Long or deep
A long, deep line is traditionally read as steady energy and resilience.
Curves around the base of the thumb
The life line
The life line curves around the base of the thumb. It is read for vitality, physical constitution and major changes of circumstance. Palmistry attaches meaning to its length, depth and breaks — none of which has been shown to predict anything.
Short or faint
A short line is read as concentrated rather than diminished vitality — and emphatically not as a short life.
Breaks and markings
Breaks and overlaps are read as changes of direction: moves, career shifts, illnesses recovered from.
Anatomy, not divination
What is actually known about the life line
How it forms
Forms in the womb between the 8th and 12th week, as a consequence of how the hand folds — not from later use.
What it physically is
It marks the boundary of the thenar eminence — the muscle pad at the base of the thumb. Its arc follows that muscle, which is why a larger thenar gives a wider curve.
What the numbers say
A 1990 study by Newrick, Affie and Corrall compared the palm lines of 100 cadavers with their age at death and found no correlation whatsoever.
Everything above is checkable. Everything in the sections before it is tradition. Keeping the two apart is the difference between reading about a practice and being sold one.
Versions of the life line
Where it starts, where it ends and what it does on the way — these are what a reader actually looks at, and they differ from line to line.
Starting high, touching the index finger
Read as ambition present from early on — a life directed by the person rather than by circumstance.
Starting low, close to the thumb
Read as a life shaped more by family and early environment than by early self-direction.
Hugging the thumb closely
A narrow arc is read as lower physical reserves; a wide sweep as stamina and appetite for activity.
A second line running parallel
Called the line of Mars or a sister line. Traditionally read as protection or support from someone.
Ending in a fork
A split at the base is read as travel or a life divided between two places.
Where the life line is read
Curves around the base of the thumb. Timing runs along its length, so a mark near the start is read as early life and one near the end as late.
The length of this line does not predict lifespan. A 1990 study comparing palm lines with age at death found no correlation whatsoever.
Marks along a line — islands, breaks, forks, stars — modify it wherever they sit. They work the same way on every line, so they are explained once rather than repeated: the full table of marks is on the main palmistry page.
Worth being clear about
The length of this line does not predict lifespan. A 1990 study comparing palm lines with age at death found no correlation whatsoever.
Other lines
Heart line
Emotional life, attachment and how you love.
Head line
Thinking style, concentration and how you make decisions.
Fate line
Career, direction and the degree to which life feels externally shaped.
Sun line
Recognition, creativity and public success.
Marriage lines
Significant partnerships.
Money triangle
The ability to hold on to resources.