Types of hands in Palmistry: learn to identify them

Identifying the different types of hands in Palmistry is one of the first lessons in the study of Palmistry. Although many suppose that Palmistry is restricted only to the interpretation of the lines of the hand, the reality is that this ancient art takes into consideration different elements.

Types of hands: the main elements in palm reading

As we’ve said before, the ancient art of Palmistry takes into consideration different elements in palm reading, namely:

• The size of the entire hand(large, small, normal);
• The consistency, flexibility, temperature, degree of humidity, and color;
• The size, shape and texture of the palm;
• The length, shape and inclination of the fingers, and the space between them;
• The shape and color of the nails;
• Figures in the hands (marks);
• The lines (major lines, minor and auxiliary);
• The mounts and rings (mounts and marks at the base of the fingers)

With regard to the types of hands, a large part of Palmistry practitioners study the categories proposed by Casimir Stanislas D’Arpentigny, in the 19th century, in his book “La Chirognomonie, Ou l’Art de Reconnaître Les Tendances de l’Intelligence d’Après Les Formes de la Main”.

The author identified seven types of hands: elemental, spatulate, square, knotty, conical, psychic, and mixed. However, it is important to note that there is also a classification associated with the 5 elements (water, fire, wood, earth, metal), based on the shape of the palm, the length of the fingers and on the hands’ temperature.

Which are the types of hands in Palmistry?

As previously indicated, according to the classification proposed by D’Arpentigny, the types of hands are:

Elementary

The elemental or rudimentary hand has a large, square palm, with few lines; thick fingers; short and straight thumb; and short nails. It is usually associated with indifferent, stubborn individuals, inclined towards activities that require great physical effort.

Spatulate

The spatulate hand, necessary or active, is normal to large in size, with large knuckles and thumb, and flattened fingertips. It suggests a practical, determined, dynamic, and independent personality, with a tendency to waste.

Types of hands – Squared

The square hand, useful or practical, shows a normal size; with square palm and fingertips; large knuckles and thumb. It reveals a conservative, precise, logical, disciplined, persevering and predictable character; with interest in administrative tasks and pedagogy.

Knotty

The knotty or philosophical hand tends to be normal to small, slightly square in shape, long, bulging fingers in the area of ​​the phalanges, and a large thumb. It is identified with idealism, eccentricity, independence, a heightened sense of justice, science and philosophy.

Conical

The conical or artistic hand stands out for its harmonious and elegant proportions, with an almost rectangular palm, and long fingers with rounded tips. Denotes great intuition, sensitivity, creativity, aesthetic sense and dreamy nature; but also impulsiveness and superficiality.

Psychic

The psychic or mystical hand is long, thin and pointed, with smooth fingers. It usually indicates benevolent, spiritual, intuitive, affectionate individuals, with a tendency to mysticism and the evasion of reality.

Types of hands – Mixed

The mixed or combined hand, as its name implies, combines characteristics of all the aforementioned types of hands, and refers to a multifaceted and adaptable subject, who can be lost due to the fickleness of his character.

Types of hands and natural elements

On the other hand, the types of hand associated with natural elements are:

Water

The water hand is described as broad, wet, and cold, with a rectangular palm and elongated fingers. It is linked to communicative, intelligent, imaginative, concerned people, who enjoy the learning process.

Fire

The fire hand is hot, red, and dry, with short, knobby, protruding fingers. It suggests a dynamic, impatient, emotional, generous, and sociable character, which rejects monotony.

Wood

Wooden hands are flat, long, warm, dry, and denote kindness, solidarity, and ingenuity. Note: the wooden hand is not included in all classifications.

Earth

The hand of earth is warm, dry; with thick and short fingers; and a broad palm, with few well-defined lines. It alludes to an organized, cautious subject, of firm opinions, routine, critical and hurtful.

Metal

The metal hand, known as the air hand by some scholars, is square and firm, with long fingers, elastic, cold, and dry skin. It denotes resourcefulness, innovation, curiosity, optimism, and a need for intellectual stimulation.

It is worth noting that, although the majority of Palmistry practitioners know both systems (and others less popular), they tend to opt for one or the other when making the consultation.

Likewise, let us remember that the types of hands are just a small part of the compendium of aspects that will be analyzed during the Palmistry session.

You may also like: 

• Major Lines: variations and their meanings
• The Markings in Palm Reading
• The Mounts in Palm Reading