Life line (jeevan rekha): what it really means

Where it is, and what each tradition says

Curves around the base of the thumb, from between the thumb and index finger towards the wrist.

Indian tradition (Hast Samudrika): Hast Samudrika calls it Jeevan rekha (sometimes Pitru rekha) and reads it for vitality, roots and the family you draw strength from. It wraps the Shukra parvat, so it is also read with warmth and enjoyment of life.

Western tradition (Cheiro): Cheiro read it for constitution and energy. Modern palmists stress that its length is not the length of a life.

How wide it curves

Wide curve into the palm: Your life line sweeps wide into the palm, leaving a big Shukra parvat. Tradition reads this as warmth, energy and love of people and life.

Balanced curve: Your life line makes a balanced curve, read as steady energy that you pace well.

Close to the thumb: Your life line stays close to the thumb. Palmists read this as a reserved, careful nature that values rest and a small circle.

Where it ends

Runs to the wrist: It runs down towards the wrist, read as strong roots and ties to family and place.

Fades before the wrist: It fades before the wrist. This is very common and says nothing about how long anyone lives; many palmists read it as a life that keeps changing direction and place.