Hand types: earth, air, fire and water

The four hand types

Earth hand (Prithvi), closest to Cheiro's square hand: A square palm with shorter fingers. Tradition reads it as practical, reliable and happiest building things that last.

Air hand (Vayu), closest to Cheiro's philosophic hand: A square palm with longer fingers. Read as curious, talkative and fond of ideas, books and people.

Fire hand (Agni), closest to Cheiro's spatulate hand: A longer palm with shorter fingers. Read as energetic, bold and quick to act on enthusiasm.

Water hand (Jal), closest to Cheiro's conic or psychic hand: A longer palm with longer fingers. Read as sensitive, artistic and deeply intuitive.

Fingers and thumb

Index longer than ring: Your index finger (Guru) is longer than your ring finger (Surya). Palmists read this as confidence and a pull towards leading.

Ring longer than index: Your ring finger (Surya) is longer than your index (Guru). Tradition reads this as creative flair and a liking for taking chances.

Thumb opens wide: Your thumb opens wide from the hand: read as an open, generous and independent nature.

Thumb stays close: Your thumb stays close to the hand: read as a careful, private person who opens up slowly.

Little finger reaches the ring finger's top crease: Your little finger (Budh) reaches the top crease of the ring finger: the classic sign of a good communicator.