Download Article
Your complete guide to unlocking the meaning behind palm lines
Download Article

Imagine if you held everything you ever wanted to know about your fate, love life, and personality in the palm of your hand. Palm reading, also known as palmistry or chiromancy, is a mystical art practiced worldwide. It has its roots in Indian astrology and Roman fortune-telling—but you can hop into this ancient tradition today. Whether you're an aspiring palm reader or just looking for a fun way to impress your friends, we’ve got you covered. Read on for palm-reading charts and a complete guide to interpreting palm lines.

Section 1 of 6:

Intro to Palm Reading

Download Article
  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Choose a hand.
    In palmistry, it is thought that:
    • For women, the right hand is what you're born with, and left is what you've accumulated throughout your life.
    • For men, it is the other way around. The left hand is what you're born with, and the right is what you've accumulated throughout your life.
    • That being said, you can also choose whichever hand is dominant to be your present/past life hand (the non-dominant hand would then be your future life hand).
      • There are different schools of thought on the matter. Some say the left-hand show's potential and what could be -- not necessarily what will be. And a difference in the hands could mean one is or is about to take action when it comes to their lives, changing it.[1]
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Identify the four...
    Identify the four major lines. There may be breaks in them, or they may be short, but at least three of them are there.
    • (1) The heart line
    • (2) The headline
    • (3) The lifeline
    • (4) The fate line (only some people have this).
  3. Advertisement
Section 2 of 6:

Reading the Heart Line

Download Article
  1. This line can be read in either direction (from the pinkie finger to the index finger or vice versa), depending on the tradition followed. The basic interpretations are as follows:
    • Begins below the index finger - content with love life
      How.com.vn English: The heart line indicates emotional stability, romantic perspectives, depression, and cardiac health.
    • Begins below the middle finger - selfish when it comes to love
      How.com.vn English: The heart line indicates emotional stability, romantic perspectives, depression, and cardiac health.
    • Begins in the middle - falls in love easily
      How.com.vn English: The heart line indicates emotional stability, romantic perspectives, depression, and cardiac health.
    • Straight and short - less interest in romance
      How.com.vn English: The heart line indicates emotional stability, romantic perspectives, depression, and cardiac health.
    • Touches life line - heart is broken easily
      How.com.vn English: The heart line indicates emotional stability, romantic perspectives, depression, and cardiac health.
    • Long and curvy - freely expresses emotions and feelings
      How.com.vn English: The heart line indicates emotional stability, romantic perspectives, depression, and cardiac health.
    • Straight and parallel to the head line - good handle on emotions
      How.com.vn English: The heart line indicates emotional stability, romantic perspectives, depression, and cardiac health.
    • Wavy - many relationships and lovers, absence of serious relationships
      How.com.vn English: The heart line indicates emotional stability, romantic perspectives, depression, and cardiac health.
    • Circle on the line - sadness or depression
      How.com.vn English: The heart line indicates emotional stability, romantic perspectives, depression, and cardiac health.
    • Broken line - emotional trauma
      How.com.vn English: The heart line indicates emotional stability, romantic perspectives, depression, and cardiac health.
    • Smaller lines crossing through heart line - emotional trauma
      How.com.vn English: The heart line indicates emotional stability, romantic perspectives, depression, and cardiac health.
Section 3 of 6:

Interpreting the Head Line

Download Article
  1. A curved line is associated with creativity and spontaneity, while a straight line is linked with practicality and a structured approach. The basic interpretations are as follows:
    • Short line - prefers physical achievements over mental ones
      How.com.vn English: The head line represents a person's learning style, communication approach, intellectualism, and thirst for knowledge.
    • Curved, sloping line - creativity
      How.com.vn English: The head line represents a person's learning style, communication approach, intellectualism, and thirst for knowledge.
    • Separated from life line - adventure, enthusiasm for life
      How.com.vn English: The head line represents a person's learning style, communication approach, intellectualism, and thirst for knowledge.
    • Wavy line - short attention span
      How.com.vn English: The head line represents a person's learning style, communication approach, intellectualism, and thirst for knowledge.
    • Deep, long line - thinking is clear and focused
      How.com.vn English: The head line represents a person's learning style, communication approach, intellectualism, and thirst for knowledge.
    • Straight line - thinks realistically
      How.com.vn English: The head line represents a person's learning style, communication approach, intellectualism, and thirst for knowledge.
    • Donuts or cross in head line - emotional crisis
      How.com.vn English: The head line represents a person's learning style, communication approach, intellectualism, and thirst for knowledge.
    • Broken head line - inconsistencies in thought
      How.com.vn English: The head line represents a person's learning style, communication approach, intellectualism, and thirst for knowledge.
    • Multiple crosses through head line - momentous decisions.
      How.com.vn English: The head line represents a person's learning style, communication approach, intellectualism, and thirst for knowledge.
  2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 6:

Evaluating the Lifeline

Download Article
  1. For example, it can reflect cataclysmic events, physical injuries, and relocation. This begins near the thumb and travels in an arc toward the wrist. Its length is not associated with length of life. The basic interpretations are as follows:
    • Runs close to thumb - often tired
      How.com.vn English: The lifeline reflects physical health, general well-being, and major life changes.
    • Curvy - plenty of energy
      How.com.vn English: The lifeline reflects physical health, general well-being, and major life changes.
    • Long, deep - vitality
      How.com.vn English: The lifeline reflects physical health, general well-being, and major life changes.
    • Short and shallow - manipulated by others
      How.com.vn English: The lifeline reflects physical health, general well-being, and major life changes.
    • Swoops around in a semicircle - strength, and enthusiasm
      How.com.vn English: The lifeline reflects physical health, general well-being, and major life changes.
    • Straight and close to the edge of the palm - cautious when it comes to relationships
      How.com.vn English: The lifeline reflects physical health, general well-being, and major life changes.
    • Multiple life lines - extra vitality
      How.com.vn English: The lifeline reflects physical health, general well-being, and major life changes.
    • Circle in line indicates - hospitalized or injured
      How.com.vn English: The lifeline reflects physical health, general well-being, and major life changes.
    • Break - sudden change in lifestyle
      How.com.vn English: The lifeline reflects physical health, general well-being, and major life changes.
Section 5 of 6:

Reading the Fate Line

Download Article
  1. It indicates the degree to which a person's life is affected by external circumstances beyond their control. This line begins at the base of the palm. The basic interpretations are as follows:
    • Deep line - strongly controlled by fate
      How.com.vn English: The fate line is also known as the line of destiny.
    • Breaks and changes of direction - prone to many changes in life from external forces
      How.com.vn English: The fate line is also known as the line of destiny.
    • Starts joined to life line - self-made individual; develops aspirations early on
      How.com.vn English: The fate line is also known as the line of destiny.
    • Joins with the lifeline around in the middle - signifies a point at which one's interests must be surrendered to those of others
      How.com.vn English: The fate line is also known as the line of destiny.
    • Starts at the base of the thumb and crosses lifeline - support offered by family and friends.
      How.com.vn English: The fate line is also known as the line of destiny.
  2. Advertisement
Section 6 of 6:

Interpreting the Hands, Fingers, Etc.

Download Article
  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Determine the hand shape.
    Each hand shape is associated with certain elements and character traits. The palm length is measured from the wrist to the bottom of the fingers. The basic interpretations are as follows:
    • Earth Hands - broad, square palms and fingers, thick or coarse skin, and ruddy color; length of the palm equals the length of fingers
      • Solid values and energy, sometimes stubborn
      • Practical and responsible, sometimes materialistic
      • Work with their hands, comfortable with the tangible
    • Air Hands - square or rectangular palms with long fingers and sometimes protruding knuckles, low-set thumbs, and dry skin; length of the palm less than the length of fingers
      • Sociable, talkative and witty
      • Can be shallow, spiteful and cold
      • Comfortable with the mental and the intangible
      • Does things in different and radical ways
    • Water Hands - long, sometimes oval-shaped palm, with long, flexible, conical fingers; length of the palm equals the length of fingers but is less than the width across the widest part of the palm.
    • Fire Hands - square or rectangular palm, flushed or pink skin, and shorter fingers; length of the palm is greater than the length of fingers
      • Spontaneous, enthusiastic and optimistic
      • Sometimes egoistic, impulsive and insensitive
      • Extroverts
      • Do things boldly and instinctively.
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Look at the...
    Look at the mounts. That's what the fleshy bit below your fingers are called, on the opposite side of your knuckle. To make them visible, cup your hand just a bit. Which one is the largest?
    • A high Venus mount (the one under your thumb) indicates a predisposition for hedonism, promiscuity, and the need for instant gratification. A non-existent Venus mount indicates little interest in family matters.
    • The mount under your index finger is called the Jupiter mount. If this is well-developed, it means you are dominant, possibly self-centered, and aggressive. A lack of one means you lack confidence.
    • Under your middle finger is the Saturn mount. A high mount shows you're stubborn, cynical, and prone to depression. If it is low, it's an indicator of superficiality and disorganization.
    • The Sun mount is under your ring finger. You're quick-tempered, extravagant, and prideful if you have a high Sun mount. A low Sun mount means you lack imagination.
    • The Mercury mount is under your pinkie. If it's protruding, you talk too much. A low mount means the opposite -- you're shy.
      • None of this is based on science, and hands are known to change throughout time, so don't take this information too seriously.
  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Examine the hand and finger size.
    Relative to the size of the body, some say that small hands are active and don't dwell on thinking about what to do. Large hands are on those who are contemplative and slow to action.[2]
    • Remember, this is relative to the body. If you're 8 feet (2.4 m) tall (2.4 m), you're going to have bigger hands than a 4-year-old. It's all proportional.
    • What're more, long fingers may be an indicator of anxiety, in addition to being well-mannered, good-looking, and delicate. Short fingers are found on impatient, highly sexed, and creative.
    • Long fingernails, on the other hand, mean you're kind and a good secret keeper. Short fingernails mean you're critical and sarcastic. If they're almond-shaped, you're sweet and diplomatic.[3]
  4. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I use palm reading to predict how many children I’ll have?
    How.com.vn English: How.com.vn Staff Editor
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    How.com.vn English: How.com.vn Staff Editor
    How.com.vn Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Palmists believe that the vertical lines under your little finger can give you indications about the number and gender of your future children. The lines may also branch off of a love line. Try to count the lines to get an idea of how many children you’ll have (although these lines can be faint and difficult to count). Broader and deeper lines are thought to indicate boys, while fainter lines are thought to indicate girls. Palmists also claim that broken or diverted lines could indicate that the child will have a health issue.
  • Question
    Which line can I look at to find out about marriage?
    How.com.vn English: How.com.vn Staff Editor
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    How.com.vn English: How.com.vn Staff Editor
    How.com.vn Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Look at the “marriage lines” or “love lines,” which are small horizontal indentations on the outer side of your hand, under your little finger. You may have an easier time seeing them if you curl your hand into a fist. Each line or groove is thought to represent a different marriage, and deeper and longer grooves represent stronger or longer-lasting relationships. However, some palmists believe that these lines don’t distinguish between marriages and other types of romantic relationships.
  • Question
    What does it mean if my fate line is absent?
    How.com.vn English: Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It means you will shape your own future. Your fate is not predetermined.
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Since palm lines change as you progress through life, palm reading is seen by many as an opportunity to reveal what's already happened, but not as a way of predicting the future.[4]
      • Remember palmistry is a spiritual practice, and not evidence-based. You can make your own life decisions, no matter what your reading says.
      • Make sure the lighting in the area you are planning to read palms is good because trying to do it in the dark makes it difficult to get a good read.
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Remember that palm reading is for entertainment purposes, and there is no substantiated evidence of a correlation between palm features and psychological traits.
      • If you're going to read someone else's palms, keep it light. Don't make any dark predictions that will make people worry about their lives or predictions that influence others to harm themselves.
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about palm readings, check out our in-depth interview with Jennifer McVey, Cht.

      About This Article

      How.com.vn English: Jennifer McVey, Cht
      Co-authored by:
      Spiritual Director
      This article was co-authored by Jennifer McVey, Cht. Jennifer McVey is a Spiritualist, Seer, and the Spiritual Director of Spiritual Answers and Solutions. With more than 22 years of experience, she specializes in manifesting, ghosts and spirit attachments, hypnotherapy, channeling, and spiritually based life coaching. Jennifer has also published 13 Affirmation Image and six Word Search Puzzle books in spirituality and self-help and has produced over 600 audio sessions. This article has been viewed 21,330,396 times.
      290 votes - 77%
      Co-authors: 380
      Updated: February 24, 2024
      Views: 21,330,396
      Article SummaryX

      To read palms, first locate the heart line, which is located at the top of the hand in the center of the palm. It's the closest line to the bottom of the fingers. If the heart line starts under the index finger, that means the person is content with their relationships. If it starts under the middle finger, they may struggle with interpersonal relationships. Under the heart line is the head line. If it’s straight, the person is more traditional, but if it's wavy, they may be a little more progressive. Next, find the life line, which is the line under the head line that starts at the thumb and angles down toward the wrist. This line represents the person's journey through life. A long life line means that their life will be filled with exciting, rich experiences, while a short line means that they'll experience independence and comfort throughout their life. If their life line is straight, their experiences will make them cautious and nervous. If it's curvy, their life will be eventful and full of vigor. Next to the life line in the center of the palm is the fate line. The fate line shows how dramatically a person’s life will be influenced by things that are out of their control. A thin, perfectly vertical fate line means that the person is totally in control over what happens in their life. Any broken or scarred lines could be a sign of past trauma and pain. To learn how to interpret what the lines on someone's palms mean, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 21,330,396 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • How.com.vn English: Anonymous

        Anonymous

        Oct 10, 2017

        "My school fair is coming up and my whole class decided to do palmistry and sign reading. This article has helped me..." more
        Rated this article:
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      ⚠️ Disclaimer:

      Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
      Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.

      Notices:
      • - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
      • - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
      • - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
      • - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.

      Advertisement