by Dodie Ulery
Kids don’t come with a book of instructions. However, they do come complete with the next best thing: HANDS! If you can see their hands, you can know their innermost secrets. The shape of children’s hands and fingers reveals how their minds process information and provides insight about their general personality traits.
To consider the origins of this intuitive art, we must look back to the earliest days of Earth’s history, to the Hindus of East and the most remote periods of the Aryan civilizations. Palmistry has been practiced in the northwest province of India by the Joshi caste from its conception to the present day. Books were unearthed in the cave temples of India that contain hundreds of well-drawn illustrations, with records of how, when, and where specific hand characteristics are to be interpreted. This ancient wisdom spread to China, Tibet, Persia, Egypt, and eventually to the Grecian civilization, to which we credit the form of palmistry and hand analysis used today.
Using this information today can help you to understand children and their personalities and to identify the best ways to focus their energies and promote their strengths, especially if they are too young to communicate their interests and needs effectively themselves.
Hand Signals
Now let’s take a look at some of the different palm and finger characteristics and configurations that you can easily use to identify common traits in children:
A long palm and fingers is a common feature of writers and thinkers. They analyze everything. An unusually long little finger shows a born communicator. You’ll never have trouble getting this child to talk. On the contrary, you’ll have to deal with a chatterbox and one of those little darlings who forever wants to know “why.” If the other fingers are unusually long they show confidence, humility, and compassion.
Small hands are the worker bees. Busy, busy, busy! They’re always on the move. You’ll need to keep up and you’ll need to provide constant stimulation for these children. Provide hands-on activities, not just a computer.
Children with long thin palms with tapering fingers and almond shaped nails: they’re in touch with their sensitive side. Allow them to talk about what they’re feeling and never laugh at them when they do share. Be there to support these little ones.
A square palm usually denotes a dependable and reliable individual. Children with this nature can sometimes lack spontaneity and may be afraid to try new things. It’ll be your job to keep things interesting and encourage them to look outside the box for activities and ways of solving problems, and maybe even encourage them to try things that might appear scary.
A large, full, round palm with fat fingers shows extremes of personality. Generally, these kids may desire everything they see on TV and everything that everyone else has. They’ll squander their allowance first chance they get! Take time to teach these children about moderation and finding happiness within rather than through material possessions.
When the ring finger is shorter than the index finger you’re looking at a daredevil who feels a need to take unnecessary chances. Try to find new, safe, and exciting activities to keep these children busy and challenged.
The thumb illustrates the strength of an individual’s ego and their physical vitality. The thumb is believed to represent someone’s ability to assert himself or herself in the world. The average thumb length reaches the bottom of the index finger. The longer-than-average thumb shows an abundance of energy and a forceful personality. Watch for tendencies to push other children around and nip them in the bud! This could be a bully in the making.
The shorter than average thumb shows a person who is lacking in self-confidence and demonstrates a very weak will. If this short thumb is fat and stubby as well, it indicates a child that may lack compassion and judges others quickly and harshly. It’s advisable to take time to teach these young ones how to appreciate and celebrate the differences of individuals and how the concept of universal oneness connects us all.
Every thumb is made up of an upper phalange and a lower phalange. The upper denotes will; the lower denotes logic. The longer the phalange, the more pronounced these characteristics will be in the individual. Therefore, the thumb with the long upper phalange will be stubborn. Compromise will be difficult. However, the longer lower phalange denotes higher levels of reason and logic. This is a child you can deal with.
Finally, let’s look at the pinky finger. If it appears usually short compared to the rest of the fingers, you’re seeing someone who will find it difficult to grow up and accept responsibility for their actions. This child will always need reassurance and mothering. If the finger is crooked, lying may be an issue you’ll need to address at an early age to avoid lifelong problems.
These traits can be changed as the child grows and experiences life. With tenderness and encouragement, children can be taught to be more compassionate, logical, and confident. That’s what good parenting is all about.
Dodie Ulery is a writer, an award-winning artist specializing in fiber arts, and an award-winning freelance photographer. In her spare time she works as a hypnotist, motivational speaker, psychic, and teacher. Her second book, PALMISTRY TO GO was released in January of 2008. She is available for consultations, parties, and public speaking. Dodie can be reached through her websites at http://www.dodieulery.com or http://www.palmistrytogo.net or http://www.definingmiracles.com.