The Second Form of「汝來神掌」: Analyze the hand shape first, then the palm lines
The beginner’s guide to palmistry states: "In hand reading, first examine the hand shape, then observe the Bagua. The palm has thickness, fingers have lengths, lines have depth, color has clarity or dullness. Ensure the lord and minister positions are proper, the five elements are matched, the Bagua is balanced, the host and guest are evenly arranged. Only the lord may overpower the guest; the guest must not overpower the lord."
This verse first mentions the order of hand-reading techniques and distinguishing features. If someone starts by looking at the palm lines alone when consulting a fortune-teller, it is very unprofessional. Simply observing the hand shape involves examining the nails, finger shapes, and palm shape. Additionally, the lengths and features of each finger must be considered. Based on the teacher’s past experience, observing just the palm shape can take around 30 minutes.
This verse first mentions the order of hand-reading techniques and distinguishing features. If someone starts by looking at the palm lines alone when consulting a fortune-teller, it is very unprofessional. Simply observing the hand shape involves examining the nails, finger shapes, and palm shape. Additionally, the lengths and features of each finger must be considered. Based on the teacher’s past experience, observing just the palm shape can take around 30 minutes.
Therefore, if your previous experience with hand reading involved only looking at palm lines, or took less than 30 minutes, the accuracy is limited and professionalism is insufficient.
"Then observe the Bagua" refers to the prominence and thickness of the mounts of the palm. The rest, such as "palm has thickness, fingers have lengths, lines have depth, color has clarity or dullness, ensure the lord and minister positions, five elements matched, Bagua balanced…" are all standards for measurement in palmistry.
"Then observe the Bagua" refers to the prominence and thickness of the mounts of the palm. The rest, such as "palm has thickness, fingers have lengths, lines have depth, color has clarity or dullness, ensure the lord and minister positions, five elements matched, Bagua balanced…" are all standards for measurement in palmistry.
The final sentence "the host and guest are evenly arranged. Only the lord may overpower the guest; the guest must not overpower the lord" is also important. It has two meanings: one refers to the proportion of finger to palm lengths, the other to the relative lengths of each finger.
After all this explanation, are you a bit confused?
After all this explanation, are you a bit confused?
In fact, this means that when consulting a fortune-teller, you can judge their professionalism just by their method of observation. Next, the teacher explains simply using "shape". (Parentheses indicate terms from Western palmistry)
Hand and finger shapes can generally be categorized as Metal (square), Wood, Water (round), Fire (spiritual or conical), Earth (coarse), Comb shape (triangular), Complex (mixed). Each finger shape may combine with different palm shapes, forming various personality traits. However, Chinese and Western palmistry differ slightly in palm shape classification. Some categories are the same, others differ. Here is an overview:
Hand and finger shapes can generally be categorized as Metal (square), Wood, Water (round), Fire (spiritual or conical), Earth (coarse), Comb shape (triangular), Complex (mixed). Each finger shape may combine with different palm shapes, forming various personality traits. However, Chinese and Western palmistry differ slightly in palm shape classification. Some categories are the same, others differ. Here is an overview:
1. Metal Shape (Square)
Stubborn personality, values rules, steady, determined, practical, organized, and realistic.
2. Wood Shape
Cautious, introverted, meticulous, thoughtful, indecisive, stable temperament, good concentration, research-oriented, conservative, enjoys reasoning.
3. Water Shape (Conical)
Intuitive, enjoys novelty, sharp thinking, eloquent, adaptable, emotional, optimistic, empathetic, impatient, fast learner, intelligent, imaginative.
4. Fire Shape (Spiritual or Pointed)
Naturally aesthetic, observant, discerning, passionate, willful, impatient, emotionally volatile, quick-reacting, talented, lazy at times, changeable, gentle, sensitive.
5. Earth Shape (Coarse)
Slow to react, strong endurance, simple, honest, practical, coarse, lacking ambition, short-tempered.
6. Comb Shape (Triangular)
Agile, courageous, confident, creative, independent, nonconformist, unconventional thinking, dissatisfied with status quo, perceptive, brave.
7. Complex Shape (Mixed)
Versatile, smart, adaptable, highly receptive, integrative, lacks patience and perseverance, inconsistent, unsettled.
The above shapes may vary depending on the combination of fingers and palm, and their lengths and thicknesses.
In simple formula terms: 7 finger shapes × 7 palm shapes × 2 finger thickness × 5 finger lengths = 490 combinations.