the line of intuition and the via lasciva
the line of intuition (5, plate xx.) is seldom found on other types of hand than those of the philosophic, the conic, and the psychic, but it is sometimes found on the spatulate.
it takes more or less the formation of a semi-circle from the face of the mount of mercury to that of the mount of the moon, or may be found on the mount of the moon alone. it must not be confounded with the hepatica, or line of health, but is found as a distinct mark in itself.
it denotes an extra highly-strung sensitive temperament, also presentiments, inspiration, clairvoyance of the highest kind, clear vivid dreams which often come to pass, intuition as to how things should be done, and very often manifests itself in inspired speaking and writing of the loftiest character.
it is much more often found on women's hands than on men's, although many cases have come under my notice of its being unusually clearly marked on some men's hands. in each case the possessor of it had most remarkable powers and unusual faculties, as well as the gift of intuition, even concerning purely mundane subjects that in an ordinary state they knew nothing whatever about.[pg 93]
i use the words "ordinary state" advisably here, because such people are not always in the condition of mind when these strange faculties may be employed. several of these men were absolutely uneducated, and yet at times, when thrown into an inspired state, they were able to explain the most intricate problems with the greatest accuracy. if asked, however, from where they obtained their knowledge, they were only able to reply that "it came to them" when in certain moods.
one man i knew well had such remarkable dreams of coming events that he was able to warn many people weeks and months in advance of dangers that lay before them, and his warnings in many cases saved life.
with all people who were gifted in this way i have noticed that they completely lost their strange powers the moment they indulged in alcohol of any kind.
the via lasciva
this is a strange mark (6, plate xx.) which takes the form also somewhat of a semi-circle, but in this case it connects the mount of the moon with that of venus, or it may simply run off the hand from the lower part of the mount of luna into the wrist.
the first-mentioned formation indicates unbridled sensuality and passion, and where it cuts through the line of life it indicates death, but one usually brought about in connection with the licentiousness that it denotes.
this line running from the mount of the moon into the wrist denotes the most sensual dreams, desires, and imaginings, but, unlike the other class, it is usually[pg 94] only dangerous to the person on whose hand it is found.
in both cases there is generally a tendency towards the taking of drugs such as opium, morphine, especially when the hand is noted to be soft, full, and flabby. with a firm hard palm the subject usually indulges in excessive drinking fits, and when under drink seems to have no control whatever.
if the line of head is found weak-looking, full of islands and descending downwards on the mount of the moon, insanity or the worst form of degeneracy will sooner or later destroy the whole character and career.
