Chiromancy

Chiromancy, or palmistry, is the practice of predicting a person’s character or future by examining the hands, especially the palms. Practitioners interpret lines, shapes, and textures of the palm, the mounts beneath the fingers, and the length and curvature of the fingers to infer personality traits, life events, and possible outcomes.

Historical roots appear in several ancient cultures, including India, China, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece. The modern term chiromancy developed in Europe during the early modern period. Today it persists in popular culture and some traditional practices, where it may be linked with other forms of divination.

Common methods focus on major lines—the heart line, life line, head line, and fate line—plus features such as the mounts under each finger (for example, Mount of Venus) and the overall shape of the hand. Readings vary by tradition and may view the dominant hand as representing present conditions or future potential.

In science, chiromancy is regarded as a pseudoscience with no proven predictive value. Critics point to inconsistent interpretations and the subjective nature of readings. Proponents argue that palmistry can offer psychological insight, personal reflection, or guidance, and it remains a culturally enduring practice in some communities.