Classical Methods for Self-Discovey through Palmistry
Review by Allan Ritchie
Book by Ellen Goldberg and Dorian Bergen
Published by Destiny Books
ISBN-13: 978-1620551080
ISBN-10: 162055108X
Retail U.S. $35.00
Released 2016
When I received a copy of The Art and Science of Hand Reading by Ellen Goldberg and Dorian Bergen, I had a growing interest in learning palmistry. The book is a textbook and that excites my inner students. The book is a mammoth text that has a solid hardbound cover and dust jacket. Over five hundred pages and filled with photos throughout the book, it is a comprehensive guide on the subject. This is not a lightweight’s guide to the subject but a textbook that demands the student’s commitment to learn and study.
The guide is practical and detailed. The authors build their case for understanding palmistry as a study of the connection of the brain and life expressed in the changing variations of hands. The text is divided into three parts. The initial portion of the text covers what is referred to as the Basic Modifiers which are the skin, fingers, and thumbs. This section gives an introduction to an initial look at the hand overall. The bulk of the book is spent on the study of the mounds and the lines. Mounds are referred to as the seven archetypes of the palm. Instructions and detailed photos in each section the authors give an extensive understanding of how each of the mounts is to be understood and interpreted. Each mount is explained in detail with the associated finger as well. Variations and differences that can be seen and observed are also discussed. This gives the student an understanding of how the palm can express many variant ideas to illuminate the person as a whole. The final section on the lines of the hand the book is likewise as detailed and comprehensive. The text teaches the different lines on a hand, the inspection of the quality of the line and then variations such as defects and repair signs. There is also a section educates on the fingerprints and the details of different swirl patterns.
The Art and Science of Hand Reading at its best is a resource and training text that is a leader in the current selection available. The only drawback is that it can be a bit of a daunting task for the beginner. Its approach is to instruct but the volume seems to be an intermediate level guide. As a beginner as I found that I was often overwhelmed with the volume of information presented. Working your way through the whole book is a big commitment. The textbook will serve as a training tool but more likely a resource to be referred to for refreshing knowledge and giving fine tuning to understanding.