istence of any other distinct markings. I was re—
quested to examine the hand of an infant five weeks
old, and upon its palm the four main lines were plain

and clear, but no other lines were visible.
92

V abiromancg 93

So the “creases” are the natural lines. Granted.
What then?

“Oh,” exclaims our interlocutor, “you confess
it!”

“Yes, certainly,” we reply. ,_

“Then your pretended science is all nonsense!
Every one possesses these lines; they are all the
same! Therefore your attempt to read differences
in them is absurd!”

This was triumphantly expressed to me some
time ago, and to my opponent’s surprise I agreed
with him.

“Quite true so far, assuming that you are cor—
rect!”

“I am correct!” he replied. “Certain!”

“Indeed! Then kindly open your hands, look at
your palms, look at mine. Are they alike?”

“There are the same lines, I tell you!”

“Yes ; but we have both a pair of eyes and of ears ;
they are not alike! Our mouths, our noses, fore-
heads, feet, are not similar! Nor are our hands!
Look again.” He looked, studied the four palms,
and confessed that they differed. The lines were
there, but their directions and their appearances

differed. ,
“Look at your own hands,” I continued. “They

differ, too.”

94 practical Dalmtstm

“Yes, they do,” he confessed. “They are not
precisely alike. Some lines are stronger in one than
in the other. I never thought of this before!"

There is the case in a few sentences. This is only
a sample of many such conversations. People do
not think—they assume, and leap to conclusions in
ignorance!

My friend Was pleased, but puzzled, half sceptical.
He could not understand it. Why are the lines
there? That I cannot explain. The hands are
folded so by nature, and the folding gives the crease.
The doubling of the hand to make the fist creates
the lines, perhaps. There they are. Care, age,
worry, illness, temporary or lengthened, pain, sor-
row, laughter, tears, all human emotions, are at
times marked upon the face and brow. The ha—
bitual emotion leaves its traces, which are indelible.
The nerve—force may contract or expand the under
surface, and cause lines or crow’s feet or furrows
even in the face! The same force furrows, “crow’s-
feet,” or lines our palms. Why? I cannot say, un—
less it is for our warning, for our learning.

To recognize physiognomy, and to condemn Pal—
mistry, is unfair and bigoted. We judge habitually
by features and faces, and pride ourselves upon our
perception of the character thus read! But if one
tells us the same character by the hands, the ignor—

 

thromancg 95

ant and prejudiced ones say it is fortune-telling! A
magistrate the other day told a prisoner solemnly
that if he persisted in his (then) career he would
end by penal servitude, in long periods, too, and
maybe die by the rope! No doubt the judge ar—
gued from the man’s face and his record. Well, was
not that fortune—telling? And he'was paid for sit-
ting on the bench and for his utterances thereon!
Why was he not condemned to a fine or to “a
' month” for the misdemeanor—~for accepting money
for prophecy? The honest Palmist says no more
than the magistrate. Yet the former is condemned
as a charlatan. We say this is unfair. No one has
proved Palmistry to be in error to any serious ex—
tent. We cannot say the same for the law!

But we have run off the lines, and must come
back from this siding to pick up our cases. There
are four or five lines to be considered. These are
called:

(I) The Heart Line or Mensal.

(2) The Head Line or Cerebral.

(3) The Life Line or Vital.

(4) The Fate Line or Saturnian

(5) The Liver Line or Line of Health.

There are also the Line of Apollo or Art, the
Girdle of Venus, the Quadrangle, Triangles, Line
of Dissipation, the Rascettes or Bracelets, the Line

96 practical Dalmtstrg

of Luna, and Marriage Lines. Of these we may
class the Line of Apollo next in importance to the
first five mentioned, which we possess by the gift of
our nature or by reason of our place in creation.

We shall consider all these lines separately, and
as fully as possible in relation to each other and to
other significations.

From the previous diagram (Plate 9) the position

, and the general direction of the chief lines can be
understood. Just compare the drawing with your
own hand ; the lines vary in direction, remember.

The upper (direct) line is the HEART LINE,
marked A. A.

The next below it is the HEAD LINE, marked
B. B.

The line around the thumb is the LIFE LINE,
marked C. C.

The line up the centre of the hand is the FATE
LINE, D. D.

The line sideways across the palm is the LIVER
\LINE, E. E.

The line of Apollo is beneath the third finger,
F. F.

The Girdle of Venus lies beneath the second and
third fingers, G. G.

The Quadrangle is the space between the Heart
and Head Lines.

chiromancp 97

The Triangles are those between the chief 11nes.
The GRAND TRIANGLE mostly mentioned is that-
formed by the Lines of Life, Head, and Liver in
the centre of the palm.

The RASCETTES encircle the Wrists, H. H.

THE LINE OF THE MOON (Luna) is not often in
evidence. It may be traced from Luna towards
Mercury, A. B. E.

The MARRIAGE LINES are upon the outside edge
of the Hand, beneath the little finger, horizontally.

Each of these lines and combinations has various
significations, and their relationships are more
numerous than German cousins. They all affect
each other, adding, substracting, multiplying, and
dividing among themselves the tendencies and in—
fluences in proportion to their positions respectively.
So it is of little use practically to tell a person that
‘ his life is menaced. We must try to find the date
and the cause, and to verify the prediction by a
reference to the other hand, ere we pronounce an
opinion. Then the patient, duly warned, takes care
i to avoid the danger. If he think to do so he will
probably escape, and the signs of evil will disappear.

When describing the lines in detail I will men-
tion cases which have occurred in my own experi—
ence at times. We will now commence with the

Heart Line.

98 practical Dalmtstrp

THE HEART LINE (A. A.)

This important line carries in its course many
secrets, which it naturally shares with the Life and
Head Lines. The course of the Line of Heart is
across the upper part of the hand, from near the
Mount of Jupiter to the edge or percussion of the
hand. (See diagram, Plate 9.)

In appearance it should be well colored, strongly
marked, and narrow—not broken up nor rayed.
Sometimes the line seems to rise or to disappear be-
tween Saturn and Jupiter. This, while indicating
passionate affection, is a warning that hard work
will have to be done in life ere the heart’s desires are
accomplished.

The appearance and continuity of the Heart Line
are very important factors in ‘our lives. If it be deep
and clear and narrow, the affections may be said to
be strong and firm—a prognostic of happiness. A
long line is good, but it need not exceed the limits
above laid down. Else jealous, even envious, feel~
ings ensue, particularly if Venus be strong and the
head imaginative. (See “Luna.”)

The short line,without assistance means a rather
cold nature, not heartless.

On this line one may read many curious things.
The state of the physical heart—also the ideal——

Gbiromancy 99

may be seen. The number of attachments and dis-
appointments in the affections and their relative
strength may be noted by the expert. The friendly
or love attachments, if successful and pleasing, rise
upwards from the Line of Heart, and indicate one
who is well liked—a favorite with all, and, perhaps,
mostly with the opposite sex. The same indica—
tions are less frequently seen in the female hand,
and in the right hand generally, because that hand
is the “active” one, so to speak, and displays our
deeds, the left hand indicating merely the tenden-
cies.

The chained Line of Heart points to inconstancy
in our affections, and when underlined in bands
some very absorbing passion. He who looks may
read and discover the flirting tendencies of the
owner of such a hand, sometimes more than a mere
flirting tendency, particularly if the line be redder
than ordinary. In this lies strength of passion, and
with the rayed Mount of Venus, and also Imagina‘=
tion (in Luna), one may safely pronounce the sub—
ject a general lover, unless the will and pride be
strong.

There are often indentations upon the Heart Line
which I have found indicate a weakness—not by any
means necessarily disease—of the heart. I have di-
agnosed these marks in several cases when not deep,

100 practical Dalmismz

and have advised care, not much Violent exercise;
running up and down stairs should be avoided.

On one occasion a lady who was fearful of some
serious heart affection, physically, asked me my
opinion concerning this mark. I told her that her
heartxwas affected slightly, not by disease, but most
probably by the un-
romantic indi—
gestion, and she
need fear no real ill.
She was, however,
unsatisfied, and cons-
sulted a physician,
w h o , as she after-
wards informed me,
confirmed my ver—
dict in almost the
same terms which I
had used, and her
fears were then al-
_ layed.

Fig- I This mark is red,
with this sort of indentation on the line almost like
an impression of a blunted point of a pencil. A
break will denote weakness in the heart, and many

breaks mean worries in the affections, and weakness
arising therefrom.

 

Gbiromancg 101

The absence of a Heart Line shows selfishness,
great economy, and a want of true sympathy. I
have known a case of this kind. In the individual,
now dead, the absence of the Heart Line was re-
marked by himself to me, on one hand—the right.
The left hand was
almost normal, but
the line in question
rose late in the
hand. This ab~
sence of the line in
the right hand
(Fig. 1) indicated a
hard taskmaster, an
economical disposi—
tion, a rather mean
character; and in
this suspicion I was
afterwards person-
ally confirmed. A
scent of treachery
hangs about such
an individual, who will sacrifice his acquaintance
to save himself.

The hands of this person predicted a somewhat
sudden failure of health. The Life Line (Fig. 2,
c. c.) and the Heart Line (Fig 2, a. a.) were not long

 

Fig. 2

102 practical {Dalmistrg

where they appeared together. The Head Linc
(Fig. I, a. a.) in the right hand stretched stiffly
across the right palm. The person’s head ruled
him; he had little feeling in action, yet his intimates
in his home and in society found him pleasant and
chatty. Where his earthly interests were not con—
cerned he could be very cheerful and even obliging,
but where he saw his way to a bargain or a profit,
no one was less sympathetic and, in money matters,
more economical.

Sometimes the Heart Line goes up to Jupiter and
separates. This is a sign of gratified ambition——
the nearer to Jupiter the better luck. Lines rising
clear from the Heart Line are friendships, but if the
line emerge between Jupiter and Saturn unforked,
the possessor of such a line may make up his mind
to work hard for his living (Fig. 2, a. a.), and with-
out any very great success, unless the Line of
Apollo assist him; and if the Heart Line end in
Jupiter the expectations will be even less favor—
able.

A line withoutbranches—I have never seen one—
would indicate a loveless, almost unregarded life.
In such a case the Head Line would be strong. No
Heart Line in either hand is a very bad sign, and if
the line exist without break at the percussion—
under the little finger—the chances are that when

obtromancg 103

the person marries he will have no family. This is '
true also of the female hand.

White marks upon the Line of Heart denote
“conquests in the lists of love.” I have seen such;
but in some cases of the sterner sex, whose hands
one would think would have displayed such dots——
if report and some little experience count for any—
thing—there were few dots or specksi The line
is cut and separated, certainly; passion is indicated,
but the “dots” are very faint in those cases where
there are any at all. So one can only suppose that
actual love had little todo with such people’s re—
gard. In some other hands there are a few white
specks beneath the line, not on it. I have seen red
points in the Heart Line, and consider them as
trials and heart worries concerning the affections,
if not physical disease.

When the line actually breaks under a certain
Mount, the cause of the disappointment and trouble
arises from circumstances connected with the sig—
nificatiOn of the finger. I have noticed two such
divisions in the same hands, in both hands of the
same person. One break occurs rather early in life
beneath the finger of Saturn (Fig. 3, 1—1), and falls
in the direction of the Head Line, drops a root over
it to the Life Line. - The other break (Fig. 3, 2—2)
occurs, some time after, just under the line of the

.
LV‘ ‘
m I

’ ‘4 1w».‘ ~.—. , /__ AAH

104 practical Dalmtsttg

side of the third finger (towards the thumb side).
This break sends a well—marked line to the head,
crosses it into the Life Line, and crossing it unites
with another line which has been running parallel
with the Life Line. See the annexed diagram
(Fig- 3)-

The explanation is
not difficult, and is
true so far as I pur-
sued it. The lines
have become rather
faint, yet they are
plainly visible by
means of a pince-nez.
But the line of the
h e a r t is somewhat
pale, and I would ad—
vise the individual,
whose welfare I de
sire, not to over-exert
himself in the future.

Fig-3 He will find his
breath fail him if he attempts much Violent exer-
cise. Let him accept the warning, and rest when
he reads this in type.

The explanation of the diagram is simple enough.
The lines mentioned are actual lines drawn from a

 

cbttomancg 105

living model and simply reproduced. The Mount
of Venus in the hand is well developed, and the gen-
eral aspect of it is sentiment, imagination, poetic
instinct, and orderliness, with square fingers, gently
rounded: a mixed type. The breaks indicate
broken engagements which worried the individual
very much, and the latter certainly interfered, for a
While, with his career. The parallel line referred to
at once ceased, and the lady represented by it
dropped out of his life. She was cut off, as it were,
by the line from the heart, which still reveals the
break that occurred thirty years ago. But although
the scar remains, the wound has apparently healed,
because the person married subsequently, and a
cross upon Jupiter denotes a fairly prosperous and
happy alliance. I add the cross (Fig. 3, 3) to the
diagram in proof of this statement, as it exists upon
the hand.

Now, the cause of these “wounds” of the Heart
would appear to have been fatality and foolishness.
The former out under the finger of Saturn, or nearly
so, indicates that fate was adverse to the engage—
ment, that circumstances over which the young man
had no control interfered to break the engagement
he had entered into. Was this so? He and the
young lady were willing to be engaged, but some fa‘
tality interposed! This was a correct deduction.

106 practical Dalmtstm

The reason why the intimacy was broken off was
because a relative of the young man interfered,
having discovered that the young lady—a hand-
some, charming girl—had not been born in wed-
lock, though her parents married afterwards. This
revelation naturally aroused some bad feeling in the
breasts of parents and guardians, and the young
people were separated on the plea of “want of
means.” The young. man did not learn the whole
truth till later, till too late to mend matters by matri—
mony. Saturn’s fatality!

The second break occurs nearly under the third
finger, and some folly is hereby suggested. It
seems to me that this was less an affair of the true
heart than the former—a fancy, a passion, which
took possession and died hard. The influence
lasted some time. I ventured to think that the en—
gagement terminated suddenly, unexpectedly, in
consequence of some foolish misunderstanding or
folly, and, as the influence ceases suddenly in the
line accompanying the Life Line, I came to the con—
clusion that the fault lay on the lady’s side.

Why? Because the young man was hard hit—
very hard indeed, and he, if permitted by his self-
respect, would, I thought, have been reconciled.
The influence suddenly ceasing, she must have
withdrawn from him, and, by some silly act, some

Gbiromancg , 107

perhaps calculated offense, broken the engagement.
The man is sensitive, careful of appearances, so his
hand declares. He therefore would resist anything
likely to wound his love or his self—respect, or to
make him an object of sympathy in the eyes of
others! This deduction was to me a likely one.
He was too proud to re—cement the break.

The facts were these: After a three years’ engage-
ment the young lady flirted “furiously,” and so re-
markably, with a married man, that her brother in—

terfered. She laughed at him, and at her fiancé’s

remonstances. The lover thus defied and advised,
resigned her! They parted at once, for always, and
she subsequently eloped with a third party, not
without one effort to see her old lover, which he
repulsed. This attachment was, while it lasted, my
informant says, “of a very warm character indeed.”

Thus the pride—really self—respect—which the
young man entertained prevented any reconcilia-
tion, and perhaps served to goad the lady into a

, course which she was subsequently to regret. A

sprightly, very fascinating girl may not have
thought that any serious rupture would ensue from
her frivolity. A hasty decision was as hurriedly
acted upon, and the parting came !

When a tendency to weakness of the heart is sus-
pected, the cause should be sought in other lines—

108 practical Dalmtstrg

such as the Life Line (around the ball of the thumb)
or the Head Line. This will occur to every one as
a necessity, because the marks on the Heart Line
may be mistaken.

The Heart Line should not descend to the head
much, nor should the latter rise to the heart. But
sometimes this is the case even in both hands, and
such cases are not good. If the inclination appear
only in the left hand things will be better.

If the Heart Line descends on the left hand to the
head much, it indicates a tinge of selfishness in the
character, the feelings being attracted, but not easily
moved. There is a certain hardness of heart, unless
the senses are influenced. Whether this will be the
case in practice the right hand will prove. If the
same formation be found there the “heart” will mili—
tate against one’s interests; inclination will be per-
mitted to interfere with duty, and all the more so if
the Head Line tend up to the heart, rising to narrow
the space of the Quadrangle. This is a sign of the
subjection of reason to feeling and'passion and “in—
clination.” (See “Head Line") But a regular dip
in the Heart Line is bad; for then palpitations, evil
instincts, hypocrisy, finesse, duplicity in love affairs,
and sometimes a stinginess in expenditure, are
shadowed. The general tenor of the hand will con~
firm or mitigate these tendencies, and if the dip do

chiromancg 109

not continue, the struggle against such bad instincts
will be successful. But the dip is a weakness!

The rising Line of the Head in such a hand would
be a militant sign, though arguing a yielding mind
and an unsuccessful struggle. Such a hand is not
that of a man of business, not that of a person al—
ways careful of his own interests. He permits him-
self to be swayed by his feelings; is over—reached in
a bargain; irresolute, yielding, timid; wants de—
_ cision, in fact.

A large thumb may mitigate the evil tendencies.
The will and reason may check the weakness, but
if the phalange of logic (second joint of thumb) be
weak, impulse will “carry off the palm,” and things
will slide into failure.

When the Heart, Head, and Life Lines are all
united at or near the commencement, that is, be—
neath the index fingers in both hands, there is real
danger of early death or death by violence. Any
touching of the Heart and Head Lines is ominous,
, and if the form is confirmed by both palms the warn-
ing is serious.

The pallor of the Heart Line means a want of
power. The constitution desires rest. Excess is,
maybe, predicated or pronounced. The material
nature of the affections can be seen in the Mount
of Venus and in the excessive length of the Heart

110 practical palmisttg

Line over the percussion of the hand, its split—up
appearance, the “grilled” Mount of Venus, etc., etc.
The pale, broad line is typical of unrelegated pas-
sions, and at any rate of weakness. The other
signs will confirm this.

The Heart Line, as will be perceived, is an im-
portant one. It registers many things against us,
and the writing is indelible! The tendencies, acts,
and failures of our system are thereupon written or
inscribed in signs which the initiated can read.
People may, and do, deny the statements made, not
because they are false, but because they are ashamed
to confess the truth! I have seen lines upon the
hands of ladies to which I could not even refer—in
two instances, certainly. No one but a palmist
would have ventured to imagine the truth, much
less hint at it. But the record is there, or was there
a few years ago, though I must not reveal the signs.
My suspicions were confirmed'by the manner in
which certain questions were answered, and the
abrupt cessation of the delineation. Of the truth of
the suspicion I am personally certain, though the
lines only cut the Heart Line.

People without the Heart Line do not commonly
live to old age. The only case I knew died at the
age of fifty—two. (See ante.)

gear .3 '

thromancp 111

THE HEAD LINE (B. B.)

This is another of the important lines in the
palm, and we can obtain a great deal of information
from it.

The Head Line lies beneath the Heart Line, and
should extend across the palm from beneath, not
from the base of Jupiter, about midway between the

first finger and the thumb. (See Plate 9.)

The Head Line should be united with the Life
Line (see the diagram) for a while, separate itself,
proceeding in a somewhat sloping direction to the
opposite side of the hand, falling to the Mount of
the Moon perhaps, or rising to Mercury, or con—
tinuing in a hard and fast line across the hand.

The last is a sign of over calculation, of one who
refers all things to his head, and is economical in
tendency. This line, strongly barring the palm, be-
trays a man who desires his “pound of flesh,” who
will haggle for the cheapest article, but who desires

' to possess it nevertheless. In the absence of a

Heart Line (q. v.) this is not a nice Head Line; but
it brings success of a kind by hardness and

economy.

If the line be even, long, not broken up, and clear,

the judgment will. be good, the head sound, the

sense strong, good intellectual qualities are implied.

112 practical Dalmtsttp

The broken, descending, pale line indicates weak-
ness, headache, an unfixity of ideas, and irresolu-
tion.

When the Line of Head (Fig. 4, a. a.), is early
separated from the Line of Life, the individual dis-
playing this form has
had much self-confi—
dence, is confident,
and, in extreme cases,
conceited. This for-
mation is “success—
ful,” and the little
conceit, the belief in
one’s self, which is
developed, e n a b l e s
the possessor of such
lines to smile at criti-
cism, and despise it.
He is not “thin-
skinned.” A power-
ful thumb with this

Fig- 4 line denotes ambition,
and the will to gain success. In a weak hand it may
mean simply impudence and pushing, but it indi;
cates rapid decision—sometimes entirely wrong;
and much self-trust and confidence in any hand,
giving one the grip which is often half-way to suc—

 

chiromancg 113

cess, and reaching Heaven by storm (refer also to
Figs. 3 and I).

When the line is united with the Life Line it sug—
gests a certain amount of shyness and timidity in
the person under inspection. This shyness in
youth is marked, and
though the natural
f or c e of character
may have helped the
man out of the slough
of diffidence, the shy—
ness remains conceal~
ed frequently under

the abrupt, quick
manner, or the sheer

“cheek” of the young
man, who is bold be-
cause conscious of his
shyness.

“You’re right,” said
' a popular novelist to
me one evening. “I Fig'5
am dreadfully shy, really; but people won’t believe
it!”

His manner is confident enough, and certainly
no one who had not some insight into his na—
ture would give him credit for shyness. But his

 

114 , practical Dalmtstrg

Life and Head Lines touch, and keep together
a while. .

An excess of this formation (Fig. 5, a. a.) which I
saw the other day in a very youthful hand, is bad for
the development of the intellect. The life is not
sufficiently independent, the individual will require
“bringing out,” and gentle treatment; perhaps his
brain will be sluggish, and his education tardy, or,
with some yet unseen signs, too rapid a brain. On
the whole I am inclined to think the long—joined
Head and Life Lines, the sign of a timid, early, un—
developed nature, possibly eccentric in idea, and
clever. But the hand generally must be seen, as
this signification is not inseparable from others. A
want of application is often noticed in this kind of
hand, if the lines cross at the junction early; and
the separation, with white marks, points to delicacy
in the eyes in youth, and if early united, and split
under Saturn, headaches later.

A long line of Head (with a rayed hand) indicates
thought, and such development will probably en—
able the possessor to be cool and ready in action;
the head giving substance to the ideas suggested by
the numerous rays in the palm.

When the Head Line is entirely separated from
the Life Line, there is a tendency to carelessness of
self, and this trait, with a good Mount of Mars, will,

 

Gbiromancg 115

if the Head Line be also good, bring dashing‘
bravery into the character—-a bravery tending to
rashness. The Life should be connected with the
Head, else the care for existence is minimized. If
the Head Line be short and weak, and also separ-

ated, as above (Fig. 4), we find jealousy as well as

carelessness, a feeble finesse.

Of course if the Head Line is strong, with such a
separation the confidence will be great and the au— '
dacity marked, and if it be long the manner will be
decided, rather brusque, careless of others’ feelings,
for the individual will “blurt out” what he thinks,
regardless of the person to whom he is speaking.
This is a half—bullying manner, a rough address, and
a “hectoring” disposition; not intending to wound,
but, from want of tact, wounding!

'The descending Head Line should also be noted.
The line often curves downward and falls into the
Mount of the Moon, ending in a fork also at times.

Now the descending Head Line (Fig. 6, a. a.) is

v imaginative, and in many ways not practical in life.

Idealism, and an “amateur” way of regarding busi—
ness, are frequent characteristics of this sloping line.
There is a poetic way of taking life: a chance,
“happy-go—lucky,” playing at responsibility'sort of
mind associated with this sloping Head Line, which
Will also bring its punishment in depression of

116 practical Dalmtstrg

spirits, forecasts of imaginative worries, and some~
times actual folly!

But this kind of Head Line is literary and poetic.
If the Moon’s Mount be large, and Venus present,
we may conclude that romance and sentiment exist,
and if the little finger be also rather thick at top-
joint literature will be followed—at any rate, the
capacity for writing exists ; the line of Apollo (q. V.)
will show the result or probable results, and the
white spots upon the Head Line the achieved suc-
cesses.

It is a fact that white specks under or in the Head
Line indicate literary success at times, or “suc‘
cesses,” as has been said. Rays from the Moon
will enlighten us in arriving at this decision, as rays
intensify the properties of the Mount, and the fork—
ing Head Line will give power of description, a
talent for picturesque embellishments—which is ex~
tremely useful in literature, or in conversation. It
does not amount to downright lying by any means.
It merely—in a good hand—amounts to the faculty
which was possessed by the youth who used his eyes
and gave a tinted description of his walk.

Thus the forking Head Line, an “equal” fork
(Fig. 6, a. b.) is by no means a bad sign. But if the
upper prong seek Mercury (Fig. 6, a. c.) and the
lower one sink down, the imagination will give too

. and “diplomacy.”

.thus afflicted

dbiromancg 117

much exaggeration, and deceit will be practiced,
more surely if the Heart Line dip near to the Head
Line also. Finesse will become hypocrisy in such
a case, and, with a cross—rayed Mercury, may ex~
tend into a habit of dishonesty and fraud.

’ But the simple
fork in a good
hand is not a draw-
back. It gives tact

A very fiar de—
scending H e a d
Line (Fig. 6, a. d.)
with a break in it,
or ending in a star
in company with a
chained H e a r t
Line, is a bad por-
tent. The person

 

should be carefully
watched, as he may
require attendance—he will go “off his head” a
little, and the mind will be affected if the Head
Line be broken; memory will fail, and doctors will
pronounce “paralysis” imminent. But it will not
affect the limbs much ; the head is threatened.

Fig. 6

118 practical palmtsttg

When speaking of paralysis one is apt to think
only of the loss of the use of one’s limbs, and in one
instance, which occurred three years ago, the wife
of a neighbor of ours was extremely anxious con-
cerning her husband, who was to all ordinary ob-
servers perfectly well, though worried in business.
The lady begged me to look at her husband’s palms
and tell her if any serious illness were likely to

supervene.
I took an opportunity to do so, and told her that

no serious illness menaced him.
“Then you do not think he will be paralyzed?”

she said. »
“Certainly not,” I replied. “His Head Line is

weak, and he may require attention in consequence;
he may, later on, be affected in the head, but no
paralysis is visible.”

“1 am very thankful to believe it, because the doc-
tor told me that my husband may be paralyzed if he
continues to work and worry.”

“He may go a little ‘off his head,’ ” I replied.
“He is nervous and irritable, but no paralysis!”

The gentleman retired from business some six
months after; and, later, symptoms of brain trouble
began. He became more childish, developed re—
ligious mania, but his bodily health is excellent.
He walks, sails, drives, and enjoys life even yet. No

thromancg 119

“paralysis,” as we understand it, has appeared, un-
less the lapse of brain—power which the hand dis«
played is classed as such by doctors. My friend
certainly is suffering from mania of a harmless kind
-—a failure of mental power—which was shown in
the hand three years
ago, but of bodily in—
capacity at this date
there is none. His
memory fails more
and more, but he is
perfectly quiet and
gentle, not “mad” nor
“idiotic,” but requires
constant watching, of
course. The bnain is
“softening.” .

A broken H e a (1
Line (Fig. 7, a. a.)
means a want of fixity
in ideas, and if it turn
V up a branch to jupiter
(b. b.) thesubject will be easily wounded in his self-
esteem. His pride is sensitive.

If the branches tend to Saturn (c. c.) we may
expect some legacy, or success which brings money.
So to Mercury (d. e.) the branches point to success

 
  
   

Fig. 7

120 practical Dalmistrg

in commerce, to Apollo (d. (1.) success in art, or if
these do not amount to much actual gain, they will
indicate the tendency of the mind, the direction of
the thoughts—so it is quite possible for a man to
have lines in Apollo and Mercury, for example. He
may be of artistic temperament, even an artist of
some kind, and yet study the share lists and his in-
vestments.

Wounds or accidents to the head are indicated by
red points, or breaks, according to their severity,
but I have not seen any very serious accidents fore-
shadowed.

One fall I did foresee, and cautioned the officer
against it. It was at Dorchester when Major W.,
sceptical, challenged the Chiromancer, who, having
told hllll of certain truths, warned him that at “about
forty” he would have a fall, and it would be con—
nected with his duty. He is in the Royal Artillery.

“It would be an accident in practice, but a tumble
of some kind, probably from a horse, but it is con—
nected with your profession, and will happen soon
after forty.”

“I am nearly forty now,” was his reply.

“Then in a few months your fall will happen.”

Perfectly sceptical he chatted away. I quitted
Dorchester, and in a few weeks received a message
to this effect—through a relative:

thromancg 121

“Tell him that I was forty yesterday. I am or-
dered to Gib., and no accident has happened.”

Time passed. Later in the year I again visited
Dorchester, and at dinner, on my arrival, was
saluted with the remark:

“That was a most curious prophecy of yours.”

“What prophecy?” I asked. I had forgotten the
case.

“About Major W. Haven’t you heard? He
wrote about it l”

“I haven’t heard. What was it? I remember I
predicted an accident.”

“Yes; he went to Gibraltar, and was, unexpect-
edly, called upon to play polo for the corps against
some other regiment. He was thrown from his
pony and his jaw and head were injured.”

f‘How long after his arrival?” I asked, smiling.

“Abouta couple of months. You were right,
you see.”

The accident did occur soon after his fortieth
birthday, .as the Chiromancer had foreseen. I
trust this is the only accident from which the gal-
lant officer has suffered, and that if this book
meet his eye he will excuse the reference to the
case.

If the Line of Head turn up to Saturn through
the Heart Line, there is great danger of death from

122 practical Dalmisttg

wounds on the head—concussion, or some such
cause. Compare Life Line for time. .

The Head Line meeting and joining the Heart
Line indicates an over—heated passion and a subser—
vience of reason to it.

The joining of Life,
Head, and H e a r t
Lines (Fig. 8a. a. a.) is
a sign of violent death,
probably suicide, and
the Life Line must be
consulted for the date
of decease, particu-
larly if the Life Line
cease suddenly with a
‘ bar across it (Fig. 8).

S 0 m e t i m e s an
island appears on
the Head Line as on
other lines. (See chap—
ter “On Signs”) This
island is a portent of very sensitive nerves, head—
ache, neuralgia (Fig. 8, b. b.).

If chained, there is a want of fixity in the ideas.
Pale and rather wide shows indecision or a weak
mind. Two lines—that is, when the Head Line
is accompanied by another—are a good and lucky

 

chiromancg A 123

sign. If one is broken the sister line will counter--
act the evil and mend the case. All breaks in the
line are .evil signs, from wounds to execution. A
double line means gain by inheritance.

A short Head Line is also bad. Ceasing under
Saturn, an early death is foreshadowed, and sudden
death. Compare Life Line and Fate-Line ; the end-
ing of the Head Line at the Fate Line in the Plain
of Mars is unlucky, and indicates an unhappy, short—
ened existence. A split Head Line means mania.

The rather short Head Line, when the Life Line
confirms the length of existence, is indicative of
narrow—mindedness, and a want of toleration. The
possessor will be bigoted in his views on certain
questions. He will be unable to put himself in your
place, and balance a question. Hence his judgment
is not good, it is wanting in imagination, and the
thumb and other developments will confirm this.
Politicians sometimes exhibit this somewhat short--
ened line, and preachers are not exempt. If the
Heart Line sinks, the egoism is confirmed.

Thin, long, and faint, the Head Line is treacher-
ous, and if it turn up to unite with the Heart near
the end, life is threatened.

Deceit is shown (and lying) by the disunion of the
Life Line and the Head Line, and a long fork to the
Mount of the Moon. The “Sophist” possesses

124 practical Dalmtstrg '

aptitude, application, and of circumspection is indi-
cated.

By the foregoing statements the reader will per-
ceive that the bad signs are those which one would
naturally expect to be bad. Thus shortness, pale-
ness, a falling away too far into imagination, a yield-
ing to the feelings (heart), a broken-up, chained,
or divided Head Line, are bad signs; while strength,
directness, clearness, and so on, denote firmness,
common sense, and a good head. The excess of

this is calculation, and even meanness, avarice; a
too rigid economy.

The hardness and softness of the palms must also
be considered when dealing with the Head or other
lines, and the Mounts must also be consulted as well
on both hands. The confirmation of the hands is a
certain decision, though differences modify in pro—
portion with the hands—the active right, and the
fateful left hand.

The Head rules friendship as distinct from love.
So branches from the Head Line are regarded in the
former aspect. The full significance is seen upon
the connection of such lines with the Heart and
the Fate Lines.

.,..:‘..-.;~..m...a_..ws. g. ..,. 4M...» 4 - .., . .

‘33..“ .'

thromancg 125

Thus the general reader may compare his hands
with his friends’, and, by carefully studying the vari-
ous aspects of the Line of Head, approach the full
comprehension of the subject.

THE LINE OF LIFE (SEE PLATE 9)

On this, perhaps the most interesting Line in the

palm, the curiosity of the reader will be surely di—
rected, for upon it, as we have indicated in Plate 9,
. the extent of our existence is estimated.
I say “estimated” because it is impossible, in my

' opinion, to decide with accuracy the actual length
of our lives. Some palmists, I think, maintain that
it is possible to tell the number of years to which
life will extend. But I do not think that we can go
within a few years of the limit either way.

Nevertheless, a close estimate can be arrived at
by comparing the lengths, respectively, of the Line
of Life and the Line of Fate. These confirm each
other, andmust in hand reading be carefully studied
. Vis-a-vis with each other, the former being reckoned
in years, downwards, from the upper end, above the
thumb, the latter from the base of the palm up—
wards.

_Experience has decided this reckoning, but why
this cross—counting should be, it is impossible to
say. The counting upwards on the Fate Line is

126 practical Dalmtstrg

unquestionably correct. We cannot reconcile
events by any other mode of calculation.

The Life Line encircles the ball of the Thumb,
and upon its appearance depends the interpretation
concerning the health of the subject under exam—
ination. The line should be clear, not broad, and
continuous; not too red, and certainly not pale.
This well-colored, clean, unindented Line of Life is
seldom seen, for the simple reason that flesh is heir
to ills, and they are marked upon the line under
notice. (Plate 9.)

The first question generally asked is, How long
shall I live? A natural query, and it can be an~
swered with some approach to accuracy. The limit.
of one hundred years is supposed to be evident, and
there is no doubt that if the line completely encircles
' the thumb a great age will be attained.

The intermediate calculations are not so easy, and
in them inaccuracies will occur. “About" such an
age is the best verdict, but the statement can be
verified upon the Fate Line where 18 is almost op~
posite 45, on the Life Line.

If the reader will draw a line from the inner side
of the index finger (virtually parallel to the hand
side) to the Line of Life, he will touch it at about
twelve years of age (as nearly as possible to calcu—
late). That line continued to the base of the thumb

chiromancg » 127

cuts the Life again about 90. The Fate Line ends
upon the Mount of Saturn close to the base of the
middle finger at 90 also, the spaces at the lower and
upper ends being smaller in their ten years’v period,
as the lines proceed.

I But if the hand be measured, half the length of
the palm is about 40 years, the Head Line cuts the
Fate‘Line 33—35, according to the slope of the Head
Line, and cuts the Heart Line about 15 years later.
-No hands are quite the same, but a date once fixed
correctly in the palm the others follow the general
rule. (See plate 9.)

At a conversazione one afternoon I was listening
to a lady Palmist who was telling a lady’s hand.
The date of the subject’s marriage was in question,
and the “patient” under examination was aware
that I had “read palms,” but did not know me per-
sonally. I looked on, and the patient’s marriage
date was put at nineteen years'of age by the lady

palmist.‘
I did not think so, but made no remark until the

“patient” turned quickly and asked me—prompted
by our host—“What do you say?”

“I would have said two and twenty,” was my
reply, “but your looks scarcely warrant such a state—
ment.” -

“I am pleased to think so,” she replied; "but I

128 practical palmist“;

was a little more than twenty-two when I was mare
ried.” .

This anecdote illustrates the difficulty of absolute
correctness in dates.

When I pronounced my decision the lady palmist
remarked: ,

“Of course you know, because you are this lady’s
husband I”

This was rather amusing, as I was not then aware
of the “patient’s” name. This climax illustrates an—
other difficulty in telling who is who !

Another time a “lady palmist” foretold—truly—
that I was to have a fever, and mentioned the age
at which it would attack me. Unfortunately for the
complete success of the prediction the age men-
tioned had been already reached, and passed, at the
time! But the attack “supervened” three years
later—that is, five years later than the palmist had
anticipated.

Therefore, I maintain that it is a difficult thing to
tell precisely the age at which an event will occur,
whether it be an accident, illness, a birth, or a death.
Palmists should be careful to calculate both upon
' the Fate Line and the Life Line, the age at which
the incident took place, or will probably occur.

Some times the age is clearly marked. Some
time ago a gentleman to whom I had just been

m.gimaiu§m_r 5.. ». -

thromancg 129

introduced referred to palmistry in my presence,
and a relative of his quoted me as an. “authority.”
This compliment, “with characteristic modesty,” I
declined, but the old gentleman, having already had
his palm read on two previous occasions, desired
my opinion. He was rather sceptical—“couldn’t
believe it,” although he acknowledged the correct—
ness of the verdict of the former “readers.”

Now to confirm, or discredit, the other palmists,
. Or myself, he requested a verdict respecting certain
incidents in his life. “The principal events in his
career,” he suggested.

He is a man of considerable will—power—one
could see that at a glance—so in a friendly way, in
the presence of his relatives, I began at the chief in-
cidents visible in his palm.

“You entered business rather early, and at once
took a grip of it.” ‘

“At what age?” he interrupted quickly.

“Eighteen. You continued in this line, strug-
gling against influences.”

“What influences?”

“Your associates—partners, perhaps. At any
rate, you had a hard struggle all the time, many
worries, and yet you stuck to your own line. Just
after you were forty-five you cast off all your tram-
,mels and had your own way, made your money,

.130 practical palmtstm

and are, I presume, independent 'now in ‘ every
way.”

“ here do you see all this story?” he asked,
quickly, smiling. I showed him the lines, the in-
terference with his fate, the Fate Line itself, the
crosses and troubles of his Life Line, his uneventful
childhood, his sudden leap into business at eigh—
teen years of age, the victory at forty—five or so, and
the steady progress. “There it is. Am I correct?”
I concluded.

“Almost absolutely,” he replied. “But I was
forty—six when I got my own way. I went into
business at eighteen, and had a hard struggle with
my partners, later. But I conquered in the end. I
haVe retired now. You are the third person who
has correctly told me thése points, and you all fixed
eighteen as the age I went actively into business.”

“Yet you do not credit Palmistry ?”

“Well, no. I can’t somehow. But I might study
it, perhaps.”

However, the Life Line is being neglected all this
time. It should be clear, medium width, well col-
ored, and free from breaks and crosses. This is the
highest good, as we have stated. But so it is not!
To be so would argue perfection, a super-human
state, a better resting-place than this world.

Nevertheless, it should not be pale, broad, or

Gbiromancg 131

thick and red; nor much chained, crossed, or
broken.

If it be pale, broad, and broken it indicates illness
and evil passions which may have tended to injure
the health. Pale, only, it means feebleness of dispo—
sition, unless the Line
of Head be strong,
when the brain will
be active even if the
' body suffer fr 0 m
weakness. Pallor of
the Line also points
to an envious dispo-
sition, and, if not of
uniform thickness, it
indicates caprice, un-
certainty in health,
and therefore in tem—
per. A very red and
wide Life Line is a
- Sign of force and, at
times, of cruelty.

Frequently the Life Line is escorted by a sister
V inner line, which is known as the Line of Mars (Fig.
9, a. a.). This attendant is the assistant,the repairer,
the time helper of the Life Line. It patches us up,
stops our leaks, and rescues us from death. It is,

 

132 practical Dalmisttp

so to say, the lifeboat in which we may and dc
escape the fatal peril. It supports us and guides us
back to the shore of Life.

Of this line I have had some experience, and am
thankful. It has assisted me in illness, and, at least,
once preserved me—to my own knowledge—from
violent death. The deadly break (Fig. 9, b.) in my
Life Line is (enclosed by an angle) helped by the
Line of Mars, as in the diagram annexed. The Life
Line is broken in both hands, is mended in some
degree, and continuous, but weakness, and, alas!
poverty to some extent, is fore—shadowed, unless
determination to conquer succeed. Still, the weak-
neSs has been present, the delicacy is present. The
snake is scotched, not killed!

Forks (Fig. 10, c.) at the beginning and ending of
the Line are not good. In the former case some
vanity and conceit is shown if the separation be of
a rather confused and broken kind; in the latter,
loss of means, change of work, little provision for
old age—and this is not always the fault of the in—
dividual himself. He may have a large family to
support, or losses may arise in his business; his
health may give way. But the signs can be seen in
Head Line or Heart Line or Life Line. A broken
or worried “Head,” and Mercury lined, may point
to business trouble; and a line from the Life to the

thromancg 133

Head will indicate the period. At any time the fork
of the Life Line is a warning, and a serious one.
Overwork of any kind should be avoided. The
Life breaks: it splits up, and melancholia may arise.
At any rate it is bad, and at the best, means a labori-
ous ending to life, a fate confirmed by a plain fork
at the beginning of the Line. .

Dark spots and white spots or dots appear at
times upon the Line of Life. The dark ones are
. nervous attacks (see Head Line), the white ones
affections of, or injuries to head and the eyes. The
sudden cessation of the Line in both hands means
sudden death, and small dots at the end accentuate V
this (Fig. 9, c.). The cause must be sought in the
Head and Heart Lines (see diagram) if the Life
Line is not continuous beyond the points.

A curious instance of a pronouncement may be
given. It occurred at a well-known club. , We
were chatting upon this subject of spots on the Line
of Life and its evidences, comparing notes. The
universal sceptic was present and challenged in-
quiry. I informed him that at or near thirteen
years old he had had a fall or blow upon his head
which, for a while had “affected his life,” caused
a cessation of energy, and had laid him up.

He denied the contusion. He remembered hav-
ing had a severe blow from a cricket ball when

134 practical Dalmtsttg

young, but no such blow or fall to keep him in bed.
I was rather positive; he was as frankly negative,
but each stuck to his own opinion. Dinner pro-
ceeded, and about ten minutes later my friend laid
down his knife and fork with a clatter and cried
out:

“By jove, you are right after all! I remember
now! My father put me on rather a restive pony
which threw me and kicked me as I lay. Here is
the scar,” he added, indicating a mark beneath his
hair. “My skull was cut. I assure you I had en-
tirely forgotten the incident until you set me think—
ing just now!”

The mark in this and in similar cases—as in my
own hand—is distinctly like the pressure of a rather
blunt lead pencil upon the line. Such a mark is
visible upon the hand of a young lady who fell and
cut her head on the shingle at Hastings or St.
Leonards by slipping from the esplanade. She was
rendered insensible; and was surprised, years after,
when she jokingly requested a “proof of Palmistry”
to hear the statement made and the date closely
fixed.

Should, as rarely is the case, the Lines of Life,
Heart, and Head unite at the beginning it is a,
serious sign (Fig. 8, a.). Violent death is fore“
shadowed, and much misfortune may lead even to

Line (Fig. 10, c. c.) for

cbtromancg 13-5

suicide. The Head and Life should unite clearly
and acutely. This indicates study and carefulness
(see “Head Line”). If the lines do not absolutely
unite we may have been fond of reading, not of
study, the parted lines tell of laisser faire, careless-
ness, want of serious

_ application to studies

unless pleasant, and a
so on, to annoyance

, and brusquerie. ._

“Islands” (Fig. 10, .
a. a.) upon the Life I l
Line are temporary
severe illnesses, and ; s?
the spaces may be de— /”
termined by the up— \
right line to a spot on A ll;
the Head, which indi— ,mvi'.
cates throat, etc. (Fig. \ A
10, b. b), the Liver

 

fevers of other kinds. Fig-Io
Branches which ascend tell of the vitality of the

subject, or when they cut through the head and
heart, indicate success by the energy of the indi-
vidual. Descending branches mean weakness, and
crosses at the end of the Line of Life mean failure in

136 practical [Salmtstrg

life not from want of talent, but by want of concen-
tration or “bad luck,” illness, and so on. ’

Lines crossing from the ball of the thumb (Fig.
10) are illnesses and family worries, head worries
and heart worries, and worries of the imagination.
Trace them to their ending and ascertain the char—
acteristics of the Lines or-Mounts, where they cease
or whence they come; stars and points at the tan—
gents will confirm the trouble.

There are often in the pleasure-loving hand lines
which partly encircle the Mount of Venus within
the Life Line limit. These lines run parallel with
the Life Line for short or long distances, as may be,
and in these by no means uncommon cases, the
Mount of Venus is found more or less rayed,crossed
by transverse bars. Thus a grille (Fig. 10) is
formed, and the significance is not far to seek.

The patient with such a grille, or gridiron, upon
Venus, will have a chained Line of Heart (Fig. 10,
e. e.). The lines parallel to the course of the Life
Line signify “influences;” persons who have influ-
enced the feelings or the fortunes (or both, by re-
action) of the patient under examination. He or
she generally affects entire ignorance of such oppo—
site sexual influence. “Quite a mistake, I assure
you l” The palmist says no more, and the person
will go home feeling triumphant at having “out-

thromanc'g 187

witted the Chiromant. “But, dear,” is the confi—
dential remark to the first “dearest friend” she
meets, “that (Miss, or Mr. ) actually called me a
flirt! Ah, well, of course I didn’t allow it; but could
she (he) know?”

Having, in an “unofficial” capacity, heard these
and such like remarks made, I may be permitted to
doubt the sincerity of the patient and the incorrect-
ness of the Chiromancer. It is useless to deny
these expressed characteristics. The trained and
experienced hand reader will “sum up” the person
at a glance and diagnose him in ten minutes. The
ordinary man carries his character in his hand.
Wriggle as he may, his palm is as the hook to the
fish. He is caught by it, and dragged to light un-
willingly—none the less surely, though he dispute
the conclusion.

Lines or rays across the Life Line (Fig. 10) are
always worries or headaches, troubles. Some
special lines are indicative of loss, such as a cut on
' the Line of Apollo, or fortune. So with the Head
and Heart. Illnesses should be compared withithe
Hepatica or Liver Line (q. v.). The “island” oc-
curring in a cross line is bad; any break or fork
should be regarded as an additional token of evil
influence, and on the “chance lines” such marks are
indicative of serious consequences and loss of char—

 

138 lDtacttcal Dalmtstrg

acter, especially when the same sign appears in the
Fate Line. A line from Venus rising from a star,
and uniting with, not cutting the fortune line, is
lucky;

When the Line of Life is separated rather low in
the hand, and one fork unites with the Fate Line,
the prognostics are not favorable. The life will be
dulled and of a placid, vegetative kind. If the line
makes an angle (Fig. II a.) and turns back to unite
again with the Life Line, the point of union will in--
dicate the date at which the constitution recovered
from the spell of delicacy and lassitude presented
by the angle.

If the join occurs only in the right hand, while
the line continues its fated course in the left palm,
it is evidence that by will and application the sub—
ject has conquered the lassitude which threatened
him, has overcome the weakness and is mending his
life. ' ‘

Herewith is a sketch of a living example of this.
formation. Readers will notice that a line starts
from the join with the Life Line and runs with some
curving and turn to Apollo, from which I anticipate
some piece of good fortune in later life. “Qui vivra_
verra!” There is, nevertheless,» some danger of the
full success not being realized, as Mercury sends a
stop line across the Mount, which denotes incon-

Gbitomancg 139

stancy or levity. But if the subject act on the
warning, and the poverty of Saturn be checked, as
is probable, the appointment or good fortune will
come (Fig. 11, d. d.).

We will now turn to the Line of Fate, to which
many references have
been already made.

THE LINE OF FATE
’ (PLATE 9.)

“Then you believe
in predestination?”
a s k e d an acquaint-
ance one day.

“No, I do not.
The Line of Fate in—

dicates the direction,
but it changes its
character. Given cer-
tain influences in the
hand—that is, in the
character of the in- Fig-II

dividual—these seeds must ‘crop up,’ but we
need not cultivate them! When we become
aware of any evil tendency in our palms, the best
way to act is to set about to check them. If our
wills are strong we shall succeed, if we are impul-

 

140 practical palmistrg

sive we shall only partially succeed, and if the base
of the thumb and the Mount of the Moon be de—'
veloped largely, and our will is rather obstinate than
strong, with impulse and argument, we shall yield
to our feelings and regret the result!”

/A

Fig. 11 a

\\\

“When the Devil was ill,
the Devil a saint
would be,

When the Devil was
well, the devil a

’ saint was he!”

/ And this is the case
as above suggested.
The illustration here-
with will accentuate
the warning (see Fig.
II a.).

In such a case we
shall expect to find
a somewhat broken
Line of Fate. What
that line was in in—

fancy one cannot say. But it is clear in the palm
up to the Head Line in both hands. This indicates
a certain alteration in the life or occupation, in-
tended, as it were, but circumstances intervened,

‘7: . 4.. “5.. ,

thromancg 141

i and about thirty-one years of age (between thirty-

one and thirty-two, say), the individual who has
supplied the tracing quitted his original occupation
and entered another. The Fate Line divides, but it
will be seen that, not contented with this change
alone, he tried some other employment, also, at the
same time. This is clear, because there are two
branches rising sideways from the Line of Fate,
which indicate some success by so rising, at about
thirty—two to thirty—three years of age.

[Since writing the foregoing paragraph I have
taken an opportunity to study, with a magnifying
glass, the right hand of the gentleman whose past I
am venturing to disclose (with permission), merely
stating that what I see I shall put down faithfully.
The lines and marks are in the palm, as I state, and
the incidents are true as set down. I reproduce
the palm in the tracing]

I see through the lens the divisions of the Fate

. Line in both hands beneath the Head Line (Fig. 12,

a. a.). Here is strong influence at twenty—eight, and
a line—a worry line cutting below the separation of
the Fate Line, from Venus—indicates a lady in the
case. This line indents the Head Line, crosses it,
and stops at the Heart in both palms, that on the
right hand turning into it, and hiding beneath it.
forming a support to the (Heart (Figs. 11a and 12).

142 practical Dalmisttg

These evidences lead me to decide that an engage-
ment was entered into about the age of twenty-
eight, that it was unfortunate, and caused trouble,
worry, or even illness (see Head spot, b.). But
affection triumphed, the broad line joined the Heart,
and lay there, quitting the fate—forking line close »
under the Head Line at the age of thirty or nearly
(for thirty—three to thirty-five is the age at that line
according to the position of it). (Fig. 12, c., of Left
Hand.)

The separation of the Line of Fate indicates a
change in the surroundings. Marriage firstly by
the line to the heart, and soonafter a business ar-
rangement. The Fate Line divides into three lines,
the centre one—the true fate or fortune is the trunk
which runs to the heart—marriage, and a fairly
lucky one.

The left—side branch turns at the head quickly,
and runs up the MOUNT or MERCURY deeply. This
means commerce (Fig. 12, c. c.) and implies that
soon after marriage the man entered some business
other than his former one, and joined with it a third
employment, which is indicated by a separated
broken line to the right side of the “marriage” (Fate
Line). (See Fig. IIa., right hand.)

(I) Whither does this broken line tend?

(2) What was the other occupation, besides coma

Ghitomancg 143

merce. which occupied the man’s time at inter-
vals?

The reader will perceive that the line passes up-
wards with chequered career, sometimes clear, at

others dim, until at the Heart Line it becomes more
Continued, t u r n in g

aside strongly to the
MOunt of Apollo,
Art.

(I) The broken
line, then, tends to
Art or Literature,
and some fair suc-
cess. The “other oc—
cupation.” therefore,
judging by the fin-
gers and the imagina-
tion and romance,
was literature.

Here, then, we
'have an engagement,
a marriage, a new Fig'”
occupation of a commercial nature, and oc—
casional literature, which subsequently took the
lead, clearly, though while the “commerce" lasted
it was excellent, but is deeply intersected by a cross
line (Fig. 12. d. d.) which, being from Saturn,

 

144 practical matmtsttg

means failure. We may thus conclude that com~
merce was a loss. The left hand is crossed and
vague, the breaks indicate struggle, and the clear-
ness occasionally means success at times, tempor—
arily. There is also an outside influence shown
amid the divided lines of the chequered Fate, an in-
fluence which does not touch the heart, and which
ceases in a few years in a preserving square, by
which danger was averted. (Fig. 11a.)

Thus, of the commerce and literature the latter
was persisted in, and some success achieved. An
influenc'e which might have ended badly, suddenly
ceased, and the subject under review escaped, de‘
livered by the square which saved him from an un\
pleasant entanglement. The line is distinctly con-
nected with Venus by another cross-line over the
Life, and decides that some woman thrust herself
into the man’s life, but did not disturb the nestling
marriage—fate, which still lies sheltered beneath the
Heart Line, safe and undisturbed by outside influ-
ences, in both hands. (See Fig. 12, a. a.)

This is as far as I care to venture at present. The
diagrams are here, and the reader may judge for
himself.

The interpretation is, in the words of the subject
himself, as follows:

“When I was nearly twenty—seven years old I met

wbtromancg 145

and fell in love with a young lady, whose only sur-
viving parent objected to the match. I was then
in the civil service, but after waiting more than a
year in total separation, and in sickness, partly from
an accident, we were married. I was then twenty-
nine years old, just past that age, indeed.

“After two years or so I was offered a lucrative

post in a city house, and accepted it, leaving an—
other appointment, but in my ‘odd hours’ writing
' tales for newspapers and magazines, as I had al—
ready done at times. The city business failed after
a While, and then I struggled into literature, making
some successes and managing to live. There was a
rather unlucky influence, as has been suggested, but
it had no ill-effects, thanks to some ‘common sense.’
The dates are practically correct in all cases.”

The Fate Line, you perceive, can tell tales when
read with the aid of a magnifying glass, which re—
veals the half-hidden lines in the palm! And every

‘word in the foregoing delineation is true, and the
lines are drawn from life.

We will now investigate this most important line
and its numerous significations, its starting—points,
and the signs which the Chiromant can read as it
rises in the palm. '

There are actually four places whence the Fate
Line can take its departure, viz., from:

146 practical Batman?

(1) The Wrists or Racettes.

(2) The Life Line.

(3) The Mount of the Moon.

(4) The Plain of Mars.

The line is sometimes called the Line of Chance,
but there is no “chance” about it. When it rises
from the wrists (it should proceed clearly, straight,
direct to the middle finger, not far into it), we may
state that the subject is happy and fortunate in his
life. If the line make a deep mark upon the Mount
all the better.

But if the line pass into the lowest (material)
joint of the finger to any great extent, the presage
is bad in its very excess. A separation or forking
of the line on the Mount is good. But an ascent
high into the finger may be evil, because Saturn is
melancholy, and in a weak hand an excess of Saturn
may (will) turn to rashness or crime to ensure the
great distinction which the subject think awaits him
—a Macbeth whose vaulting ambition brings him
to earth after all. A star on the finger is “execution.”

However, if the hand be good in its indications,
the high ascending line of Saturn will ensure suc-
cess.

At the base of the hand the same rules apply.
The line cutting the racettes or wrist—lines is also
a Sign of excess and unhappiness.

obtromancg 147

(2) When Saturn rises from the Line of Life the
omen is good. Such a line, clear and well formed
be it understood, is satisfactory, because the pos—
sessor of it mingles his life and his fortune. In
other words, destiny and actual life are in accord,
and therefore no serious struggle against fate can
upset or destroy the life and its anticipations and
work. Such a consummation is undoubtedly to be
. wished, and of course if no crosses and breaks ap-
pear upon the Fate Line happiness is assured, and
the luck is, moreover, the result of one’s own efforts
and exertions.

If the business -or art line confirm the prognos-
tics, all the better. Success will come, but whether
the game eventually prove worth the candle must
depend upon Saturn.

(3) Ascending from the Mount of the Moon, the ,
Line hints at success, if it rise properly and clearly,
but our life will be influenced by and dependent
upon other people. We shall be exploited, person-
ally conducted, “farmed out,” or led in some man--
ner by others. Our destiny is at the mercy of
capricious Luna, and often under the influence of
the opposite sex. If the line end on Jupiter in this
case a happy, prosperous marriage will result, a
cross confirming it. A fortunate alliance may be
anticipated, but other signs must confirm the hap‘?

148 practical Dalmistm

piness. I have seen the promise and the happy
cross, yet the latter was again crossed, and wrong
indicated. I foretold the marriage and let the less
favorable symptoms alone. The wedding (mar—
riage with an earl) was celebrated, but he died un—
expectedly within eighteen months or so after the
event. The barred cross was explained, but I had
seen no warning of his decease in the lady‘s hand.
Was it possible that her heart was never really
touched?

(4) There remains the consideration of the line
from the Plain of Mars. In this instance it would
appear that the early life had been uneventful, or
perhaps troubled, and nothing had succeeded until
late in life. Often, in the cases of childish or youth-
ful unhappiness, the line is seen rising from the
wrist faintly, crossed, or chequered. This indicates
instability and want of concentration upon our
career. The line only rising in the centre‘ of the
hand is indicative of trouble, even exile, and the
eventual reward of our efforts by our merit alone—
by the desire to overcome obstacles—late in life.

There is the opposite View, too. If the line starts
clearly and straight, only to die away at the Head
Line, we may perceive an excellent steady begin-
ning followed by carelessness, or the interference
and influence of others, which has checked our

aniromancn 149

career. In such a case we shall find the line di-
vided, and re—ascending perhaps in a new but par—
allel direction to the former, which has ceased, or
has been turned aside.

I remember at a country house, when we were
calling once, Palmistry was discussed, and a young
man, asked me if details were actually written in the
palm, because “I would like to test your art,”
said he.

I was only a visitor, calling with a relative, but
was enabled to inform the young gentleman (also
a visitor) that he had met with a severe disappoint—
ment in love not long before, as Ijudged his age,
and that this had changed his career. But that he
had almost immediately entered a new, but similar
occupation, which promised success.

He was satisfied, so were his friends. After we
had taken leave one of the daughters of the house
—a relative of this young gentleman—came out
with my companion and me to the park gates, and
told us the facts connected with the love affair
referred to.

It appeared that the young gentleman, whose
hand I had read, was “in the tea trade,” and had
unfortunately fallen in love with “his master’s
daughter”—in other,words, with the senior part-
ner’s heiress. The senior objected, and said so

150 practical Dalmistrg

plainly, so the young man had quitted his hOuse
and gone into business in the same line with a
friend, and these young partners were doing well.

This is simply the narrative, briefly, and how
nearly it touches the evidence shown in the palms
the reader may judge. I do not know the gentle-
man’s name, but the facts as stated are absolutely
true in all stated particulars.

The chief events were shown by the separation of
the Fate Line, which ceases and continues its course
again in a parallel or slanting direction sometimes,
according to circumstances. Another instance
occurs to me.

I met a clergyman and in course of conversa-
tion told him that he had not originally been in—
tended for the Church—a more “bucolic line” had
been his, but he had left the first intention, entered
his then profession, which he was likely‘to quit, and
pursue his destiny in another form. I confess the
other form puzzled me, because he was ardent in his
views, and fond of decorative ritual. He could not
become a Nonconformist, I argued, and I could not
forecast his impending career, unless he intended
to become a missionary within a year or so.

We did not meet again after that visit, but some
months later I heard that he had entered the Roman
Catholic Church—a decision which I had not con-

thromancg 151

templated—and left the neighborhood. So far as
the “missionary” work was concerned, he succeeded
in converting some of his friends, one, at least, of
these I know, who “went over” to Rome, with his
wife.

. So much for the parting of the Fate Line and its
parallels. But there is another parting of the Fate
Line which is even more common than the indica-
tions of a changed career. I refer to the islands
, which are noticed in the Fate Line. Some writers
state that such islands are “disgraceful,” and imply
breaches of the seventh commandment. Now,
while admitting that, with certain concomitant
signs, these loops signifying a grave error, the loop
not thus supported by collateral evidence, is not by
any means the sign of actual evil. This being a
treatise meant for popular reading it is hardly de—
sirable to enter into particulars concerning specific
indications of sin and successful passion. They
exist and can be read, so let no one flatter himself
or herself that the breaches of social and moral laws
do not impress themselves upon the palm. They
do! I have seen them unfortunately. Let us con—
sider the island simply then—not exactly “pure and
simple,” as is elsewhere written. But it, in my own
experience, indicates a passion for some one—a love
Whether true or not, a strong attachment, and with

152 practical palmisttg

certain other signs a hopeless attachment; with still
other signs an attachment to a married man or
woman—perhaps infidelity. _

In a good hand such an attachment will mean
only unhappiness. The will is perhaps weak, the
heart and principles are strong, so no harm results,
but the untold love is there. Love is felt and com
cealed. But in other cases things are different.
The influence enters the life at the age marked on
the Fate Line when it divides. This'influence may
rise from the Mount of the Moon when imagination
is sent to play a prominent part in the affair. The
cross and the Marriage Line will confirm the a111-
ance. The same signs will appear in some cases
'where marriage has been dispensed with or never
contemplated. The influence is there, and the signs
on the Mounts will decide whether the parties have
yielded to temptation or not.

This “island” is generally found in or near the
centre of the hand, and the hands of most—I may
say all—married people are thus marked. If they
have children they are always so, and the children
appear at the side of the hand. (See “Marriage”
Lines.)

Let no one jump to the conclusion that such an
island is necessarily an indication - of wrong or
shame. It is not. But in the hand of an unmarried

thromancn 153

woman it pointshto a strong attachment, which in
most cases is unavowed. If a star accompany it,
evil threatens. To be really great in influence the
island must be complete—a closed oval in shape, as
in diagram (Fig. 13, a. 21.). Then the exterior in—
fluence is strong in
any hand. Consider-
ation of the other
points will confirm
or weaken the deduc-
tion, and these means
I must, in the interest
of m y fellow—crea—
tures, leave unnoticed
in this work. L et
them be satisfied——
the island is not by
itself an evil sign.
There is temptation
in it in some hands,
evil in others. By
the sign you must Fig_,3
judge of the consequences.

At times the Fate Line is clear in one hand—say

the left—and broken, rayed, weak, in the other.
This development indicates a settled destiny.

marred by self, by one’s own doings, or in the Oppo-

   

154 practical malmtstrg

site case perhaps improved by one’s own exer-r
tions.

If the left hand be weak and the right strong, the
latter is the case. Energy, with application, has
conquered a lazy, delicate, or otherwise feeble con-
stitution which nature
had not developed,
and whose probable
destiny, was, naturally,
unimportant. H e r e
the influence of
others, acting upon a
strong will and am-
bition, has assured
some success in spite
of all natural draw—
backs—illness, lame—
ness, or even pa—
ralysis of the limbs.

. *0 Sometimesthe
‘~/~‘_\1_ Fate Line is forked

F‘g-M ‘ (Fig. I4, b.) at the

base. This is, I think, indicative of an unsettled
and undecided youth, weak health, and so on, and
a star (Fig. 14, c.)_is said to indicate loss of money
by one’s parents. The weakness and delicacy will
be, of course, confirmed by the Life Line’s being

 

Ghtromancg 155

crossed and indented, and spotted in severe cases,
at the commencement (Fig. 14, a.).

When the Fate Line appears to cease in a hand
the destiny or occupation is interrupted; the cause
must be sought upon the other lines. Sometimes it
ceases in the left hand at the Head Line, and then
continues in a desultory, broken fashion upwards.
In Such a case we must consult the right hand and
ascertain why the career has been suddenly checked
at the head—by the head, perhaps—by errors of
judgment.

”The intended course——that is, the destiny origi-
nally meant to be pursued—is stopped by the action
of the man. His promising career is checked, he
becomes a kind of rolling stone, not without some
moss either, but he evidently willfully has inter—
rupted his career, which up to a certain time of life
he had pursued successfully. Thenceforward the
Fate Line in the left hand promises little “in a Hand
I have in my mind,” and the right is weak, for a
’ while, finally rising clearly——a life of struggle fol—
lowed by-success of a more definite character near
the end. The hand—the drawing of which 1 pos-
se'ss—is a “Mixed” type, which in most cases argues
indecision and an unsettled disposition, anxious for
reputation (in this case), but wanting in decision and
application to secure the prize.

156 practical Dalmtsttg

A Fate Line absent altogether implies an un»
eventful easy-going, vegetative existence—one who
accepts his life as it comes, and troubles not his
head to alter his destiny.

As there are various starting places for the Line
of Fate, so are there various goals whither it can.
resort. The Hill of Saturn is the most “natural”
ending place, but others are often seen—Apollo,
Mercury, Jupiter. The lines thus ending respec—
tively are affected by the characteristics of the
Mounts. Saturn will give a clear line success, as
we have intimated.

Jupiter results in gratified ambition, unless the
line absolutely refuses to ascend the Mount, then
worry comes, and not complete success.

Apollo gives the clear line the promise of reward
in art or literature and wealth.

Mercury indicates business gain, or perhaps re—
wards from scientific discovery, or from our speak-
ing powers; these may all be confirmed by the
Mount and finger, their, development and compara—
tive length.

If the line only start absolutely from the Head
Line, and the Head Line is weak, we may fear
worry, trouble, ill-health, with a certain (or rather
an uncertain) amount of success in our vocation.
Success will be intermittent. Rising higher, matters

cbiromancg 157

are still worse, and the consequences even more un-
pleasant. ‘

When lines emerge from the Mount of the Moon
and touch the Line of Fate, we may expect to find
a strong influence in which the imagination has
played a part, and this influence is nearly always
connected with a person of the opposite sex.
Whether a marriage or only an engagement results
the Heart Line will disclose. I will give a curious
instance of this:

Requested by a friend to look at'the hand of a
young lady in a small assembly, I did so, and after
telling her the plain traits of her character and
tastes, I proceeded thus:

“Here is a strong influence, of a man, which was
almost simultaneous with a change in your career
at or about seventeen years of age. Your childhood
was unhappy, I perceive, and you took up some oc—
cupation—head work. The influence succeeded,
and you‘fell in love, became engaged, but the en—
gagement was broken.

“You will, however, be married at about twenty—
six years of age, and the most curious item is this——
the man whom you will marry will be closely con-
nected with your former lover. A parallel case ex—
actly. The lines are connected and the man may
be the same—at any rate, he is a person closely re—

158 practical Dalmtstrn

sembling him, and somehow connected with you
and the other. I can’t say more, except that the
influence comes over the sea.”

Her reply in her friend’s presence was, in sub-
stance, this: “I was unhappy at home as a girl; I
went away before I was eighteen, and became a
governess. I was engaged to a gentleman, but the
engagement was broken. He went back to India.
I remained. I am now twenty-five, and only a few
weeks ago the same gentleman met me again, re-
newed his offer, and only four days ago we were
re—engaged. Your statements are surprisingly
true.”

A great deal of this information was gleaned from
the Line of Fate, and I will endeavor to explain in
what way.

Firstly, the line was faint, and crossed at the base
of the hand—unhappiness in youth (Fig. 15).

Again the lines rising from the Mount of the
Moon indicated a fancy springing from the same
source at two different periods, crossing the Fate
Line about seven years apart (Fig. 13, b. b. b.).
The Heart was touched (Fig. 15, c.), and the Mar-
riage Lines (Fig. 15, (1.) (there were only two lines
there) indicated a broken engagement (one line
crossed), and a disappointment “on the Heart
Line,” which corresponded, the age being about

' twenty—two, would be

_was married the year

‘ chiromancp 159

seventeen or eighteen. The second impression I
estimated at about twenty—six. ' Coming (low down)
from the Moon, “water” was indicated, and a Travel
Line (Fig. 15, e.) looked like a journey in connec-
tion with it. Hence I concluded that the influence
came “over the sea,”
and fancied that the
lady, who did not ap-
pear to be more than

sought in marriage as
before by a man from ,
“over the sea” (I
thought of a sailor,
but was not sure), and
would go out with
him across the ocean.

I understood after—
wards that the lady

 

after I saw her, but ”4“”
whether she w e n t Fig' ‘5
abroad I cannot say. Thus the reader will perceive
that the Fate Line is a most useful one when
properly considered. A tortuous Fate Line means
self-indulgence, and this will have to be f‘paid for,”
but if we accept the warnings of the breaking line

160 practical Dalmtstrg

(beyond the Heart) we shall do well. Care must
be taken to distinguish between a diversity of tastes
in the parting lines and self—indulgence, which may
be connected with it. Study of the Mounts, etc.,
will determine this. Both hands should be con-
" sulted, of course. We
need not obey our in-
clinations.

When the Line of
Fate ascends from the
Mount of the Moon
traveling is indicated
—at least a desire for
traveling. Lines of
Travel rise up from
the wrists upon the
Mount.

When t h e 1 i n e
divides, and one end
touches the Mount of
Venus, and the other
branch goes to the
Mount of the Moon (Fig. 16, a. a., a. b.), there is
the probability that the journey or voyage or some
business will be undertaken under the influence, of ‘
one of the opposite sex. In this as in other in—
stances the confirmation must be sought upon the

 

Fig. 16

cbtromancxz 161

other hand. The right hand carries out the indica-
tions of the left.

When the Line of Saturn is straight, and throws
its branches distinctly upwards, the indications of
final success are strengthened, and the ill—luck will
be left behind, if it has appeared. Similarly these
uptending lines accentuate good fortune, and if the
Line be clear and plain near the top, luck in the
closing years of life will most probably ensue, and
even may counteract ill—fortune or poverty fore-
shadowed by the Life Line.

'Lines cutting the Saturnian mean cross influ-
ences, and generally misfortunes or hindrances.
Their source must be carefully traced, and the place
whence they arise must be considered. Struggle is
always shown in the broken, irregular line, but it
may be mended by other influences, which the prac—
ticed Chiromant will detect, the crosses or checks
and the _ general impression of the palm being
. studied. The head, the heart, the imagination, the
will, and resignation (calmness in misfortune) in
the Mount of the Moon; “pluck” in Mars, and
Saturn’s Mount strong, will each help out the
troubled Line of Fate, and assist the subject‘in the

battle of life.
The line may change under these circumstances,

and the expected ill, if bravely combated, will in»

162 practical palmtsttg

time depart from us, and fortune will smile once
more.

THE LINE OF APOLLO, OR OF THE SUN

This line is discovered beneath the third finger.
It may start from various places, and the farther
down the hand the better, as success is thereby as—
sured at an early period.

The Line of Apollo, it must be premised, means
wealth, success, sometimes celebrity, in art or liter-
ature, or business, according to the tendencies of
the hand.

The clearer and the less crossed the more pro-
nounced is the success or the position. A single
line is generally best of all, as the attention is‘con-
centrated, and the full enjoyment of life will gener—
ally be attained in this case.

The usual points of departure of the line are
either—

(I) From the Line of Life.

(2) From the Mount of the Moon.

(3) From the Plain of Mars in the Quadrangle
(q. V.).

(4) From the Heart Line, or thereabouts.

Each of these starting places gives some special
significance to the Line, and we will take them in
order.

 

 

 

thromancg 163

(1) Starting from the Life Line, Apollo’s Line,
supposing it well marked and clear, indicates fame
or success in, consequence of our own personal ex-
ertions. Our life has been devoted to our voca—
tions, whether painting, literature, politics, or what
not. The specialist will find it connected with his
Life Line in this way, and his personal exertions
will bring him success.

(2) Rising from the Mount of the Moon we have
still success, but it will be brought about more from
outside influences than by our unaided exertions.
Friends will help us, or suggest our course, and
some little caprice is foreshadowed in this, but suc-
cess will be won.

(3) Ascending from the centre of the hand in the
Plain of Mars we have fortune after a struggle.
Mars shows this. .

(4) Rising from the Line of Heart (late in life),
the luck. will come late, and even if we have not
- found fortune in middle age, the line, clear and un—
crossed, will bring it eventually.

These deductions are made in the assumption of a
single clear line, and are plain enough. Sometimes
a line springs quite late beneath the little finger
from the upper end of the Mount of the Moon.
Here we have promise of success brought to us by
what may appear chance, through the favor of an-

164 practical palmtstrg

other person. If this line be connected with the
Head Line the work will be of a literary kind, the
Mount being favorable to such employment. Some
appointment is thus foreshadowed.

But very often we may perceive more than one
line cutting the Mount of Apollo. This is not a very
good sign. It indicates a scattering of the ideas—
a desire to work in two branches of art or employ~
ment—and consequently the tendency is to im-
poverish one of these courses. Three lines are not
uncommon, and then we have a person whose tastes
vary. He wants to shine in several ways, is unde—
cided, and this “Jack of all Trades” will not meet
with conspicuous success in any one line of employ—
ment.

But no matter what he does he will have a taste
and appreciation for art in some shape. He may
be only an art critic, not a painter, sculptor, poet, or
writer of tales. But he will, even in business, in the
city, appreciate and value art, in painting, in music
—in short, he will possess artistic taste in some
form, and in some direction—perhaps, uncon-
sciously.

When the line, being broken up, develops into a
kind of star upon the Mount of Apollo, it is a sign
that assistance will come to us, and by such means
we may ensure some success. When Jupiter (am-

Ghiromancg 165

bition) and Mercury (business capacity) are both
found in a hand with a good Line of Apollo success
may be surely predicted, for art and brilliancy are
backed up by ambition and business capacity and
talent.

The Line of Apollo should be well—colored, else
the talents foreshadowed by the development are
not'practical to any decided extent. A pale line
is considered a faint line, and thus wanting in
strength; the instincts of art do not develop into
much practice of art.

By observing this line in comparison with the
Fate Line we may fairly assume success at certain
periods indicated upon the latter line. I once had
the pleasure to foretell the improvement in the edi-
torial position of my good friend, the Editor of the
Morning Post, a prophecy which, in his kind reply
to my congratulations on his appointment, a few
months .after the prediction, he gracefully acknowl-
edged.

In this case the parting of the Line of Fate lean—
ing to a strong Line of Fortune (Apollo) indicated a
change for the better, in his accepted profession,
within a few months. This was only a glance into
the hand of one who did not credit the pre-
diction, and wished he “might get” the promotion.
He did get it, although I suspect my friend is still

3‘,

166 practical malmistm

a little puzzled at the results obtained from a rapid
glance at his palm. But his guest, whose charac-
teristics were more fully delineated, was, I think,
satisfied as to the sucess of the whole transaction.
There are signs with this Line of the Sun which
when observable, will affect the proper development
of Fortune. For instance, a deep and hollow palm
will be bad. We have already mentioned the bad
qualities of the hollow palm, in which misfortune

sits brooding, and this sign is therefore an obstacle
in the path of fortune.

Under such circumstances, and with a twisted or
crooked little finger, the “odds” are that the owner
of such drawbacks will employ his talents some-
times in an evil direction, be a splendid deceiver,
lucky in his deceit, a brilliant prizeman in the School
of Don Juan perhaps; or a speculator, whose
methods are hardly recognized out of Sharper’s
Academy.

However, if the lines be multiplied upon the
Mount (Fig. I7, a. a.) and remain uncrossed, there
are “chances” of distinction in many ways. These
depend upon the Mounts and other signs in the
palms, fingers, etc. But many lines crossed denote
proclivities of varying kinds which are intercepted
by poverty, envy, hatred, malice, and much unchar~
itableness. The spirit is willing to do its best, but

Gbiroinancg 167

habit, or 'envy of others, proves too strong, various
paths are followed, and the subject walks as in a
maze. He may eventually find the goal with the
assistance of some onlooker who directs him, but
he has not succeeded, properly speaking.

To those whose
Mounts of Apollo dis-
play parallel and not
absolutely clear lines
we say, “Concentrate
your energies upon
your particular line,
and develop it.
Otherwise you run
the risk of falling into
the position of the
hack, the many-sided
assistant who seldom
b r i n g 5 success to
himselff’ L

At times the point-
ed trident (Fig. 18, a.) Fig. 17
is observable, or branches like two prongs of a fork
come out. Here is celebrity indeed, but not of a
useful kind. The division argues want of concen—
tration, and the results neutralize each other. The

versatility of the individual bars the way.

  

/

I

168 practical Dalmtstrg

Much divided it indicates a great, and most
frequently an unrealized, desire for riches. Some
improvement may arise, and perhaps some oppor—
tunities will occur, which must be grasped. The
restlessness of such wishes militates against the con—
centration necessary,
and they will be un—
satisfied. This' is
m o r e conspicuous
when Saturn turns
the artist into a “pot
'boiler,” and want of
means, want of capi«
tal, a desire to save, or
household expenses,
cripple the energies,
and reduce the work-
er to a time—server.

It is stated that-
Lines on Apollo’s
Mount indicate lega-
cies. This is most
likely true, but I have not seen a clear instance of
this. I mean the legacies have come in ordinary
course from relatives, not from strangers. So far
the lines are correct in the left hand. But I cannot
recall any legacy from an unexpected source that

 

chiromancg 169

has been foretold in a hand—or rather, I should say,
that has come as foretold. There is a legacy line in
my own hand—I wait the legacy still, it is nearly
due now; it will be thankfully received and grate—
fully acknowledged! I think a lady will leave it to
me or mine, or I shall owe the influence to a lady.
The line is not clear yet.

The sunshine gives art in theory and in practice.
In theory and appreciation if it rise high up in the
- palm (Fig. 18, b.); actuality in art if it commence
low down (Fig. 17, b.). It also bestows a modest,
retiring demeanor and character, but it likes appre—
ciation and values it, wishes to be praised when it
has done well, but will not praise itself—if the hand
be good. Swagger will be found in some palms
with certain hectoring large Mounts, arrogant and
dictatorial conduct, but in a good artistic hand
Apollo is modest, and the artist will make a quiet,
curling flourish under his signature when writing.

There are a few observations to be made before
closing this section.

Ascending lines mean favor. The force is at
work, and if it do not eventually succeed it is be-
cause our previous record is rather against us, or
persistent misfortune keeps at our heels.

When the Line of Apollo is well marked in con-
junction with the development of Venus and the

170 practical Dalmtstm

Moon, we may pronounce the hand “literary” in the
greater degree. Should the Mount of Venus be
absent, and otherwise the development be alike, we
have the literary critic. Short nails will confirm
this type.

The line, when it rises only from the Heart, may
mean only popularity, good nature, and generosity.
This may well be with a hollowed hand and a divided
Head Line. Success will be “tolerable,” the indi—
Vidual will owe his luck to his popularity and good
nature, but he will not be rich unless by what we
may term “accident,” and the liking he arouses.

THE HEPATICA OR LIVER LINE

This, the Line of Health, rises from the wrist, or
near it, and proceeds upwards to the Mount of the
Moon. This is the true course, and it be clear and
unbroken the augury is good (Fig. 19, a. a.).
Health and cheerfulness, owing to an excellent di—
gestion, are displayed. Things without, and con-
science within, are equally clear; and, naturally,
health is good. 7

When the line rises from the base of the Life Line
the tendency to palpitation of the heart or weakness
of the lungs may be predicted (Fig. 19, b. b.), more
particulary if the Liver Line be reddened at the
junction. There is, as far as my experience'goes,

Gbiromancg 171

no actual heart disease, but the subject thus marked
will be likely to pant after exertion, his or her breath
will be short, and if the line be broken up, indiges—
tion will be present—perhaps causing the palpita—
tion and weakness of action, the organ by its fre-
quent pumping sup—
plying the force of a
stronger, steadier
. working.
It is, perhaps, un—
necessary to remark

that the good Liver
Line is not a very
common object in the
palm after we have
passed our youth.
Even in youth the
ill—made Hepatica an—
nounces troubles, but
» when it does not exist .
the liver “ceases
troubling,” but the
person himself—in whose palm it is wanting—is not
“at rest.” Rather the contrary. He is vivacious,
witty, quick in manner, movement and speech. He
doesn’t know anything about liver and thinks life

well worth living.

 

172 practical palmtstrg

The Hepatica rising clear gives us good memory
and capacity in business; thick and stumpy it fore-
tells weakness in the future—in later years. Crosses
and breaks are illnesses, the former future, the lat-
ter past. Confirmation will be found upon the Life
and Head Lines when the attack has been serious.
Many ills that flesh is heir to are indicated upon the
Line of Health. A tendency to headache is shown
by the redness of the line. I mean such headaches
as arise from a slight derangement of the system,
in which case the line will be reddened at the upper
end. Nervous headaches and neuralgia are dis-
played in the chained formation of the Line of
Head.

The redness of the Hepatica is often a sign of
fever in the blood, and some say, if the redness is
low down on the line over the Life Line, weakness
of Heart may be looked for. Only once have 1 ob-
served this, and then the patient was subject to
palpitations only after rapid exertion, but doubt-
less some weakness was foreshadowed by the-red—
ness.

Naturally a bad Liver Line points to indigestion
and bilious attacks. In a hand I know, the line is
rather short, not particularly ruddy, and turns aside
in its course slightly. It does not cross the Fate
Line at the lower end. At the top it is connected

 

thromancg 173

with a line curving upward to the Heart Line, and
then tracing a furrow on the Mount of Apollo.

In such a line we would expect to find a tendency
to headaches, not a very strong Constitution, per-
haps, but “wiry.” A deep cut across the Liver Line
indicates severe illness. At the upper—middle part
the line is stronger, and sends the branch up to
Apollo, continuing its own course, seeking to com—
plete it higher on the palm. It is deeper and rather
iredder at the upper end than below the turn or
twist. ‘

Here, then, we have with other signs, data for at
once suggesting a weak youth, better health in mid:
dle age, a tendency to headache late in life, a strong
and persistent desire for popularity or celebrity in
the career. This indication is accentuated by the
angle made by a branch of the line with the Head
Line; these, together, tell us that, notwithstanding
illness and worries, the person is extremely anxious
to shine in the world, and will do his utmost, prob—_
ably eventually with success, to ensure good for—
tune, but illness is hovering about him, and much
work may really bring success too late for enjoy—
ment of it.

In this same instance we perceive that the Liver
Line clearly makes a triangle with the Fate Line
and the Head Line. This proves the subject under

1'7 4 practical lDaImistrg

notice a, student of weather and of nature. Mr
Allen, in his book, I see, touching upon this symp-
tom, describes a person thus endowed as fond of
natural magic, electro—biology, and so on. To this
I cannot subscribe, but the person whose hand I
have been studying certainly possesses a great
affinity for nature and natural phenomena; is
peculiarly affected by electricity in the air; and as
regards the “second sight” (claimed on his behalf
by Mr. Allen), he declares he has seen “ghosts.”
This angle also gives an aptitude for Chiromancy.

When the Hepatic Line is in good condition the
happy possessor will be lively and unselfish, have
a good memory, and be straightforward in his busi—
ness. He will succeed, notwithstanding his recti-
tude and kindness, and his deserved success will also
be accompanied by health to enjoy it. If the line
be long the life will be prolonged, but the “cross-
cut” denotes illness. The date, or approximate
date, will be found foreshadowed in the break of the
Life Line.

A joining of this Hepatica with the Line of the
Head is accepted as an indication—and a warning—
of overwork, or overstrain of the constitution.
“Overwork” is a phrase which does duty for many
other terms, and may stand for dissipation, as well
as for over-exertion in the “Hepatica.”

Gbitomancg 175

An island 1n the Hepatica will correspond with a
period of weakness in the Life Line. I was ob-
serving a palm with some curiosity the other day
because the owner of said hand told me that he had
read a treatise on Palmistry in which it is stated
that congestion of the lungs is declared by a break
in the “Hepatica.”

This may be—I have not observed it—but I could
point out the seven or more years in which weak—
ness and delicate health would continue as shown
by the hand under examination. The Life Line is
separated in both hands, but mended by an angle
(see Fig. 19, b.). From this angle the Liver Line
rises, and in the Left Hand is an island (as Fig. 19,
c. d.) existing in the Hepatica. The right hand has
no special mark (in the Hepatica) of the illness, but
the Head Line is marked, and here is a warning
against overwork and worry. The Line of Mars,
which accompanies the Life Line, fades during the
period of the existence of the angle. Thus illness
is almost beyond control. It is “fated,” so to speak,
and great care will be required to ward it off,
though circumstances will force overwork upon the
man! He “must work,” he says. He must be also

careful then.
A “sister” Hepatica is an excellent sign. Health

and fortune come with the double line, and should

176 practical Dalmistrg

a sister line exist with the pale tint in the original
line (suggestive of indigestion) she will remedy the
severe symptoms. But a double line under such
circumstances is a paradox. It is best to have no
Hepatica at all.

By its aid we can confirm many ills of the Heart
and the Head. Remember that the Line should be
long—not wide—but clear and direct. Any devia—
tion into winding (bile and temper), touching Heart
and Head (weakness in either), cross-lines (head-
ache), and so on, are bad signs; a bad break is a
sign of long illness of some kind.

Future illness is marked upon theline in a cut or
cross. Past illness leaves a break or thinness.

There is a proverb, or legend, that a star at the
base of the Liver Line near the Line of Life is sig—
nificant of “no family” (in a woman’s hand). I
must confess I have never noticed this star particu—
larly, and am, therefore, unable to confirm the as«
sertion. Perhaps some reader may be able to do so.

See also “Marriage Lines.”
Leaving the Liver Line now we can merely

glance at a somewhat similar line, called the Line of
the Moon or Inspiration (Fig. 19, e. f.), which rises
on Luna’s Hill and proceeds to the Mount of Mer—
cury. Intelligence, wit, intention, occultism, palm-
istry, over-much imagination, even madness, are

Gbiromancg 17 7

predicated by this line (a rare one) according to its
course and formation—clear and straight (direct)
it is good. Mixed, short, or blended, it is bad.

THE “GIRDLE OF VENUS”

There is no line in the human palm which has
given rise to so much argument, shyness, and even
apprehension as this “Girdle of Venus.” This error
I am partly responsible for, because, in the first
modern book upon Chiromancy, published in 1883,
my statement, based upon a somewhat imperfect
foundation, put the Girdle of Venus “in the corner,”
so to speak, like a naughty line, and neglected to let
it. out again for some time!

Since then experience, and the intelligence of
other writers, have demonstrated the truer attributes
of the Girdle, which, as far as I am concerned here,
shall be repolished, “rehabilitated,” and placed in

‘ its proper position in the schools of Chiromancy.
It is not “perfectly harmless,” though, as some

think. Under its reclothed and lamb—like exterior
there lives something of the leaven of the wolf,
which may create disturbance on the surface at un~
expected times, and upset the whole body. But it
is, not a ravening wolf as it has been at times said to
be. Let us look at it closely.

 

17 8 practical malmtstm

In the first place, few, if any, hands are Without
the Girdle or Ring of Venus. Of course, I am
only deducing these arguments from experience—
so far as I know—and I must not be tied down to
individual cases to the contrary. I do not remem-
ber any case in which this Girdle is entirely want-
ing, and in one instance I have seen it change into a
kind of sister Line of Heart, “falling into line” al~
most with the latter, and descending to below Mer-
cury.

The “Girdle of Venus,” so condemned in the past,
is a semicircular line starting from, at, or near, the
base of the index finger and continuing to the third
finger (Fig. 20, a. b.). It is, in fact, a loop or “slur”
connecting the Mounts of Jupiter and Apollo, in-
cluding Saturn in its course. It cuts the markings
of Saturn’s and Apollo’s Mounts, and, so far, de~
stroys their promises.

Now this disputed line one lady writer on Palmis—
try says, “is not seen in many hands!” Well, doc-
tors differ. I have seen it in most hands; in those
of artistic and literary people, men and women of
intellectual position, and cannot accept it as a sign
of “unbridled passion and debauchery” as the writer
just quoted avers. Indeed, I am under the impres—
sion that some of the best hands—certainly the
hands of persons who lead exemplary lives, though

 

cmromancg 179

this proves nothing by itself—possess the “Girdle
of Venus.”

True, there may be a tendency to dissipation in
the nature, but then the other and contemporary
signs must exist in strong measure. For instance,
a person who possesses a “Girdle of Venus,” rather
broken up, with a high imagination, much senti—
ment, a high Mount of Venus, a chained Heart, and
lined Head, would in all probability be, or have been
a very “free liver,” and an “admirer of the opposite
sex”—in plain language, possess the “taste of dissi—
pation” hinted at. This, mind, I believe to be true,
but the mere presence of the Girdle of Venus is not
to be accepted as an indication of any bad practices.
Many other signs must accentuate it before we con-
demn the individual as dissolute.

Again, when the Girdle is apparent, as it so often
is, upon a really good hand, we shall find that its
influence is in precisely the same direction, so far as
v it goes, as in the former case. This may read as a
Contradiction, but in reality it is not so. The pres-
ence of the Girdle accentuates the evil, so it gives
energy to the better nature; but it should not be
broken much. The break is failure—failure of the
intellect which, by means of over-pressure energy,
gives life to the brain, but an extremely imaginative,
poetic kind. The line should not be called the Gir—

180 practical Dalmistm

dle of Venus at all! Venus is not there. She rem
sides in the thumb, and Girdles of Venus are really
traced parallel to the Line of Life! These are our
girdles, or ties, to love, the zones of our passions!

The true meaning, then, of the so—called “Girdle
of Venus"—quite a misnomer—is a high—pitched
sensibility, an imaginativeness, an unbridled, or at
any rate a very free habit of thought, which in a bad
hand is very bad; and in a good one only brings us
misfortune because of want of fixity in idea—the
mind is very active, the brain quick, and so these
thoughts cut into and cross and disturb our lives,
our true callings, our business; producing restless—
ness and tending to failure for this reason. Versa—
tility is the rock upon which we break our fate. We
are smart, clever, intuitive, over much. And when
this energy is misdirected it tends to evil
thoughts, evil imaginations, evil acts. dissipation——
debauchery.

This is the true meaning of the “Girdle of Venus”
in my opinion. Why it was even so named Ilam
at a loss to conceive. It has no connection with
Venus at all. It is of the mind (of the heart) which

may be evil.1
We may, I think, therefore, be comforted con-

 

‘ Matt. xv, I8, 19, 20.

Gbiromancg 181

. cerning the Ring or Girdle of Venus, unless the
signs in our palms and certain Mounts and lines are
strongly developed. In such cases I should be
strongly of opinion that the presence of the Girdle
indicated a quick, artistic mind, one not naturally
vicious, but whose feelings are strong and likely to
lead the possessor into danger. In extreme cases
the Girdle‘would certainly be denunciatory. The
reader who has perused the pages about the Heart
and other lines will quickly discern the various de—
grees of evil actions. A pale “Girdle” is a sign of
dissipation. ‘

“Failure,” then, is the motto of the Girdle of
Venus. The fate and the fortune are both inter—
rupted. Worries and anxieties _sap the energies,
and other causes contribute. But, nevertheless, one
can combat the influence, and even succeed in alter—
ing the impending destiny.

\Nhenthe “Girdle” can be perceived descending
' from the Mount of Apollo, and casting itself down-
wards below upon the Mount of Mercury (Fig. 20,
c. b.) as in a hand lately under my observation, there
is much ground for hope in a “bad” hand. This
wandering tendency does not take away our love
of amusement or pleasure, but it acts as a whole-
some check upon too much indulgence. The
reason will argue and debate with the inclination,

182 practical malmtetrg

and the value of the game vis—a—vis with the candle
will be considered. But going direct to Mercury,
high up as formerly on Apollo (Fig. 20, d. b.), the
chances are strongly in favor of deception, as Mer—
cury lends his aid to the liar or deceiver.
' It will be noted,
therefore, that the
g ' Girdle is not by any
a means so bad in itself
,. as was at one time
a. supposed.
, / There is another
‘ ”B w ' line, known wrongly
/ g ., as the Via Lasciva
/ ' which is sometimes
0 mistaken f o r t h e
Hepatic (Fig. 19).
It is a strengthening
line for the ardor of
affection, and going
up to Apollo is for-
tunate. But with ref-
erence to my observations above, its appearance in a

bad hand is an additional spur to evil, and if twisted
it is a greater support to faithlessness and cunning.
.Fortunately, it is a line seldom seen, and then in
connection with the Head Line, which governs it.

\

Fig. 20

 

thromancg 183

MARRIAGE AND OTHER LINES

“Tell me, please, am I going to be married?”

This is the anxious question which has been put
to me oftentimes, and it is a difficult one to answer
precisely as the querist desires. Sometimes the
reply is in the affirmative, but some indicatiOn
crosses it and makes one advise care. The indica~
tions are faint, and so faint was on one occasion the
cross—sign of wedding that I ventured upon a re—
monstrance with the intending bride.

To her extreme astonishment, when she privately
consulted me about her prospects, I replied, deli—
cately as possible, because I had heard she was “en—
gaged”—

' “Be careful and, whatever you do, do not elope,
as you show a tendency in that direction.”

“Why not?” she asked, bluntly.

“Never mind,” was my reply. “Take advice. Do
not put yourself in any man’s power before marriage
—not even in that of a very particular ‘person.’ ”

The girl was quite wrong, and as she turned aside,
her sister, who was with her, said:

“I am glad you advised her so. She believes in
you. And I may tell you that she and Mr. had
made some arrangements to run away. She con-
fided in me to help her.”

 

184 practical Dalmisttg

She then expatiated upon the marvels of Chiro‘
mancy, and the consequence was that I was pretty
busy, and had not much time for lawn-tennis. Still,
the young ladies were graceful and pretty, so one
accepted the “penance”!

Now this incident occurred a few years since at a
house in one of our southwestern countries, whose
occupants I had never seen before. The young
lady did not elope: she married, notwithstanding
opposition, and is, I trust and believe, happy. I
hope that, by implication, I did not hurt the hus-
band's feelings, if he ever heard of my unconsidered
remark. At any rate, neither he nor his charming
wife ever bore me any malice, apparently, when
“last we met.”

A similar verdict was pronounced at a watering-
place one day; but in that instance the parties con-
cerned made up their minds to “run away all the
same!” Whether they were subsequently married
I never heard, but the cross upon Jupiter was hardly
perceptible, the marriage line was broken, and lines
of travel and wandering were plain. The hand of
the intending bridegroom was not very nice——-I dis—
trusted him rather.

N ow these Marriage Lines are extremely impor-
tant, and yet comparatively little is known of them
and of the signs. which, arising at the same time,

 

thromancg 185

confirm the lines. That certain signs and lines are
found in the hands of married people is a fact; but,
unfortunately, similar signs and lines are seen in the
palms of people who were not married in church,
nor even in registry office.

This may be accounted for naturally; but it is with
diffidence that I approach this branch of Palmistry,‘
though I have often “rushed in” and told people
the tendencies of the lines; and in some cases the
prediction has, to my knowledge, come true.

I remember one instance respecting Marriage
Lines, which I may repeat because the prediction
was so commented upon by the family of the bride,

whose sister announced the result to me.
One summer day a young lady was put into my

charge to cross from Southampton to Ryde. She '
had her maid with her, but the young lady was pro-
ceeding to the Island to visit some friends, I to
meet my family. The lady and I had met at the
house of a relative, and I took charge of her.

On board the steamer we chatted of certain
events; she questioned me, knowing me for a stu-
dent of Palmistry. Her hand bore signs—a deep,
long‘ ‘marriage line—uncut” —a cross and a line
crossing from Venus to the heart (at the age of
about twenty— one, I think). At any rate, the age
was plain then, and I much surprised my young

186 practical palmtstrg

companion by predicting her marriage within two
years’ time—“in about eighteen months,” I said.

She laughed heartily, because, she declared, she
knew no one whom she would care to wed! She
was heart—whole: the prediction amused, but did
not appear to interest her greatly.

My pleasant duty accomplished, I bade her fare—
well, and we parted. We have met only once since.
But on that occasion, in the following year, at a
garden party at my brother’s house, Miss A ’s
sister told me that my “extraordinary prophecy”
had come to pass! Her sister was engaged to be
married in a few months, and had actually for the
first time met her fiancé at the house in which she
had stayed in the Isle of Wight part of the previous
summer. She had never seen or heard of him be-
fore, as he had just previously come to the Island
on duty,

This is a fact, and there are many people who can
confirm it. I need not relate any more anecdotes.
I must explain.

Turn the percussion of the hand upward—that
is, turn the part of the hand on which you rest it
when writing—to the light, and you will see most
likely some (it may be one, two, or three) deeply cut
lines in the hand running horizontally beneath the
outside of the little finger (Fig. 21, a. b.).

 

chiromancg 187

These are the Marriage Lines.
You will usually perceive more than one: it may

be cut by another line. If it is short or so cut
(Fig. 21, c.) it means that the individual under ex—

amination had been engaged, and the arrangement
came to an end.

This break will be
confirmed upon the
Heart Line, and a
spot on the Life. A
descending line from
the Heart will tell you
this—and any other
serious flirtation. If
the line be the longest

and lowest of three
you may consider that
two former love affairs

have occurred.
As to the method

——I can only supply
my own (as below) Fig. 2:.
before I resigned the practice of Palmistry to

younger eyes and hands; and, at the best of times,
the bashful Chiromant—I mean the male species
——is disposed to become diplomatic when a young
and attractive girl, or an elegant but uncertain

 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  

188 practical Dalmtsttg

aged lady demands information respecting her
approaching or hoped—for marriage. The truthful
Palmist cannot see more than five years or so
ahead; and who would be so cruel as to inform the
elegant lady aforesaid that her prospects of matri-
mony were nil. So if they are nil, you must say you
are unable to calculate with certainty, and pass on.
Prefer contempt to falsehood and also to abuse if
your chance prediction be not verified. Never
“chance it"! How is it done? Thus:

Consider first the Lines of Fate and Heart. Often
from the Mount of Venus you will see a line arising
to enter the Fate Line (Fig. 21, e. f.), and above
the junction the latter line divides. Here is the in~
fluence of another person strongly indicated, and
the opening up of the Heart Line, the dividing of
the Fate Line, show Heart is involved, and a new
career is opening.

Then turn to the Marriage Line, see it is there,
and also the cross upon Jupiter's Mount (Fig. 21,
h.). These give you the clues, and the branch of
the Fate Line which runs into the heart will give the
affection. The place on the Fate Line, where the
Line from the Moon (or Venus) touches it, gives the
date of the marriage. '

The offspring is marked in perpendicular lines in
a greater or less number beneath the little finger.

Gbiromancg 189

Sometimes there are no marks, and I remember
feeling rather foolish at a well-known depot once
when I was challenged to tell how many children
Mrs. had. Silence and expectation fell upon
the guests present. The lady, a fine, handsome
woman, took off her gloves and submitted her hands
in silence. My reply was, “No children!” A gen-
eral laugh succeeded, a roar, indeed, because she
Was so well known to all present and a general fa—
vorite.

The Palmist felt embarrassed as she turned aside
smiling, but he was assured when his hostess whis-
pered: “You are quite right, she never had a baby."

Perhaps a more curious instance was that when I
told a doctor that his wife had had a baby (only one)
and that it had been a boy! He was greatly sur—
prised, confessed that I was right,’ but the child had
never thrived. This was seen in his hand, not in
hers. . _

The deeper perpendicular lines are sons: the less
deep and rather sloping lines are daughters. By a
careful study of the Fate Line and its markings the
’ advent of the unexpected may be predicted with fair 1
accuracy; but obviously this is a very delicate’topic,
. and should be handled with great care. Therefore
‘ I? prefer to leave it here. But I have more than
,_ once foretold the little stranger’s appearance._ '

 

190 practical mimistrg

Should the cross exist upon the Mount of Jupiter,
the nearer the root of the finger the earlier the mar-
riage. The centre of the Mount is, say, twenty-
nine to thirty years of age.

Lines extending in rays from the Line of Heart,
which is thereby frayed at the end, to the neighbor-
hood of the deep independent “Marriage Line,” in-
dicate “affections" which the separated Heart, the
Fate Line, and the Lines of Venus will abundantly
confirm, and the subject, most likely more abun-
dantly, deny. But the truth is there, and he knows
it—or she knows it! Diplomacy terms them
“flirtatious.” .

A clear line (not Fate Line) rising from the wrist
means success; and if it start from the wrist, or
Moon, to Venus and then, to Jupiter, the alliance
will be wealthy. The cross is not invariably pres—
ent in married hands, but most generally when
money is obtained.

If the line indicated end at Saturn the marriage
will be with an elderly person.

If at the Sun (Apollo) a person of artistic taste
will be chosen. ‘

If at Mercury a merchant or business man, or
one whose interests are commercial, and his income
derived therefrom.

The right and left hands must be consulted. If

chiromancp 191

these signs are upon the left outside influence is
shown. If in the right our own affections have
caught us; but I cannot personally endorse all this.
The line from the Mount of the Moon indicates the

effect of imagination, often fancy—not deep, single
love.

VENUS LINES

A star on Venus means a single love.

Numerous lines upon the Mount mean passion.
These lines, which assist to form the grille, are in
my estimation the true girdles of Venus.

In nearly every hand there will be perceived a
line, or perhaps two or more, accompanying the
Life Line (Fig. 22, a. b.). The nearest to the Line
of Life is generally called the Line of Mars, and
adds strength to the Life. This is a double of the
Life Line, and if it be examined closely it will be
foundloopedduring periods of failing health of the
subject under examination. In one case which 1
have in my mind this line begins, in the right hand,
at an early age of the individual. It loops into an
island soon after, and the Life Line indicates weak—
ness during the same period. The Line of Mars
then continues pretty strong until a break in it
about forty-seven indicates an illness at that age,
.which corresponds with a sheltered break in the

192 practical palmtstrg

Life Line. The “double” line cuts into the Life
Line at about the age of sixty-five. .

These marks are repeated with less firmness upon
the left hand, and the attendant Line of Mars is sup-

‘ posed to give intensity to the passions and energy to

the life, bringing wealth and fortune. It neutralizes
the ill effects of breaks in the Line of Life, but I
think it of itself does not bring success except in
preventing evil or in assisting effort, which in an
evil—disposed person may act in an evil direction.

De Peruchio says that there is always a love affair
at the age at which it (the Line of Mars) “begins.”
If so, then the person whose hands I have lately ex-
amined for this line must have begun “sweetheart-
ing” at the early age of four years. I prefer to think
that the line in some hands gives a sympathy for,
and an attachment to, the society of the’opposite
sex, which may or may not be permitted to develop
unduly, according to the other characteristics of the
hands. It certainly in my own experience does not
“give riches and prosperity” in itself. It gives en-
ergy to work, and hence riches may come, or may
not if the other signs be not favorable.

The true Rings of Venus (Fig. 22, c. c.) lie inside
the Line of Mars nearer the thumb, and indicate our
friendships and the influences of others upon us. A
person who has been fortunate may have se «eral of

Gbiromancg 193

these friendships, the class of friendship being de-
termined by the developments of the Mounts, and
by the Heart and Fate Lines: These “sisters,” with
the lines which cross the Mount of Venus hori—
zontally, form the “grille,” which denotes an excess
of the Mount, strong affections, or even passion
without any real affection. Those that lie nearer
the thumb are connected sometimes by a loop with
the Heart Line, and tell of broken engagements.
The lens revealed this to me in one examination,
the line being distinctly traceable from the root of
the thumb, crossing the Life Line at about twenty—
six years of age, leaving a deep trench beneath the

Heart Line and an indentation in the Head Line .

(Fig. 22, d. d.). These signs I interpreted as a
Strongly passionate attachment and engagement
(confirmed in the side of the hand) at the age, or
about the age mentioned. There had been, even
before, that, another as early as eighteen or nine-
teen. These decisions were admitted as true, and
both lines were the close attendants of the thumb.
Therefore I am _of opinion that close personal love

affairs are to be seen near the junction of the thumb ,

with the Mount of Venus, in the right hand. I have
never heard of this theory, nor have I seen it pro—
pounded by any other writer, but my examinations
render it exceedingly probable. The lines close to

194 Dracttcal- Dalmistrg

the base 'of the thumb seem to be seriousattach»
inents into which the person, whose right hand dis—
plays the lines, had rushed with his "eyes open. The
Other lines between the root of the thumb and the
line of Mars or of Life are less marked friendships
or Platonic affections. If- the lines rise into the
second phalange of the thumb (Logic) it is a sign
of regard by others—of a favorite.

LINES UPON THE WRIST

The “bracelets” (Fig. 22, e. f. g.) are lines more or
less distinctly marked upon the wrist, each one
being supposed to give the possessor nearly thirty
years of existence. This measurement must be
confirmed by the Life "Line. If the lines show a
tendency to rise they indicate a person of ele—
‘vated ideas, particularly if they ascend beneath the
Mount ofthe Moon, which gives imagination. If
they descend under Venus, we may argue that the
thOughts are often of a material nature.

If the lines are chained (Fig. 22, e. e.) and inter—
laced near the wrist it is an indication of a” life of
toil—hard 'work, but we may find with it success of
a fair character. Lines or branches thence ‘to the
Mount of’Luna indicate travel or voyage, short or
long as may be, and’at least a desire for travel, and
“a tasté‘for reading travels, " ‘

thromancg

195

Broken, troubled lines indicate struggle in life,

and losses, worries, anxieties.

Crosses are said to

be legacies, but I cannot confirm this. Crosses
generally give trouble in the reading of the wrist
lines—hard work—certainly an extravagance in

expenditure, after suc-
cess.

An angle in the wrist
is a token of wealth and
luck in old age. Both
hands should be com—
pared. I have already
LSpoken of lines rising
from the wrists, but
there are, besides the
i travel lines, some others
not rising from the

wrist, but cutting into

the lower part of the
Mount of the Moon
which posess a curious
significance.

 

These ‘lines pointrto dangers to be feared from
animals, and one case I may quote because, 'since I
commenced to write these experiences, a lady has
reminded ,me of a three—year—old prediction. She
and her husband. were living at Hampstead, and he

196 practical Dalmistm

kindly introduced me to his young wife. Of course
she was extremely desirous of having her hand read,
and while telling her some few things, I warned her
against street accidents.

“Your hand indicates danger from animals, run- .
away horses, I presume, and cab accidents.”

Her reply was, “Why, only on Friday I was nearly
hurt by a cab—horse plunging on to the pavement l”

“Well, be cautious,” I replied; “there are other
signs.”

After three years’ absence we met again a week
or two ago and the lady, reminding me of Palm—
istry, told me of an accident which had occurred
in Richmond Park some time previously. She and
her friend had been thrown out of the carriage, and
as she lay dazed upon the road the heels of one of
the restless fallen horses were within a few inches of
her head. One violent kick might have killed her.

Unfortunately my prediction concerning her good
and charming husband was fulfilled, not to the let-
ter, but too practically, as a warning of severe illness
and enforced idleness came to pass, resulting from
a slip while entering the train in a hurry. The knee
was injured, and he suffered, for many weeks. The
illness was plainly shown, the cause I did not per—
ceive, but the probable interval before the occur-
rence and the illness were indicated plainly.

PART HI
SPACES AND SIGNS

I
THE QUADRANGLE

IN the palm enclosed by well—marked lines are
certain spaces. The chief of these between the
' Heart and Head 15 known as The Quadrangle (Fig.
23, a. a.) because the space is of that shape, if not
exactly within defined limits.

Another important space is The Triangle (Fig.
23, b.). This is plainly contained between the Life
Line, the Head Line, and the Liver Line.

Sometimes the Hepatica (Liver Line) does not
exist in a palm. In such a case the Fate Line must
be made the base of the Triangle, or the Line of
Apollo may serve; but the proper Triangle is
,formed by the three lines shown in the diagram
herewith.

. 197

198 practical Dalmisttg

In considering the Triangle we must pay atten-
tion to the angles of it, but the reading is not so
difficult as Euclid, nor so, apparently, useless as
that bane of our youthful days. The space we shall
consider is called the “Grand Triangle.”

(I) The Quadrangle
is an extremely impor—
tant space, for upon
its width and general
appearance the mind'
and the disposition of
the man or woman
may be estimated and
“reckoned up.”

How? Why, by ex—
amining the form of
the Quadrangle. In
speaking of the Head
and Heart Lines we
remarked that the in-
clination of either to—

Fig- 23 wards the other is not
a good sign, because the attributes of one or both
are diminished and brought low. This is precisely
the importance of the Quadrangle. By its evenness,
by the parallelism of its upper and lower boundaries
is the individual assayed.

 

Spaces anb Signs 19.?)

If it be regular, wide in the' centre, expanding
upon Jupiter, and again enlarging upon the percus—
sion of the hand, the fortunate owner may be predi—
cated an honest, straightforward person of a trust—
worthy character and generally good health.

This indication should not be neglected in the
employment of clerks and others. In the course Of
some years’ experience now closing, I haVe never
found this sign to fail. Mind, I do not say’that' a
man is dishonest if he do not absolutely possess this
formation of palm, but I do say that'he will have
some unredeeming traitS-either timidity, Want of
resource, fear of responsibility, shyness, want of
talent to seize the occasion; in short, he is nOt a
business man. He will be kind and generOus; too
'kind, too willing to sacrifice his time, etc. He will
be highly’esteemed, “put upon,” but not put to
much seriOus occupation even by those who may
like him best. “He has not “snap” and decision; he
is too retiring or not “quite to be trusted,” not be—
cause he is dishonest, for he is} often terribly con—
scientious, but because he is a trifle too easy-going.

This failure is the result of the person’s Head and
Heart Lines’ dipping 0r rising to the other, or both
approaching at'once,'so that the square portion of
the Quadrangle is narrowed till the character'is
7 dwarfed in preportion.‘

200 practical Dalmistrg

The mind is not narrowed, remember; there is no
meanness in the character of the space to be nar-
rowed. It only signifies a dwarfed career. (See
Head and Heart Lines.)

If very narrow in the centre it may betray deceit
and avarice—close-fistedness, while extremely wide
it betokens foolish expenditure; but a change to
width beneath Mercury shows a tendency to econ-
omy in old age.

A cross in the centre of the Quadrangle is the
Mystic Cross or the sign of a regard for astrology,
‘ spiritualism, etc., and such hidden mysteries of these
studies (Fig-23, c.). When the Head Line dips
into the Life Line it is a great misfortune—often in
love——and indicating a mental lassitude hard to
conquer.

The Quadrangle should be fairly clear, for a much
confused space means some weakness by the de-
scending heart—sprays, and the interference with the
Head Line.

Undefined, the Quadrangle is significant of mis-
fortune and of a somewhat evil-disposed person.

The reader, by reading his own hands and those
of intimate friends, will soon be able to arrive at the
happy medium and to gauge the boundaries and
the extent or limitations of the Quadrangle.

If the lines widen out again beneath Apollo, the

Spaces (ano Signs 201

indication is that the individual, if perhaps not alto—
gether a really strong man in the moral sense, is
perfectly fair and honest generally, of kindly dis-
position, fond of children and liked by them, but 15
at once impulsive and
retiring.

A deep cross in the
Quadrangle assumes
a hen—peeked husband,
an easy—going one——
particularly if he have
his first finger rela—
tively, and his fourth
finger actually, short
in the right hand.
He will be a good,
easy man, who will
chivalrously yield to
the sex, and be im-
posed upon by the
ladies.

The ascending of
the Head Line (Fig 24, e.) indicates a shy charac-
ter, who is very pleased to do one “a good turn”
even to his own detriment. He is apt to promise
and to forget to perform, or to permit the oppor-
tunity to pass and become ranked as a “humbug” or

 

Fig 24 ,

202 practical Dalmtstrg

as a “sophist,” although he is perfectly sincere in
his promises and really intends to perform them,
and did try. But his impulsive good- -nature has
landed him In difficulty. ‘ ‘ ‘

Lines crossing the Quadrangle from Venus point
to interruptions by members of the opposite sex
which have influenced our hearts or our heads
(business) respectively. ' l

A cross in the Triangle is said to be indicative of
a fortunate journey. .. But small crosses in the
Quadrangle which rise and fall from Head and
Heart are certainly influences of persons of the op-
posite sex, and they fade at times, too, alas! and die.

II

THE TRIANGLE, THE ANGLES, THE LITTLE TRIANGLE

THE TRIANGLE and its angles, respectively, now
come within our ken; their position and extent will
be at once understood by means of the accompany-
ing diagram (Fig. 24).

Readers will easily perceive that if this figure be
clear, well traced, and enclosing a wide space, the
happy owner of such a triangle must be in the en-
joyment of happiness, in his intellect, his long life
prospect, and his health. (The Triangle is bound
by Head, Liver, and Life Lines.) '

Spaces 3th Signs 203

CI‘tSTWidth gives us nobility. of character, gener-

osity, bravery—the Plain of Mars being'developed.

Its' narrowness indicates opposite attributes—~
meanness, stinginess, slowness of intellect—un—
lucky, if hollow—a mild, unpushing character. If
raised, pluck, perseverance, grip, and decision are
indicatedn , _

These explanations are perhaps hardly needed
after so many preceding chapters, but it is better to
confirm them.

THE ANGLES (Fig. 24, a. b. c.) are three in num-
ber—the ,upper', the inner, and the lower angles,
a. b. c. respectively.

(I) The first—named (a) is formed by the union
of the Head and Life Lines, and if acute, “clean—
c_ut,” it means good disposition, refinement; obtuse,
it indicates dullness, if blunted particularly under
Saturn, he will interfere and make us crafty and
avaricious; too sharp, it is extremely “diplomatic,”
and tends to envy.

Should the Angle be in the Plain of Mars an un—
happy eXistence, a saving, miserly disposition may
be anticipated. No (true) angle indicates self-confi-
dence.

((2), The inner Angle (b) made by the Liver and
=Hea‘d“ Lines. This, clear and “clean,” promises
'goodihealth, life, and good intelligence.

204 practical palmtet’m

If acute, nervousness and doubtful health; a mis—
chievous mind.

If obtuse, dullness; inconstancy, if confused.

(3) The lower Angle (c) formed by the meeting
of the Life and Liver Lines, well made and acute,
gives excellent health and excellent disposition; too
close, weakness, delicacy, and a desire to make
money.

Obtuse and indistinct, it presages a bad dispo-
sition, laziness, not necessarily idleness; brusque—
ness.

By studying the characteristics of the lines which
form the angles the greater or less clearness or ob- .
tuseness of the angles themselves will be guides to
temperament. The heat and texture of the palm
may also be considered. The same general rule
applies to all parts of the palm—clearness, good col-
oring, and true direction are good signs.

There is a smaller Triangle (Fig. 24, b.b.b.) in the
palm which is made by the division of the Grand
Triangle, already described, by the Fate Line. The
Smaller Triangle is not always observable; it de—
pends upon the existence of the Liver Line, the ab-
sence of which causes the small Triangle to usurp
the place of the Greater. But if the angles of the
former be well defined, not too acute but clear, in-
tellectual strength may be assumed, and if both tri-

Spaces anb Signs 205

angles exist in the palm the owner may study. He
is capable of winning renown. A clear Grand Tri-
angle is bisected by a clear Line of Fate, so a
profession may be selected. On the other hand, in
the absence of these signs success may be im—
perilled by “casual” work, want of application and
forethought

When the Lines of Health and Life do not meet
well 1n the hand, the owner should not be compelled
' to study too hard. This indication, of course, ap-
plies specially to children.

A badly formed Angle (b) in Grand Triangle
gives us headaches and an irritable temper. We all
know the result of this ill—formed Angle.

A missing. Line of Fate indicates a “vegetating’i
existence, and if Apollo be also absent there will be
no results worth recording in the life.

The Angles and Triangles deserve attention, as
by their expression they guide the beginner to
rightful and confirmatory conclusions.

III
SIGNS IN THE PALMS

THIS section must be devoted to the description
and the explanation of the numerous signs to be
found in the palms and fingers, but I will at once

206 practical malmtstrg

state that I am unable personally to VOLICh for their
effects in every instance in which they occur. The
experience Of others will help us here. When
preparing a guide—book the man whose name ap—
pears upon thetitle page is often responsible for
matter which he has not written, for descriptions of
places which he has never seen. So in this chapter
I must to some extent rely upon others, and on
their information act; but by no means entirely, or

even in the majority of instances, I think. Honor
shall be given where honor is due.

Every one who looks at “palms” sees some
crosses, stars, cross—bars (called grilles), circles.
chained lines, islands, loops, triangles, forks, spots
of sorts, capillaries, or bunches of little lines,
waving lines, tassels at the ends of lines, sister lines
(close companions of lines), squares, stars, and so
on. .(See Fig. 25 for detail.)

All these apparently aimless markings have a
meaning, eachone its own meaning afterits kind.
Even the slope of a main—line alters its significance
in the hand“ and the markings above noticed
change, decay, arise, and unite with other lines to
form stars and crosses. H

The hand is ever changing in small» details, and
at times in principles. As we change our habits

'and our lives, so do our palms change, and a cross

 

Spaces an?) Signs 207

of last year may turn to a' line of hope later on.
This applies only to natural or inherited significa-
tions. What a person has acquired during his life-
time; he usually retains within him. He may
eschew the practice, but the results of former prac-
tices remain Some traits he cannot abandon——

they are characteristics.

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Fig. 25

In this mysterious dispensation lies the net in
which the unwary handreader may catch his feet.
One sign is not sufficient to condemn a character !.
Twowitnesses or more should be examined. We
, must have supporting evidence, because some signs

‘modifyand neutralize others, so that even a bad

208 practical Dalmtstnz

Fate Line may be repaired by a good thumb, which
possesses will and prudence to direct the life. The
Fate Line will then improve higher up the palm,
though it has been so broken and indistinct in the
Plain of Mars.

These rules are easy to observe, and a little prac-
tice will speedily give confidence. Again I say,
take nothing for granted.

We will now proceed to indicate the signs, leaving-
the small lines till later. The most common are:

(I) The CRoss, which, unless it be clear, is un~
lucky, but it possesses certain significations upon
the different Mounts; though an ill—sign it indicates
Marriage or Jupiter, and success in our wishes.
The marriage may be unlucky, however, or of
“Japanese” kind.

A cross upon Saturn is misfortune, fatality, ad—
verse luck.

A cross upon Apollo is bad luck in business or
art, unless the line be deep and clear. If the Line-of
the Sun be good the cross loses its bad influence to
a great extent.

A cross upon Mercury gives talent for deception
and even theft and perjury, kleptomania.

A cross upon Mars means strife, even homicide.
(No evidence upon this, personally.)

A cross in the Plain of Mars foreshadows a

Spaces anb Signs 209

change in the life. It will be connected with the
Fate Line and bar it. It also points to a somewhat
restless, combative spirit, and danger in this.

A cross upon the Mount of Moon means, simply,
lying. It may extend to self-deception and to mys-
ticism, but the deceiver is revealed. Yet have I
seen no cross upon a man whom I knew to be a
humbug, as the phrase is, who, if he does not actu—
ally tell bare-faced falsehoods, sails too near the
wind of deception for ordinary people to follow him,
at times. The cross may be hidden in the grille

upon the Mount.

A cross upon Venus is a single love— one true
unselfish affection, often unhappy, unless Jupiter
place his cross upon the hand. This single “fatal”
love, as indicated on Venus, I have never noticed!
Why this is so I cannot explain, and I shall be glad
of instances to correct me. But I have seen the
Jupiter and the Venus Cross in the hand of mar—
- ried women, showing much love.

A cross “at the end of the Life Line” is said to
indicate a “change of position.” Presumably it
would, but the‘position is not defined in any work
on Palmistry. My own idea is it simply indicates
failing health and strength, as it naturally might do,

and a consequent struggle in misfortune. (See
“Fork.”)

210 practical Dalmtstm

A cross generally on lines means change, so Fate,
Life, etc., are affected in some degree by such mark—
ings. The cause will be forshadowed. A cross in
the Quadrangle is a sign of mysticism, and near
Luna “indicates a voyage.” The Mystic Cross is
separately marked under the Mount of Saturn.

(2) THE STAR (FIG. 25.)

The STAR indicates circumstances over which one
has no control. Thus a star may place us high in
honor or cast us into a felon’s cell, or kill us sud-
denly. A great deal depends upon the Mount,
whereon the star appears.

On Jupiter, honor, riches.

On Saturn it threatens violent death unless a
square intervene.

OnApollo,riches,but no happiness unless the Line
of Apollo be good also, when our efforts will be suc-
cessful, with assistance, a line insisted on, as it were.

On Mercury, dishonor by reason of chicanery or
theft, unless the hand be particularly good. (Some
says it means, with proper signs, “sudden literary
success." Of this, also, I have no personal knowl-
edge.) .

On Mars, death in battle or otherwise, suddenly.

On the Plain of Mars, glory in the field.

On the Mount of Venus, evil influence of the op-

5paces anb Signs 211

posite sex, troubles in love affairs or marriage. It
is said that a star upon or close to the Life Line
foreshadows law—suits.

A star on the Mount threatens danger by water. _
This is, I think, true, because being myself blessed .
with such a star upon my left hand, and having
twice already narrowly escaped drowning, it would
almost seem as if my destiny may be fulfilled. At
any rate I shall not drown myself, nor shall I be
hanged. A star here indicates dropsy in some cases.

. If the star occur upon the end of the Head Line,
it warns the unlucky possessor of brain weakness,
perhaps of hereditary affliction, and this may tend
to self—destruction. A star upon the Line of Head
near Mars is said to indicate blindness.
I A star on the Fate Line is something extremely
unfortunate, and great care should be exercised to
avoid a catastrophe, the cause of which may be
sought in the palm. The star at the base of Saturn’s
finger uniting with the Line of Fate is violent death,
or disgrace and death.

Thus the appearance of the star should be care—
fully watched and noted. It does not rise suddenly
in the hand. It is formed by degrees, and its po—
sition as regards other lines and the Mounts should
be studied daily. It is a fatality. We cannot avoid
it completely, but we can check its full development.

212 practical Dalmtstm

(3) THE SQUARE (FIG. 25.)

This sign, as shown in the diagram, is easily
recognized. It is a preservative—it guards us
against accident and violence which may result in

death. It certainly is a sign of protection from evil.
I In my own hand is the decided square upon Saturn
enclosing a cross, and another square lower down
shows me a safeguard from violent death. In fact,
the squares in my own palm are frequent, and I
know that my escapes have been numerous on land
and water. Energy is also indicated by the ap—
pearance of the square.

I have seen a break in the Line of Life enclosed in
such a figure—an “irregular square,” so to speak,
but plainly indicating protection from illness at an
age which I stated (closely) to my questioner. The
reply of my consulter confirmed the time of the at—
tack of fever which affected him seriously, but from
which he rallied wonderfully and unexpectedly.

A square upon the Line of Saturn, if it (the line)
be of evil omen, will save the person who possesses
it from the evil results indicated, or fostered by him.

A square with a red tinge is said to be a “sign of
escape from fire,” while a square surrounding a star
means “escape from assassination.” While not en-
dorsing this, I would recommend the search for the

Spaces anb Signs 213

sign to some rulers and heads of governments, if
the star be placed upon the lowest phalange of the
middle finger, except in a very good hand. The in—
dication 1s then paralysis, not death by the dagger,
in the end !

But certainly the square proves to us that we have
been preserved from accident or from death or some

severe illness. It gives us coolness in danger and
common sense, also.

(4) THE CIRCLE (FIG. 25.).

This is a rare sign. I have noticed it only on
one occasion, and I give a representation of it (en—
larged) because it seems to me indicative of much
misfortune. It is the most peculiar development of
the Head Line which I have ever seen. It looks as
if water would end the existence, and it is upon the
left hand only. An unpreventable fate! The man—
ner in which it emanates from the Head Line is
ominous, especially as it terminates rather low
down on the Mount of the Moon and the imagina—
tion. Brain trouble is anticipated, and may lead to
suicide by drowning.1

 

1Since writing this paragraph I have ascertained that
the person has more than once thought that if he had
to die he would drown himself.

214 practical palmtstrg

The circle is always considered unfortunate, ex—
cept upon the Mount of Apollo, when it is great
glory. It indicates weakness when on the Heart
Line and blindness on the Life Line.

(5) THE ISLAND

Let us look now to the Island, which, as every
one will expect to learn if he has not guessed it, is a
bad sign, not by any means imputing wickedness
or sin, but if the general conformation of the palm
and hand confirm the island, then we may deduce
certain conclusions.

An island upon the Life Line indicates illness, and
when it does so the attack is usually hereditary, or
a long lasting failing of the strength. The latter '
is the most usual condition, and all the space en—
closed upon the Life Line, as in the diagram here-
with, is the period during which the bodily strength
has been diminished and the health indifferent,
even if no definite illness be endured (Fig. 26).

The island in the instance in question covers a
divided break in the Life Line in the left hand (Fig.
26), but the same break is not apparent in the right
palm. In it the Life Line becomes rather faint, but
the island encloses a weak space, and preserves the
patient, while the fence around the break in the left
hand decides that the illness (fever), though un-

Spaces anb Signs 215

avoidable, will not be dangerous to life. This
diagram is taken from a living hand.

An island upon the Head Line (Fig. 26), also in-
dicates weakness, headache, neuralgia, want of
power, and even failure. Such an island, which
corresponds in age
with the island in the
Life Line, would pre-

- sage a serious de-
crease of p o w e r and
application, failure of
capacity for work, lan—
guor, depression, de-
jection, worry and
forebodings. Under

'5 u c h circumstances
the patient 5 h o u 1 d
work as little as pos—
sible and avoid all ex—
citernent, while pleas-

 

ant society will‘benefit Rs 9
him Fig. 26

' I have seen and noted such an unfortunate com-
bination of islands, and the advice which I had the

temerity to give has been acted upon, but not en- '
itirely. I am therefore prepared to'hear of lassi-
tude, headache, neuralgic pains, even of occasional

216 practical Dalmtstrg

numbness in the fingers. But the patient will re~
cover his strength for a space of years, have some
good fortune, but will die poor. Qui vivra,
verra!

Furthermore, an island upon the Head Line, if in
conjunction with or complement of a bad Heart
Line, and other patent indications, warrants the
assumption that the person upon whose hands the
island appears is one tormented by—or, at any rate,
occupied by—evil imaginings, at times. (See “Line
of Head,” ante.) This is especially probable when
the severance occurs near a high Mount of Moon
and Venus prominent. In the Plain of Mars such
an island is said to betray a “murderous tendency,”
but this verdict I am unable to confirm. Neverthe-
less I am decidedly of opinion that a person who
has a passionate hand and possesses a decided
island, or a loop, in the Head Line, is one who in
angry conflict would not spare his antagonist if he
“got him down.” I think he would kill in his anger,
if the means and opportunity were at hand, but only
in actual conflict. He would not steal or murder
for fear of detection. Yet he would feel little com-
punction in killing if he had to defend himself or
others, even if not in a rage.

Such a man would never be a soldier, but he
would be a hard fighter if circumstancescalled upon ,

Spaces ano Signs 217

him to defend any one or any place, and he would
assist his friends in any way he could.

An island upon the Heart Line usually points to
an “unfortunate attachment,” but not one in the
ordinary sense of the term. It means a wrong at-
tachment in a bad hand. In a calm and peaceful,
dispassionate hand it indicates serious affection of
the physical heart, not the passions. A very much
looped or broken Heart Line shows a number of
love affairs, engagements, flirtatious, carried to the
limit recognized by nature. The Fate Line and
'Mount of Venus confirm the signs.

An island upon the Fate Line (Fig. 26), always
indicates an attachment, and generally—I may say
always—an attachment to a married person of the

~ opposite sex. This is a formation which I have
often seen and spoken of, and have had (unwill—
ingly) confirmed by the people who asked advice——
chiefly ladies. It must not be supposed that the at—
tachment is sinful, as the same formation is in the
hand of every married man and woman. But if it
be seen in the palm of the youth and maiden, we
can promise an attachment cherished and nourished
—but whether it has been yielded to, other induc—
tions must decide. In any case the island points to
unhappiness and unrest by the influence which
' causes the young woman to lead a double life, as it

218 practical Dalmtetrg

were, concealing her affection which she cannot
help. It may be an unspoken, perfectly innocent re«
gard, a Platonic love, because her will and mind
check, and are innocent of any outward demonstra-
tion. But the attachment or admiration exists—
some man is the girl’s object of regard, and he is
generally a married man.

(6) THE GRILLE (FIG. 25.)

This is a fault, an obstacle exaggerating the evil
qualities of the Mount, if present. If the Mount
be absent, the grille is cold. The Mount upon
which the grille appears contains the touch-stone
of the character so if—

Venus be grilled, we have excess of affection—
passion.

Jupiter be grilled, we have pride, a dominant will, ’
a tyrant, and a selfish person.

Saturn’s grille is bad luck, misfortune.

Apollo’s grille is vanity, chattering, folly.

Mercury’s hypocrisy, finesse, kleptomania, per—
haps.

Mars, death by violence.

Moon’s, melancholy, poesy, discontent, sadness.

These are the indications of developed Mounts
and grilles. If the Mounts be absent and the net-
work exist, we have coldness in passion, no sensu-

Spaces anb Signs 219

ality; superstition in Jupiter; and mean attributes
in Apollo; in Mercury, error and lying. In fact,
the good qualities are prevented from appearing by
means of the net which our natural tendencies, pas—
sions, desires, wishes, and other “works of the flesh”
have cast upon us. We can generally escape by
our will, but if we do not try we remain immeshed
sometimes more deeply.

(7) THE FORK (FIG. 25.)

. This parting of the lines has a signification. For
instance, a fork upon the Head Line under Jupiter
gives constancy to the affections, but unfortunately
happiness is not allied with the love. The person
may be worthy, but the affections have been mis—
' placed; and if the fork be crossed, the love is
broken, unlucky.

Upward branches or forks are indicative of
strength of the line. Downwards on Life Line'they
imply failure, loss of energy, decaying life; and if
they form'a kind of tassel or fringe, loss of means
will accompany loss of health. Branches beneath
the Heart Line are disappointments in our affec—
tions or friendships. Upper branches, success, and
pleasing indications. No branches mean a life
without any love for the opposite sex. '

A fork upon Apollo is success in our selected em—

220 practical malmistrg

ployment. A confused double forking means an
attempt to do more than one thing, and the efforts
will end in failure or small success, because the en—
ergies are distributed, not concentrated. Parallel
upright lines, uncrossed by the proper girdle,
are good, and indicate success by determined ef—
fort.

The Line of Life ending in a fork means weak—
ness ; but in the Line of Head a fork gives imagina-
tion, and also common sense if even and medium
sized. A large fork gives deceit, diplomacy, finesse,
even self—deception.

As a rule the fork is a good sign upon the lines,
except large and near the Head Line.

(8) TRIANGLE, CHAINS, DOTS, WORRY LINES (SEE
FIG. 25.)

These signs, may, in conclusion, be grasped, be—
cause their significance has been plainly indicated
passim. .

The Triangle is a good sign of success in art or
science or other professions. On Saturn the
“Black Arts” find its assistance needful; on Apollo,
artistic science; Mercury, political acumen; Jupiter,
finesse in diplomacy, and so on; wisdom and talent
and scientific application being predicted even to

Spaces ano Signs 221

calculation in marriage (upon Venus’ shrine).
Knowledge (and its application) is contained in the
triangle, and suggests success.

A chained line is a weak line, and suggests deli—
.cacy wherever it appears. Worries about money
and business, and so on, are indicated by a chained
Head Line. Obstacles and struggles may be ex-
pected when the chain is visible. If the line is a
wavy one (indirect) it betokens ill luck. A line
composed of many strands is as bad as a chained
line.

Dots and spots are various, and denote injuries
or wounds or illness, except on the Heart Line
where a white spot indicates a conquest in love. A
person with many of these spots has had presuma—
' bly several “bonnes fortunes” in his life. Thus the
white spot, if comparatively lucky, is not actually
harmless. Red spots are wounds; a dark, some—
times a blue mark, is a sign of severe illness.
White spots on the Head Line mean successes in
literature or science or art; but a dark spot is a Sign
of a wound. On the Marriage Line a dot is' a‘
warning of bereavement.

Worry lines cross the Life Line'and explain
themselves. A much lined palm is a “thoughtful,”

brain-working one, the lines across the Life Line
7 indicating troubles and worries; and if the line be

222 practical Dalmtstrg

forked or tasseled at the end, poverty in old age and
loss of health.

Lines rising upwards from another line show
strength of the qualities of the line; downward lines
likewise predict loss of health, money, or other fail-
ures, according to the line.

Lines upon the inside of the fingers give them
energy; and if they extend from one phalange to
an upper one, they unite the qualities of the pha-
langes: the material, the reasonable, and the ideal.
Thus worldly wisdom and reasonable ability on
Apollo are indicated by lines from the lowest to the
middle phalange. The material side assists the
reason, and so sense and talent combined give suc-
cess.

The characteristics of the fingers and Mounts
being known, the drift of the rising lines must be
noticed. A single line is generally fortunate, while
many lines are failures or losses, the crossing lines
being obstacles. When considering these lines, re—
member the phalanges’ indication, materialism
(wordliness), reason, and ideality. Twisted lines
are not fortunate, nor always “respectable.”

We have now gone over all the lines needed by
the student, who, by practice and by experiment,
_can succeed, after some study, in reading the signs
of the palms. The best way to begin is to look at

Spaces anb Signs 223

one’s own hand, and endeavor to reconcile the state-
ments herein with what one knows of one’s self.
From his own palms the student can turn and ex-
perimentalize on his relatives and friends, people
who will confess the truth or correct him if neces—
sary. By these means, careful investigation, and
continual practice, noting changes, our readers will
in a few years become adepts in Practical Palmistry.

THE END

 

 

 

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