Written 24 May 2007

The 4 Levels of Interpretation
In hand analysis the lines are interpreted according to the context in which they are found. There are four levels of interpretation in hand analysis. The first three provide the context in which the lines are interpreted. The majority of palmists interpret the lines without recourse to the underlying structure. Although each line has a natural meaning, their full meaning takes account of the context of the first three levels of interpretation. When these levels are properly understood, the hand analyst is able to provide a dep and meaningful interpretation.

The first level of interpretation: Shape and Structure
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Shape and structure of the hands includes the palm size and proportions, finger length compared to the palm and relative to each other, flexibility, hardness/softness, skin texture, and padding. The meaning of the lines of the palm must be interpreted according to the shape of the hand on which they are found. Context matters.

The second level of interpretation: Genetic Foundation
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The second level of hand analysis interpretation is the dermatoglyphics, sometimes called skin engravings. These are formed in the pre-natal environment and never change. Most people are familiar with the dermatoglyphics on the tips of the fingers known as fingerprints. Less well known are the dermatoglyphics found on the palm. On the medical level these have been associated with various chromosomal indications and the prevalence of some medical disorders. They also have an important bearing on psychological disposition, although this has not been well researched.

The third level of interpretation: the Zones of the Palm
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Once the context as described by shape/structure and dermatoglyphics has been established, the next level of understanding is the zones of the palm, which includes the so-called mounts between the fingers. These zones are the seats of character, and by the depth and hardness describe different archetypal energies. Many books describe the so-called mounts beneath the fingers. However the mounts are actually between the fingers, and therefore I have described the areas beneath the fingers as zones. The zones beneath the fingers empower the fingers above them. The zones beneath the fingers are themselves empowered by the lines which terminate on them.

The fourth level of interpretation: the Lines of the Palm
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The lines take their meaning from the context of the first three levels including the zones of the palm that they link together. The basic principle is that the lines show how energy is moved from one zone to another. This energetic transmission through the lines of the palm records our character and expression. By themselves the lines of the palm determine nothing; they simply record the internal workings of the psyche and the brain.