Chapter IV: Part 4

If the forehead juts out immediately at and over the eyebrows, running flat up to the hair, the gentleman or lady will be sullen, proud, insolent, imperious and treacherous; they will be impatient when contradicted, apt to give great abuse, and to strike if they think they can do it with advantage. They will also impose upon any person, never forgive any injury and by their misconduct make themselves many enemies.

If the temples are hollow, with the bones advancing towards the forehead on either side, so that the space between must be necessarily flat, with a small channel or indentation rising from the upper part of the nose to the hair, the gentleman or lady will be of a daring and intrepid temper, introducing themselves into matters where they have no business, desirous of passing for wits, and of a subtle and enterprising nature; greedy of praise, quick in quarrel, and of a wandering disposition; very lewd, and full of resentment when they feel their pride hurt. In short, they delight in mischief, riots, &c.

If the eyebrows are very hairy, and that hair long and curled, with several of the hairs starting out, the gentleman or lady is of a gloomy disposition, litigious and quarrelsome, although a coward; greedy after the affairs of this world, perpetually brooding over some melancholy subject and not an agreeable companion. He will be diffident, penurious, and weak in his understanding; never addicted to any kind of learning. He will pretend much friendship, but will make his affected passion subservient to his pecuniary designs, and given to drinking, &c.

If a gentleman or lady has long eyebrows, with some long hairs, they will be of a fickle disposition, weak-minded, credulous and vain, always seeking after novelties and neglecting their own business; they will be talkative, pert, and disagreeable in company; very fond of contradiction, and will not bear disappointment patiently; and also much addicted to drinking, &c.

If the eyebrows are thick and even, that is, without any or few starting hairs, the lady or gentleman will be of an agreeable temper, sound understanding and tolerable wit; moderately addicted to pleasure, fearful of giving offence, but intrepid and persevering in support of right; charitable and generous, sincere in their professions of love and friendship and enjoy a good constitution.

If the eyebrow is small, thin of hair, and even, the lady or gentleman will be weak-minded, timorous, superficial and not to be depended on; they will be desirous of knowledge, but will not have patience and assiduity to give it the necessary attention; they will be desirous of praise for worthy actions, but will not have the spirit or perseverance to perform them in that degree of excellence that is requisite to attract the notice of wise men. They will be of a delicate constitution.

If the eyebrow is thick of hair towards the nose and goes off suddenly very thin, ending in a point, the lady or gentleman will be surly, capricious, jealous, fretful and easily provoked to rage; in their love they will be intemperate.

The eye that is large, full, prominent and clear, denotes a lady or gentleman to be of an ingenious and candid disposition, void of deceit and of an even, agreeable and affable disposition; modest and bashful in love, though by no means an enemy to its gratification; firm, though not obstinate; of a good understanding, of an agreeable but not brilliant wit; but clear and just in argument; inclined to extravagance and easily imposed upon.

The eye that is small, but advanced in the head, shows the lady or gentleman to be of a quick wit, sound constitution, lively genius, agreeable company and conversation, good morals, but rather inclined to jealousy; attentive to business, fond of frequently changing his place, punctual in fulfilling his engagements, warm in love, prosperous in his undertakings and generally fortunate in most things.

The lady or gentleman whose eyes are sunk in the head is of a jealous, distrustful, malicious and envious nature; deceitful in their words and actions, never to be depended upon; cunning in overreaching others, vainglorious and associates with lewd and bad company.

The gentleman or lady who squints, or have their eyes turned awry, will be of a penurious disposition, but punctual in their dealings.

A black eye is lively, brisk and penetrating, and proves the person who possesses it to be of a sprightly wit, lively conversation, not easily imposed upon, of a sound understanding, but if taken on the weak side, may be led astray for a while.

A hazel eye shows the person to be of a subtle, piercing and frolicsome turn, rather inclined to be arch, and sometimes mischievous, but good-natured at the bottom. He will be strongly inclined to love and not over delicate in the means of gratifying that propensity.

A blue eye shows the person to be of a meek and gentle temper, affable and good-natured, credulous and incapable of violent attachment; over-modest, cool and undisturbed by turbulent passions, of a strong memory, in constitution neither robust nor delicate, subject to no violent impression from the vicissitudes of life, whether good or bad.

A gray eye denotes the person to be of weak intellect, devoid of wit, but a plain, plodding, downright drudge, that will act as he is spirited by others. He will be slow in learning anything that requires attention; he, however, will be just to the best of his understanding.

A wall eye denotes the person to be of a hasty, passionate and ungovernable temper, subject to sudden and violent anger; haughty to his equals and superiors, but mild and affable to his inferiors.

A red, or as it is vulgarly called, a saucer eye, denotes the person to be selfish, deceitful and proud; furious in anger, fertile in the invention of plots and indefatigable in his resolution to bring them to bear.

A nose that comes even on the ridge, flat on the sides, with little or no hollow between the eyes, declares the man to be sulky, insolent, disdainful, treacherous and self-sufficient; if it has a point descending over the nostrils, he is avaricious and unfeeling, vainglorious and ignorant; peevish, jealous, quick in resentment, yet a coward at the bottom.

A nose that rises with a sudden bulge a little below the eyes, and then falls again into a kind of hollow below, is petulant and noisy, void of science and of a very light understanding.

The nose that is small, slender and peaked, shows the person to be of a fearful disposition, jealous, fretful and insidious, ever suspicious of those about him, catching at every word that he can interpret to his own advantage to ground his dispute upon and also very curious to know what is said and done.

The nose that is small, tapering round in the nostrils and cocked up, shows the person to be ingenious, smart, of a quick apprehension, giddy and seldom looking into consequences; but generous, agreeable, so as to carefully avoid giving offence; but resolute in doing himself justice when he receives an injury.

The lips that are thick, soft and long, announce the person to be of weak intellect, credulous and slightly peevish, but by a little soothing easily brought back to a good humor. He is much addicted to the pleasures of love, and scarcely moderate in his enjoyment of them; yet he is upright in his conduct and of a timorous temper.

If the under lip is much thicker than the upper, and more prominent, the person is of a weak understanding, but artful, knavish and given to chicanery to the full extent of his ability.

The lips that are moderately plump and even, declare the person to be good-humored, humane, sensible, judicious and just, neither giddy nor torpid, but pursuing in every particular a just medium.

The lips that are thin, show the person to be of a quick and lively imagination, ardent in the pursuit of knowledge, indefatigable in labor, not too much attached to money, eager in the pursuit of love, more brave than otherwise and tolerably happy in life.

The lips that are thin and sunk inwards, denote the person to be of a subtle and persevering disposition, everlasting in hatred and never sparing any pains to compass his revenge; in love or friendship much more moderate and uncertain.

The chin that is round, with a hollow between it and the lip, shows the person to be of a good-humored disposition, kind and honest; he is sincere in his friendship and ardent in his love; his understanding is good and his genius capacious. If he has a dimple it makes him better.

The chin that comes down flat from the edge of the lips and ends in a kind of a chisel form, shows the person to be silly, credulous, ill-tempered and greedy of unmerited honors; captious, wavering and unsteady; he will affect great modesty in the presence of others, though he will not scruple to do the vilest actions when he thinks himself secure from discovery.

The chin that is pointed upwards shows the person to be much given to contrivances. However fair he may speak to you, you can never depend on his friendship, as his purpose is only to make you subservient to his own designs. In love his generosity will be of the same stamp.

Of the face in general, the person whose features are strong, coarse and unpleasant to the eye, is of a selfish, brutal, rough and unsocial disposition; greedy of money, harsh in expressions, but will sometimes fawn with a bad grace to gain his ends.

The face that is plump, round and ruddy, denotes the person to be of an agreeable temper, a safe companion, hearty, jovial, fond of company, of sound principles and a clear understanding, faithful in love, &c.

The face that is thin, smooth and even, with well-proportioned features, shows the person to be of a good disposition, but penetrative and active; somewhat inclined to suspicion, yet of an agreeable conversation; assiduous in the pursuits of love and strongly addicted to the delights of love.

A face whose cheek bones jut out with thin jaws, is of a restless and thinking disposition; fretful, &c.

A face that is pale by nature, denotes a timorous disposition, but greatly desirous of carnal pleasures.

A face that is unequally red, whether streaked or appearing in spots, shows the person to be weak both in body and mind, yielding easily to affliction and sickness.

A face blotched shows the person to be addicted to drinking and vice, though frequently possessing the art to conceal the inclination therefor.

The head that is large and round shows that the person has a tolerable understanding, but not near so good as he imagines.

The head that is small and round, or if the face comes tapering, shows the person of an acute, penetrating disposition, much given to bantering humor, but of great sensibility.

The head that is flat on either side, and deep from the face to the back, shows the person to be of a good understanding, deep penetration, great memory and of an agreeable temper; of slow belief and not easily imposed upon.

Big and broad ears signify a simple man, of no understanding; sluggish, slothful and of an ill memory. Small ears denote a good understanding; but very small ears signify nothing but mischief and malice. Those that have them well proportioned, and neither too small nor too large, are persons of good understanding, wise, discreet, honest, shamefaced and courageous. Those that have them somewhat long and thin, are bold, impudent, unlearned, gluttons and very proud and scornful.

A thin, soft beard denotes a person lustful and effeminate, of a tender body, fearful, delicate and inconstant.

A red beard denotes first, a placid forehead, and the person is courteous and friendly, but not without some craft; is a very great flatterer, very soon angry and affects consequence.

A dark beard is good, but the possessor is usually of a melancholy disposition; yet it denotes a person to be ingenious, sincere, thoughtful, constant, cordial, bold and fit to make a warrior.

A pale beard denotes a phlegmatic person, who is temperate enough and tolerably prudent.

He that hath a decent beard, handsome and thick of hair, is good-natured and reasonable in all things.

Those who have little or no beard, but a small mustache, are of an ill humor, but very luxurious.

CHIROMANCY, OR PALMISTRY.

The practical part of chiromancy is that which gathers probable predictions from lines, the places of the planets in the hand, and from the notes and characters everywhere posted and marked out in the hands and fingers. These lines and their planetary relevancy are thus defined:

1. _Cardiaca_, or the line of life.
2. _Hepatica_, or the love’s line; also called the natural mean.
3. _Cephalica_, or the line of the head and brain.
4. _Thoralis_, or the table line.
5. _Restricta_, or the dragon’s tail.
6. _Via Solis_, or the sun’s way.
7. _Via Lactea_, or the milky way.
8. _Via Saturnia_, or Saturn’s way.
9. _Cingulum Veneris_, or the girdle of Venus.
10. _Via Martis_, or the way of Mars.
11. _Mons Veneris_, or the mound of Venus.
12. _Cavea Martis_, or the cave of Mars.
13. _Mons Jovis_, or Jupiter’s mount.
14. _Mons Saturn_, or Saturn’s mount.
15. _Mons Solis_, or the sun’s mount.
16. _Locus Luna_, or the moon’s place.
17. _Mons Mercurii_, or the mount of Mercury.
18. _Mensa_, or the table containing the part of fortune.
19. _Pollex_, or the thumb.
20. _Index_, or the forefinger.
21. _Medius_, or the middle finger.
22. _Annularis_, or the ring finger.
23. _Auricularis_, or the little finger.

The question often arises as to whether judgment should be given by the right hand or the left. It is certain that in one hand the lines and other signatures are very often more manifest, and are thus more plain to be seen than the other, as well in the hands of gentlemen as ladies. That hand is the proper one (in both sexes) which shows and exhibits the lines thereof most clearly, and abounds with a series of characters and signs, yet so as that the other, whose lines are more obscure, may pay its contribution. If in both hands they consent, and appear to be fair and comely, they declare a constancy of fortune and health. The cause of diversity is that he who is born in the daytime, and has a masculine planet (the Sun, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars) lord of his geniture, bears the more remarkable signs in his right hand, especially when the sign ascending is also masculine. The contrary happens to those born at night, as often as a feminine planet predominates. If both hands agree, it must be that in a diurnal nativity the feminine planets rule, or that there falls out a mixture of masculine and feminine; so in the nights by the contrary reason.

I.--OF THE LINE OF LIFE. THIS IS CALLED CARDIACA, OR THE HEART LINE.

This being broad, of a lively color, and decently drawn in its bounds, without intersections and points, shows the party long lived and subject to few diseases.

If slender, short and dissected with obverse little lines, and deformed either by a pale or black color, it presages weakness of the body, sickness and a short life.

If orderly joined to the natural mean, and beautified in the angle with parallels, or a little across, it argues good wit, or an evenness of nature.

If the same have branches in the upper parts thereof, extending themselves towards the natural mean, it signifies riches and honor.

If these branches be extended towards the restricta, it threatens poverty, deceits, and unfaithfulness of servants.

If in this line there be found some confused lines, like hairs, be assured of diseases, and they happen in the first age. When they appear below, if towards the cavea, in the middle; if towards the patica, in the declining age.

If this line be anywhere broken, it threatens extreme danger of life in that part of the age which the pace of the breach shows. For you may find out the dangerous or diseased years of your age; this line being divided into seventy parts, you must begin your number and account from the lower part thereof, near the restricta, for the number falling where the branch is determines the year.

If the character of the sun (as commonly it is made by astrologers) be ever found in this line, it presages the loss of an eye; but, if two such characters, the loss of both eyes.

A line descending from the vital, beneath the congress of it and the hepatica, to the tuberculum of Saturn, shows an envious man, who rejoices at another’s calamity, the sight of others concurring. This also frequently shows a most perilous Saturnine disease in that wherein it touches the vital, and it is much worse if it cut the same.

But such a line passing from the vital to the annular, to the ring finger, promises honors to ensue, from or by the means of some famous lady.

The vital lines being thicker than ordinary at the end under the fore finger, denotes a laborious old age.

A line passing through the vitals to the cavea of Mars, foretells of wounds and fevers, and also of misfortunes in journeys.

II.--OF THE HEPATICA, OR NATURAL MEAN.

This line being straight, continued, and not dissected by obverse little lines, denotes a healthful body.

If it be short or broken, and reach not beyond the concave of the hand, it shows diseases and shortness of life.

By how much more the same is produced, by so much longer the life may be warranted.

If cut at the end thereof by a small intervening line, it threatens poverty in old age.

If in the upper part it be distant from the vital by a great space, it shows distemperatures of the heart, as palpitations, syncope, &c.

This also shows prodigality, especially if the table be broad.

If tortuous (that is, if it wind and turn several ways), unequal, of a different color and dissected, it argues an evil constitution of the liver, and thence diseases, proceeding from the weakness thereof. Covetousness also, and a depravity both of nature and wit, especially if it be under the region of the middle finger, and near the cardiaca, thereby making a short or narrow triangle.

If decently drawn and well colored, it is a sign of a cheerful and ingenious disposition.

If it has a sister, it promises inheritances.

If continued with some little hard knots, it denotes manslaughters, either perpetrated, or to be committed, according to the number of these said knots.

If therein a cross be found under the region of the middle finger, it announces death to be at hand.

If it terminates with a fork towards the ferient, it is a sign of depraved wit, of hypocrisy, and of evil manners.

When it tends to the mensa, it is a token of a slanderous tongue and of envy.

When it projects a remarkable cleft through the vital to the mons veneris, and the sister of Mars, especially if the same be of a ruddy color, it warns you to beware of thieves, and also intimates fraud and deceit of enemies.

This cleft likewise insinuates a most vehement heat of the liver, proceeding from the rays of Mars; so that the life becomes in danger, seeing that the line of life is dissected.

This line having some branch, yet such a one as nevertheless seems to be continued, shows that the manner of life will be, or is already changed; and this in a declining age if the breach be under the ring finger; but, if under the middle finger, in strength of years.

III.--OF THE CEPHALICA.

This is called the line of the head and brain, which, if (arising from its place in a due proportion) it connects the lines of the liver and heart in a triangular form, have a lively color, and no intersection falling out between, declares a man of admirable prudence, and one of no vulgar wit and fortune.

By how much more decent the triangle is, so much the better shall the temperature, wit and courage be; but if it be obtuse, it argues an evil disposed nature, and a man that is rude; if no triangle, far worse.

The superior being a right angle, or not very acute, foretells the best temperature of the heart; but when it is too acute, especially if it touch the line of life, upon the region of the middle finger, it argues covetousness.

The left angle, if it be made upon the natural mean in the ferient, and be a right angle, confirms the goodness of intellect.

But when the cephalica projects unequal clefts to the mons lunæ, thereby making unusual characters, in the gentleman it denotes weakness of the brain, and dangerous sea voyages. But in the lady’s hand it shows frequent sorrows of mind, and difficulties in child bearing.

Equal lines (thus projected) presage the contrary in both sexes, viz., in gentlemen, a good composure of the brain, and fortunate voyages by sea; in ladies, cheerfulness and felicity in child bearing.

This one thing is peculiar to the cephalica: if it project a cleft or a manifest star, upwards to the cavea martis, it signifies boldness, &c. But if it let fall the same downwards, thefts, &c.

The cephalica, jointed to the dragon’s tail by a remarkable concourse, promises a prudent and a joyful age.

The same drawn upwards in the shape of a fork, towards the part of fortune, signifies subtlety in managing affairs, and also craftiness either to do good or evil.

If in this said fork a mark appears resembling the part of fortune, as it is noticed by astrologers, that gives an assurance of riches and honor to succeed by ingenuity and art.

IV.--OF THE THORAL LINE.

This is also called the line of fortune; it is termed likewise the mensa, because it makes up the table of the hand. Which said line, when it is long enough, and without incisures, argues a due strength in the principal members of man, and also constancy; the contrary if it be short, crooked, cut or parted.

If it terminate under the mount of Saturn, it shows a vain fellow.

If projecting small branches to the mount of Jupiter, it promises honors.

If there it be naked and simple, it is a sign of poverty and want.

If cutting the mouth of Jupiter, cruelty of mind and disposition, with excessive wrath.

If it projects a branch between the fore and middle finger in a gentleman, it threatens a wound in his head; in a lady, danger in child bearing.

Three lines ascending upwards from this line, viz., one to the space between the middle and fore finger, a second to the space between the middle and ring finger, and a third to the space between the ring and the little finger, argues a contentious person in many respects.

A little line only thus drawn to the interval or space between the middle finger and the ring finger, sorrow or labor.

If annexed to the natural mean, so that it makes an acute angle, it brings sorrow and labor.

If the natural mean be wanting, and the thoral annexed to the vital, it threatens decollation or a deadly wound.

If no mensa at all, it shows a man malevolent, contentious, faithless, inconstant and of base condition.

Confused little lines in the mensa, denote sickness; if under Mercury, in the former part of the age; under the sun in the prime thereof; under the middle finger, in old age.

When in this line there are certain points observed, they argue strength of the genitals and burning lust.

V.--OF THE CAUDA DRACONIS, OR THE RESTRICTA, AND THE LINES ARISING THEREFROM.

If this be double or treble, and drawn by a right and continued track, it promises a good composure of the body.

That line which is nearest the hand continued, and of a good color, assures great riches.

But if the same line be cut in the middle, crooked and very pale, it announces debility of body and want of all things.

A cross or star upon the restricta, foreshadows tranquility of life in old age.

If there be a star, simple or double, or any lines near the tuberculum of the thumb, in ladies, they denote misfortune or infamy.

A line running from the restricta through the mons veneris, presages adversities, either by the means of some kindred or a wife.

A line extending from the restricta to the mons lunæ, denotes adversities and private enemies; if it be crooked, it doubles the evil, and betokens perpetual servitude.

Such a line also being clear and straight, and reaching as far as the region of the moon, foretells many journeys by sea and land.

If it extend to the tuberculum of the fore finger, it informs the gentleman that he shall live in a foreign country in great estimation.

If to the hepatica, it argues honest behavior, and prolongs life.

If to the mons solis (be it simple or double), it argues exceeding goodness, and enables to govern or rule in great affairs.

By the same reason, if it pass to the mons Mercurii, it betokens the gentleman is of a sufficient capacity for any employment; but if it reach not the mons Mercurii, but is broken about the middle and end beneath the mons Mercurii, that makes out a prating fellow, &c.

If directly ascending to the mons Saturni, it signifies a good position of Saturn in the geniture, whose decree shall shortly follow; but, if crookedly towards the restricta and the hepatica especially, it shows man laborious, &c.

VI.--OF THE VIA SOLIS, OR THE SUN’S WAY.

This being whole, equally drawn and well colored, promises the favor of great men and great honor; but, if dissected and unequal, the contrary, and exposes to divers impediments, and envy in attaining the same.

VII.--OF THE VIA LACTEA, OR THE MILKY WAY.

This well proportioned and continued, presages that journeys will be fortunate both by sea and land, as ready wit and the favor of the ladies (Venus assenting), and of a composed and graceful speech; but if it be distorted, it argues infelicity and lies; but whole and ascending to the little finger, it is a sign of happiness.

VIII.--OF THE SATURNIA, OR LINE OF SATURN.

This being wholly and fully protracted to the middle finger, is an argument both of profound cogitations and likewise of fortunate events in counsels and actions.

Combust or deficient, an evil sign, portending many misfortunes, unless other positions favor it.

Bending backwards in the cavea of the hand, towards the ferient, in the form of a semi-circle, threatens imprisonment.

A line drawn from the vital, through the hepatica, to the tuberculum of Saturn (if it touch the Saturnia), the same.

IX.--OF THE CINGULUM VENERIS, OR THE GIRDLE OF VENUS.

If this line have a sister, it argues intemperance and lust in both sexes, and baseness in the gratification of lewd desires; and if dissected and carefully examined, it shows losses and infamy by reason of this vice.

X.--OF THE VIA MARTIS, THE WAY OR LINE OF MARS, OR THE VITAL SISTER.

This line (as often as it appears), augments and strengthens the things signified by the cardiaca; but particularly it promises good success in war, provided it be clear and red.

SOME OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING LINES.

The quantity of lines must be wisely observed, that is, the length and depth, so likewise their quality, that is, their complexion and shape, whether they are crooked or straight; next their action, which is to touch or cut other lines. Their passion to be touched or cut of others; and lastly, their place and position.

We must know that the lines are sometimes prolonged until certain years of our age, otherwise shortened; now they wax pale, then they become plain and strong, and as it were luxuriate with a kind of redness, and this as well in the principal as less principal lines. Again, as touching the less principal, and such as are found in the tubercula of the planets, it is most certain that some do at one time quite vanish, and that at another time others arise of a different shape and complexion; the cause of which is supposed to be no other than the various progressions of the alphabetical places in their nativities; that is, fortunate and unfortunate to the influence whereof man himself is wonderfully subject. The signs of his hands are presented at different times with different faces. _Such a virtue, such a love resideth in the imagination of the greater world towards the lesser._ And, therefore, the most studious in chiromancy cannot attain the knowledge of particulars by one inspection only, made to a certain year of the person’s age; things that worthily merit our observations, yet known or approved of by a few.

OF THE PLANETS.

The planets also administer not a little judgment from their respective places, for if they are happy and benevolent, good things are portended, but being unhappy and froward, judge the contrary. Here we must also note that these planets are termed benevolent, in whose tubercula and places the accustomed lines are found equal, their characters fair and proportionable, as a cross, stars, three or four parallel lines, ladders, little branches, a quadrangular, the character of Jupiter. But the froward and unfortunate are those planets whose tubercula and places are deformed with troubled lines and uncouth figures; as a lame and interrupted semi-circle gridirons the character of Saturn. This is to be duly observed in the lines of the hand. Now, as touching the planets, let us proceed according to the general rules of art.

XI.--OF VENUS.

VENUS shining well and happily (that is) when in her tuberculum, she presents a clear star, or furrows that are red and transversely parallel, and so often as her tuberculum is much elevated, makes such men to be merry, cheerful and luxurious; yet amorous, comely and libidinous, very honest and just, with whom an uninterrupted tie of friendship once made is permanent.

She renders the body somewhat tall, the eyes pleasant and sparkling with the splendor of beauty, full of allurement and temptation, the hair thick and curling; she instills a spotless and noble mind, yet oftentimes gives men that are full of boasting and inconsistency. She inclines the mind to music, &c.; sometimes according to the strength of the geniture, she produces priests, apothecaries, &c.

But being unfortunate, she causes lasciviousness, incontinency and boasting, and if you find a cross also, near the first joint of the thumb, it denotes an adulterer, or such a person on whom a misfortune has happened in some luxurious matter. If the place of Venus be untilled, it points out an effeminate, rude and sorrowful person, foolishly and ridiculously addicted to be merry and jesting.

XII.--MARS.

MARS is fortunate, so often as his sister appears red, clear and decently drawn, and when either star or cross is found in his cavea. Thus, therefore, he denotes such as are bold and full of courage, stout, warlike, contentious, strong and lusty; imperious; the hair for the most part yellow; the eyes from black waxing red and terrible. If Jupiter participate, he possesses the gall, the reins, the back, the liver, &c. If with Venus, those parts of the body under her dominion. But if he be froward and unfortunate, he describes men to be litigious, violent, deceitful, passionate, &c.

XIII.--JUPITER.

JUPITER is happy or fortunate when in his region he exhibits signs that are auspicious--that is, if there be a star or double cross, parallel lines, or a line decently drawn from the vital to his tuberculum, &c. For thus he signifies men that are noble, honest, benevolent, affable, honorable, merry, just, equitable, beautiful, formidable and happy, such as have comely eyes, thick hairs and a grave gesture; likewise such as are bashful, and likewise such as will keep their promises, &c. These men are preferred to great dignities, and solicited by many great men, and do highly favor and esteem their wives, sons, honest and good men. In men, Jupiter rules the liver, blood, ribs, lungs and gristles. But, if he is unfortunate, he oftentimes throws a man headlong from a great estate to great calamities; if there be half a gridiron in his tuberculum, it betokens losses, especially by means of the more potent sort of women; otherwise thus constituted, he causes grief of the heart, cramps, inflammations of the lungs and other diseases proceeding from wind; if a line transversely cut his tuberculum, and afterwards tend to the place of Saturn, making those little hairs, it threatens apoplexy. But, if you find a cross especially, or a clear and red star in his tuberculum, he gives splendid honors, confers riches and public rewards from great personages or princes.

XIV.--SATURN.

SATURN is happily placed when we find his line wholly running to his region, but less happy when he presents some inauspicious characters; unhappily, if he shows confused and unfortunate signs; he governs the spleen, bones and bladder. When he is fortunate he makes men silent, provident, of good and profound counsels, such as think and study much and are somewhat sorrowful; men that are puffed up with an ambitious spirit, and whose aim is honors. And these are slender of body, somewhat tall, pale and feeble, their hair blackish, eyes hollow; they are fortunate in tilling of ground, and in metals of all sorts, yet more careless of their wives, and less addicted to the pleasures of love; foolishly laughing and jesting, also tenacious and worldly minded, unjust, &c. But, if Saturn be unfortunate or froward, he makes men sorrowful, laborious, sordid, humble, covetous, liars, malicious, envious, &c., and encumbered with perpetual griefs and anxieties.

A gross line running from the interval of the middle and fore finger to the mensa, and breaking or interrupting it, denotes diseases or wounds in the lower part of the body.

XV.--SOL.

If the SUN fortunately rules, he makes men faithful, ingenious, honored, high minded, wise, humane, religious, just, moderate, aged, and such as always manage their affairs honestly. He gives a body well composed, and adorns it with yellow hair; he governs the heart, midriff, nerves, &c.

But, if unfortunate, he gives men that are proud and highly elated, manifesting their access to dignities by unjust means, boasters and immodest. He brings fluxes of rheum upon the eyes, and thereby hurts both them and the mouth, trembling of the heart, syncope, &c.

XVI.--LUNA.

The MOON happy and fortunate, makes men famous, honest and honorable and of a large body; yet well proportioned, pleasant also, and sometimes voyages by sea and walking by the sides of rivers; but, if any way dissenting in the other, unconstant both in life and action, yet tending for the most part to the best. She rules the brain, stomach and belly, but if unfortunate she portends a various and inconstant kind of line, weakness, and increase of griefs and anxieties, she thus causes paralysis, &c. A commotion of the members, oftentimes an epilepsy and canker, spots in the body, severe colic, and whatever else proceeds from abundance of cold and moisture, and more especially when the lines found in the tuberculum of the moon do appear very pale; if there be fair and comely signatures near the ferient, they denote happiness to the man in his journeys and messages, and in foreign countries. To the woman, felicity and fertility in bearing of children, ominous signs do show the contrary.

XVII.--MERCURY.

MERCURY, happy and fortunate, makes men ingenious, desirous of science, and seeking diligently after secrets, such as are apt for any thing, orators, poets, philosophers, astrologicians, fortune-tellers, eloquent, variable, mathematicians, and men addicted to merchandise, &c. He governs the tongue and memory.

XVIII.--THE MENSA, OR PART OF FORTUNE.

This space being great and broad, and the figure decent, declares a liberal man, magnanimous and of long life.

But if small and narrow, it indicates a slender fortune and fearfulness.

A cross or star within it, clear and well proportioned, especially under the region of the ring finger, betokens honors and dignities to ensue from, or by means of great and noble personages. If the character of Jupiter, it then promises great ecclesiastical dignities, &c.

The same star or cross tripled, portends good fortune; but if it be cut by confused little lines, the good fortune is thereby diverted, and anxieties and labors threatened in defending his honors, especially if they are under the region of the ring finger.

A cross or star in the uppermost part of the mensa, is a sign of fortunate journeys.

The mensa sharpened by the concourse of the thoral and cardiac lines, points out deceit and danger of life.

If no mensa be shown in the hand, it shows obscurity both of life and fortune.

Good and equal lines in this space do declare the fortune to be good, but if evil and decomposed they quite overthrow it.

A little circle shows perfection of wit, and the obtaining of science, the others assenting thereunto.

XIX.--THE POLLEX, OR THUMB.

Overthwart lines, that are clear and long underneath the nail and joint of the thumb, confer riches and honor. A line passing from the upper joint of the thumb to the cardiaca, threatens a violent death or danger by means of some married lady. Lines much dispersed in the lower joint of the thumb, describe men that are contentious, and such as rejoice in scolding, &c. A line surrounding the thumb, in the middle joint, portends the man shall be hanged. Equal furrows drawn under the lower joint thereof, argue riches and possessions. If the first or second joint want incisures, it shows drowsiness and idleness.

XX.--THE INDEX, OR FORE FINGER.

Many lines in the uppermost joint, and they proceeding overthwartly, denote inheritances; by running so in the middle joint, an envious and evil disposed person.

Right lines running between these joints, declare (in the ladies) a numerous issue; in gentlemen, bitterness of tongue. If they are in the first joint, near unto Jupiter’s mouth, they manifest a jovial disposition, that is, they point to the man whom Jupiter favored well in his nativity. That who hath a star in the same place, may certainly be pronounced unchaste and lascivious.

XXI.--MEDIUS, OR THE MIDDLE FINGER.

This finger presenting little gridirons in the joints thereof, plainly declares an unhappy and melancholy wit, but if equal lines, it manifests fortune by metals, &c. A star there presages a violent death by drowning, &c. If a gross line be extended from the root thereof, upwards, through the whole finger into the end of the last joint, it argues folly and madness.

XXII.--ANNULARIS, OR THE RING FINGER.

A line arising from mons solis, and ascending by a right track through the joints thereof, it shows a noble frame. Equal lines in the first joint demonstrate honors and riches; overthwart lines, the enmity of great men. Howbeit, if these lines be intersected, it is better, because they argue impediments.

XXIII.--AURICULARIS, OR LITTLE FINGER.

From the joint thereof, as from the mouth itself, are judgments and decrees passed concerning merchandise, favors, and a star in its first joint near the tuberculum, argues ingenuity and eloquence.

Other obtuse signs the contrary, but when there appear unfortunate signs in the first and second joints, they mark out a thief and a very deceitful person. If adverse lines in the last joint, perpetual inconstancy.

Some there are who predict the number of wives from the little lines in the mons Mercurii at the outermost part of the hand, and have often observed them come at the truth.

If the end of this finger reach not so far as to touch the last joint of the ring finger, it signifies a wife most imperious in all things, the truth thereof is often proved.

CONSIDERATIONS ON THE MOUNTS AND FINGERS.

As the mounts being adorned with good figures and characters indicate a good and happy issue, so likewise being vitiated with confused lines, they threaten the contrary, and this as well on the fingers as mounts, except they are restrained by the confederacy of other lines which are of themselves good and fortunate.

There are likewise the twelve signs of the Zodiac upon the fingers. The signification of the lines proceeding from the mounts of the different planets upon the fingers, show their effect chiefly when the sun, or their principal significator, as lord of the ascendant, &c., is in these signs, ruling the parts where they terminate, as a line passing from the mount of Saturn to the first point of the middle finger would give improvement when the sun was in Pisces; if to the second, in Aquarius. Observe also that the first joint near the mount of the finger must be attributed to the first part of the age, the second to the prime of life, and the last unto old age.

Lastly. The structure of the hand itself is really admirable in respect to the proportion it bears to the face, and certain parts thereof, which is this:

The whole hand is of equal length with the face.

The greater joint of the forefinger (which adjoins upon the tuberculum of Jupiter) equals the height of the forehead.

The other two (to the extremity of the nail) are just the length of the nose, viz.: from the intercelia, or place between the eyebrows, to the tip of the nostrils.

The first and greater joint of the middle finger is just as long as it is between the bottom of the chin and the top of the under lip.

But the third joint of the same finger is of equal length with the distance that is between the mouth and the lower part of the nostrils.

The largest joint of the thumb gives the width of the mouth.

The distance between the bottom of the chin and the top of the lower lip, the same.

The lesser joint of the thumb is equal to the distance between the top of the lower lip and the lower part of the nostrils. The nails obtain just the half of their respective uppermost joints, which they call omychios.

OF THE NAILS OF THE FINGERS.

Broad nails show the person to be bashful and fearful, but of a gentle nature. When there is a certain white mark at the extremity of them, it shows that the person has more honesty than subtilty, and that his worldly substance will be impaired through negligence. White nails and long, denote much sickness and infirmity, especially fevers, and are an indication of strength, and deceit in women. If upon the white anything appears at the extremity that is pale, it denotes short life by sudden death, and the person to be given to melancholy. When there appear a sudden mixed redness of divers colors at the beginning of the nail, it shows the person to be choleric, and very quarrelsome. When the extremity is black, it is a sign of husbandry. Narrow nails denote the person to be inclined to mischief and to do injury to his neighbor. Long nails show the person to be good natured, but mistrustful, and loves reconciliation rather than differences. Oblique nails signify deceit and want of courage. Little and round nails denote obstinate anger and hatred; if they be crooked at the extremity, they show pride and fierceness. Round nails show a choleric person, yet soon reconciled and a lover of secret sciences. Fleshy nails denote the person to be mild in temper, idle and lazy. Pale and black nails show the person to be very deceitful to his neighbor, and subject to many diseases. Red and marked nails signify a choleric and martial nature, given to cruelty: and as many little marks as there are, they speak of so many evil desires.

CELESTIAL PALMISTRY.

The Moon exercises an influence over the children of men, which varies with her monthly age, in like manner as that of the sun is varied according to his progress through the signs of the zodiac. Her term is completed in thirty days and recurs twelve times annually. The probable fate of each individual through life is to be gathered from the aspect of the day on which he was born; and the issue of any particular event or undertaking from the day of its occurrence or transaction or commencement; counting in both cases from the _new moon_, as is shown in the following calendar. She has power over dreams and visions; and exercises it more particularly on certain days.

A child born within twenty-four hours after the new moon will be fortunate and live to a good old age. Whatever is dreamed on that day will be pleasing to the dreamer.

The second day is very lucky for discovering things lost, or hidden treasure; the child born on this day will thrive.

The child born on the third day will be fortunate through persons in power, and whatever is dreamed will prove true.

The fourth day is evil; persons falling sick on this day rarely recover.

The fifth day is favorable to begin a good work and dreams will be tolerably successful; the child born on this day will be vain and deceitful.

The child born on the sixth day will not live long, and his dreams will not immediately come to pass.

On the seventh day do not tell your dreams, for much depends on concealing them; if sickness befalls you on this day you will soon recover; the child born on this day will live long, but have many troubles.

On the eighth day whatever is dreamed will come to pass; whatever business a person undertakes on this day will prosper.

The ninth day differs very little from the former; the child born on this day will arrive at great riches and honor.

The tenth day is likely to be fatal to those who fall sick; but the child born on this day will live long and be a great traveler.

The child that is born on the eleventh day will be much devoted to religion, and of an engaging form and manners.

On the twelfth day dreams are rather fortunate and the child born then shall live long.

On the thirteenth day the dreams will prove true in a very short time.

If you ask a favor of any one on the fourteenth day, it will be granted.

The sickness that befalls a person on the fifteenth day is likely to prove mortal.

The child that is born on the sixteenth day will be of very ungraceful manners and unfortunate; it is nevertheless a good day for buying and selling merchandise.

The child born on the seventeenth day will be very foolish; it is a very unfortunate day to transact any kind of business or contract marriage.

The child born on the eighteenth day will be valiant, but will suffer considerable hardships; if a female, she will be chaste and industrious and live respected to a great age.

The nineteenth day is dangerous; the child born during it will be very ill-disposed and malicious.

On the twentieth day the dreams are true, but the child born during it will be dishonest.

The child born on the twenty-first day will grow up healthy and strong, but selfishly inclined and of low habits.

The child born on the twenty-second day will be fortunate; he or she will be of cheerful countenance, religious, and much beloved.

The child that is born on the twenty-third day will be of an ungovernable temper, will forsake his friends and wander about in a foreign country, unhappy through life.

The child born on the twenty-fourth day will achieve many heroic actions and be much admired for his extraordinary abilities.

The child born on the twenty-fifth day will be very wicked; he will meet with many dangers and will probably come to an ill end.

On the twenty-sixth day the dreams are certain; the child then born will be rich and greatly esteemed.

The twenty-seventh day is very favorable for dreams, and the child then born will be of a sweet and amiable disposition.

The child born on the twenty-eighth day will be the delight of his parents, but will not live to a great age.

The child born on the twenty-ninth day will experience many hardships, though in the end they may turn out happily. It is good to marry on this day, and business begun on this day will be prosperous.

And, finally, the child that is born on the thirtieth day will be fortunate and happy and well skilled in arts and sciences.

CHILDREN BORN ANY DAY OF THE WEEK.

_Sunday._--The child shall be of long life and obtain riches.

_Monday._--Weak and of an effeminate temper, which seldom brings a man to honor.

_Tuesday._--Worse; though he may, with extraordinary vigilance, conquer the inordinate desires to which he will be subject; still he will be in danger of dying by violence, if he has not great procreation.

_Wednesday._--He shall be given to the study of learning and shall profit thereby.

_Thursday._--He shall arrive at great honor and dignity.

_Friday._--He shall be of a strong constitution, yet perhaps remarkably lecherous.

_Saturday._--Is another bad day; but, notwithstanding, the child may come to good, though it be seldom; but most children born on this day are of a heavy, dull and very dogged disposition.

SICKNESS--LUCKY AND UNLUCKY DAYS.

Whoever, in the first day of any month, fall sick, or is attacked with any infirmity, the third day ensuing is to be feared, which, if he pass, he shall escape.

Those falling ill on the second day of any month, though they be long confined, yet shall recover.

Any illness commencing on the third day will certainly terminate favorably.

Those falling sick on the fourth day will probably linger until the twenty-eighth, which, if they pass, may possibly recover.

Those taken ill on the fifth day may become very low, but will recover.

Persons falling sick on the sixth day may recover, if they pass the fifth day of the ensuing month, but they will stand a poor chance of recovery.

The seventh is a lucky day, and one falling sick on this day may recover, even though having to endure great suffering.

The eighth day is an unfortunate one, and those falling ill on it will not be likely to survive.

Illness commencing on the ninth day will not usually prove fatal, though sometimes so.

On the tenth day, the contrary.

The eleventh day is remarkably fortunate for those falling sick; they will recover speedily.

It is a bad omen to be taken sick on the twelfth of any month; for unless you recover within two or three days, you will most certainly die within the year.

Those falling sick on the thirteenth day, if they pass five days, they will quite likely recover.

The fourteenth is a lucky day, and those taken sick on it will recover in forty-eight hours.

On the contrary, those falling ill on the fifteenth day may experience long and lingering illness, which will probably prove fatal.

Those taken on the sixteenth day, may escape, after some weeks of illness.

Persons falling ill on the seventeenth day are almost sure to die within three weeks.

The eighteenth is a lucky day and those falling sick on that day will undoubtedly recover.

The nineteenth, the same--though the sickness may last much longer.

The twentieth is an uncertain day, and sickness commencing on this day frequently terminates fatally, if it continue more than five days.

The twenty-first day perils one’s life for ten days--that time passed, you will recover.

Those falling sick on the twenty-second, will die within forty-eight hours, or after that time will certainly recover.

Those taken sick on the twenty-third will stand a chance of lingering illness, which will probably terminate favorably.

The twenty-fourth is another unlucky day, and those falling ill on that day, though they be partially restored, will probably die within three months.

On the contrary, the twenty-fifth is a very favorable day, and those falling sick will get well speedily.

The twenty-sixth portends a protracted illness, which will terminate favorably.

The twenty-seventh threatens death, though the chances of recovery are fair.

Those falling ill on the twenty-eighth, menace death.

Persons who are taken sick on the twenty-ninth day will have a very protracted illness and recover slowly.

The thirtieth and thirty-first are uncertain days, and persons falling sick on either of these days, it cannot be known whether they will recover or not.

ASTROLOGICAL MISCELLANY.

DAYS OF THE MONTH.

I.--FORTUNATE.

In January, six days: the 1st, 2d, 15th, 26th, 27th and 28th.

In February, four days: the 11th, 21st, 25th and 26th.

In March, two days: the 10th and 24th.

In April, five days: the 6th, 15th, 16th, 20th and 28th.

In May, three days: the 3d, 18th and 31st.

In June, five days: the 10th, 11th, 15th, 22d and 25th.

In July, three days: the 9th, 15th and 28th.

In August, six days: the 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th, 19th and 25th.

In September, five days: the 4th, 8th, 17th, 18th and 23d.

In October, five days: the 3d, 7th, 16th, 21st and 22d.

In November, three days: the 5th, 14th and 20th.

In December, six days: the 15th, 19th, 20th, 22d, 23d and 25th.

II.--UNFORTUNATE.