This is also called the line of fortune; it is termed likewise the mensa,
because it makes up the table of the hand. Which said line, when it is
long enough, and without incisures, argues a due strength in the principal
members of man, and also constancy; the contrary if it be short, crooked,
cut or parted.
If it terminate under the mount of Saturn, it shows a vain fellow.
If projecting small branches to the mount of Jupiter, it promises honors.
If there it be naked and simple, it is a sign of poverty and want.
If cutting the mouth of Jupiter, cruelty of mind and disposition, with
excessive wrath.
If it projects a branch between the fore and middle finger in a gentleman,
it threatens a wound in his head; in a lady, danger in child bearing.
Three lines ascending upwards from this line, viz., one to the space
between the middle and fore finger, a second to the space between the
middle and ring finger, and a third to the space between the ring and the
little finger, argues a contentious person in many respects.
A little line only thus drawn to the interval or space between the middle
finger and the ring finger, sorrow or labor.
If annexed to the natural mean, so that it makes an acute angle, it brings
sorrow and labor.
If the natural mean be wanting, and the thoral annexed to the vital, it
threatens decollation or a deadly wound.
If no mensa at all, it shows a man malevolent, contentious, faithless,
inconstant and of base condition.
Confused little lines in the mensa, denote sickness; if under Mercury, in
the former part of the age; under the sun in the prime thereof; under the
middle finger, in old age.
When in this line there are certain points observed, they argue strength
of the genitals and burning lust.
V.--OF THE CAUDA DRACONIS, OR THE RESTRICTA, AND THE LINES ARISING
THEREFROM.
If this be double or treble, and drawn by a right and continued track, it
promises a good composure of the body.
That line which is nearest the hand continued, and of a good color,
assures great riches.
But if the same line be cut in the middle, crooked and very pale, it
announces debility of body and want of all things.
A cross or star upon the restricta, foreshadows tranquility of life in old
age.
If there be a star, simple or double, or any lines near the tuberculum of
the thumb, in ladies, they denote misfortune or infamy.
A line running from the restricta through the mons veneris, presages
adversities, either by the means of some kindred or a wife.
A line extending from the restricta to the mons lunæ, denotes adversities
and private enemies; if it be crooked, it doubles the evil, and betokens
perpetual servitude.
Such a line also being clear and straight, and reaching as far as the
region of the moon, foretells many journeys by sea and land.
If it extend to the tuberculum of the fore finger, it informs the
gentleman that he shall live in a foreign country in great estimation.
If to the hepatica, it argues honest behavior, and prolongs life.
If to the mons solis (be it simple or double), it argues exceeding
goodness, and enables to govern or rule in great affairs.
By the same reason, if it pass to the mons Mercurii, it betokens the
gentleman is of a sufficient capacity for any employment; but if it reach
not the mons Mercurii, but is broken about the middle and end beneath the
mons Mercurii, that makes out a prating fellow, &c.
If directly ascending to the mons Saturni, it signifies a good position of
Saturn in the geniture, whose decree shall shortly follow; but, if
crookedly towards the restricta and the hepatica especially, it shows man
laborious, &c.