Skin Ridge Patterns
A close examination of the surface of the palm shows that in addition to the lines and marks on the hand, the entire surface is made up of extremely fine skin ridge patterns that doctors call epidermal ridges. You will probably need a magnifying glass to examine these.
By far the best-known skin ridge patterns are our fingerprints. The Chinese were the first to recognize the uniqueness of these and used them for identification purposes hundreds of years ago. In 1880, Dr. Henry Faulds, a British doctor, discovered that the ridge patterns on our fingers and thumb could be used to positively identify someone. In 1892, Sir Francis Galton proved that no two fingerprints were the same. Since then, fingerprints have become the major method of identifying criminals all around the world.
In 1926, Dr. Harold Cummins discovered that certain types of fingerprints and epidermal ridges were found in 70 percent of all known Down’s syndrome cases.1 Doctor Cummins also came up with the term “dermatoglyphics” to describe the fine skin ridge patterns. Doctor Cummins, with Charles Midlo, wrote Fingerprints, Palms and Soles, which was published in 1943.2 Cummins’ study created a whole new field of diagnostic medicine which is playing an increasingly important part in everyone’s life.
Our fingerprints come in three main variations: loops, whorls, and arches (figure 45). Of these, the loops are by far the most commonly found all around the world.
Loop / Whorl / Arch
Figure 45: Three Main Types of Fingerprint Patterns
Loop / Whorl / Arch
Figure 45: Three Main Types of Fingerprint Patterns
People with loops in the fingerprint patterns are able to adjust and fit in to most situations. They are adaptable, versatile, and work well with others. However, they sometimes have trouble in keeping their feelings under control, and can scatter their energies over too wide an area. They also get bored easily, and need variety in their lives to be happy.
A loop on the Jupiter finger makes the person graceful, charming, adaptable, and highly versatile. He or she will be thoughtful and caring.
A loop on the Saturn finger indicates someone with no fixed ideas on anything. This person will enjoy topics that can be considered and discussed, but will change his or her mind freely depending on the audience.
A loop on the Apollo finger enhances the appreciation of beautiful things. This person likes to be at the forefront of any new craze, and is always trying to push back the boundaries.
A loop on the Mercury finger indicates someone who can learn quickly and easily. He or she will have considerable verbal skills and will have a knack for saying the right thing at the right time.
A loop on the thumb makes the person diplomatic and tactful, even while being strongly stubborn. Consequently, this person will usually get his or her own way.
Whorls
People with whorls (concentric circles) in their fingerprints are independent and individualistic in outlook. Whorls give originality to whatever quality the finger represents. Blessed with ambition and persistence, people with a whorl on their hands are self-motivated and often become extremely successful. They enjoy analyzing situations and do not like to be hurried into making decisions. People with more than one whorl on their hands are frequently secretive and suspicious of the motives of others. It is extremely rare to meet anyone with whorls on every finger.
A whorl on the Jupiter finger makes the person ambitious and determined to succeed. This person will capitalize on his original and unorthodox ideas and may become extremely successful. This person needs to find his or her own way, and sometimes has difficulty in finding exactly the right niche in life.
A whorl on the Saturn finger makes the person analytical. He or she enjoys the details of things and is not easily swayed by the ideas or opinions of others.
A whorl on the Apollo finger reveals a highly original, creative person with a distinctly unusual approach. Although this person will deliberately set out to shock others at times, he or she will inwardly hold conservative views that have been learned through experience. Whorls are most commonly found on the Apollo finger.
A whorl on the Mercury finger creates an excellent conversationalist with original ideas. He or she will have distinct interests and will have no desire to explore other topics.
A whorl on the thumb makes the person determined, stubborn, and highly ambitious. This person is prepared to work as long as is necessary to achieve his or her goals.
Arches
People with arches in their fingerprint patterns are conscientious, stable, cautious, and reliable. They are practical people who are prepared to work hard and long, when necessary. They are reserved and serious in outlook. They are also persistent and like to get their own way.
An arch on the Jupiter finger indicates someone who enjoys power for its own sake, and will persevere for as long as is necessary to achieve it. When found on both first fingers, arches make it hard for the person to discuss his or her innermost feelings.
An arch on the Saturn finger reveals that the person does not like to talk about himself or herself. This reticence is especially strong when discussing ambitions or personal philosophy.
An arch on the Apollo finger in unusual. It inhibits the natural sense of beauty associated with Apollo, but enhances the practical skills of designing and making something useful. Someone with this combination may, for instance, become a potter rather than a painter because pottery can often be useful as well as attractive. These people often have mechanical or scientific interests.
An arch on the Mercury finger inhibits the verbal skills emphasized by Mercury. Consequently, these people are often quiet and secretive, especially when their career is involved.
An arch on the thumb gives the person a sensible, practical, and often dull approach to life. He or she is likely to be suspicious of the motives of others.
Tented Arches
If the arch is high, it is called a “tented arch.” People with these are high-strung and nervous. They are impulsive, enthusiastic, and often creative, usually in a musical field. They are inclined to overreact in times of crisis.
A tented arch on the Jupiter finger often gives the bearer a charmed life. The person will achieve his or her goals, and have a great deal of fun in the process, surrounded by a loving family and friends.
A tented arch on the Saturn finger makes the person serious and idealistic. This person is likely to spend a great deal of time in a world of his or her own, in preference to dealing with the everyday problems of life.
A tented arch on the Apollo finger makes the person an enthusiastic, emotional, impulsive, daydreamer, full of impractical ideas and schemes. This person is likely to be artistic, but needs careful guidance by others to achieve his or her potential.
A tented arch on the Mercury finger is rare, and gives the person considerable skills at speaking and writing. This person is likely to be a humanitarian, and use his or her talents for the benefit of others.
A tented arch on the thumb enables the person to fit in to any type of situation and get along well others. This person is naturally diplomatic, and achieves his or her goals with gentle persuasion and charm.
Tri-Radii
The tri-radii (sometimes known as apexes) are small triangles created by the skin ridge pattern (figure 46). They frequently look like a three-pointed star. Most people have between four and six of these on their palms. The easiest ones to find are located below the fingers on the mounts. Other tri-radii can be found on the mount of Luna, and occasionally on the mount of Neptune. A tri-radius here is a sign that the person has a strong psychic potential.
Figure 46: Tri-Radius
Figure 46: Tri-Radius
The tri-radii on the finger mounts should ideally be sited at the top of each mount. After all, another name for tri-radius is apex, which means at the top. When found in this position they enhance the potential of the particular mount. However, the tri-radii are more frequently found further down the mount, or even beside it.
Beryl Hutchinson suggests that we consider the mounts to be power houses of energy, and regard the tri-radii as switches that turn on and direct the energy.3 Consequently, the tri-radius is the apex, or central position of the mount, regardless of where it is actually located.
Apex of Jupiter
Ideally, the tri-radius on the mount of Jupiter is centrally sited on the mount, and exactly in line with the center of the finger. Someone with this siting will be honest, ethical, trustworthy, and a person of honor and integrity.
It is far more likely that the tri-radius will be sited towards the Saturn finger. In this position, the basic interpretation of the mount of Jupiter still applies, but is put towards a more practical application.
When the tri-radius is close to the thumb side of the palm, the person lacks a sense of responsibility and will take unnecessary chances that may or may not work.
If the tri-radius is located close to the base of the Jupiter finger the person will have an intellectual approach to the world. He or she may appear condescending and supercilious to others.
If the tri-radius is centrally sited but well away from the base of the Jupiter finger, the person will utilize his personal faith or philosophy to help others.
Apex of Saturn
When the tri-radius is situated directly below the Saturn finger, the person will be straightforward, direct, and possess good judgment.
If it is displaced towards the Apollo finger the person will have no sense of the value of money. He or she may be extravagant, squander money, or make unwise investments.
It is extremely rare for the apex of Saturn to be displaced toward the Jupiter finger. In fact, I do not recall ever having seen an example of this.
If the tri-radius is located close to the base of the Saturn finger the person will need a great deal of room around him. He or she will be interested in learning, and will be more interested in theories than in practical application.
If the tri-radius is located well away from the base of the Saturn finger the person will have an interest in real estate. This person might well become a real estate investor, broker, or simply show an interest in the subject.
Apex of Apollo
A centrally sited apex gives the person a keen awareness of beauty, along with significant potential in this field. This is accentuated if the apex is close to the base of the Apollo finger.
If the tri-radius is displaced toward the Saturn finger the person will tend to doubt his or her creative abilities. (This placement is almost always found in combination with an Apollo finger that curves toward the Saturn finger.)
If the tri-radius is displaced toward the Mercury finger the person will have the ability to make money out of some form of creativity. This is likely to be work that the person creates himself or herself. However, this person could also become a successful dealer of other people’s work.
Apex of Mercury
It is unusual for the apex of Mercury to be centrally sited under the Mercury finger. When found in this position, it gives the person a great love of words, both written and spoken.
This apex is normally displaced toward the Apollo finger. The person’s verbal skills lessen the closer this apex is to the Apollo finger.
Loop Patterns
There are thirteen different loops, created by the skin ridge patterns, that can be found on the palm of the hand (figure 47). Most people have one or two loops on their hands. However, since not everyone has them, do not become alarmed if you can not find any in your own palms.
The whole subject of dermatoglyphics is comparatively new in palmistry. I find it fascinating, since original research can still be done in this field.
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A. Loop of Humor |
F. Loop of Response |
K. Humanitarian Loop |
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B. Loop of Ego |
G. Loop of Music |
L. Loop of Stringed Music |
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C. Loop of Common Sense |
H. Loop of Inspiration |
M. Loop of Recall |
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D. Rajah Loop |
I. Ulnar Loop |
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E. Loop of Courage |
J. Loop of Memory |
Figure 47: Loop Patterns
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A. Loop of Humor |
F. Loop of Response |
K. Humanitarian Loop |
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B. Loop of Ego |
G. Loop of Music |
L. Loop of Stringed Music |
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C. Loop of Common Sense |
H. Loop of Inspiration |
M. Loop of Recall |
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D. Rajah Loop |
I. Ulnar Loop |
|
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E. Loop of Courage |
J. Loop of Memory |
Figure 47: Loop Patterns
The loop of humor (A) is found between the Mercury and Apollo fingers. It is the most frequently found of the thirteen loops. It gives the owner a slightly unusual, and decidedly “different,” sense of humor. The larger this loop is, the greater the sense of humor. Most people have a sense of humor, and the absence of this loop does not mean that the person is lacking in humor. Someone with it, though, always has a slightly offbeat, wacky sense of humor.
The Loop of Ego
The loop of ego (B) also starts between the Mercury and Apollo fingers, and consequently can occasionally be mistaken for the loop of humor. However, it always slants across and on to the mount of Apollo. It is sometimes known as the “loop of vanity.” People with this loop are always aware of their own self-importance and are extremely sensitive at the same time. Consequently, they have vulnerable egos that can be easily hurt.
The Loop of Common Sense
The loop of common sense (C) is situated between the Apollo and Saturn fingers. People with it think before acting, and seldom do anything impulsive. They also have a strong sense of responsibility and enjoy helping others. Consequently, this loop is also known as the “loop of good intent.” People with this loop enjoy being busy and do not like to waste time.
The Rajah Loop
The rajah loop (D) is found between the Saturn and Jupiter fingers. People with it possess a special charisma and inner glow that draws people to them. They are usually successful in their careers and gravitate towards a position of prestige and honor. In traditional Indian palmistry it is believed that people with a rajah loop are descended from royalty.
The Loop of Courage
The loop of courage (E) is on the mount of Mars between the base of the thumb and the start of the life line. People with it are naturally courageous, and show no fear, even in the presence of great danger. They are prepared to stand up and support to the bitter end anything that they believe in.
People with a loop of courage also enjoy hearing about the courageous feats of others, and try to live up to these examples in their own lives. In effect, this loop enhances the positive aspects of the mount of Mars.
The Loop of Response
The loop of response (F) is located on the mount of Venus between the base of the thumb and the wrist. People with this marking are extraordinarily empathetic, and respond instantly to the feelings of the group they happen to be in at the time. If everyone is feeling sad, they will also be sad. If everyone is having a good time, so will they.
They need bright cheerful surroundings because they also respond instantly to their environment. If their surroundings are dull, dirty, and dark, they will immediately feel downhearted and depressed. If the surroundings are cheerful, they will be, too. This response is automatic and instant. If someone with this mark was confined to prison, for example, they would immediately suffer from depression and might even try to kill themselves.
People with this loop should cultivate positive-minded friends and avoid negative people as much as possible.
The loop of response also gives the person a strong liking for brass band music.
The Loop of Music
The loop of music (G) starts at the wrist and lies on the base of the mount of Venus. People with this have a great love of music. It gives a definite talent in this area, and people with it have great potential in the music world as players, composers, or singers. Even if this talent is not developed, the love of music will be strongly evident and will be of great importance in the person’s life.
The Loop of Inspiration
The loop of inspiration (H) is found at the base of the hand on the mount of Neptune, between the Venus and Luna mounts. People with this loop are inspired by anything that affects them greatly. This may be a stirring piece of music, a moving book, or a humanitarian or kindhearted deed. People with this loop usually have a strong faith. This is not usually a typical, orthodox faith, but a strong faith or philosophy that they have developed themselves.
People with the loop of inspiration are also highly intuitive and possess a strong, creative imagination.
The loop of inspiration is extremely rare, and people with it have the potential to make the world a better place. The presence of this loop can turn an average musician into a great composer. It is often considered a sign of greatness.
The Ulnar Loop
The ulnar loop (I) is found rising from the side of the palm on the mount of Luna. Only if it is at least halfway along this mount towards the wrist can the person use it to gain access to his or her creative subconscious mind. It invariably means that people with it are motivated more by their subconscious minds, rather than their conscious minds. They often have a rather unusual way of looking at things, which marks them out as being slightly “different.”
This loop is found on the palms of at least 90 percent of people suffering from Down’s syndrome. It is found on only 8 percent of normal hands.
The ulnar loop is often known as the “loop of nature” since people with it have an intuitive response to the workings of nature. A good dowser or gifted gardener are likely to have this loop on their hands. It is interesting to note that many Down’s syndrome people have a great love of nature.
The Loop of Memory
The loop of memory (J) is found in the center of the palm. It runs diagonally across the palm, with one end indicating the mount of Jupiter and the other pointing towards the mount of Luna. It frequently parallels the head line.
People with a loop of memory always have an extremely good memory. The longer this loop is, the more detailed the memory. An acquaintance of mine can instantly name the day and date of anything that has ever happened to him during his life. He has a pronounced loop of memory on both palms.
People with a loop of memory are good at keeping in contact with people from their past, and are able to make good use of these contacts when necessary.
The Humanitarian Loop
The humanitarian loop (K) is extremely rare. It is found near the center of the palm, running parallel to the destiny line and pointing towards the wrist.
People with a humanitarian loop on their hands are idealistic and dream of a perfect world. Because they try to improve the world they live in, they experience a large number of setbacks and disappointments. When found on a strong hand, the humanitarian loop can be an asset, and this person will use his or her considerable abilities to try to make changes that benefit everyone. On a weaker hand, though, the person is likely to become cynical and bitter, and find it hard to live in a less-than-perfect world.
The Loop of Stringed Music
The loop of stringed music (L) is a small, oval loop in the center of the mount of Venus. It, like the loop of music, gives the person a strong interest in music, but in this case the person will have a strong liking for the music of stringed instruments. It is extremely rare.
The Loop of Recall
The loop of recall (M) is a small loop in the quadrangle, usually located between the Mercury and Apollo fingers. People with a loop of recall have amazingly retentive memories and the ability to recall information whenever it is required. The talent is enhanced if the head line runs over this loop.
Scientists and palmists alike are actively researching dermatoglyphics. It is a comparatively new area and the opportunity is still there for original research. Use a magnifying glass to find and classify the various skin ridge markings. Make sure that you take palm prints of clients who have interesting skin ridge patterns. By doing this, you will ultimately have a valuable collection of each possible loop and apex.
Knowledge of the skin ridge patterns can enhance the quality of your readings, but make sure that you fully understand the basics of palmistry before spending too much time exploring the skin ridge patterns.
Remember that the interpretations of the different skin ridge patterns need to be considered in the context of the person’s palms. It would be unusual, for instance, to find someone who had both the loop of courage and a weak thumb. However, it is possible, and obviously both factors would need to be considered carefully before giving an evaluation.