Palmistry, also chiromancy (Greek cheir, “hand”; manteia, “divination”), art of characterization and foretelling the future through the study of the palm. It was known among the Chaldeans, Assyrians, Egyptians, and Hebrews and was recognized by such philosophers as Plato and Aristotle. Widely accepted during the Middle Ages, it was revived during the 19th century, especially in France. Since the turn of the century it has been regarded as a branch of fortune-telling.

Palmistry is chiefly concerned with the mounts of the palm, the lines on the mounts, and the lines interlacing the palm. The left hand supposedly reflects inbred and the right hand acquired characteristics. Each mount signifies a certain personality trait. The mount of Jupiter denotes honor and a happy disposition; of Saturn, prudence and therefore success; of Apollo, appreciation of beauty; of Mercury, scientific, industrial, and commercial interests; of Mars, courage; of the Moon, a dreamy disposition; and of Venus, an amorous nature. The four most important lines represent life, intelligence, the heart or sensation, and personal fortune. Other markings of the palm corroborate or modify by their positions the deductions made from the mounts and lines.