The Language of the Thumb: Willpower, Control, and Modern Life
This article about thumb size in palmistry is an excerpt from my book ‘Life and Destiny Palmistry: The Complete Guide to Hand Analysis.’ I hope the information helps to understand the importance of analysing the thumb when doing a palm reading.
The Size of the thumb
SMALL THUMB SIZE
A small or short thumb is classified as such if it fails to reach halfway up the base phalanx of the index finger. The little thumb denotes some weakness of character with a passive nature, a daydreamer rather than a doer. However, they are mostly ruled by their heart and are not arrogant or aggressive.
The natural qualities of drive, determination, and action with a standard thumb are undersupplied. Instead, it shows someone timid, quiet, submissive, and lazy. Easily influenced by others, they prefer that someone else guide them as to what to do. Alternatively, somebody else is doing it for them; habitually, they are used to being dependent on others.
• A pointed tip of the thumb signifies passive-aggressiveness.
• If a small thumb is also thin, a lack of authority and physical strength.
• If a short thumb happens to be thick, it suggests forcefulness and a lack of sensitivity.
LONG/LARGE THUMB SIZE
An extended or large thumb reaches past the middle of the index finger’s lower section, depicting the character’s strength. This person is a natural ruler.
• A substantial thumb reveals leadership skills, strength, control, and staying power.
• As with a regular-length thumb, these people are self-motivated and have a sensible and realistic approach to matters.
• Suppose the thumb appears to be exceedingly long or thick. In that case, these individuals are generally more physically active and tend to be domineering or aggressive.
FLEXIBLE THUMB
A flexible thumb is when the whole thumb is naturally supple or curved from a side view. It suggests a flexible attitude and someone open to new ideas and readily adapts to their circumstances, happily going with the flow.
• They are generous, friendly, and forthcoming and prefer avoiding competitive situations.
• They are not likely to dictate to others but do the job themselves. If they need you, they ask you politely and even show you how to do the job.
• A very bent-looking thumb indicates an overly generous nature; they are an easy target for a salesperson, especially if the spaces between the fingers are wide.
• In relationships, someone with a flexible thumb may feel bullied by someone with a rigid thumb.
RIGID THUMB
A rigid or straight thumb is when the top joint does not bend back away from the hand. It reveals someone with a persistent and disciplined nature, characterised by a fixed attitude. These individuals are stubborn yet determined and tend not to fuss or worry excessively, although they often lack spontaneity. The positive aspect of the stiff thumb is that it typically belongs to someone with solid reasoning who prefers to negotiate situations based on actual evidence.
Remember to check if the thumb is on a narrow or wide angle, as this connotation varies for either type. A close angle with a rigid thumb belongs to someone set in their ways, selfish, and closed-minded. A wide angle naturally lessens the negative trait, giving a more open and natural appearance.
• They like to control but may try to dominate someone with a flexible thumb.
• They have a skill for concentration and are usually reliable and responsible.
• They have strong opinions and are straight to the point.
• If they have rough skin, they are unsympathetic.
STRAIGHT THUMB
The straight thumb (looking from the nail side) is approximately the same thickness and length as both phalanges. It shows logic, directness, trustworthiness, and modesty. It is rational and balanced.
THICK BASE PHALANX
Suppose the lower phalanx is noticeably more abundant than the tip of the thumb. In that case, it suggests the character is ‘overly’ accentuated and, therefore, crude, blunt, disrespectful, or insensitive.
WAISTED THUMB
This type of thumb is noticeably narrower on the lower phalanx. A thumb with a waist belongs to somebody who likes to experience things from a spiritual or analytical viewpoint and prefers to look deeper beneath the surface of facts.
Usually, a waisted thumb marks a good-natured character.
• The thin waist on the thumb reveals tact and diplomacy.
• They know how to deal with others without causing a stir.
If the logic area is leaner than the top-level section. Their physical health may not be able to keep up with their ideas. It may be that their judgement does not play a significant role in their decisions.
• A thin middle section can expose someone rather cunning; you may not always be able to trust them.