The size of the thumb and its relation to the fingers and palm will provide an instant reading of temperment that one can make in life or even from newspaper and magazine photographs as well as TV and movies.

The thumb defines itself in opposition to the fingers. A small thumb has historically been considered a sign of indecision. A big thumb usually is considered evidence of strength and authority. The thumbs of Napoleon are frequently cited in the literature of Palmistry as significant indicators of his character and place in history.

In his last published book, You and Your Hand, Cheiro devoted a whole chapter to the analysis of Napoleon's hands and the importance this Emperor of France placed upon Palmistry. Cheiro is emphatic in stressing the importance of the thumb. "In any serious and scientific study of the hand, the thumb calls for special attention," wrote Cheiro. "It is in every sense the most important member of the hand. In every phase of humanity, the thumb has played an important role."

In his chapter on Napoleon, Cheiro includes a photograph of a cast of Napoleon's right hand. "In Napoleon's hand it will be noticed that the thumb is extremely long," wrote Cheiro. "If closed against the palm the nail phalange would extend far beyond the base of the first finger, a sign of remarkable will power." Cheiro recounts that it was an aged student of the Kabbalah, the Abbe de la Clerc, who read Napoleon's hands when the future Emperor was an impoverished young corporal in the army. "Let me see your hands," the aged Abbe said. "Fate writes her symbols there as well as in the stars." The Abbe accurately predicted that Napoleon would become Emperor at 27 years of age.

The thumb at birth is generally hidden and folded under the other fingers. As the child matures and the personality develops, it opens and almost assumes a life of its own. During sleep the thumb reverts to folding back again under the fingers. As the personality develops in life, the thumb becomes a vibrant display of character. At death the thumb is once again folded under the fingers.

The first phalange, bearing the nail, is a significant indicator of energy and decision. This tip of the thumb is the Ego or Will as opposed to the second phalange which may be considered Logic or Reason. When the first phalange is much longer than the second it is a sign of stubbornness. Balance between the Ego and Logic is shown when the first and second phalange are equal in size.

If the second phalange of the thumb is larger than the first there may be strong rationality, but also a lack of spontaneity. A short second phalange may also indicate thoughtlessness and a propensity for impulsiveness.

When the thumb is set low on the hand and there is a wide and deep "well" between thumb and palm, a flexible, open and communicative nature is indicated. A cautious and private temperment is shown by a thumb that sets naturally closer to the palm.

Napoleon was not the only conqueror interested in Palmistry. Both Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great were also ardently interested in the subject. "The study is worth the while of an inquiring and elevated mind," wrote Alexander.

There are two worlds of opposition within the thumb. First is the thumb in opposition to the fingers, a defining construct for the human will to express itself in the world of physical matter. Secondarily, the thumb itself carries the fundamental opposition within an individual between the will power and the reasoning mind. As always, balance between these two tendencies is healthy. But the will to power and the drive to succeed are evident in the thumb itself. Pay attention to this aspect of people's hands and you may notice large thumbs and dominant first phalanges on the hands of people who are frequently in the news.

RAY ZONE has been called the King of 3-D. Visit his website at: ray3dzone.com or email Ray at: r3dzone@earthlink.net