Thumb is the "Signature" of a human being. In Palmistry, a mere look at one"s thumb can assess volumes about that person. A person with no or weak intellect or character will have a very ill formed thumb. A person with ordinary being will have a non-effective thumb shape. Ideally, a thumb should never be placed too high, or too close to the fingers. More the distance is there with the index finger"s base, more developed the individual is.

Parts of Thumb
Unlike the three phalanges that every finger has, a thumb is divided in two phalanges. Ideally, the length of both the phalanges should be equal.

First Phalange: This phalange denotes "will power" or determination factor in a person. If the first phalange is well developed, it shows a brilliant ability for that person to carry out his tasks. In an overdeveloped first phalange, or extra long section as compared to the lower phalange, it denotes that the person is highly stubborn and inflexible.

The shape of the first phalange is also important. An extra fleshy first phalange is an indicator of the person who is crass and blunt. The thin first phalange indicates weakness. The width of the first phalange indicates aggressiveness. An overtly wide top shows that the person is too aggressive, and vice versa. The supple thumb, which bends itself in the arc, is the indicator of a person who is flexible and has no qualms about changing his ideals and opinions.

Second Phalange: This phalange gives more information about the nature or temperament of the individual. Here the logic is the guiding force behind every action. If it is necessary to carry out the tasks, logic is utilized to think and plan the actions. A shorter top phalange will show the lack of drive to carry the task, while a shorter second phalange will show lack of proper reasoning behind every action.

In some cases, there may be a reference to the Third phalange in a thumb which is essentially the Mount of Venus.

Spacing of Thumb
Spacing of the thumb with the fingers also divulges a great deal of information. A narrow spacing, or thumb placed making a less angle with fingers shows a person who likes to follow things up. They like to think over the details and consider taking each and every step cautiously. They do not like to take much risk in life, and hence leadership capabilities are considerably low in them.

A thumb with a naturally wide spacing shows a person with leadership capabilities and a natural ability to get things done. They have loads of optimism and confidence to set an example of them. The thumb with a mild spacing with the Index Finger shows capacity for both the qualities.

Types of Thumb
The thumb is probably one of the most important aspects of the body. The types of thumb represent someone who has a balanced will, a logical mind and love. The different types of thumbs are as follows:


•Long Thumb: People with long thumbs are often self-willed, fully dependent on their self and have the desire to take control of other people. They consider knowledge and intelligence of being more valuable in their lives.
•Short Thumb: Individuals with short thumbs cannot make decisions on their own but are dependent on other people to make the decisions. Their lives prominently feature emotions rather than intelligence.
•Hard Thumb: An individual with a hard thumb is quite alert and obstinate. The main characteristic of such a person is the ability to keep anything they can close to their hearts. They do lack emotions and their lives are ruled by the power of intelligence.
•Flexible and Supple Thumb: To have a flexible thumb means these people are materialistic. They have the ability to acquire vast amounts of wealth and are flexible enough to adapt to a large number of circumstances. This enables them survive well in most environments.
•Obtuse-angled thumb: Thumbs that form obtuse angles with the index finger are normally perfectly formed; they can be long or thin. Such individuals are soft and friendly.
•Right-angled thumb: If the thumb makes a right angle to the index finger, this means the bearer will be strong, elegant and their physical appearance is pillar like. The character believes in working hard all of the time. They may have short tempers. They can never be stable friends, nor can they be enemies.
•Acute- Angled Thumb: Thumbs that make an acute angle with the index finger, the person have a medium length but which has clumsy look. Many of the palmists have classified them under evil thumbs. The individuals will be in trouble all through their lifetime.

Hence, the thumb is equally important like the lines in hand. They reveal an individual"s personality and temperament.