Part 6

Counting from the top joint nearest to the nail, the meaning given by palmists to the three phalanges of each finger are as follows:--

(Length of phalanx, or distance between the respective joints, is the deciding factor.) For simplicity, we have made a small table.

----------+------------------------+----------------+------------------ Name | | | of Finger | 1st Joint. | 2nd Joint. | 3rd Joint. ----------+------------------------+----------------+------------------ JUPITER | Religion. | Ambition. | Despotic or | | | fondness for | | | governing others. ----------+------------------------+----------------+------------------ SATURN | Fondness for spiritual | Out-door life. | Earthly ambition. | mysticism. | | ----------+------------------------+----------------+------------------ APOLLO | Excess or foolish | Caution. | Love of show. | optimism | | | (Micawber). | | ----------+------------------------+----------------+------------------ MERCURY | The orator's finger. | Great tenacity.| Cunning and | | | greed. ----------+------------------------+----------------+------------------

THE LINES OF YOUR DESTINY

We now come to the most fascinating side of Palmistry--the actual study of the network of lines upon the hand, and their relation to the mounts and to each other.

This is where your magnifying glass will be of enormous value. There are very many small signs, seemingly of little matter, but in reality of very great importance, such as stars, crosses, squares, and triangles, little marks with frequently great meanings.

One word of warning must be given before we go farther. If you see evil in a palm never on any account tell of it. But if you see some misfortune approaching which a little foresight might avoid, by all means warn your subject. Should you by any chance see, or think you see, anything calculated to alarm another, keep it to yourself. Always remember that human intelligence is frail and finite but life is infinite. Palmistry shares in this frailty; it is interesting and intensely fascinating, but far from infallible. It is not an exact science in the sense of mathematics, where two plus two equals four, no more and no less.

Let us take these lines in turn and discuss the meaning of each.

THE LIFE LINE

When the Life line rises high in the hand, great ambition is shown. If you see a Life line circling well into the palm (thus forming a large Mount of Venus) emotional characteristics such as love and generosity are shown. If, on the contrary, the line forms a small Mount of Venus, coldness will be predominant.

If the Life line commences very feebly and gradually strengthens, this is a good sign. It indicates a weak childhood but a robust maturity.

THE HEAD LINE

The Head line works in conjunction with the line of Health (see illustration), thus:--If the Head line is broken some ill health may be indicated which has made or will make its effect felt upon the brain and thinking powers. But only if all other lines should support this.

An independent nature is shown when the Head line branches off from the Life line early in its course, and vice versa.

If the Head line should curve towards Saturn, there is shown a material outlook upon life; this is the financier's Head line. Curving towards Apollo an artistic nature is shown, while should this line originate near Mount Jupiter it is a sure sign of capacity for leadership, and many go-ahead qualities that make for success. If the Head line is firm, a definite, purposeful nature is probable, while a weak, wavy Head line indicates a weak, wavering outlook upon life.

With the Head line joining the Heart line, emotional qualities are to the fore; this individual is impulsive and should put the curb of reason upon himself.

Should the Head line have branches which run towards Mount Mercury, Luna and Mars, it is an excellent sign, showing good balance, ready wit, and quick adaptability.

THE HEART LINE

When this originates on or near the mount called Saturn, there is a leaning towards a sensual, pleasure-loving nature.

Rising from between Saturn and its neighbor Jupiter, we have a very deliberate, practical man. His love, while very sincere, is governed by reason; he is intensely practical, and rather lacking in imagination, which it were well worth his while to cultivate. His head will always rule his Heart, especially is this indicated should the Heart line bend towards that of the Head.

Should the Heart line cross the palm entirely, the owner is the exact opposite of the individual just mentioned. This person's heart will rule his head; he is sentimental even to a fault, and should practice business-like qualities, and not dream overmuch. Love in a cottage is all very well--but how when the roof leaks?

A short Heart line is a warning for care in marriage; without this care a couple may well come to shipwreck on the rocks of married life. Forewarned is forearmed!

THE LINE OF FORTUNE

This is a line running (as its name suggests) towards the Mount of Apollo. It is a valuable and somewhat rarely-found line. This is the line of genius; effort will scarcely be needed by its owner; he will seem to fly towards success on the wings of destiny.

This is the ideal, but it must be borne in mind that there are other lines which must be studied in conjunction with it.

On the other hand its absence does by no means prohibit or even endanger success; it merely indicates that individual effort will be required, and what is life without something to strive for?

THE HEALTH LINE

A good strong Health line is very desirable; should this line be broken, however, there is no need for alarm, it is merely indicated that a certain amount of care is necessary in one's personal habits of life.