NAILS : INDICATORS OF CHARACTER AND HEALTH

The nail is imbedded in the skin and flesh of the finger, from the hidden
root, along the sides, and under the surface of the horn. The cells make
the root or matrix, the never-ending ducts and capillaries, pushing the
passage of horns and this nail (horn like substance) is renewed
approximately within six months. These cells need sustenance and
special food to make the “Keratin”( keratin (kĕr'ətĭn) , any one of a
class of fibrous protein molecules that serve as structural units for
various living tissues. The keratins are the major protein components of
hair, wool, nails, horn, hoofs, and the quills of feathers. These proteins
generally contain large quantities of the sulfur-containing amino acids,
particularly cytokine.) Which hardens the horn? Any deviation from
good health will affect them in some measure. The endocrine system
plays a large in this food supply supported by a generous mineralization
in which must be included calcium to make them hard, silica and a trace
of arsenic to make them clear, etc.

The correlation between hands and encephalograph readings (graphical

record of electrical activity of the brain; produced by an
electroencephalograph ) was published in 1951. Dr. Doust of the
Maudsley Hospital, London, was working on a pattern of blood vessels
under the nail. He found the following as shown in the above
illustration: A) in normal people these capillaries developed the
straight-across lines of babyhood. B) Into hair-pin shape normally by
the age of 8 years, C) Mentally immature people , who give way to
impulse and rage, have developed their pattern into arches. D) Neurotic
people have the long form but with a twist in it.

The nails on the fingers would also be taken into consideration while
studying a palm. These nails are at the tip of fingers and help in
protecting the fingers.

The nails protect the tips of fingers so that the fingers do not get
damaged or hurt by a blow from outside and these nails help in
enhancing the beauty of the fingers. They are also good conductors of
electricity. The natural electricity present in the atmosphere enters the
body through these nails. Also the rays from other planets enter our
body through the nails and help us to work effectively.

1) The different types of nails are:

Short Nails- Short nails reveal that the man is uncivilized. Such person
might have been born in a high family, yet he would be narrow-minded,
weak and of wicked tendencies.

Short, hard, and partially covered with skin, and even flesh -
Quarrelsome disposition, especially if they are border than long. Seen at
its worst on what I call a clubbed thumb

Short and Pale Nails- Such nails reveal the wickedness of the individual.
Such a person tells lies at every step and will even deceive his own
family. He cannot be trusted.

Short and Rectangular Nails- A person having such nails on his fingers
is a heart patient and dies of heart attack.

Short and Wide Nails- Such persons believe in quarreling. Criticizing

and interfering in other's works is their sole aim in life. They are
stubborn in nature.

A Short nail on the second finger, the nails of the other fingers being
almond shaped - Irritability, but only at times; always extreme
sensitiveness to criticism.

Short and pale - Deceitful disposition; physical and moral weakness.

 Short and red - Violent temper.

Short, square-shaped and bluish - Heart trouble.

Short, quite board and square at the bottom -

Passionate anger

Short and triangular shaped; The point of the

triangle nearest to the phalanx - Threatened
paralysis.

Short, narrow and curved - Danger of troubles.

Hard and Narrow Nails- These persons are generally quarrelsome in

nature. Once they make up their mind they shall do anything even if it
is wrong. They stick to their decisions.

Square Nails- Such nails reveal the wicked nature of the individual.
Such nails show that the man is a coward, timid and subdued.

Short and Triangular Nails- Such nails are generally wide at the upper
tip and narrow at the lower end. Persons with such nails are lazy and
hesitant to work. They like loneliness and do not like others to interfere
in their matters.

Nails wider in proportion to Length- Such persons get angry quickly.

They complete any work they have started without leaving it midway.
Short nails and knotty fingers- Such persons are quarrelsome. If such
nails are found in the fingers of a female, then she must be dominating
her husband and also quarrelsome.

Rounded Nails- Persons having rounded nails at the tip are quarrelsome
and take quick decisions. They know how to act on the decision they
have taken.

Thin and Long Nails- Such persons are weak-bodied and fickle-minded.
They cannot take independent decisions and act on the advise given by
others.

Long and Curved Nails- Such persons are not of good character and do
have affairs with many women. They get bad names in their lives
several times.

Large (both board and long) and rounded

at the base - Clear, sound judgement.
Long nails, especially if thin and brittle -
Weak physical nature, often lack of
intelligence.

Long, thin and curved - Sore throat and

weak respiratory organs. If rigid of fluted -
A sure sign of consumption
Long thick and curved, somewhat like a
claw - Violent disposition in love and other
intercourse with one's fellow beings

Long, thin, narrow - Timidity and

cowardice; often found in convalescing
persons.

Moderately thin and narrow - Excellent

general disposition
Nails indictors of health and temper. When Dr. Geikie Cobb had
pneumonia , he noticed his own nails turning black. They resumed their
normal colour as he recovered. This shows that careful information
should be gained of the finger nails in relation to their texture, shape,
size, colour, etc. Nails are composed of a substance called keratin in the
form of minute hair-like fibres, closely knit together. When they come
into contact with the environment form a horn-like substance. The
amount f\of hormones and the level of blood in the body decide the
colour, size, shape and the shine of the nail.

Palmists have compared nails to be the windows through which the

internal functioning of the human body can be ascertained and through
this interpretation the character, personality, health, etc. of the subject
noted. Nails are known as the mirrors or reflectors of the human
personality. Below the nail lie delicate capillaries that are sensitive and
linked to the circulatory system. The flow of blood beneath the nails
reveal the health and temperament of the subject through the colour
under the nails. The texture of the nails should also be compared with
the texture of the skin so that the skin and the nails should be of the
same grade and finesse. The horn of the nails should be even and
smooth in surface all over, devoid of ridges and flutings and brittleness.

Our scriptures state that the influence of the planetary rays filter into
the blood through the nails and atmospheric vibrations are also
absorbed through them. Garb Samhita states that a person with clear,
pinkish nails are fortunate. Nails also act as a psychological link as
coarser texture of nails (the fluting or ridging of the nails from top to
bottom)show advanced state of nervous disorder. The case can be more
serious when the nails become brittle and start breaking.

The appearance of white spots indicate the beginning of the loss of

vitality. While the freckles appear and grow larger and slowly cover the
whole nail as if the window glass has become clouded. Following this
ridges appear and grow more and more pronounced and soon fluted
nails manifest themselves. The nails become brittle, losing its shape and
evenness, leading to delicacy of nerves, paralysis, etc.
Horizontal stripes and shallow depressions indicate that a person has
received mental shock due to unwanted and unpleasant situation faced
by him. If the stripes are more than one then it indicated senses of such
shocks. These stripes could indicate lack of mineral trace element,
which are vital for the brain. The shorter the nail, the more harmful is
the stripe to the individual. Nervousness, irresponsibility and weak
character , leading to a variety of ailments and nervous disorders are
shown by persons who are in the habit of biting nails.

Different types of nails on the same hand show considerable amount of

activity of various sorts and the subjects will have ups and downs in life.

Delicate health is also shown by narrow or psychic nails. The native

always depends upon psychic energy. The colour of the nail could be
white, pink, yellow or blue but there will always be blue colour at the
base, indicating poor circulation of blood.

Short nails show a critical turn of mind. The extremely short flat nail
with the skin growing down on it shows pugnacity. If it is not very
short, then a quizzical investigating disposition. Broad, unless curving
around fingers and broadening at the back with pink colour-open,
frank nature, honesty of thought , broad thoughts and genuineness is
the mainspring.

Nails with square ends on top (tip) and tapering to base, generally found
on long fingers or large hands – heart trouble, more of structural
defects or organic defects than lack of blood circulation. They will
generally be bluish in colour and if there be a moon, the blue colour
may cover it too.

The never mistaken nail is the bulbous nail, growing on the bulbous
finger tip. Prior to being bulbous, it could have ay shape(narrow,
broad, square etc). According to Hippocratus this shows advanced
stage of consumption or tuberculosis. Medical science says that it is due
to lack of nourishment. The tip of the finger thickens and forms a
distinguished pad or bulb and at times it becomes as round as a marble.
At times, it shows problems with the spine and lungs and the colour of
the nail may be blue. The lungs which remove carbonic acids and fills
the blood with oxygen are destroyed. Hence many poisonous impurities
come back with the blood.
Bronchial nails have a decided inclination to a curve, very short of being
bulbous. They indicate delicacy of bronchial tubes and throats. They
are liable to colds and sudden changes of temperature.

Pinkish nails fine state of health and liberal disposition

Red nails intense ardour and excess of instinct and
physical
energy, with a tendency towards violence
Red short nails Violent temperament.
Short with a soft palm born with critic’s attribute
Extremely short nails Looking like dots at the end of the fingers-very
easily
excited.
White nails Lack of warmth, egoitism and hasty nature
Blue nails a) lack of oxygen in the blood
b) during menstruation and menopause there
will be
tinges of blue colour on nails of women
c) blue at the base of the nail indicates heart
ailments which are easy
to cure.
Blackish tinge indicates diseased blood, liable to be irritable
and fall prey to passing sickness
Much shine on the nail There I no need to alarm if the nails maintain
their shine, irrespective of the colour.
Short triangular threatened paralysis.
Very broad nails Vigorous, constant, loves the battle of the mind
(covering the visible
end of the finger)
If the fingers are Pugnacious and disagreeable creature in
knotty,a big thumb, everything: love, art, eloquence, war,
hard hand, big mounts literature, music, etc.
of Mars

More in width and Analytical person, highly successful in

short in length

Long and thin nails Weak in digestion

Swollen and project drug addict, suicidal and lingering diseases
nails
Yellow nails poisoning of blood with bile
Spoon-like nails malnutrition, mental disorder
Square nails good judgement, honest, hardworking

Moons on the nails

Half Moon on Index finger: indicates promotion and some

good news
Medius finger: gets benefits from machinery
related to industry and possibility of getting
money
Ring finger: rise in status
Little finger: profits from business
The thumb base: progress and auspiciousness
Too large moons Vascular nerves are sensitive, blood circulation
is irregular, thyroid glands not functioning
properly, hypersensitive
Irregular moons Hyper tension, glandular problems
Medium moons Normal blood pressure, good temperament.

Fingernails and the spine

When fingernails have protuberance, hangnails, depressions, or deep

channels running at an angle upon their surface, they show
abnormalities of the spinal system as follows:
Thumbnail Skull and first two bones of the neck, axis and
atlas
Index finger nail Cervical vertebrae 4,5,6,7, neck to midway
between shoulder blades
Middle finger nail Thoracic or dorsal vertebrae (the first 12 bones
from the shoulder blade to the waist or mid-
back
Ring finger nail Lumbar vertebrae 1,2, 3, 4 (mid-back to girdle)
Little finger nail Sacrum and coccyx ( pelvis and tailbone).
Beryl B. Hutchinson’s study on nails

Small square nails: not well nurtured, meager

narrowness of ideas, show lack of warmth, love,
restricted sex leading to narrow, restricted
jealousies. Have the certitude of righteousness
without the capacity to understand or judge
fairly.
Wide nails show a quick temper and are
frequently short in relation to the finger. Wide
and red in colour generally use their fists when
angry. But wide nails do not bear malice.
The extreme example of the too rounded nail is
known ‘Hippocratic’ nail which that famous
Greek observed as a swelling up of the nail and
tissues at the end of the fingers, especially the
Index finger. He attributed the condition to
consumption.

Hutchinson, who does not agree with

Hippocratus, feels that it is lack of oxygen that is
the real cause and has attributed it to throat and
bronchial ailments and blockages in the ducts and
capillaries through lack of oxidization.
Long, narrow and filbert shape shows a lack of
energy at its root so the temper is gentle and they
prefer not to waste their vitality I unpleasurable
emotion.
The almond shape nail has been admired by
writers and painters. Mangin has found this nail
to possess a ‘sensitive nature’, devoted, generous,
courteous and refined, with a gentleness of
character in harmony with aesthetic tendencies.
Tough in texture, almost tabular and quite often
red. When yellow or brown tinged the owners
suffer from constipation. In these claw-like nails
there is a talon-like ruthlessness to grab and hold.
Display temper to gain their own ends, do not
have any emotion except calculated determination
to win.
 The nails, from tip to moon, become so concave
that they form a sort of a dish. There could be
mineral imbalance but by starvation and
inadequate supply of blood causes shrinking of
the substance under the nail horn. The nervous is
affected and is also found on alcoholics.

Perfect nails, white, almond-shaped and naturally polished, moderately

long and thick - Happy nature, satisfactory state of health; strange to
say, it has been observed that perfect almond-shaped nails are
frequently found on the fingers of conceited and selfish subjects,
especially women.

Perfect Nails- Such nails are little longer than wider and have a natural
lustre. They are men of high ideals and good-intentioned. They would
be successful in their lives.

Classification of nails by Beverly Jagears

The psychic (mental) nail: narrow, fairly long in the

nail bed, with a high curved arch, rounded or almond-
shaped base. Usually pink with white moons at the
base. Have a tendency to lung problems. Have
common colds with heavy cough. Susceptible to
airborne allergies caused by hair sprays, diesel exhausts
and insect sprays.
Frank Nails: (dependable) is a bit wider and flatter
over the surface. The cuticle base may also be almost
straight across, or very slightly rounded. Balanced
personality, secure in themselves, great party guests,
good conversationalists and listen to music. Give true
opinions. Tendency towards malfunction of major
organs.
Critical nails(Precision): A short nail showing
considerable flesh on both sides. Very vocal and make
some kind of noise continuously. If they have no one to
talk, they will turn on the radio or television in another
room. They speak their minds. High degree of
nervousness and may indulge in alcohol or drugs for
recreation.
The Wedge(Irritable): Almost triangular, narrowest at
the bottom. Can be subjects to violent extremes of
mood. They relieve stress in violent active games such as
soccer, hockey, rugby,etc. It also indicates lack of
vitamins during prenatal months. Psychological illness.
One or two wedge nails indicate fondness of physical
activity.
Able nails(Creative):Squarish, often flat at both the
ends. Capable people who do their jobs well. Indicate
practicality and found on Technical hands. Typical
careers-craftsman, creative house keepers, musicians,
computer operators, programmers, etc. Predisposed to
problems of gastrointestinal or circulatory system.
Sensitive nails(Emotional): Rounded at the base. This
highly arched nail has a quick mind and uses his mind
well and profitably. Form their own philosophies or
interpretations and have original thinking including
poets, fiction writers, artists, etc. A tendency to
glandular and weight problem, water retention and
allergies.
The hand worker’s nail(Multitalented):This broad and
flat nail was thought to have inferior intelligence bur
many surgeons, draftsmen, architects, engineers, etc.
possess this nail. Subject to stress-related problems,
varicose veins, diseases of the arteries, congestive or
irritative problems of genitourinary and reproductive
system.
4. SIGNS ON NAILS

Black Spots - If a person has black spots on his nails then he is likely to
meet with great calamity in life. Black spots on nails are an indication of
impurity of blood. One is soon to get sick with small-pox, malaria, fever
or any other disease connected with the impurity of blood.

White Spots- White sports indicate some obstruction to the circulation

of blood and also indicate some future diseases. If such spots are found
on the nails then it has to be concluded then that the man is likely to get
sick soon.

Half Moon- A half moon on the index finger indicates promotion and
some good news. Half moon in the finger of Saturn indicates that the
person shall get benefits from machinery related industry and also there
is the possibility of getting money. Half moon on the finger of Apollo
indicates that the person shall soon rise in status. Half Moon in the little
finger indicates profits in business dealings. Half Moon on the thumb
base indicates progress and auspiciousness.

Big Half Moon- In some cases a big half Moon which covers almost half
the nail is visible. In such cases the contrary of the above results.

Yellow Spots- If yellow spots are visible on one or more fingers, it is

certain that the man will meet his death on the near future.

Red Spots- Sometimes red spots are visible on the nails. At times with
other bad markings and indication it is a bad omen and the person is
likely to get murdered soon.

The different types of nails are:

Short Nails- Short nails reveal that the man is uncivilized. Such person
might have been born in a high family, yet he would be narrow-minded,
weak and of wicked tendencies.

Short and Pale Nails- Such nails reveal the wickedness of the individual.
Such a person tells lies at every step and will even deceive his own
family. He cannot be trusted.
Short and Rectangular Nails- A person having such nails on his fingers
is a heart patient and dies of heart attack.

Short and Wide Nails- Such persons believe in quarrelling. Criticizing

and interfering in other's works is their sole aim in life. They are
stubborn in nature.

Hard and Narrow Nails- These persons are generally quarrelsome in

nature. Once they make up their mind they shall do anything even if it
is wrong. They stick to their decisions.

Square Nails- Such nails reveal the wicked nature of the individual.
Such nails show that the man is a coward, timid and subdued.

Short and Triangular Nails- Such nails are generally wide at the upper
tip and narrow at the lower end. Persons with such nails are lazy and
hesitant to work. They like loneliness and do not like others to interfere
in their matters.

Nails wider in proportion to Length- Such persons get angry quickly.

They complete any work they have started without leaving it midway.

Short nails and knotty fingers- Such persons are quarrelsome. If such
nails are found in the fingers of a female, then she must be dominating
her husband and also quarrelsome.

Rounded Nails- Persons having rounded nails at the tip are quarrelsome
and take quick decisions. They know how to act on the decision they
have taken.

Thin and Long Nails- Such persons are weak-bodied and fickle-minded.
They cannot take independent decisions and act on the advise given by
others.

Long and Curved Nails- Such persons are not of good character and do
have affairs with many women. They get bad names in their lives
several times.

Perfect Nails- Such nails are little longer than wider and have a natural
lustre. They are men of high ideals and good-intentioned. They would
be successful in their lives.
5) BROKEN FINGERNAILS

BROKEN FINGERNAIL - INDEX FINGER

Our fingernails reflect the defenses we maintain against the outside
world. When a nail breaks (or is filed down, bitten, cut, or torn off by a
rampaging gazelle - it doesn't matter which) it indicates a breaking down
of some of these protections. The area of life is affected is shown by
which nail breaks, while the severity of the break identifies how serious
the issue actually is.

Remember that the stationary hand shows long-term issues (often relating
to family), while the moving hand indicates current situations.

The index finger reflects the ambitions, Ego, leadership, and power. A
broken fingernail here is a sure sign of problems at work. On the
moving hand it shows a new or temporary difficulty, while on the
stationary hand it tells of a reoccurrence of an ongoing issue.

If your own index fingernail is broken, realize that something has

penetrated your defenses and harmed your ego. Identify the cause. This
is crucial in order to prevent future reoccurrences.

Once you know the source, remedy the situation by adjusting your own
thoughts and ideas. You have contributed to your own misfortune, and
only you can correct it. By altering your thoughts, you will change both
your actions and your emotions, effectively negating the harm which
has been done to your ego.

BROKEN FINGERNAIL - MIDDLE FINGER

The middle finger reflects the powers of the mind, and the Super-Ego. A
broken fingernail here is a sure sign of some guilt or mental stress,
usually caused by monetary problems. On the moving hand (the
dominant hand) it shows a new or temporary difficulty, while on the
stationary hand it tells of a reoccurrence of an ongoing issue.

If your own middle fingernail is broken, realize that something has

penetrated your defenses and harmed your Super-Ego. Identify the
cause. What has affected your feelings of self-worth?.

Once you know the source, remedy the situation by adjusting your own
thoughts and ideas. Determine how you have contributed to your own
situation and you will avoid future reoccurrences. By altering your
thoughts, you will change both your actions and your emotions,
effectively negating the harm which has been done to your sense of Self-
Worth.

BROKEN FINGERNAIL - RING FINGER

The ring finger reflects the emotions, and the Personna (the "mask" we
wear). A broken fingernail here is a sure sign of emotional distress, and
is caused by fear of failure, loneliness, or self-doubt. On the moving
hand (the dominant hand) it shows a new or temporary difficulty, while
on the stationary hand it tells of a reoccurrence of an ongoing issue.

If your own ring fingernail is broken, realize that something has

penetrated your defenses and harmed you emotionally. Identify the
cause. What has caused your feelings of loneliness, isolation, and fear?.

Once you know the source, remedy the situation by adjusting your own
thoughts and ideas. Determine how you have contributed to your own
situation and you will avoid future reoccurrences. By altering your
thoughts, you will change both your actions and your emotions,
effectively negating the emotional trauma you have just experienced.

BROKEN FINGERNAIL - BABY FINGER

The baby finger reflects the communications, spirituality, and the Id (or
Libido). A broken fingernail here tells of an inability to communicate on
some level. (This can be verbal, non-verbal, or even sexual
communications.) On the moving hand (the dominant hand) it shows a
new or temporary difficulty, while on the stationary hand it tells of a
reoccurrence of an ongoing issue.

If your own baby fingernail is broken, realize that something has

penetrated your defenses and hampered your ability to communicate
with others. Identify the cause. What did you need to say that you
couldn't? Who did you need to say it to?

Once you know the cause, remedy the situation by adjusting your own
thoughts and ideas. Determine how you have contributed to your own
situation by not speaking your mind, and you will avoid future
reoccurrences. By altering your thoughts, you will change both your
actions and your emotions, effectively breaking through the
communication barriers.

BROKEN THUMBNAIL
The thumb reflects our willpower and control. A broken thumbnail
reveals that the individual's will is being dominated by another.
Remember that on the moving hand (the dominant hand) it shows a new
or temporary difficulty, while on the stationary hand it tells of a
reoccurrence of an ongoing issue.

If your own thumbnail is broken, realize that something has penetrated

your defenses and is breaking your will, and is also causing you to doubt
your own abilities to control the situation. Identify the cause. What (or
who) is causing you to "give up" and sacrifice your own desires? You
will know by the helpless or hopeless feelings associated with it.

Once you know the cause, remedy the situation by adjusting your own
thoughts and ideas. Determine how you have contributed to your own
situation with your self-doubts, and you will avoid future reoccurrences.
By altering your thoughts, you will change both your actions and your
emotions, and you will find the inner strength to once again stand up for
yourself.

6. Bitten fingernails

The thumb: personal will is being blacked or

person is being forced to do something.
Index finger: Possible lack of self-esteem or
self-confidence; may be having problems at
work.
Middle finger: a feeling of guilt or an
emotional problem that cannot be easily
solved.
Ring finger: Fear of failure.
Little finger: inability to communication or
(rarely) a sexual problem.
ALL fingers: Very rare showing general life
problem of major proportions. Nervous
 apprehension.

Jennifer Hirsch, the founder of Chirology Centre of South Africa states:

Reasons for NAIL BITING – from the perspective of chirology

It’s not often that I do readings for people who bite their nails. That’s
because in chirology biting your nails shows that you have inner
resistance to personal growth. So people who munch away at their
fingertips might be unconsciously stunting their own growth, and they
tend to be less likely to seek counsel from others.

When someone with bitten nails does come for a reading, we first
discuss the obvious meanings associated with nail biting such as stress,
tension, anxiety, that things feel out of control and worry is their middle
name. Then we look a little deeper to try to identify the significant issues
of their life where they could do with some help, where there is inner
turmoil, each of which fall into categories of our five elements of earth,
water, fire, air and ether.

First we discuss which nail you favour and which takes the most
punishment. If you bite your middle (earth) finger more than any other,
your problem may lie in the realm of the physical (earth). Do you have
health or financial woes, or perhaps a difficult family life, or maybe you
are moving house? Or are you stuck, plain and not so simple, with
everything feeling in a state of complete inertia?

People who bite mostly at their water (index) fingers reveal their
emotional vulnerability. If a person has heartache they may favour
these two fingernails most, to comfort their gut wrenching pain of
loneliness, or perhaps a specific relationship crisis, or maybe a friend
has let them down.

Is your fire element running self destructively rampant, perhaps

gambling or other addiction has you in a grip? Are you unhappy in
your work, or perhaps you have no fire energy, instead an emptiness
that aspects a crisis? If so, chances are that your ring fingernail (fire
finger) is often between your teeth!
The condition of your baby (air) fingernail gives clues to your
relationships too, but more specifically to your sexuality as well as to
interests and hobbies and to matters to do with money. Are you on the
edge financially, or unable to immerse yourself in a body of knowledge?
Are there are communication blockages, with others, or perhaps you
are blocked and denying aspects of and intimacy with self.
Bitten thumb nails often show some kind of separation in the person
from their spirituality, or their religious identity, as thumbs are
governed by the spiritual principles of chi. Thumbs also represent the
will and bitten thumb nails could point to the owner feeling
disempowered in their life.

If all your nails are battling to survive, many or even all of the above
situations may apply! To sum it up, generally speaking nail biting shows
stress, reluctance to grow or to face the truth about certain issues, a
deep sense of inner loneliness, diminished self-confidence along with the
sense of being unable to solve the problem.