PALMISTRY, also chiromancy (Gr. cheir, "hand"; manteia, "divination"),
art of characterization and foretelling the future through the study of
the palm. It was known among the Chaldeans, Assyrians, Egyptians, and
Hebrews and was recognized by such philosophers as Plato and Aristotle.
Widely accepted during the Middle Ages, it was revived during the 19th
century, especially in France. Since the turn of the century it has been
regarded as a branch of fortune-telling.
Palmistry is chiefly concerned with the mounts of the palm, the lines on
the mounts, and the lines interlacing the palm. The left hand supposedly
reflects inbred and the right hand acquired characteristics. Each mount
signifies a certain personality trait. The mount of Jupiter denotes
honor and a happy disposition; of Saturn, prudence and therefore
success; of Apollo, appreciation of beauty; of Mercury, scientific,
industrial, and commercial interests; of Mars, courage; of the Moon, a
dreamy disposition; and of Venus, an amorous nature. The four most
important lines represent life, intelligence, the heart or sensation,
and personal fortune. Other markings of the palm corroborate or modify
by their positions the deductions made from the mounts and lines.
MSN
Encarta - Palmistry |
