Palm reading basics: the four lines everyone has

Palm reading has been practiced from India to Greece for thousands of years. Start with the four main lines. Hold your dominant hand palm-up in good light.

Heart line

Where: The top line, running across the palm under your fingers. What it shows: Shows how you love and how you handle feelings.

• Ends under the index finger: You are content in love and choose partners with care.
• Ends under the middle finger: You put your own needs first. Practical in romance.
• Long and curved: You express feelings openly and warmly.
• Straight and short: You show love through actions more than words.

Head line

Where: The middle line, starting between thumb and index finger. What it shows: Shows how you think, learn and make decisions.

• Long and straight: You think clearly and logically.
• Curved or sloping: You are creative and imaginative.
• Short: You prefer quick, practical decisions.
• Separate from the life line: You love adventure and independence.

Life line

Where: The curved line around the base of your thumb. What it shows: Shows energy, vitality and big life changes. Its length does not predict how long you live.

• Deep and long: Strong stamina and steady energy.
• Wide curve: Outgoing and full of enthusiasm.
• Close to the thumb: You prefer a quieter pace and recharge alone.
• Breaks or branches: A big change of direction or a fresh start.

Fate line

Where: The vertical line up the center of the palm. Not everyone has one. What it shows: Shows career path and how much outside events shape your life.

• Deep and clear: A strong sense of purpose and direction.
• Starts at the life line: A self-made path built on your own effort.
• Starts mid-palm: Your career takes off later in life.
• Faint or missing: You make your own luck and change paths freely.

Try the interactive palm.