chirology

Chirology, also known as palmistry or chiromancy, is the study of the hands to interpret personality traits, potential futures, and health indicators according to the shape of the hands, the lines on the palms, and other features. The term derives from Greek cheir 'hand' and -logia 'study'. The practice appears in various ancient traditions, notably Indian and Chinese systems, with Greco-Roman references. In Europe, palmistry gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries and diversified into several schools.

Practitioners examine major lines such as the lifeline, heart line, head line, and fate line; assess minor lines, mounts on the palm, finger length and shape, and the overall hand shape (earth, air, water, fire). The dominant hand is often read for present conditions, the non-dominant hand for inherited tendencies or future possibilities. Some approaches also consider nails, skin texture, and flexibility of the hand.

Applications range from personality analysis and career guidance to fortune telling. In modern contexts, chirology is typically presented as a cultural or entertainment practice rather than a scientifically validated method.

Critics view chirology as pseudoscience because its interpretations are not reliably tested and can be highly subjective. Cultural variation means there is no single universal system. Ethical considerations include avoiding definitive claims, respecting client beliefs, and recognizing the potential for misinterpretation in sensitive situations.