In the palm of your hand
Psychologies UK|August 2023
Read between the lines and tap into a person's unique personality and potential - Johnny Fincham introduces the ancient art of palmistry...
Johnny Fincham
In the palm of your hand

Humans have always been fascinated by their hands. If we take a deep dive into history, even prehistoric cave dwellers saw their hands as markers of their individuality. Anthropologists argue that the palm prints found in prehistoric caves around the world were our ancestors' attempts to leave a personal signature of ownership. As each palm print is unique, this would have shown exactly who lived where.

Today, palmistry is principally a means of self-knowledge. It isn't a form of fortune telling; no tall, dark, handsome strangers are marked in your hand, nor will it tell you how long you'll live. But truly astonishing information can be gleaned from the palm: sensitivity, emotional balance, confidence, intelligence, and many other qualities.

There are four basic skin textures you will find on a person's palm, and each one indicates a different thing...

SILK SKIN

If the skin feels ultra-fine and soft, or the print shows barely visible ridges and lots of fine lines, the person is hypersensitive-they have an aversion to conflict and harsh situations, and they are physically delicate, with a fussy, fragile disposition. This skin type - known as silk skin-is common among alternative therapists, carers, spiritual seekers, intuitives, artists and aesthetes.

GRAINY SKIN

If the skin feels grainy, or the print shows firm, hard skin ridges with strong, red lines like cuts, the person is action-orientated. They are always busy and are by nature 'doers. This skin type -known as grainy skin - is common among sporty and business-minded people. Grainy skin is much more common on males than on females.

PAPER SKIN

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM PSYCHOLOGIES UKView all
Why Are We So Sensitive About Being Sensitive? - Feeling empathy, energy and emotion keenly is not a failing - it can be your strength and your superpower, discovers Yasmina Floyer
Psychologies UK

Why Are We So Sensitive About Being Sensitive? - Feeling empathy, energy and emotion keenly is not a failing - it can be your strength and your superpower, discovers Yasmina Floyer

All of us are sensitive - it is the very nature of being human. However, as with most behavioural characteristics, it exists on a scale. Jenn Granneman, founder of the world's largest community for introverts and co-author, along with Andre Sólo, of Sensitive (Penguin, £10.99), tells me about the characteristics of someone who is highly sensitive: 'Simply put, if you're a highly sensitive person, your body and mind respond more to the world around you. You respond more to heartbreak, pain, and loss - but you also respond more to beauty, new ideas, and joy. You're more affected by everything around you, but you also draw more from these experiences.

time-read
7 mins  |
September 2024
Try a Little Kindfulness - Make kindness a conscious practice and infuse your life with everyday abundance, writes Dr David Hamilton
Psychologies UK

Try a Little Kindfulness - Make kindness a conscious practice and infuse your life with everyday abundance, writes Dr David Hamilton

The more we care about others, the more we realise that most people are just like us - trying to figure things out and hoping for a good day. It's easier to fear what you don't know, but once you get to know people, the world seems a lot smaller and cosier. So next time you're tempted to scroll past someone's problem, dismiss someone's feelings, or just be in your own little bubble, remember: the world's a better place when we all give a little f*ck. Let's sprinkle that stuff everywhere like it's magical kindness glitter!

time-read
7 mins  |
September 2024
There's No Excuse to Slow Down! - Presenter, podcaster and author Gabby Logan talks to Psychologies about health, happiness, and overcoming hurdles in midlife...
Psychologies UK

There's No Excuse to Slow Down! - Presenter, podcaster and author Gabby Logan talks to Psychologies about health, happiness, and overcoming hurdles in midlife...

Presenter, podcaster and author Gabby Logan talks to Psychologies about health, happiness, and overcoming hurdles in midlife...When TV presenter Gabby Logan started to experience brain fog in her late 40s, struggling to recall the correct word or name on live TV, she initially put it down to tiredness. 'I couldn't quite get that name or articulate in the way I had previously been able to, so I was concerned, but it coincided with lockdown and not doing any telly for a while. I remember feeling quite nervous going back to live TV.' But the former international gymnast soon realised that it was a symptom of perimenopause and promptly went onto HRT, which she says has balanced her hormones.

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024
Kindle your creativity
Psychologies UK

Kindle your creativity

Increase your sense of connection and support your self-expression, urges Caroline Butterwick

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024
Fast and filling!
Psychologies UK

Fast and filling!

Join the high-protein revolution and eat better everyday, with these full-of-flavour recipes from nutritionist Scott Baptie's new cookbook

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
What's your optimum?
Psychologies UK

What's your optimum?

Eating well can cure what ails us, so why is it so hard? Anna Blewett discovers the secrets to a more resolved relationship with food...

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024
"FRIENDSHIP DELIVERED SO MUCH OF WHAT ROMANTIC LOVE HAD PROMISED"
Psychologies UK

"FRIENDSHIP DELIVERED SO MUCH OF WHAT ROMANTIC LOVE HAD PROMISED"

Author Marianne Power talks to Psychologies about self-love and the sisterhood...

time-read
9 mins  |
September 2024
Summer break or make!
Psychologies UK

Summer break or make!

Hello, lovers! September is here, and the lazy holiday season is behind us. And for many-me included - now feels like the perfect opportunity for a personal kick up the backside, and to embark on a relationship reset. In my work, it's typically women who take the first steps accessing couples' help, but recently (and encouragingly) I've noticed an uptick in men reaching out to get relationship advice and wanting to put the work in.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
Time to spread their wings
Psychologies UK

Time to spread their wings

As the seasons shift and shudder, threatening rhythm and routine, Heidi Scrimgeour embraces September in all its bittersweetness...

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024
Big wild world
Psychologies UK

Big wild world

Caro Giles fills up her cup with summer colour and awaits autumn wonder...

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024