Choose the dominant hand for current life patterns and the non-dominant hand for inherited traits
Look at the overall hand shape to identify element type: earth, air, fire, or water
Examine the palm size and compare it with finger length
Observe the palm texture for softness, firmness, or dryness
Check the finger length, shape, and spacing
Study the thumb for flexibility, strength, and angle
Identify the major lines: heart line, head line, life line, and fate line
Read the heart line for emotions and relationships
Read the head line for thinking style and decision-making
Read the life line for vitality and general life pattern
Read the fate line for career and life direction
Look for secondary lines such as sun line, mercury line, and marriage lines
Notice line depth, clarity, breaks, forks, and chains
Observe mounts under each finger and on the palm
Compare both hands to see differences between potential and current expression
Check for marks such as crosses, stars, islands, and triangles
Consider the balance of all features together instead of one sign alone
Use consistent lighting and a relaxed hand position when reading
Avoid making final judgments from a single line or feature