Hand reading, chiromancy
The practice of hand reading, also known as palmistry or chiromancy, has been around for thousands of years. In India, the practice of palmistry dates back to the Vedic period (1500-500 BCE) where it was used to assess an individual's character and destiny. In ancient China, hand reading was an important part of fortune telling, and in the Middle Ages it was practiced by gypsies.
In the 18th century, the French physician and occultist Comte de Saint-Germain popularized the idea that the lines and features of the hand could be used to predict the future. He developed a system of palmistry that was based on the belief that each person's life was predetermined and reflected in the markings of their hands.
In the 19th century, palmistry was further developed by other occultists such as William Benham and Cheiro. These two figures popularized the practice of hand reading and made it more accessible to the general public.
By the 20th century, palmistry was widely accepted as a valid means to predict the future. Today, modern palmistry focuses on interpreting the lines, shapes, and mounts of the hands in order to gain insight into an individual's personality and future prospects. While many people still believe in the power of hand reading, it should be noted that it is not an exact science and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice.