Palmistry

[Original Poster]

Are any of you guys familiar with palmistry? I'm trying to get a book on palmistry that's A. Easy to learn from and B. ...Accurate... The first requirement isn't so difficult. It's the second I'm having trouble with. Palmistry is one area that I've observed some of the most disagreement among my psychic friends as far as what means what. Honestly, it's not my favorite psychic ability because I'm not a huge fan of judging people based on physical characteristics. I suppose palms aren't such a huge issue, I'm more opposed to superstitions like "if someone's eyes tilt up it means they're self centered" and that sort of thing. I find those superstitions racist and untrue. I'm more open to palmistry, but I can't seem to find a good consensus regarding the study. So this question is more toward other practitioners of palmistry. Have you also noticed that there are many different interpretations? Especially regarding the significance of the left hand vs the right hand, but also regarding the shape of the hand and the meaning of particular lines. How do you distinguish between these different interpretations? I want to pick up an interpretation of palmistry that at least feels accurate to me, so I could have confidence in my palm readings and would feel as though I'm learning something that's... you know... real.

[shadowofwind]

I don't think that there is a consistently accurate method, sort of for the same reason that you can't buy a power cable that will fit every cell phone. It seems to me that this follows from your assumptions about how magic works. Not everyone is one the same page about what the conventions ought to be, and none are executed flawlessly either.

[hermine_hesse]

I used to practice palmistry, but haven't practiced in a few years now. I found there to be agreement regarding major lines, but less agreement with the minor lines, shape of hands, length of fingers, etc. I found at least half of my reading comes from intuition and the energy I feel holding the person hand, rather than interpreting a specific line.

[Original Poster]

That strikes me as slightly deceitful. I mean yeah, most psychic readings are in large part based on intuition but it seems like with palmistry you're supposed to interpret characteristics and explain these specific characteristics. Maybe I just have the wrong attitude though.

[shadowofwind]

It seems to me that its would be pretty hard to do astrology, palmistry, or anything like that well without taking into account how the other person feels when deciding how to interpret something. So....On the general topic of palmistry, if feet count....Aside from my big toe, my middle toe is longest, with about the same proportion in toe length that most people have with fingers. From what I can tell from the internet, this is freakishly rare, at least for humans. Any interpretation? And yes, its OK to just make something up, though try not to be mean.

[JoannaB]

I wonder to what extent a good palmist is a combination of Sherlock Holmes and good listener: I am sure a palm can tell one a lot about a person even without magic or intuition or using meanings such as this long line means long life. Sherlock Holmes and other people who are knowledgeable and observant could tell from the hand whether the person works primarily indoors or outdoors, whether they use the computer keyboard a lot, whether they often do the dishes or scrub the floors. And all that could be based on close observation of the state of the hand, using observation, if one had the understanding of what consequences what actions have on a person's hand. Furthermore, if a person has the habit of biting nails that tells you something as well. And furthermore, there are indications of some vitamin deficiency (I forget which) which can show on the hand, which could tell you whether or not the person takes care of self. Also if nails are polished and well trimmed, or neglected. if person is wearing a wedding band or if there is an indication that they used to wear one, that tells you a lot, too. I bet learning to read a lot of those signs could help a good palmist a lot. Furthermore, holding a Preston's hand is a very intimate gesture which brings you closer to them. It provides for the opportunity to hold their hand and listen to them. I bet being a good listener is also a great advantage to a good palmist. Being able to provide a bit of comfort to someone who may be troubled, for example. Would this be heating or mean that one is a fake? Surely not! Sometimes being able to understand a person may be more valuable to them than seeing their future, I think. People don't usually pay attention to details about others and being a good listener is a rare but very appreciated skill. I would think that this could be used together with whatever else you decide to do / interpret / say, and enrich the experience.