Marks on the Hand
In addition to the lines and dermatoglyphics, there are a number of other markings that can be read on the palm. These include squares, grilles, crosses, stars, and circles.
Squares
There are two types of squares. The first of these are protective squares that protect and nurture the person. Fortunately, they are more common than the restrictive squares that restrain, limit, and confine the person.
A protective square encloses a break in any line. It can appear anywhere but is found most frequently on the life line. This is a fortunate sign and gives the person the necessary persistence and strength of character to deal with potentially difficult situations. It’s a sign that the person will eventually overcome the problems indicated by the line.
A restrictive square does not cover a break and is a sign of limitation or confinement. This means the person feels hemmed in and restricted by a particular situation. Consequently, the types of situations covered by a restrictive square range from someone who feels trapped in a situation all the way to someone who is confined in a prison cell.
Squares of emotional confinement are located on the mount of Venus. These squares are not attached to any line and appear when the person feels trapped in a difficult emotional situation. Fortunately, they usually disappear quickly when the difficult time comes to an end.
Teacher’s Square
The teacher’s square is found on, or immediately below, the mount of Jupiter. It’s created by four minor lines, one of which extends beyond the square and touches the life line. The teacher’s square shows that the person can explain difficult concepts in a way that others can easily understand. Consequently, someone with this square would make an extremely good teacher. Most teachers don’t have a teacher’s square. This is because many people take up teaching almost by accident, in the same way that people take up many other types of career.
You’ll find a teacher’s square in the hands of many people who have no interest in taking up teaching as a career. However, this talent will reveal itself in different ways, and they may end up in careers where they’re instructing or teaching other people as part of their work. A lady I know spent forty years working in a bank. When she retired, she started teaching a Pilates class and has loved every minute of it.
Teachers often have Samaritan lines on their hands.
Grilles
Grilles are formed by several minor lines that crisscross each other. They are negative marks that are usually found on the mounts. They show that the person wastes a great deal of time thinking at cross-purposes about matters concerning his or her life. This causes frustration and confused thinking that means the person is unable to see any way out of the situation.
When found on an otherwise normal mount, the grille represses the positive aspects of the mount and often enhances the negative aspects. A grille that is situated on a mount that is flat and invisible is a sign that the person is cold and unfeeling.
Because of the number of fine lines on the mount of Venus, a grille in this position is considered normal. It enhances the natural passion of the person.
On the mount of Luna, it creates a restless, anxious person who is hard to please.
On the mount of Jupiter, it makes the person selfish, egotistical, and proud.
On the mount of Saturn, it emphasizes the person’s natural saturnine qualities, making him or her morose and melancholy.
On the mount of Apollo, it increases the desire for fame but also encourages the person to waste his or her time, energy, and talent. People with a grille on this mount are often vain and conceited.
On the mount of Mercury, it creates nervousness and instability. It can also be a sign that the person will be dishonest in small ways.
Crosses
A cross formed when a minor line crosses a major line is a sign of change. The major line needs to be examined to determine if the change is positive or negative. This cross is interpreted only if it is clear and distinct.
Crosses formed by two minor lines are usually warning signs. Again, they need to be easily visible to be interpreted. A cross touching the destiny line reveals the possibility of an accident. A cross touching the life line indicates the likelihood of home and family problems. A cross touching the hepatica is a sign of a potential illness.
Fortunately, as these crosses are warning signs, the problems can be avoided by resolving the underlying reasons behind them. A change of diet, for instance, might be all that’s required to eliminate the likelihood of an illness. If this is done, the cross will fade and disappear.
Crosses are not always negative, and there are four positive crosses. A cross inside the quadrangle (the area between the head and heart lines), formed by the destiny line and a minor line, is an indication of success after considerable effort. Consequently, although it’s a positive sign, it can also be frustrating, as the success never happens overnight and it may take years before the person finally receives the rewards of all his or her hard work.
A mystic cross is also found between the head and heart lines. This is a cross formed by two minor lines and reveals an interest in spirituality, mysticism, and the occult. Occasionally, you’ll find two or three mystic crosses inside the quadrangle. This increases the likelihood of the person becoming actively involved in the mystic arts.
A St. Andrew’s cross is formed by two minor lines that form a cross that connects the life and destiny lines near the base of the hand. It’s unusual to see a complete, well-formed St. Andrew’s cross, but many people have a partial cross in this position. Traditionally, the St. Andrew’s cross is a sign that the person will save one or more lives during his or her life. Consequently, this cross is often found on the hands of doctors, nurses, and other people associated with healing.
A cross formed by two minor lines on the mount of Jupiter shows that the person is ready to move forward in a new direction. This often involves a new partner, but it may also be related to self-awareness and spiritual growth.
Islands
Islands are small ovals inside a major line. They are never positive and are usually caused by trauma and emotional disturbances. A series of islands looks like braiding on the line. Islands are most commonly found on the heart line and relate to emotional difficulties. They indicate periods of illness when found on the life line. When found on other lines, they’re a sign of hesitation, doubt, and frustration.
Triangles
Triangles are always a positive sign. They are usually found on the mounts and enhance their quality. They are often a sign that the person would do well in a creative or scientific career.
A triangle on the mount of Jupiter is a sign that the person should set high goals for him or herself. Apollo is a sign of significant creative potential. A triangle on the mount of Mercury indicates potential success in business. A triangle on the mount of Luna enhances the qualities of the mount and is a sign of clairvoyant potential.
Stars
A star is formed when four or five minor lines cross each other. This is a positive sign when found on one of the mounts but is considered negative when found anywhere else. On a mount, the star is a sign that the person has the potential to do well in the field indicated by the particular mount. A star on the mount of Jupiter is a sign that the person will receive public recognition for his or her accomplishments.
On the mount of Saturn, a star indicates a fulfilling and satisfying career.
On the mount of Apollo, a star indicates the possibility of fame in an artistic field.
On the mount of Mercury, a star reveals the potential for great success using the person’s verbal skills. This can also indicate success in a branch of science.
Circle
Only rarely will you find a perfectly-formed circle on the palm of the hand. It’s considered an indication of great success when found on the mount of Apollo, but is considered to be a sign of weakness when found anywhere else.
Dots and Spots
Dots and spots are interpreted only when they form an indentation in the palm. They’re a sign of blocked energy when they’re found on a major line.
On the life line, this is likely to indicate a physical illness.
On the heart line, it’s a sign of emotional trauma. (However, a white dot on the heart line indicates a strong, loving relationship achieved after considerable effort.)
On the head line, dots and spots indicate a period of low spirits and possible depression.
On the destiny lines, it indicates a time when the person paused and reevaluated his or her career up to that point.
Once you start reading palms, people will want to know when certain events will occur. We’ll look at how to time events in the next chapter.