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A brief history -

The exact origins of palm reading remain unknown, but it's believed that the practice began in ancient India before spreading to China, Tibet, Persia, Egypt, and Greece.

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Which palm should you read? -

Opinions vary, but modern palm readers believe it's important to analyze both the left and right hands.

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Which palm should you read? -

Interpretations vary, but many believe the non-dominant hand shows a person's natural personality and character, while the dominant hand reveals how a person's traits and potential have been actualized.

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Getting started -

Begin with larger observations before working your way into the smaller details. Become familiar with the palm, making quiet observations of the texture, shape, and natural creases.

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Getting started -

Familiarize yourself with the hand shapes that correspond with the four elements, then get to know the mounts and plains that correspond with the planets in astrology before moving on to the palm's lines and creases.

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Four elements -

Palmistry has four hand shapes, each connected with a different element: earth, water, fire, and air. Although the elements are embedded in astrology, your hand type may not correspond with your zodiac profile.

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Earth -

Earth hands have square palms and short fingers. They are often firm, solid, and fleshy. Those with earth hands are practical, logical, and grounded, but can become too concerned with the present, hindering long-term planning and achievements.

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Fire -

A fire hand has a long palm and short fingers. The palms often have distinctive creases and defined mounds. Those with fire hands are passionate, confident, and hard-working. At times, they may lack tactfulness and empathy.

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Water -

Water hands have long palms and long fingers, with an overall narrow appearance. These individuals are intuitive, creative, and compassionate. They are often sensitive souls who get their feelings hurt easily.

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Air -

Air hands have square palms and long fingers that are often bony. Individuals with air hands are intellectually curious, with strong communication skills and analytical abilities. Those with air hands are easily distracted and may become anxious if not stimulated.

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Mounts and plains -

Fleshy areas of the palm are called mounts and plains. The mounts correspond with the seven classical planets in astrology: Apollo (the Sun), Luna (the Moon), Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

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Mounts and plains -

Mounts that are rounded and slightly elevated reveal characteristics that are balanced and well-proportioned, while sunken mounts indicate an individual's underdeveloped qualities. Prominent mounts reveal dominate attributes.

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Mount of Jupiter -

The Mount of Jupiter is located at the base of the index finger. It indicates confidence, wisdom, and leadership.

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Mount of Saturn -

The Mount of Saturn is located at the base of the middle finger. It corresponds to wisdom, responsibility, and resilience.

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Mount of Apollo -

The Mount of Apollo is situated beneath the ring finger. This area corresponds with an individual's optimism, vitality, and dynamism.

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Mount of Luna -

You'll find the Mount of Luna toward the bottom of the palm on the pinky side. This area symbolizes imagination, intuition, and psychic ability.

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Inner Mars, Outer Mars, and Plain of Mars -

These three sections represent aggression (Inner Mars), resilience (Outer Mars), and temperament (Plain of Mars).

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The lines on the palm -

The folds and creases of the palm are referred to as lines. They convey specific information about an individual's character, potential, and life events.

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Head line -

The head line runs horizontally across the middle of the palm. It represents intelligence, communication, mental clarity, and decision-making. A wavy line signifies progressive thinking, while a straight line reveals a traditional approach. Breaks in the line can signify mental struggles or epiphanies.

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Life line -

The life line curves around the base of the thumb. This line does not indicate the length of life, but rather vitality, energy levels, and overall well-being. The length, depth, and interruptions in the life line may suggest periods of change, health issues, or stamina.

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Heart line -

The heart line runs horizontally across the top of the palm and is associated with emotions and relationships. If the line begins below the index finger, it reveals contented relationships. If it begins below the middle finger, it indicates the potential for restlessness.

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Fate line -

The fate line is located underneath the head line and reveals an individual's journey through life, luck, and fortune. The presence, clarity, and interruptions in the fate line can indicate changes in career direction, success, and fulfillment.

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Sun line -

The sun line runs vertically from the base of the palm towards the ring finger. It indicates success, fame, and wealth. A well-defined sun line may suggest recognition, achievement, and fulfillment in creative or public endeavors.

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Line of intuition -

The line of intuition is a very rare line that begins near the life line and slants at a left diagonal through the palm (on the right hand). An individual with the line of intuition promises high achievement and may possess psychic ability.

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Minor lines -

In addition to the major lines, there are numerous minor lines, including marriage lines, health lines, and intuition lines.

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Markings -

You may notice three markings on your palm: squares, crosses, and triangles. Squares can indicate protection if covering a broken line, or symbolize a time of confinement. Crosses usually reveal problems or changes, and triangles often suggest success.

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Bracelet lines -

Bracelet, Rascette, or wrist lines are the horizontal lines that encircle the base of the wrist at the base of the palm. The number, length, and depth provide insight into an individual's health and longevity.

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Do palms change over time? -

Palms change over time, meaning fortunes may change as an individual gets older. You may wish to take photos of your palms to see if you notice any changes as you age.

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Fingerprints -

Fingerprints can also provide insight into a person's character. A person with many loop fingerprints is believed to be adaptable, emotional, and imaginative.

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Palmistry isn't set in stone -

Palmistry doesn't yield concrete answers. The hand shapes, mounts, plains, and lines are open to interpretation. Readings should serve as guidance rather than a definitive prediction of the future.

Sources: (Allure) (Well+Good) (Cosmopolitan)

See also: The mysterious history of palm reading

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