Human history has included the study of the hand, both as a subject of artistic curiosity and as a means of divination. The discovery of hand impressions in prehistoric caves and hands carved out of stone, wood, and ivory highlight the ongoing fascination with the human hand that dates back to ancient times. This essay aims to clarify the evolution of palm (also known as hand) reading and its junction with diverse historical traditions in order to investigate the significance of hand reading across cultures and eras.

Biblical and Ancient References to Hand Reading

Sacred scriptures from many different civilizations contain one of the first known references to the practice of hand reading. Early Semitic literature, the Bible, and the Vedic scriptures all make reference to hand reading. Some people have interpreted a number of Bible texts that discuss the significance of hands as supporting the practice of palmistry, or hand reading. For example, Exodus 13:9 mentions a sign on the hand, and Proverbs 3:16 links prosperity and glory to the left hand and long life to the right. Some interpret God’s reference to sealing people’s hands in Job 37:7 as a divine recognition of their actions and fate. Particularly in the mystical traditions of ancient Israel and Judaism, these verses have served as a basis for the practice of chiromancy, or divination by hand.

Now let’s move to the Far East, where there is evidence that the Chinese knew about chiromancy as early as 2350 BCE. Even though the oldest definitive manuscripts are from 650–475, BCE, it is clear that the Chinese valued the hand much because, centuries before the West, they used fingerprints and handprints in legal papers. The interpretation of fingerprints was also a part of chiromancy in China and Japan, evidence of how deeply they understood personal identity.

The Origins and Spread of Palmistry

It’s common for historians to link palmistry to India, where astrology is thought to have served as its foundation. Many millennia ago, the Hindu sage Valmiki is credited with penning a treatise on male palmistry. The custom originated in India and later made its way to China, Tibet, Egypt, Persia, and finally Europe. Ancient Greece laid the groundwork for Western palmistry as a result of their interactions with India. The art of hand reading was first documented in Greece in the fourth century BCE, when notable individuals like Aristotle and Alexander the Great demonstrated an interest in it. Galen and Hippocrates, two Greek physicians, were also aware of palmistry’s therapeutic benefits.

Even though there isn’t a lot of literature from this era, it’s evident that hand reading was common in ancient Greece and later Rome because people like Pliny and Juvenal mentioned it.

The term “chiromancy,” which first appeared in 1160, indicates the emergence of palmistry in Europe in the twelfth century. It is possible that chiromancy arrived in Europe through the Arabic cultures’ adoption of astrology and alchemy. Because palmistry was contentious, it was listed as one of the seven prohibited arts throughout the Renaissance.

Nevertheless, chiromancy literature proliferated throughout Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It gained much acclaim during this period and was taught in some European colleges’ curricula. Popes like Leo X took a strong interest in astrology and palmistry during the Italian papal era, especially in the sixteenth century. However, later papal edicts by Popes Paul IV and Sixtus V forbade divinatory sciences, which led to the decline of palmistry in Italy while it flourished in Jewish Kabbalistic traditions and Northern Europe.

Though somewhat tarnished, palmistry was made more widely known due to its popular association with gypsies, who came to Europe from India in the fourteenth century. During the English Civil War, politicians and generals sought the services of chiromancers and astrologers, and palmistry and astrology became closely associated.

Decline and Revival of Palmistry

Palmistry fell out of favor in England, France, and Italy throughout the eighteenth century, but it came back into vogue during the occult revival of the nineteenth century. There were societies formed to study palmistry, and people like William John Warner, a.k.a. Cheiro, had a significant impact on palmistry as it exists now.

The scientific community started to become interested in the hand’s psychological and diagnostic possibilities in the 20th century. Hermetic philosophy piqued Carl Jung’s curiosity, and Scotland Yard began using fingerprints in criminal investigations. Medical research into dermatoglyphics has found connections between genetic disorders and hand markings, suggesting a possible scientific basis for some aspects of palmistry.

Nowadays, palmistry is widely used across the globe, frequently in combination with astrology and other types of divination. Although there are many who doubt it and the scientific community frequently views it as pseudoscience, many people are nonetheless fascinated by it and hold personal beliefs in it.

The history of palmistry is a complex tapestry made from the interweaving of science, art, and mysticism. Palmistry has changed throughout time while retaining its mystique and appeal, from its origins in ancient civilizations to its contemporary interpretations. The study of the human hand, whether dismissed as superstition or regarded as a window into one’s character, piques a person’s curiosity about the deeper meanings etched in their palms.

Further Reading

Fenton, S. (1996). The Elements of Hand Reading: A Practical Work on the Study of the Hand, Containing the Laws of the Science Clearly and Concisely Expressed. Studio Editions Ltd.

This book was chosen for its concise yet comprehensive approach to hand reading, offering insights into the basic laws and principles of palmistry. Fenton’s work is suitable for beginners and also serves as a refresher for experienced readers. The book’s clear language and practical orientation make it a timeless resource.

Gettings, F. (1984). The Book of the Hand: An Illustrated History of Palmistry. Hamlyn Publishing Group.

Fred Gettings’ book provides readers with a richly illustrated history of palmistry, tracing its origins and development through various cultures and time periods. The selection of this book is due to its focus on the historical perspective of palmistry, which adds depth and context to the understanding of the practice. It is an essential read for those interested in the art’s evolution.

Robinson, L. V. (1916). The Graven Palm: A Manual of the Science of Palmistry. William Rider & Son, Limited.

This is a classic text in the field of palmistry, offering detailed descriptions and interpretations of palm lines and other hand features. Robinson’s manual was selected for its historical significance and its detailed, systematic approach to hand analysis, providing a thorough grounding in traditional palmistry methods that have influenced contemporary practices.