Palmistry — known in India as hast rekha shastra or samudrika shastra in its broader form — is a traditional practice of interpreting the hand. Similar traditions exist across China, the Middle East, and Europe.
Most systems focus on four main lines. The heart line, running across the upper palm, is traditionally associated with emotional life. The head line, below it, is linked with thinking style. The life line curves around the base of the thumb and — contrary to a common myth — is not traditionally read as a measure of how long you will live, but rather of vitality and life changes. The fate line, running vertically, is associated with direction and career.
Practitioners also look at the shape of the hand, the mounts (the raised pads below each finger), and the flexibility of the fingers.
Palmistry is a cultural and symbolic tradition rather than an evidence-based science. It is best enjoyed as a reflective practice — a reason to pause and look, quite literally, at your own hands.