Tag Archives: PALMISTRY
10. PALMISTRY
10. PALMISTRY
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The subject of palmistry, or the study of the human hand, is composed of two parts: chirosophy, or the mystical significance of the lines, markings, and developed areas; and chirognomy, or an analysis of the shape and formation of the hand, thumb, and fingers.
While the two are closely interwoven, the emphasis was originally on chirosophy, which was closely identified with astrology, as witness the names of the planets as applied to the areas called mounts. The lines, too, were generally interpreted in divinatory terms, as with other psychic sciences.
At the same time, formations were noted and used by expert in the art of chirosophy, and their readings became so accurate that scientific surveys were undertaken, resulting in a definitive classification of shapes and their indication. Thus chirognomy came into vogue.
1.PSYCHIC SCIENCES – INTRODUCTION
The lure of the unknown and the lore of the hidden things have long intrigued the human mind. Along with such skills as throwing rocks and fashioning flintstone spearheads, primitive man developed more subtle crafts, as foretelling the weather by the ways the birds flew or the winds blew. From those beginnings came modern sciences like ballistics and meteorology and the same applies in many other instances.
Two factors were present in most primitive sciences; the psychic and the occult. The practitioner of a craft usually claimed and often believed that he possessed a special faculty not given to ordinary mortals, enabling to gain unique results and issue reliable forecasts. He backed this by professing knowledge of secret subjects which he was pledged not to reveal.
This combination of psychic power and occult learning has persisted into modern times. Skilled artists often regard their work as “inspired” or rely on “trade secrets” for results. So the pattern is similar, even though many things that once created awe and wonderment are explainable by modern science. Now the cycle may be bringing us to new wonders, perhaps including some revivals from the past.
