Palmistry for All
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10 [Illustration: (signed) Very Faithfully yours
Cheiro]
PALMISTRY
FOR ALL
CONTAINING NEW INFORMATION
ON THE STUDY OF THE
HAND NEVER BEFORE
PUBLISHED
BY
CHEIRO
_WITH A PREFACE TO AMERICAN READERS_
_AND_
_WITH UPWARDS OF SIXTY ILLUSTRATIONS_
G.P. PUTNAM'S SONS
NEW YORK LONDON
COPYRIGHT, 1916
BY
G.P. PUTNAM'S SONS
Published, May, 1916
Twenty-second Impression
Made in the United States of America
PREFACE
TO THE AMERICAN EDITION
There is no country in the world where the "study of character" is more
indulged in than in the United States of America. During my many visits
there I could not help remarking how even the "hardest headed" business
men used any form of this study that they could get hold of to help them
in their business dealings with other men and also in endeavouring to
ascertain the character of their clerks and employees.
In looking over the records of my career I find that in the course of my
visits to America I gave private lessons to the heads of two hundred and
seventy business establishments in New York, one hundred and thirty-five
in Boston, and three hundred and forty-two in Chicago.
All these men were large employers of labour and what they principally
wanted was, to have some help beyond that of their own judgment in
dealing with those with whom they came in contact in the regular course
of their business careers. In no other country did I find the same
interest taken in the study of character from a practical standpoint.
It is for this reason that I write a special Preface for this Edition,
believing as I do that my American readers will appreciate the added
information I may be able to give regarding the obtaining by a mere
glance at a hand a quick grasp of the leading characteristics of the
persons with whom they are thrown into contact, or for whatever reason
they choose to make use of this study.
Everyone knows that "the face can wear a mask," that a person may be a
good actor and put on a certain expression that may deceive even the best
judgment.
But hands cannot change as the result of a mere effort to please; _the
character they express is the real nature of the individual_--the true
character that has been formed by heredity or that has grown up with the
person by long years of habit.
The characteristics alluded to below are those which may be easily
observed and which are aids to a rapid judgment of character and which I
have never before been able to give to the public in such a concise way.
The more elaborate details concerning the ultimate success of the person
one is talking to, their more intimate character and their future
development will be found in their proper place, in the subsequent
chapters.
RULES FOR RAPID OBSERVATION
_The Fingers_
Observe the fingers. If they look short and stumpy in proportion to the
rest of the palm--one may be sure that the individual to whom they belong
is of an animal nature, possessing coarse instincts, devoid of real
intellectuality, and belonging to the lower order of humanity.
If the fingers and the palm appear equal in length, the owner belongs to
a more cultured race. He has inherited from a more intellectual line of
ancestors and for all work requiring intelligence and a higher mentality
he or she could be depended on, whereas the first-mentioned type could
not--no matter how well he might talk or advocate his own superiority.
If the fingers look unusually long and thin, and in this way out of
proportion to the palm, the man or woman will err on the side of too much
ideality and refinement and is not suited to business or work requiring
"level headedness" and practicality. It would be useless, for example, to
put such a person in charge of work-people or over work-rooms. His
ideality and refinement would be thrown away in such positions, and even
with the best will in the world he would be completely out of harmony
with his surroundings.
Such a man, however, could be depended upon in all positions requiring
personal mental work, research, science, literature, philosophy,
educational work or, in fact, anything relating to the higher qualities
of the mind.
If his fingers, in addition to their length, were also knotty or jointed
(joints much pronounced), he could be depended on to a still greater
extent for all work requiring great thoughtfulness, detail, and
concentration of mind.
If, on the other hand, these long fingers were smooth jointed, he would,
while having the same desire for ideality and for everything
intellectual, be impulsive and inspirational, would lack a sense of
detail and a love for detail in his own work, would be visionary,
artistic, emotional. Such a person would be suited to artistic work,
such as painting, making designs, models, etc., but could not be trusted
to perform anything requiring detail, research or science, and would be
utterly useless in any position where discipline or control of others
were required.
THE FINGERS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY
Let us now observe the fingers separately from the rest of the hand.
The first finger is considered as the Dictator, the Lawgiver, the finger
of Ambition, the Indicator, the Pointer, etc.
If this finger is unusually long and nearly equals the second, all these
tendencies are extremely pronounced.
Therefore, if your employee has this finger long, you can safely entrust
him with control over, and charge of others. You will be amazed how well
he or she will make rules and regulations and see that they are obeyed;
but beware, Mr. Employer, lest your first finger is short in proportion
as that of your employee is long, for, if such be the case, you too will
have "to toe the line" and you may find yourself in a very disagreeable
position.
But let me give you a further warning: Should this man or woman have a
first finger that is long and crooked, you will assuredly find out to
your cost that the personal ambitions of such an individual are
"crooked." Such an employee would be perfectly unscrupulous in finding
out your secrets and getting you into his power.
If the second finger is straight and well shaped, its owner will be very
serious, a little inclined to melancholy, but will pay due regard to
whatever responsibilities with which he may be entrusted, but again
beware if this finger is crooked. In this case the owner would be,
however, more subject to what may be called "a crooked fate" than
wilfully "wrong." Such people are, as a rule, the children of strange
circumstances over which they seem to have no control. They are
continually getting themselves into trouble and into false positions,
but, I must admit, more by a strange fatality of things than by their own
wilful actions. Nevertheless, such infelicities might be very unpleasant
for their employer, especially if he has more heart than brains.
The third finger, if extremely long and straight, indicates an
extraordinary desire for glory, celebrity, publicity and the like; and
although this might be an extremely good quality in the case of an actor,
preacher, politician or public man, it may be most undesirable if such a
person is to occupy the position of a private secretary, or the
confidential clerk to some family lawyer.
If this finger is crooked as well as very long, all the above qualities
will be intensified and exaggerated. The love of spending money and
fondness for show will also be more marked, the gambling tendencies very
pronounced. No position involving the handling of money, should be
entrusted to the possessor of such a finger.
The fourth, or little finger, if long (passing the nail joint of the
third) is indicative of power of speech and subtlety in choice of
language--the saying "to twist a person round one's little finger"
originated from this very sign. Such people have a marvellous gift of
speech, eloquence and flow of language, valuable gifts, of course, for
orators and public persons, but not desirable qualities in a wife if a
man is fond of sleep.
A short "little finger" denotes the reverse of the above. Such persons
find the greatest difficulty in expressing what they want to say, but
they can write better than speak and should be encouraged to do so.
These individuals have, however, not much power over others and the
shorter the "little finger" is, the more timid and sensitive they are in
the presence of strangers. If this finger is crooked, then these
weaknesses are all the more emphasised, but if formed _crooked and long_
the power of eloquence is also crooked. Such people will tell any "fairy
tale" to suit their purpose--they are natural born liars and the position
of President of the Ananias Club is their rightful inheritance.
The first and third fingers absolutely of equal length is the best sign
of _an equally balanced mind_, but such a sign is rather rare to find.
When the fingers are very supple in the joints and turn backwards or
outwards from the palm, it is an indication of a quick wit and clever
brain; but such persons lack continuity of purpose. They have no "hold,"
as it were, on any one thing.
Fingers slightly curved inwards towards the palm, denote persons slow to
grasp an idea, or a subject, but such people have retentive memories and
"hold" or grip, as it were, any one thing they may take up.
CHARACTER SHOWN BY THE THUMB
The thumb is in itself more expressive of character than any other member
of the hand. It was D'Arpentigny who wrote "the thumb individualises the
man."
Medical science has proved that there is such a thing as a "thumb centre"
in the brain and any pressure or disease in that part of the brain _shows
its effect in the thumb_.
A large well-made thumb is the outward and visible sign of a
strong-willed, determined person, be he man or woman.
The longer the thumb, the more the power of will rules the actions; the
shorter the thumb, the more brute force and obstinacy sways the nature.
The shorter and more thick-set the nail phalange is, giving the
appearance of a club, the more ungovernable is the person in his or her
temper. Such people have no control over themselves and under the least
opposition will fly into a blind rage of fury. This curious formation has
been called the "Murderer's Thumb" because so many who have committed
murder in a mad fit of passion have been found with this curious
formation.
An employee with this class of thumb should never be given any position
of authority over others, for he could not curb his ungovernable temper.
He would also be absolutely unbalanced in his jealousy, and no woman who
has the ambition to live to the usual "threescore-years-and-ten" should
risk marriage to a man with one of these thumbs. But as "love is blind"
it is useless, I know, to give advice in such a case.
The first joint or nail phalange of the thumb, when long and thin,
denotes the opposite of the above characteristics. In such cases the
person has the most absolute control over his temper, his will power is
also strong but quick and unobtrusive, and in a firm, determined way
people with such a thumb manage others and bend those around them to
their purpose.
The second joint, if delicately shaped, almost "waist like," indicates
tact, diplomacy, and gentleness, also subtlety in argument; but if this
part of the thumb be full looking or equal in size to that of the nail
phalange, it denotes the person who cares nothing for tact but who, on
all occasions, will speak his mind plainly, and with brutal frankness.
When the thumb looks as if it were "tied in" close to the hand, the
person is timid, easily frightened by both people and circumstances,
narrow-minded in his views, and miserly in his habits. It is a
well-established fact that the thumbs of all misers are "tied in" and
cramped-looking. It is perhaps this very fear of things and people that
in the end makes them misers with their gold.
One need never waste one's time asking a person with one of these
cramped-looking thumbs to do a favour, and may God help the business man
or woman who ever gets into such a person's clutches!
A thumb with the nail joint supple (bending backwards or as it is also
called "double jointed") indicates a character the exact opposite of that
associated with the "tied in" thumb. Possessors of such a thumb are
generous, adaptable to others, extravagant, and impetuous in their
actions and decisions. They promise things quickly and are more often
heard to say "Yes" than "No"; but if they have time for reflection, they
very often go back on their promises.
Individuals having a "stiff-jointed" thumb, on the contrary, cannot
easily adapt themselves to others. They are distant and more reserved
with strangers. When asked to do a thing, they generally first say "No,"
but on reflection or when reasoned with, they often give in to the other
and generally regret having done so. It is useless to oppose such
people--if one cannot lead them, it is no use attempting to force them
against their will.
This type has more self-control than the type of people with the "supple
jointed" formation, and is not so generous or extravagant. Individuals of
this group, however, make more reliable friends, so their friendship,
though difficult to obtain, is generally worth having.
A thumb standing very far out from the hand (almost at right angles to
the palm) is not a good sign for ordinary success. Such people go to
extremes in everything they do and are generally fanatics in religion,
social reform, or whatever line of thought occupies their attention.
HANDS, HARD AND SOFT
Even in the simple act of shaking hands, one can form conclusions about
character.
Beware of any man or woman whose hand seems to slip from yours when you
grasp theirs in greeting. Such persons are deceptive and treacherous.
They may smile at you with their lips, but instinctively they regard you
as their prey and will only use you for their own object.
A soft, fat hand is the indication of an indolent and more or less lazy
person.
A firm hand is the sign of an energetic, reliable nature.
A very thin hand denotes a restless energetic disposition, but one that
is given to worry, and fretting and is generally discontented.
A thin hand that feels listless in one's grasp denotes a weak
constitution that has only sufficient energy to live.
A cold, clammy hand is also a sign of poor health, but generally that of
a very sensitive and nervous person.
A person who keeps his hands closed while talking, is distrustful in his
nature, has little self-reliance and can seldom be relied on by others.
A man or woman who gives a good firm grasp of the hand, is
self-confident, energetic, and generally reliable.
When all the fingers (especially if the fingers be long) are seen always
clinging, sticking, as it were, or folding over one another it denotes
very doubtful qualities in the nature of their possessor and a decided
tendency towards thieving and general lack of moral principal.
Remember that the hands _are the immediate servants or instruments of the
brain_. There are more motive and sensory nerves from the brain to the
hand than to any other portion of the body and, whether sleeping or
waking, they continually and unconsciously reflect the thought and
character of the mind or soul of the individual.
It will, then, be seen from these observations that without looking at
the lines of the hand, one may be able to obtain certain details of
character that are more trustworthy than those given by the face, and
that these rules, if followed, should be of the greatest assistance and
value to people in all walks of life.
Many of these observations are further amplified in subsequent chapters
of this work. There is not a single one of these rules that has not been
proved by me in my long professional career, and knowing that they will
bear the strictest inquiry and observation, it gives me pleasure now to
offer them to the readers of the American Edition of _Palmistry for All_.
CHEIRO.
LONDON.
INTRODUCTION
It was on July 21, 1894, that I had the honour of meeting Lord Kitchener
and getting the autographed impression of his right hand, which I now
publish for the first time as frontispiece to this volume. The day I had
this interview, Lord Kitchener, or, as he was then, Major-General
Kitchener, was at the War Office, and to take this impression had to use
the paper on his table, and, strangely enough, the imprint of the War
Office may be seen at the top of the second finger--in itself perhaps a
premonition that he would one day be the controlling force of that great
department.
Lord Kitchener was at that moment Sirdar of the Egyptian Army. He had
returned to England to tender his resignation on account of some hostile
criticism about "the Abbas affair," and so I took the opportunity of his
being in England to ask him to allow me to add his hand to my collection,
which even then included some of the most famous men and women of the
day.
As Mr. T.P. O'Connor, in writing recently of Lord Kitchener, said: "One
of his greatest qualities, at once useful and charming, is his
accessibility. Anybody who has anything to say to him can approach him;
anybody who has anything to teach him will find a ready and grateful
learner."
My experience can indeed bear out the truth of this clear judgment of one
of the leading traits in Lord Kitchener's character. That very year,
1894, was a notable one in his life; his strong-willed action over the
Abbas affair was completely vindicated; he was made a K.C.M.G., and
returned to Egypt with more power than ever.
Once in his presence he put me completely at my ease, and in a few
moments he appeared to be deeply interested in observing the difference
between the lines in his own clearly-marked palm and those in dozens of
other impressions that I put before him.
He was then almost forty-four years of age, and I remember well how I
explained the still higher positions and responsibilities that his path
of Destiny mapped out before him. The heaviest and greatest of all would,
I told him, be undertaken in his sixty-fourth year (1914), but how little
either of us thought then that in that year the most terrible war of the
century would have broken out.
Believing, as I do, in the Law of Periodicity playing as great a role in
the lives of individuals as it does in nations, it is strange to notice
that the same radix numbers that governed Lord Kitchener's career when he
was planning out the Egyptian campaign, which resulted in his great
victories of Atbara and Omdurman in 1896 and 1897, are exactly the same
for him in 1914-1915, and 1916 gives again the same radix number that in
1898 saw him receive a vote of thanks from both Houses of Parliament, and
a gift of L30,000 from the State.
From the standpoint of those interested in this strange study of hands,
the accompanying impression of Lord Kitchener's cannot help but be
regarded as of great importance. In it, the rules of Palmistry that I
have given in the following pages are borne out in all their details.
Returning to the impression of this remarkable hand; even in shape alone
one may read by the rules of this science the following clearly-marked
characteristics:
Length of fingers--intellectuality (page 134), strong determination and
will-power (chapter on the Thumb, page 127), mentality and firm
determination of purpose (_see_ Line of Head, page 17).
The remarkable Line of Fate running up the centre of the hand and turning
towards the first finger, denotes ambition and domination over others
(page 52).
The Line of Success and Fame, starting on the hand from the Line of Life
and ascending to the base of the third finger, exactly coincides with the
period in Lord Kitchener's career when he began to find recognition and
success (page 63).
As in my larger work on this subject I published Gladstone's hand as a
remarkable illustration of the truth that may be found in this study, so
in this present work with the same confidence I give this illustration of
Lord Kitchener's as another proof of character indicated in the shape and
lines of the hand, and as it has been said so often that "Character is
Destiny," so it is surely not illogical to point out that in following
the rules laid down by this study one may obtain a clear idea of the
destiny that the Character, Will, and Individuality trace out in
advance--tracks, as it were, stretching far out into the distant future
for the engine of purpose and achievement to find already laid and ready
to be used at the "appointed time."
In conclusion, as I have now completely retired from all professional
work, I may be allowed to point out that I am not publishing this book
with the idea of seeking clients. I have no desire but to see this
strange study taken up as a useful and practical means of obtaining an
exact judgment of the character, qualities, and hidden tendencies that
might otherwise be ignored.
I think that if all parents knew at least something of Palmistry, the
vast majority of children would be more usefully trained and their proper
tendencies developed.
It is often too late when a child discovers--and most probably by
accident--some tendency or talent that had never been suspected by its
parents.
It is no wonder that so few persons find their true vocations in the
world, when it is remembered the random, haphazard way in which children
are brought up--educated for the most part in some scholastic mill that
grinds down all to the same dead level of mediocrity, and then turns them
into the Army, the Church, or into trade.
If, on the contrary, all these studies that teach the understanding of
character were more encouraged, parents would have less excuse for the
supreme ignorance they now show as to the real nature of those children
who hold them responsible for their entry into the battlefield of
existence.
These same parents would lift up their voices in righteous indignation if
soldiers were sent into battle untrained, without their proper equipment,
and yet these same parents have never, in the whole course of their
lives, made the simplest study of any one of those many subjects by which
they could in knowing the nature of their child, have strengthened weak
points in the fortress of character, or by developing some talent or
gift, doubly armed him for his entry into the battle of life.
It is from this standpoint that I earnestly hope this study of hands may
some day be taken up. It was from this standpoint that I interested such
men as Gladstone, Professor Max Muller, of Oxford, Lord Russell, when he
was Lord Chief Justice, King Edward VII., and many others too numerous to
mention; and lastly, it is from the same standpoint that I have now
written this book, which under the title of _Palmistry for All_, will, I
hope, appeal to all classes, and cause such an interest in the Study of
Character that, instead of such an art being left in the hands of a few,
it will, on the contrary, become universally used for the benefit of all.
CHEIRO
NOTE.--Cheiro retired from all professional work some time ago, and the
public is therefore warned against persons pretending that they are the
real "Cheiro," and endeavouring to pass themselves off as the author of
his well-known works.
CONTENTS
PAGE
PREFACE iii
INTRODUCTION xv
PART I
PALMISTRY OR CHEIROMANCY
CHAPTER
I. A BRIEF RESUME OF THE HISTORY OF THE STUDY
OF HANDS THROUGH THE CENTURIES TO THE
PRESENT DAY 1
II. THE LINE OF HEAD OR THE INDICATIONS OF MENTALITY 8
The Line of Head and its Variations 10
The Line of Head joined to the Line of Life 16
The Line of Head separated from the Line of Life 19
The Line of Head and its Secondary Signs 22
Changes in the Line of Head 26
Crosses and Squares in connection with the Line of Head 30
Double Lines of Head 31
The Line of Head on the Seven Types of Hands 33
III. THE LINE OF LIFE AND ITS VARIATIONS 36
IV. THE LINE OF MARS OR INNER LIFE LINE 44
V. THE LINE OF DESTINY OR FATE 47
From the Line of Life 50
From the Wrist 50
From the Mount of the Moon 51
From the Middle of the Palm 55
Influence Lines to the Line of Fate 57
Double Lines of Fate 57
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