Nirmala Abeysekera and Hiranthi Fernando
A glimpse into the future would arouse the curiosity of most people be it in the east or west. Here in Sri Lanka, steeped in mysticism, traditions and ritual, Astrology and Palmistry still play a significant role in the day to day activities of the people. It seems amazing how much of your life is reflected on the palm of your hand. Palmistry is the art of reading a person’s past and future by the lines, markings and bumps on the palm.
In order to make an accurate prediction, many palmists in Sri Lanka also make use of the birth chart or horoscope. They practise Palmistry and Astrology side by side. There are also palmists who have studied the subject extensively and are capable of making accurate predictions by reading the markings of the palm alone. With the Sri Lankan penchant for a vision of the future, palmists are much in demand. In order to make an accurate prediction, many palmists in Sri Lanka also make use of the birth chart or horoscope. They practise Palmistry and Astrology side by side. There are also palmists who have studied the subject extensively and are capable of making accurate predictions by reading the markings of the palm alone. With the Sri Lankan penchant for a vision of the future, palmists are much in demand.
Apart from the recognized practitioners of palmistry, there are numerous palm readers who practise the art under trees in well frequented places or by busy street corners. Should you pass the General Hospital in Colombo shortly before visiting hours, you would surely see one of these so-called palmists surrounded by a crowd of hospital visitors. You could find these palmists near the courts, bus stands or at weekly village fairs.
Palm reading is also commonly practised by gypsy women. These dark skinned, attractive women, clad in colourful saris, strands of coloured beads round their necks and silver rings and bangles on their hands, roam the city streets in search of customers. In a cloth pouch bag or jola slung on their shoulders, they carry their tools of trade. “Saasthara, saasthra “, they call out in shrill ringing sing-song tones to entice prospective customers.
Many Sri Lankans who have had their palms read say that at times some of these wayside palmists give a remarkably accurate reading. However, if you wish to have a reliable reading of your palm, it would be advisable to consult a recognized palmist. In the study of palmistry, the lines on the palm are a map of the person’s natural course of life.
Experiments have shown that the beginning of a line records the first years and that as the line continues it records the advancing years of that life. The accuracy in reading the age at which certain events occur would depend on the skill and judgement of each palmist.
Trifling events are not indicated on the palm. Important events such as serious illnesses, changes of condition, severe trials or dangers and auspicious or happy events will be shown. Outside influences which have produced strong brain impressions are also reflected on the palm of an individual’s hand. In order to facilitate the forecasting of the age at which various events occur in a person’s life, the life line is divided according to the average life span of man. Taking 70 years as the life expectancy, the line in between is divided into segments representing the ages. The other main lines are similarly divided. The principal lines on a palm are the life line, head line and heart line. The life line begins between the thumb and the base of the first finger or the Mount of Jupiter and curves down towards the base of the wrist, known as rascette. The life line indicates the length of life and the ages at which maJor illnesses could occur. The head line which begins between the thumb and the Mount of Jupiter, indicates brain power, education and also details about the individual’s father. The heart line which also begins at the Mount of Jupiter indicates facts about the mother and gives an insight into a person’s temperament and personality. It also indicates ailments connected with chest, heart or lungs. In addition three other lines start at the rascette and point up towards the 3rd, 4th and 5th finger of the left palm. The first, Saturn line. called the line of destiny. indicates wealth and riches you are destined to receive. The next line which is the Apollo line or the Sun line denotes fame and success in any sphere. The third line, the Mercury line, shows prosperity in business endeavours. This line al o reveals any problems connected with the liver. In some palms there is also another line next to the Mercury line. Known as the line of intuition. It reflects the intuitive powers of the individual. The line of Mars which is sometimes seen beside the life line is supposed to guard the life line. This indicates protection , hen there is a break in the life line. well as these main lines, a palm could show several other marking which would enable the palmist to give a more detailed reading of a person’s past or future. “Palmistry goes as far back as the first Indo Aryan civilization in India.” says an expert. In his opinion. it spread to other parts of the world from India. It is said that even lexander the Great had his palm read.
No two pairs of palms are the same. The shape, form, size and lines of both palm and fingers indicate certain characteristics of the client and events in his life. Contrary to the common belief that a woman’s left hand and a man’s right hand should be read, one reader studies both palms in order to give a reading. He reads directly from the palm and not from a print of the palm. He also says it is preferable to read the palms in the morn ing. It is sometimes possible to see lines you did not see on the same palm the night before.
An expert says there is a connection between the brain and the palm. A person’s subconscious mind is reflected on his palm. He takes a print of both palms before he commences reading. He says that in a female he reads the past from the right hand and the present and future from the left. In males it is the reverse. Dharmadasa also says a palm should be read in the morning when the body is warm and circulation is good. Minor lines are clearly visible up till about 15.00 hrs.
Generally the palms of children are not read.
The palms of people born in other countries could differ due to a variation in food and habits. A palmist should refuse to read the palm of a person under the influence of liquour.
A familiar sight on the York Street pavement in Colombo is a person who has been a palmist for over 25 years. Clad in a white national dress he arrives each morning on his bicycle. A tin carrier in front contains his charts and books. Propping up his bicycle against a wall he hangs up a poster depicting palms with their markings. In this busy spot in the heart of the city, he finds plenty of customers. Although he does not speak English, he has had many foreign clients with whom he communicates through an interpreter.
An expert reads from a carbon print of a palm.
