Read My Palm Now!

Palm reading is also known as Chiromancy coming from the Greek word meaning "hand". This practice is found all over the world and evident in many different cultures. The history of palm reading dates back to ancient Egyptian times and found throughout the Middle Ages. It's first mention is said to be found in the Indian religion of Hinduism.

The practice is believed to have helped with diagnosing and recognizing specific medical problems. The first mention of palmistry, or Palm Reading, is said to come from a number of Hindu sages such as Garga, Gautama, Bharadwaja, Agastya, Bhrigu, Atri and Kashyapa. Maharishi Valkilmi is said to have written the book entitled The Teachings of Valmiki Maharshi on Male Palmistry containing 567 stanzas. This book is said to have been written roughly 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. This book has become the forerunner to the practice of palm reading. It is said to have set the stage for chiromancy and the practices that are mentioned in this book are widely used today. Another book historians reference to as an early mention of palm reading is the ancient Vedic text of "The Laws of Manu" which is believed to have been written in 2000 B.C.

With the stage set by Maharishi Valkilmi for palm reading, the practice of chiromancy spread to Ancient Greece, China, and Egypt with assimilated the practice into each of their respective culture as it served their population. The very famous philosopher and mystic, Pythagoras, is said to have played a part in the massive spread and interest in palm reading. He is best known as the "Father of Numbers". In his book entitled Pysiognomy & Palmistry, he discusses palm reading and places the practices roots back to 497 B.C. Another famous philosopher and teacher, Aristotle, is believed to have asked Alexander the Great to research palm reading in India. Some historians believe that Aristotle discusses the relevancy of lines on one's hands in his book, De Historia Animalium. It is also believed that Aristotle found a document relating to palmistry on the altar created for the devotion to the god Hermes, said to be described as the messenger god. Also in Ancient Greece, Hippocrates and Galen were said to have used palm reading for clinical and medical reasons for citizens.

Palm reading is also said to have been used in Ancient Rome with the likes of Julius Caesar. Some historians suspect that he would use a person's palm to attempt to read their true intentions. There is a story pertaining to Julius Caesar and palm reading that involves a man who claimed to be a price of a royal family. It is said that Julius Caesar was well educated in palm reading, read this man's palm, and believed that he was an impostor. It is believed that Julius Caesar has this man executed after reading his palm.

The Catholic Church has publicly denounced palm reading in what believed to be around the 17th century. The prominent religious organization equated the practice of palm reading to devil worshiping. The practice of palm reading was driven underground by the Church with anyone having interest in the practice was promptly executed. The practice was also outlawed in Britain during the 17th century as it was claimed to be a form of witchcraft. At the same time, it was being taught at many major universities in Germany.

The practice of palm reading also has deep roots with mystic citizens known as gypsies. Gypsies are described as Romani people who first appeared in Britain during the 16th century. These nomads traveled all over Europe to provide various pseudo-science practices like palm reading. It is said that some of these gypsy bands have their roots traced back to ancient India.

Comte C. de Saint-Germain is also credited with having an impact in the practice of palmistry. He is the author of the book the Practice of Palmistry. He is credited for establishing the first Chirological Society in America in 1897 in Chicago, Illinois. There is some discrepancy about the validity of his writings, even his identity. There is some discussion that he plagiarized his entire book, which is still being reprinted and is widely available today. Other notable scholars such as Pericles and Robert Fludd are credited to bringing creditability back to palmistry.

Finger printing is also said to have roots in palmistry. In 1901, Scotland Yard, the police force in Britain, is credited to starting the use of fingerprinting as matching evidence to apprehend criminals.

Dermatoglyphics is described as the practice of the scientific study of fingerprints. The term was started by Dr. Harold Cummins who is said to be the forerunner of this practice. This practice is for the intention of studying marks on the hands, palms, feet, and toes to discover distinguishing marking that can possibly forecast genetic disorders and also is able to gauge how organ development is proceeding in developing humans and animals.