Research Library and Archive
CS c/o Librarian, 29 London Rd, East Dereham, Norfolk NR19 1AS

The Society organises courses and seminars for both beginners and advanced students in Cheirological science, methodology and various research projects. It is interested in the study of the human hand in all its aspects. It concerns itself with analysing and preparing written reports upon a subjects health, emotional quality, vocational aptitude, personal psychology and spiritual propensity.
It does not teach 'Palmistry' as this is generally understood, as its methodology and interpretive system is based upon traditions common to exoteric and esoteric Buddhism.

Modern Cheirology is designed primarily for Professionals and/or those seriously interested in learning and understanding more about the whys and wherefores of the human condition.

The Society was the first of its kind to be founded in Europe and was instituted in 1889 by Katherine St Hill and Ina Oxenford in conjunction with their student Charles Rideal. Although at that time it was predominantly concerned with the study and propagation of Western styles of hand analysis, the founders and senior students of the Society came to study the Oriental Buddhist form of Chgeirology via the Chinese masters Li Wen Tien and Li Tsu Cheng who were diplomats of the Chinese Embassy in London. This teaching was also introduced by English students of theirs who had resided in China through having been connected with China's tea trade. The Oriental influence was also present through some Society members being involved with the early Theosophical Society of Madam Blavatsky.

The modern day Society was a founding member of the Regstrar and General Council for Cheirology - the professional organisation for our Art and in conjunction with them sets the syllabus for the National Diploma in Cheirology both in GB and overseas. This Syllabus includes some contemporary western techniques and methods such as those utilised by Noel Jacquin and Dr. C. Wolffe and supplements these (subject to due testing) with the findings of its own practicing members.

The Society conducts small, personal courses and tutorials. Several suitably qualified tutors accept postal trainees. Courses usually last 6-10 weeks (Introductory) and from then on continue in quarterly terms.
The Society awards the Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced Diplomas in Cheirology and is the only official Society allowed to do so. These Diplomas are recognised in all EU countries, the USA and well as the Far East and set a standard from which all others are judged.

Enquirers should note that there are many bogus 'teachers' of Cheirology, so be sure to check with us that any 'teacher' you come across is a current Licentiate of ours before paying or enrolling in any 'study course'. Our rules prohibit members from advertising as ' Fortune tellers', Mystics , 'Psychics' or pretending to be able to predict future events. Such practices have nothing to do with serious modern Cheirology.

The Society publishes its own technical papers and notices which are sent to Members and also organises seminars and provides lecturers or tutors in various themes and subjects to other groups. If you would be interested in arranging such events please write in to our secretary.
We also produce many basic texts for Beginners including 'No Nonsense Hand Reading' by Shifu T. Dukes. These can usually be obtained from the Research Library or via your Tutor.

The standard reference text for Cheirology is 'Chinese Hand Analysis' (h/b) ISBN 0-87728-622-1 or (p/b) ISBN 0-87728-867-4 published by S.Weiser Inc. Maine & New York (1987,1996 +)and is available at all good bookshops, distributors and Internet outlets. (review)
An English edition, published by Aquarian Press (Thorsons) GB can sometimes be obtained via the Society secretariat. There is also a Chinese edition.

Details of current fees and membership applications etc may be obtained by emails to the CS Membership secretary or else write via the Library in Norfolk. For details of Tutors and current classes in either GB or Overseas, prospective students should contact the Secretary at the library and include a S. S. A. E. Overseas enquirers should include 3-4 International Postal Credits.

If you have a question about Cheirology drop us a note at Enquiries

Read some more about Cheirology on the Next page

Regular Courses of the Society

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