The Art & Science of Cheirology
Most people have heard of the practice of Hand analysis, usually under the incorrect but more widely known name of 'Palmistry'. Many of us dismiss such practices without a second thought and may regard them as relics of long gone and superstitious times. Blissfully ignoring such dismissals, students of Palmistry, together with practitioners of other and similar arts have helped, for better or worse, form a part of the folk traditions of Europe.
Even though there have been many frauds and charlatans within the science hand analysis there are, and were, practitioners who have taken it more seriously and have sought to discover, in its practice and principles, something about the real nature of humankind. The people who do so are called 'Cheirologists'.
In both ancient and recent history the art of Cheirology has occupied the minds of renowned Scientists, Chemists, National Leaders and other eminent persons throughout the ages. These have included Paracelsus, Carl Jung, Julius Caesar, Napoleon, Sir Charles Bell,Alexander the Great,and Albert Einstein.
Many contemporary Diplomats, Politicians and Financiers have obtained analyses of their hands - though few admit in public to this fact! Whilst Palmistry is mainly concerned with telling 'fortunes' or simply concerns predicting the future, its serious, deeper and more ancient form is termed Cheirology (from the Greek 'Cheiro'= Hand and 'Logos'= Spiritual/Philosophical Discourse)
This study relates the hands' various observable and distinctive morphic and lineal patterns to relevant features of our lives such as vocation, self understanding, personal relationships and individual abilities.
These patterns, particularly the lineal forms of the palms and digits, are fully formed some three months prior to birth and can reveal the genetic inheritance of a subjects background. Cheirology asserts that they can also reveal the psychological and emotional predispositions of their possessor.
Unlike the often fatalistic Palmistry , Cheirology shows that the hands minor patterns alter rapidly, often within a period of only three months. Many of the Major patterns can also alter,over a longer period, given suitable personal impetus.
Cheirology also studies the principles underlying the significancies of the hand as a symbol of our life, being and nature.
European cheirology is governed and organised by the Cheirological Society a member of the General Council of Cheirology which are British organisations founded in the 1800's. The present head of the Society, Shifu Terence Dukes, has studied all the major traditions of China and Japan in addition to the most important European forms and he has introduced ancient and traditional methods of diagnosing illness. This has given a great impetus to the study of medical cheirology and there are now many who are studying to specialise in this aspect.
The study of cheirology is an intricate process and the very best way to learn is directly from a suitably qualified teacher. All teachers in the Society have to obtain our Licentiate and since 1998 this has to be displayed prominently where classes are taught. This is because there are a few persons who, having obtained older Society diplomas in years gone by, have set up commercial classes as if they were proper teachers. There are also others who have been suspended or expelled by the General Council. Newcomers to study are therefore cautioned to ascertain if people they encounter offering to teach have the Society's current Licence. Do not accept excuses etc or part with money for courses etc. Pay especial attention to persons who miss spell the word 'Cheirology' itself !. We hold records of all diplomas issued by and to all our teachers since 1889.
The Society sets and holds both National and International examinations for
its multi level Diplomas. It usually takes about 1-3 months to complete the
basic requirements for the Foundation Diploma. Study for this Diploma covers all
the aspects mentioned above and equips one with the skills required to prepare a
basic analysis. There are many other Diploma courses of higher study and
specialisation for which the Society sets a very high standard.