Who doesn’t have concerns about their self-image, the way they look and how others perceive them?  Who hasn’t tried a dozen different diets in the hope of quickly losing weight?
 
When I first met Claudine, she had tried many different diets over the years and still, to her dismay, was carrying an extra 115 pounds. No magic formula had worked. When she lost weight, she would gain it right back. She also realized that when she was going through emotionally trying times, she would seek comfort in food. This understanding made her aware of the connection between body and mind and how both were intricately interwoven together.

Since she was a teenager, Claudine battled with issues of self-image. She remembered the boys in school, laughing and making fun of her, especially as her body seemed to be maturing faster than any of the other girls, which made her a focus of attention. Consequently, she felt shy and ashamed of herself, always trying to downplay her appearance.

Now, at 42 years old, she feels she has had enough and is crying out for a change. During her session with me, I searched to see her strengths and weaknesses and where her lack of self-worth was coming from. I explained to Claudine the necessity for her to change her way of thinking confirmed by the double pattern of lines in her hand. This conflicting pattern of lines showed me that she had been greatly affected by the duality of life – both the kindness and mean-spiritedness of others, keeping her on an emotional roller-coaster. From an astrological perspective, Claudine was also experiencing a powerful transit of the passage of Saturn on her Moon, referred to as Sadi Sati, denoting an extremely emotional time in her life.

It felt like this was the perfect time and opportunity to propose a challenge to Claudine. She had to change her way of thinking and living. I encouraged her that with understanding, discipline and motivation, she would be able to take charge of her life. She wanted to benefit from all the positive lines I had seen in her hands instead of remaining entangled in the dual pattern of lines that had caused her a lot of emotional anguish and confusion.

From the analysis, I pointed out the need for her to focus on finding a direction in life as, up until the present, her mind had been totally preoccupied with her appearance and her weight. She confirmed that she had not yet found her passion in life. She mentioned that her husband owned his own company and that he really loved his work. He had hoped for a long time that she could be happy too.

Over a series of coaching sessions, Claudine started the process of resolving her past hurt. She realized how much her pain was based on her efforts to please others, longing for their approval. Focused outwardly, she lost contact with her inner richness. Depending on the love of others, she felt empty. After a few sessions, she began to look at herself differently.
 
Slowly she regained her self-worth and began a regimen of diet and exercise every day.  After one year, Claudine had lost 50 pounds. She maintained her positive attitude and returned to school to study her favorite subject: fine cuisine. Claudine looks beautiful and radiates joy and satisfaction.

I feel privileged, through the disciplines of palmistry and astrology, to be able to serve as a guide to help you and people like Claudine realize aspects of themself that they might not otherwise be aware of. Your hand and your chart are my templates to identify your strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities. Together, we can determine what behaviors need change and what actions can be taken to achieve your goals. For more information about our palmistry programs or to arrange an appointment with me in person or through our Remote Consultation Service, check our website at www.birlacenter.com or call us at 866.428.3799.

Eastern texts consider the girdle of Venus auspicious. Shaped like the crescent moon, it symbolizes the beginning of a lunar cycle with its promise of becoming full. The girdle of Venus is said to reflect a permanent smile that we have in our hearts, showing that we can serve as an inspiration to others through the beauty we exemplify in our lives. It shows that we have the sensitivity to be attuned to the needs of others.

Sister Madeleine – Loving the Enemy
Sister Madeleine witnessed and endured atrocities in a prisoner-of-war camp. When she was released, she chose not to return home but to stay and help with the war recovery effort in the area, without any feelings of bitterness, hatred or revenge. On the contrary, well into her seventies, she continued to help establish greater cooperation and harmonious international relations between the warring zones. Note the well-formed girdle of Venus, which reveals her extraordinary gift of compassion.

Finding an outlet for our emotions can sometimes be difficult and, for that reason, an imbalance in the girdle of Venus is often found. This includes breaks, islands, overlaps or multiple straight lines. An improperly formed girdle of Venus indicates that, although we have great sensitivity and profound feelings, we are having difficulty expressing them. We may be passionate and intense, yet unable to find a creative outlet for our feelings. This may result in escapist or unpredictable behavior.

Alexander – An Empath
Alexander is a talented artist working for a major film studio. One day, on the bus coming home from work, a lady sitting beside him got her hand caught in the window. Alexander felt the intensity of her pain and jumped up to help her. A short time later, he discovered that he had been carried off the bus as he had fainted. The presence of numerous girdles of Venus shows that he has tremendous empathy; however, the breaks indicate that Alexander is prone to be overwhelmed by his emotions.

Our director, Ghanshyam, assured me that we can all grow a girdle of Venus or be able to repair an imbalanced one. I can show you how. If you are interested in experiencing a joy that is contagious to everyone you meet, please book a five-session coaching program and we can work together on developing this important line. You can book on our website www.birlacenter.com or call us toll-free at 866.428.3799.

“I am 13 years old and I hate school, I hate the teachers and I hate this town!” Benjamin screamed these words of frustration to his Mom, slamming the door of his bedroom.

Christine had moved her family from Toronto to Montreal six months before this incident. One year earlier, Benjamin had lost his Dad as a result of a heart attack. Christine decided to move back home where she could receive emotional support from her immediate family and relatives.
    
Due to his panic attacks, Benjamin had to change schools at least three times since the move. He even preferred to pass his day in detention rather than attend class. He was depressed, sad, and unhappy about himself and the world. His Mom had tried every therapy and her last resort was to try palmistry counselling.

I remember our first consultation. Benjamin sat very quietly, his heart in despair, and nothing could make him happy.  I knew that he desperately wanted to be 18 years old and was finding it difficult being 13. The death of his Father and the loss of everything familiar – his old neighborhood, friends, schoolmates, teachers – had been a big shock.

I explained his astrological chart, elaborating on his strengths and weaknesses. At first he smiled politely and then, as the reading continued, he became more curious and open to understanding how the chart could explain him so well. By the end of the session, we were both engaged in a profound philosophical conversation. He was very interested about his lines and wanted to know about each and every single one of them to my great delight.

In one of our later sessions, we looked at the astrological chart of his Father, and Benjamin was both surprised and happy by the similarity with his own chart. Both he and his Father had the same Virgo Ascendant. Additionally, they both had the auspicious placement of the North Node of the Moon, Rahu, in the sign Virgo on their ascendant.  Benjamin also discovered that his Father, like him, had been going through a major Rahu period when he was also 13 years old.

I requested Benjamin to find out from his grandmother what had happened to his Dad at the age of 13.

Two weeks later, when Benjamin returned for his coaching session, he excitedly told me he had discovered that his Dad had moved to Canada from Italy when he was 13 years old. He was amazed to realize they had both moved at the same age.  His grandmother had told him that his Father had been very sad to let go of his friends and school just like him. But she said he had worked very hard to receive his business degree so that he was able to open his own company. She said he went to school, worked hard, and never complained. Benjamin said “with the same chart as my Dad and at the same age, I want to do the same.”

A few months later, Benjamin returned with his Mother for a follow-up session to compare his most recent prints to the previous ones. To my surprise, when I greeted Benjamin, he not only appeared happier, but his whole figure had taken on a new appearance. He stood taller, radiating confidence and charisma. His Mother said she was so relieved by the change she perceived in him. She said he was no longer spending his days in detention, alone and without friends. In contrast, he was participating in all his school activities. He was becoming popular, making friends and scoring high enough grades to pass the year. His Mother said, “Although I have no idea what button got pressed in the heart of Benjamin, I no longer have to worry about him.”

Benjamin himself confirmed that one morning, everything had suddenly become very clear to him, and it was like waking up from a bad dream. He had had enough of his complaining and self-pity, feeling like a loser and a victim. He realized nobody wanted to hang around with a loser. And as his Father had faced the same challenges and had been a success, he decided with conviction to follow his example and, from that day, do better.  Benjamin’s sadness was replaced with a powerful feeling of gratitude to his Father for inspiring him to be victorious.

This time it was a very happy Benjamin leaving my office and I knew he would be alright. He had transformed himself and his way of thinking.

There are many signs of growing confidence in Benjamin’s follow-up prints. One of the most striking changes is in his left hand, where the islands around the lifeline, denoting confusion, have disappeared. This confirms all the negative feelings of isolation and sadness have gone.
Benjamin can now walk with assurance towards his future!

I feel privileged, through the disciplines of palmistry and astrology, to be able to serve as a guide to help you and people like Benjamin realize aspects of themself that they might not otherwise be aware of. Your hand and your chart are my templates to identify your strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities. Together, we can determine what behaviors need change and what actions can be taken to achieve your goals. For more information about our palmistry programs or to arrange an appointment with me in person or through our Remote Consultation Service, check our website at www.birlacenter.com or call us at 866.428.3799.

Jessica is 70 years old and was having her second palmistry consultation after a long interval. She had first seen my teacher, Kathleen Keogh, 30 years previously.  

I said to her, “You must be curious to see the changes?” She smiled and responded with twinkling eyes, “I believe we both will be surprised!” I began the reading by placing her previous and most recent handprints in front of us. Immediately I was struck by the changes. Together we enjoyed each new line like savouring spoonfuls of a delicious cake.

I was also aware that any process of transformation, as seen by the development of new lines, often involves surrender and the pain of letting go. Frequently new resolves necessitate that we let go of familiar but self-defeating thoughts and habits that have become entrenched in our personality and lifestyle. I was eager to hear the story behind the development of each of Jessica’s new lines. It would bring life and depth to the two-dimensional handprint spread out in front of us.

I asked Jessica what she had learned from all her experiences throughout the last 30 years as seen by all the new lines. Her beautiful, smiling eyes filled with tears as she said, “I drank heavily for the most part of my life. I caused so much worry to my parents as they didn’t know how to help me.

My first marriage collapsed because of my alcohol addiction. My situation deteriorated further when I became involved with another alcoholic whose wealth enabled us to travel extensively and drink wherever we went. For many years, we lived in an alcoholic blur.
One morning, after experiencing a terrible hangover, I was desperate to seek help. I remember my first hand analysis with a beautiful young woman, telling me, “Jessica, you are only surviving. The lines in your hands are almost non-existent. You need to get in touch with your rich inner resources. Otherwise, you are just living mechanically on the surface of life, letting time go by without discovering your real purpose. Let me help you find it!”
Jessica continued, “Up until that time, I was probably too afraid to face reality and had not yet hit rock-bottom. After my reading, I realized how empty my life had become.  I recognized that I had no purpose, was wasting my life and drinking to forget. I made up my mind right there and then to stop drinking.

For six months, I tried to inspire my alcoholic friend to join me. However, as he was unwilling to change, I realized in order to support my fledgling resolve, I had to move on. At that time, my parents were getting older and were in need of assistance. I decided my parents would become my purpose. I was also grateful to have a chance to make up for all the sufferings my drinking had caused them. While holding down a part-time job, I took care of them for over 10 years until they both passed away, all that time never missing my AA meetings.

Today I am very active in AA, being requested to give talks in the hope of inspiring many young people to not waste their life and live in regret. Thanks to the Birla Center who over 30 years ago, motivated me to find a purpose. If I had not received that information, surely I would have experienced the same fate as my alcoholic friend and not be alive today. I had heard through the grapevine that my friend had found another woman and that they had continued the same lifestyle, traveling and drinking heavily, until he passed away 10 years ago.” With a twinkle in her eyes and a wide smile, she said, “I found my purpose with AA and I want to live as long as I can to help as many people as God puts on my path.”

I feel privileged, through the disciplines of palmistry and astrology, to be able to serve as a guide to help you and people like Jessica realize aspects of themself that they might not otherwise be aware of. Your hand and your chart are my templates to identify your strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities. Together, we can determine what behaviors need change and what actions can be taken to achieve your goals. For more information about our palmistry programs or to arrange an appointment with me in person or through our Remote Consultation Service, check our website at www.birlacenter.com or call us at 866.428.3799.

Tremendous satisfaction is derived in life by being able to freely express our ideas. We all would love to communicate effortlessly in order to be understood in our personal and professional relationships. Observing the planet Mercury in our hand and chart is a useful tool in determining to what degree we are successful in conveying our feelings and in providing clues as to what could be done to bring about more fulfillment in our self-expression.
    
Charles: A Case History
 
Charles had just gone through a divorce which left him physically and emotionally drained at the time of the first handprint. He understood, after his first consultation, that part of the reason for his failed relationship was his inability to express himself freely and openly. Many ideas and goals had been left unrealized. For example, Charles had been unable to communicate to his future wife his desire to be a psychologist. With one year of college remaining to obtain his degree, he opted to stay in a dead-end job that was well paying instead of completing his education. His frustration can be seen by the absence of a Mercury line in his first handprint. The presence of a Mercury line shows we are conscious of who we are and satisfied with our self-expression.  It shows we have been able to dive into our subconscious in order to bring its wealth to the surface of consciousness to express our unique individuality.

 The presence of the Mercury line signals an awakening. It appears on the hand as we become motivated to experience life more fully. We are no longer content with living mechanically on the surface of life. We are compelled to move forward and express who we really are. Connecting with our inner joy, we have something to offer in our relationships. Charles by giving up his dream in the hope that a relationship would fulfill him had no inspiration to offer. This lack of self-expression hindered his relationship and his marriage was not able to flourish. The absence of a Mercury line indicates that we are not satisfied with our circumstances and surroundings. If such distress is not resolved, a variety of health problems can ensue, in turn leading to the miscommunication that lies at the base of much unhappiness in our relationships. These can be of an emotional, mental, physical, or sexual nature.

After a series of counseling sessions, Charles decided to change his thoughts and leave his past anguish and heartache behind in order to focus on creating a more fulfilling future. He realized the presence of the major lines of heart, head and life alone without the support of the minor lines of Mercury, Sun, etc., indicated he was not mining his rich inner potential. He realized he was stifling his creativity and suffocating as a result. He understood the necessity to discover his unique passion and bring it into being.

His later print shows the development of a Mercury line, revealing greater inner contentment and ease of self-expression. In addition the development of a Sun line shows conviction of heart, magnetism and popularity. Eventually, Charles completed his schooling, remarried and opened a consulting firm with his new wife.

I would love to hear your comments about the article and receive any questions you might have regarding your own Mercury line that I can include in future articles. You can reach me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you would like a personal consultation, check our website at www.birlacenter.com or call us at 866.428.3799.

Often when faced with a broken relationship I find myself in the position of a lawyer in court rather than counselor and therapist. At that point in the relationship, where accusations are flying, we are beyond having any conciliatory dialogue.
    
Carmen and Jacques are an example of one of the many couples I see that are in need of emergency repair to help what appears to be irreparable. Jacques was faced with the ultimatum to either come for an afternoon consultation or proceed with a divorce. So reluctantly he agreed to come with his wife, Carmen to experience a new approach to couple therapy.

As our Wellness Center is a two-hour drive from Montreal, Carmen and Jacques had lot of time to reflect on their situation and how they wanted to use their time with me. The therapy had already begun in the car.

During the afternoon, I took time with each of them alone and then we all sat together. Their handprints and astrological charts showed me right away the problem they were facing.  I could also see why they attracted each other in the first place and what was essential for them to learn from each other.

The process began when I asked Jacques what he felt was the problem? Following is an excerpt of our exchange.

Jacques:  She told me that I do not take care for her feelings.

Carmen:  He said that I am selfish, demanding and never happy.

Jacques: She said that I make her insecure, but I feel that I give her everything.

Carmen:  He said I am too negative and complicated but I see him being so charming and agreeable with other women.

Jacques:  She said she doesn’t know if she loves me and is always threatening to leave.

Carmen:  He said our problem is sexual and maybe we should experiment with new partners.

Jacques:  She said I knew you never loved me. I have lost my time with you.

The accusations flew back and forth between them like a mental battlefield with each trying to defend the kingdom of their heart. I felt the blame could go on and on and on, with no end to their justifications.

Thankfully I have the tools of Vedic palmistry and astrology to provide an objective view to help open their vision. Carmen lacks confidence as seen by her small Sun finger. She attracted a strong Sun individual, Jacques – magnetic, self-assured with a great love of life. Although Jacques had the intention to support Carmen, his bigger than life personality only aggravated the situation more. I silently thought, ‘Is this relationship salvageable as they are not hearing each other?’

Although it is painful to hear the truth about ourselves, including our weaknesses and mistakes, it is sometimes necessary for the welfare of our spiritual evolution. My question is why do we have to wait to be in such dire straits or in a broken relationship before we begin to work on ourselves?

After their sessions, Carmen and Jacques left for another two-hour drive back to Montreal. I believed this would give them ample time to reflect on all that had been said hopefully with a more open and loving feeling to reconcile with each another. I thought as the car pulled out of the driveway, “Ah, their couple therapy is underway.”

In my personal coaching, I concentrate on specific areas that my clients would like to work on. I explain to them, however, that what may have taken many years to develop as a negative habit or self-defeating pattern needs commitment to bring about change.

Whatever issue you would like to focus on, whether professional or personal, such as building confidence, developing charisma, or attracting love – I would be more than happy to work with you and to see the successful changes in your life, confirmed by the changing patterns in your hands.

For more information about our palmistry programs or to arrange an appointment with me in person or through our Remote Consultation Service, check our website at www.birlacenter.com or call us at 866.428.3799.

The Sun in the hand reflects passion, conviction, courage and creativity. Ideally, the Sun mount and finger indicate our potential to extend ourselves spontaneously to others without looking for praise, recognition or acknowledgment for what we do. We act from our heart. The Sun, as a reflection of our soul, indicates that the impossible can come true. Our passion for whatever it is we do is charismatic, and may inspire others to pursue their own dreams.
    
The development of the Sun (A) indicates the degree to which we are in touch with our spiritual nature. Ideally, a balanced Sun finger reaches to the midpoint of the mental phalange of the Saturn (G) finger. When it doesn’t reach the midpoint, it is underactive. This shows that we need to learn to trust the soul energy within us; it is that which makes us competent to reach our goals. By finding our passion and devoting ourselves to something we love will help open our heart chakra, bringing greater conviction, magnetism and confidence.  
    
When the Sun finger is almost as long as the finger of Saturn, it is overactive. Like the physical Sun itself, we can be the center of attention due to our charismatic and powerful nature. However, we need to guard against a tendency to be egocentric. We may be tempted to believe that power emanates from within us rather than that we are simply a channel of spiritual energy. Although we are intelligent, charming and dynamic, we need to remember, however, that our unique and powerful way of expressing ourselves is meant to be used for humanity, and not for self-aggrandizement. We need to retain a sense of humility, recognizing that our personal power is a gift to be shared with others.

Here is a story of how opposites can attract and help one another.

“Jenny and Ellen” - Student and Mentor

Great friends and co-workers for the last ten years, Jenny and Ellen complement each other’s natures. Jenny, the youngest of a large family, left home when she was quite young and moved to France to find work in the film industry. In her first job interview, despite her lack of previous training or film experience, she convinced her prospective boss that he wouldn’t be able to do without her. After one week, she was hired. Note the strong development of Jenny’s Sun mount and finger.

Ellen grew up in a more protected and conservative environment. Her nature is more introspective and reserved than Jenny, as shown in part by her smaller Sun finger. Together, Ellen and Jenny enhance each other’s potentials. Although extroverted, Jenny needed direction and reassurance to help focus and channel her exuberant, dynamic energy. Ellen, already accomplished in her line of work, was able to help her friend and, in the process, found an outlet for her own creative expression—by helping inspire Jenny to be proficient in the same field.

I would love to hear your comments about the article and receive any questions you might have regarding your own Sun mount and finger that I can include in future articles. You can reach me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you would like a personal consultation, check our website at www.birlacenter.com or call us at 866.428.3799.

Charles's story serves as an inspiration on how we can live in the material world faced with numerous responsibilities and challenges while at the same time being able to incorporate spiritual values into our life.
Charles descends from 3 generations of courageous and risky entrepreneurs, who believe in success and wealth. Being the only son, it was natural for Charles to follow in the footsteps of his dad. Consequently after receiving his MBA in administration, he joined the family business with great zest and vigor, loving every minute of it. Not long after, the business began to thrive bringing in more money than ever before. However, Charles’ father instead of feeling proud of his son and happy with the success became threatened by his vision and his new way of doing business. So one day without any warning or explanation, Charles was fired

.

It was at this time that Charles came in for a consultation with a heavy heart, and an angry mind.  He could not understand why his father had behaved like that. He kept repeating, “We were family; why, why, why?” Finally, he realized he had a choice that he could either let himself be destroyed by the experience or choose to learn something from it.
I explained his natal chart to him, emphasizing the important relationship he had with his father. Our 9th house reveals our good fortune. It signifies all those important relationships, including mentors, teachers, beginning with our father. In Charles’ chart, the sign of Capricorn is placed in the 9th house. Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, is sitting in the 1st house, a very auspicious placement as the 1st house relates to our whole personality and purpose in life. Consequently, Charles’ dad will play an important role in Charles’ life and spiritual development. The sign Taurus is sitting in the 1st house. Taurus being a fixed sign denotes Charles can be inflexible and stubborn. However, Taurus is also ruled by the benefic planet Venus, the planet of love. However, Venus is placed in the 12th house, related to loss or enlightenment. Therefore, Charles was presented with the lesson either to let go the past and forgive or remain in an emotional void full of anger and resentment. Charles said the impact of his dad firing him was too painful, and that he could never forgive him. Each time we met, Charles expressed his feelings of rage, sorrow and frustration until one day he felt he could not be angry anymore. He said, “I’m ready; let’s give it a try.” Charles moved on with his life. He found a great job, got married and had children of his own. In time, he understood his dad more and accepted that perhaps his own youthful independence had played a part in creating a rift between them.

At the time of his firing, Charles had been replaced in the company by his sister, Marie. However, within 3 years, Marie had sold her share of the company to her father’s competitor. This left her father with little control in the running of the business. Feeling ineffectual and powerless, he felt his only choice was to sell his remaining shares. Charles’ father was furious and hurt that his own daughter could have deceived him in such a manner. She had negotiated with his rivals behind his back making a decision that would ultimately destroy his position in his company.  He felt betrayed and devastated that his own blood could do this to him. He came to Charles for comfort.

Charles’ first feeling was compassion and understanding for his dad. However it did not take him long to see the irony of the situation. He said to me, “here is my Dad asking me for advice after what happened between us. My dad could never have imagined ending up in such a sad state.” Charles realized now was the time he could help his dad go through the same process he had experienced himself a few years before. Consequently, Charles became the therapist of his dad, encouraging him each day not to be angry and to forgive his sister.

Inadvertently, Charles’ father became his good fortune and great teacher, as Charles developed many virtues as a result of their relationship. In Charles’ 2nd handprint, there is a presence of a poorva punya line, one of the most auspicious indications in the hand, showing we have gained great fortune as a result of our virtuous deeds. Charles not only was able to forgive his dad, but to help him in his time of need. Instead of holding anger and resentment, feeling vindicated that his dad was getting back only what he deserved, Charles truly wanted to see him happy. He helped him by saying, “Dad, you have to see the world from your heart, not from the head.  Come on! Life has something else to give you beside money; and you have to discover it.”
Also in the “after” print, Charles’ line of destiny became longer, showing the blow of being fired by his father had only made him stronger and more convinced to be a kinder and more loving person. Finally, he was grateful realizing if it hadn’t been for his dad, he would never had seen such a transformation in his personality.

In my personal coaching, I concentrate on specific areas that my clients would like to work on. I explain to them, however, that what may have taken many years to develop as a negative habit or self-defeating pattern needs commitment to bring about change.
Whatever issue you would like to focus on, whether professional or personal, such as building confidence, developing charisma, or attracting love – I would be more than happy to work with you and to see the successful changes in your life, confirmed by the changing patterns in your hands.

For more information about our palmistry programs or to arrange an appointment with me in person or through our Remote Consultation Service, check our website at www.birlacenter.com or call us at 866.428.3799.

Thanks to all of you who responded to last month’s article about the Sun line. As we saw last month, the presence of a Sun line shows that you are a pretty happy person. It indicates your potential to extend yourself spontaneously to others without looking for praise, recognition or acknowledgment for what you do. You act from your heart. Let us see what we can do to grow a Sun line.

A few researchers looked at whether happiness can be bought, and they discovered that quite possibly it can. Taking a friend to lunch, it turns out, makes us happier than buying something for ourself. Three different studies done by a team of researchers from Harvard and the University of British Columbia all drew the same conclusion.

In their first study, the researchers asked more than 600 people about their income, their happiness levels and a breakdown of their monthly spending, including bills, gifts and donations to charity. The results? Regardless of how much income each person made, those who spent money on others reported greater happiness, but those who spent more on themselves, didn’t.

The second study measured happiness levels of employees at a firm both before and after they received a $3,000 bonus. What affected the employees’ happiness wasn’t so much the size of the bonus, but how they spent it. The employees who used more of their bonus to buy gifts for others or gave money to charity consistently reported greater happiness than those who spent money on their own needs.

In the third experiment, participants were given either $5 or $20 and told to spend it by 5 p.m. that day. Half were told to spend the money on themselves, the other half were told to spend it on other people. Once again, participants who spent their cash on others were happier than those who spent the money on themselves. Even better, there was no difference in spending $5 or $20; the amount spent on others had no impact on happiness.

“Just because money doesn’t buy happiness doesn’t mean money cannot buy happiness,” says Elizabeth Dunn, a social psychologist and assistant professor at the University of British Columbia. “People just might be using it wrong. The problem isn’t money, it’s us.” Consequently, by giving as little as $5 a day to someone in need, or simply buying lunch for a friend – may be enough to significantly increase our happiness levels.
– SOURCE: UBC, HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL

Love is a magnet that will draw success and happiness to us. Our ability to touch the hearts of others through our genuine care and concern is the best way to find happiness. Also when our hearts are ignited by a passion and love for what we are doing, we resonate with a strong vibration capable to inspire and motivate others. The presence of the Sun line reflects that we are fully conscious of the experience of joy and abundance.

In the chapter How to be more likable, in the book Man’s Eternal Quest, Paramahansa Yogananda tells us, “There is a magnet in your heart that will attract true friends. That magnet is unselfishness, thinking of others first. Practice consideration and goodness until you are like a beautiful flower that everyone likes to see. When you are attractive in that way, you will always have true friends.”

Sometimes instead of a sun line, denoting belief and conviction, we find a cross on the Sun mount, denoting indecision and doubt. Through our hesitancy, we may lose opportunities that could have resulted in bringing success and contentment. The two lines that make up the cross reflect an obstruction. The cross shows mistrust in our intuition, which is ultimately self-defeating. Since intuition is a manifestation of spirit, we must learn to trust that aspect of ourselves in order for the cross to fade and a single Sun line remains.

“Robert” - A Missed Opportunity

Robert, a young graduate student, was dating Mary, a security guard. To him, she was the woman of his dreams. Both had the same wish to retire early and sail around the world. However, they believed this could only happen if one of them won the lottery. Despite their precarious financial situation, Mary pressed Robert to marry her. Robert was reluctant to make a commitment and kept putting her off. Frustrated by his indecision, Mary ended the relationship much to his sadness. She later married her supervisor. A year later, Robert saw on television that Mary had won the Irish sweepstakes and was sailing around the world with her new husband. Robert’s cross on his Sun mount reflects his inability to make a decision. However, challenges can sometime bring out the best in us. Robert vowed he would never let love slip through his fingers again.

I would love to hear your comments about the article and receive any questions you might have regarding your own Sun line that I can include in future articles. In that case, please send me a copy of your hands, noting which hand is dominant, i.e. that you use to write, and if possible, your date, time and place of birth. In addition, please include your consent that your question and prints can be used. You can reach me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Also, I would be happy to answer all your questions if you would like to go in-depth into understanding your own hand, including your Sun line. Our personal Coaching Program starts at $79/hour with a minimum of 5 hours. Also for those of you who are unable to come in person, you can still enroll in the coaching program through our Remote Consultation Service. For more details, check our website at www.birlacenter.com or call us at 866.428.3799.

Elizabeth longed for something magical to come into her life to help ease the pain of her past memories and to give hope for the future. In her intense search, she was living a life full of expectation hoping tomorrow would be better than all the bad yesterdays. Meanwhile the present became increasingly busy, with pressing demands, obligations and responsibilities. This state of mind is reflected by a busy network of lines in Elizabeth’s hands, denoting an overwhelming feeling that her life was out of control.

Elizabeth felt overwhelmed and alone as a single mother taking care of three children. In her consultation, she was hoping for a magic remedy that could ease some of her stress. I explained to her that her mind was overly occupied, as confirmed by the many crisscrossing lines in her handprints. I promised that we would work together to achieve greater peace of mind, eliminating one line at a time.

She realized her past habit was to try and escape reality by seeking solace in relationships. However as she got involved too quickly, each relationship only ended up adding further disappointment and hurt.  She realized she was depending on her relationships to make her happy, putting aside her need to discover herself and her own self-expression. In her before handprint, in addition to too many lines, there is a faint destiny line showing she is distracted from fully realizing and embracing her life purpose.

After working together for several months, she began to take charge of her life, keeping a specific goal in mind. Rather than dwell on the past or future, she concentrated on being present each moment, enjoying her role both as a mother and as a professional. The satisfaction she began to experience replaced her fears, frustrations and anxieties. She is now feeling more focused, disciplined and structured towards fulfilling her dreams. We can see in the ‘After’ handprint, her destiny line has become stronger. The saying of a great Himalayan yogi, Babaji, really resonated with her, “Banat, Banat, Ban Jai” which translates as “By doing and doing, it is done.” She is really enthusiastic to see the changes in herself one line at the time.  

In my personal coaching, I concentrate on specific areas that my clients would like to work on. I explain to them, however, that what may have taken many years to develop as a negative habit or self-defeating pattern needs time and commitment to bring about change.

Whatever issue you would like to focus on, whether professional or personal, such as building confidence, developing charisma, or attracting love – I would be more than happy to work with you and to see the successful changes in your life, confirmed by the changing patterns in your hands.

For more information about our palmistry programs or to arrange an appointment with me in person or through our Remote Consultation Service, check our website at www.birlacenter.com or call us at 866.428.3799.