How to Read Palms: The Basics

Chiromancy for Beginners

Palmistry, or chiromancy, has been around for centuries, maybe even millennia; there is some evidence that the ancient Egyptians were aware of this form of fortunetelling, though it is more closely associated with gypsy fortunetellers than with mummies. Palm readers examine the lines and marks on a person’s hands to determine individual characteristics as well as that person’s potential future.

Baloney or not? You will have to judge that for yourself. But know this: many of the techniques used by fortunetellers have been adopted by doctors in the diagnosis of a number of diseases, such as poor circulation and liver failure. With that in mind, these are the basics.

Handedness




A palm reader starts a reading by determining which hand is the dominant – the one used most by the hand’s owner. Whether left or right, the dominant hand tells the reader traits which are expressed by the owner. The other hand tells the reader which traits lie in latency within the querent, perhaps never being developed. Both hands together give the fullest picture of a person.

The Shape of the Hand




Hand shape is the first thing a palmist looks at. There are four basic shapes: