Palmistry
Lines, mounts, and markings — the ancient art of hand reading.
Palmistry, or chiromancy, reads the lines, mounts, and shapes of the hand as a map of character, health, and life trajectory. Practiced for thousands of years across India, China, and the Mediterranean, it offers a tactile, embodied form of self-knowledge.
Hand Shape
Minor Line
Bracelet Lines
Horizontal lines at the wrist, where the palm meets the forearm
Children Lines
Fine vertical lines rising from the Marriage Lines toward the base of the little finger
Girdle of Venus
A semicircular line arching from between the index and middle fingers to between the ring and little fingers, above the Heart Line
Marriage Lines
Short horizontal lines on the edge of the palm between the base of the little finger and the Heart Line
Mercury Line
Runs from the base of the palm diagonally toward the little finger (Mercury finger)
Ring of Saturn
A semicircular line encircling the base of the middle finger (Saturn finger)
Ring of Solomon
A semicircular line encircling the base of the index finger (Jupiter finger)
Travel Lines
Horizontal lines on the outer edge of the palm, opposite the thumb, along the Mount of Moon
Marking
Branches and Forks
Lines splitting into two or more branches at their endpoints or along their length
Chains on Lines
A series of connected small islands or loops within a line, giving it a braided appearance
Crosses on the Palm
Formed by two short lines intersecting, found on mounts or between lines
Dots on Lines
Small, circular indentations or raised points on major or minor lines
Grilles
Grid-like patterns of crisscrossing fine lines on mounts
Islands on Lines
Oval or lens-shaped enclosures within major or minor lines
Squares
Four-sided formations found on lines or mounts, appearing as protective enclosures
Stars on the Palm
Formed by intersecting short lines, found on mounts or along lines throughout the palm
Triangles
Formed by three intersecting lines, found on mounts or in the central palm
Major Line
Fate Line
Runs vertically from the base of the palm upward toward the middle finger (Saturn finger)
Head Line
Runs horizontally across the middle of the palm, starting between the thumb and index finger
Heart Line
Runs horizontally across the upper palm, from below the little finger toward the index or middle finger
Life Line
Curves around the base of the thumb, from between the thumb and index finger down toward the wrist
Sun Line
Runs vertically toward the ring finger (Apollo finger), often parallel to the Fate Line
Finger
Finger Joints
The knuckle joints of all fingers, observed for smoothness or knottiness
Finger Length Ratios
Comparative lengths of all fingers, measured from the back of the hand
Finger Spacing
The natural gaps between fingers when the hand is relaxed and open
Fingertip Shapes
The shape of the finger ends: pointed, conic, square, or spatulate
Index Finger
The first finger, also called the Jupiter finger, next to the thumb
Little Finger
The fourth and smallest finger, also called the Mercury finger, on the outer edge of the hand
Middle Finger
The second and longest finger, also called the Saturn finger, at the center of the hand
Nail Shapes and Health
The fingernails, observed for shape, color, texture, and markings
Ring Finger
The third finger, also called the Apollo or Sun finger, next to the little finger
The Thumb
The opposable digit, set apart from the four fingers
Mount
Mount of Apollo
Fleshy pad at the base of the ring finger
Mount of Jupiter
Fleshy pad at the base of the index finger
Mount of Mars Negative
The fleshy area on the outer edge of the palm between the Heart Line and the Mount of Moon, below the Mount of Mercury
Mount of Mars Positive
The fleshy area between the thumb and the start of the Life Line, below the Mount of Jupiter
Mount of Mercury
Fleshy pad at the base of the little finger
Mount of Moon
The fleshy pad on the outer heel of the palm, below the little finger and opposite the thumb
Mount of Saturn
Fleshy pad at the base of the middle finger
Mount of Venus
The large fleshy pad at the base of the thumb, encircled by the Life Line
Plain of Mars
The center of the palm, the hollow area between the surrounding mounts