Part 16

NOSE. Moles on any part of the nose, show a hasty and passionate disposition, much given to amorous pleasures, faithful to engagements, candid, open, and sincere in friendship, courageous and honest, but very petulant, and rather given to drink; it denotes great success through life and in love affairs—that you will become rich, marry well, have fine children and be much esteemed by your neighbors and acquaintance—that you will travel much, particularly by water.

NOSTRIL. Inside the nostril shows that you will be energetic and persevering, and well off in the world; that you will get a good wife or husband when you marry.

PRIVATE MEMBERS. Moles on these parts show a generous, open and honest disposition, extremely disposed to gallantry, and the joys of Venus, given to sobriety, and of undaunted courage; it denotes great success in the latter part of life, but many and severe misfortunes in the former, which will be borne with fortitude; it also foretells a happy marriage and fine children, who will be happy, thrive well, and grow rich and respectable: in man it shows that he will have natural children, who will cut a great figure in life, but he will experience much plague and vexation from their mother.

SHIN. (_See Leg._)

SHOULDER. On the left shoulder shows a person of a quarrelsome, unruly disposition, always inclined to dispute for trifles, rather indolent, but much inclined to the pleasures of love, and faithful to the conjugal vows. It denotes a life not much varied either with pleasures or misfortunes; they indicate many children, and moderate success in business, but dangers by sea. On the right shoulder shows a person of a prudent and discreet temper, one possessed of much wisdom, given to great secrecy, very industrious, but not very amorous, yet faithful to conjugal ties; it indicates great prosperity and advancement in life, a good partner, and many friends, with great profit from a journey to a distant country, about the age of thirty-five.

SIDE. On either side, near any part of the ribs, shows an indolent, cowardly disposition, given to excessive drinking, of an inferior capacity, and little inclined to the pleasures of love; it denotes an easy life, rather of poverty than riches, little respected, a partner of an uneven and disagreeable temper, with undutiful children, who will fall into many difficulties.

STOMACH. If in the pit of the stomach, it shows a person of foppish disposition, with little common sense, though much industry; it also denotes riches. If lower down on the stomach, it is a sign that you will promise more than you will perform, but will nevertheless be highly esteemed.

THIGH. On the right thigh, it shows the person to be of an agreeable temper, inclined to be amorous, and very courageous: it also denotes success in life, accumulation of riches by marriage, and many fine children, chiefly girls. On the left thigh, shows a good and benevolent disposition, a great turn for industry, and little inclined to the pleasures of love: it likewise indicates many sorrows in life, great poverty, unfaithful friends, and imprisonment by the false swearing of some one.

THROAT. It predicts a fortunate and wealthy marriage to either sex. (_See Neck._)

TONGUE. If a man shall have a mole on his tongue, it foretells that he shall marry with a rich and beautiful woman of great celebrity. On a woman’s tongue it denotes reserve of manner and wisdom; also a fortunate marriage.

WRIST. Moles on the wrist, or between that and the finger ends, show the person to be of an ingenious and industrious turn, faithful in his engagements, amorous and constant in his affections, rather of a saving disposition, with a great degree of sobriety and regularity in his dealings. It foreshows a comfortable acquisition of fortune, with a good partner, and beautiful children, but some disagreeable circumstances will happen about the age of thirty, which continue four or five years. In a man, it denotes being twice married—in a woman only once, but that she will survive her husband.

TO CHOOSE A HUSBAND BY THE HAIR.

BLACK. Generally healthy, but apt to be cross; fond where he fixes his attachment, and likely to make a good husband, and be careful of his family: but if short and curly, is usually of an unsettled temper, apt to show a want of prudence and carefulness in early life.

WHITE OR FAIR HAIR. Usually of a weak and sickly constitution, fond of music, and will cut no great figure in the world.

YELLOW. Fond, but inclinable to jealousy; and not always industrious.

LIGHT BROWN. Sensible and good-humored, careful and attentive, and, if saving of his income, generally makes a good husband; but is apt to be otherwise.

DARK BROWN. Neither very good nor very bad, middling in all respects, but may be regarded as a pretty good character.

VERY DARK BROWN. Of a robust constitution, and of a grave disposition, but sometimes not very good-tempered and sensible, and kind to a good wife.

RED. Will be cunning, artful, and fond of female companions; and be generally of a lively temper, and sometimes careless of money.

SIGNIFICATION OF THE NAILS.

BROAD NAILS. The person that hath the nails thus, is of gentle nature, good, and pusillanimous, and a great fear to speak before great persons, or those by whom they are in subjection; as also being guilty of extreme bashfulness.

If about these nails there happens to be an excoriation of the flesh, which is commonly called points—in these large nails it signifies the party given to luxury, yet fearful, but usually given to excess.

When there is at the extremity a white mark, it signifies ruin through negligence. The party has more honesty than subtlety.

WHITE NAILS. He that hath the nails white and long, is sickly, and subject to much infirmity by fevers; he is neat but not very strong, because of his indispositions, much addicted to the company of women by whom he will be greatly deceived.

NARROW NAILS. The person with such nails, is desirous of attaining knowledge in the sciences; but is never long at peace with his neighbors. But if to narrowness they add some degree of length, the person will be led away by ambitious propensities, always aiming at things which he will be unable to obtain.

ROUND NAILS. These declare a hasty person, yet good-natured and very forgiving; a lover of knowledge, liberal sentiment, doing no one any harm, and acting by his own principles, but too proud of his own abilities.

LONG NAILS. When the nails are long, the person is of a good-natured turn, but placing confidence in no man, being from his youth familiar with duplicity, but not practising it, from his strict adherence to virtue.

FLESHY NAILS. This description of nail indicates an idler, loving to sleep, eat, and drink; not delighting in bustle and busy life; one who prefers a narrow income without industry, to one of opulence to be acquired by activity and diligence.

LITTLE NAILS. Little round nails discover a person to be obstinately angry, seldom pleased, inclining to hate every one, as conceiving himself superior to others, though without any reason.

PALE OR LEAD-COLORED NAILS. A melancholy person, one who through choice leads a sedentary life, and would willingly give up all things for the sake of study, and to improve in the learned and metaphysical branches of philosophy.

RED AND SPOTTED NAILS. Choleric and martial, delighting in cruelty and war; his chief pleasure being in plundering towns, where every ferocious particle in human nature is glutted to satiety.

When you find any black spots upon the nails, they always signify evil, as white ones are a token of good.

FORTUNE-TELLING BY TEA OR COFFEE GROUNDS.

TO POUR OUT THE GROUNDS OF A TEA OR COFFEE CUP.—Pour the grounds of coffee or tea into a white cup, shake them well about in it, so that their particles may cover the surface of the whole cup; then reverse it into the saucer, that all the superfluous parts may be drained, and the figures required for fortune-telling be formed.

The person who acts as the fortune-teller, must always bend his or her thoughts upon him or her who is to have their fortune told, and on their rank in life, and profession, in order to give plausibility to the predictions. It is not to be expected that upon taking up the cup, the figures will be accurately represented as they are in reality, but it will be quite sufficient if they bear some resemblance to any of the emblems; and the more fertile the fancy is of the person that inspects the cup, the more he or she will discover in it.

In other respects, every one who takes a pleasure in this amusement, must be a judge under what circumstances he or she is to make changes in point of time—speaking, just as it suits, in the present, the past, or the future; in the same manner, their ingenuity ought to direct them when to speak more or less pointedly with regard to sex.

THE ROADS, or separate lines, indicate ways; if they are covered with clouds, and, consequently, in the thick, they are said to be infallible marks, either of many great or future reverses. But if they appear in the clear and serene, are the surest token of some fortunate change near at hand; encompassed with many points or dots, they signify either a gain of money, or long life.

THE RING signifies marriage; if a letter is near it, it denotes to the person that has their fortune told, the initial of the name of the party to be married. If the ring is in the clear, it portends happy and lucrative friendship; if surrounded with clouds, the contrary. But if the ring appear at the bottom of the cup, it forebodes the probability of a separation.

THE LEAF OF CLOVER is, as well here as in common life, a lucky sign. Its different position in the cup alone makes the difference; because, if it be on the top, it shows that the good fortune is not far distant; but it is subject to delay, if it be in the middle or at the bottom. Should clouds surround it, it shows that many disagreeables will attend the good fortune; in the clear, it prognosticates serene and undisturbed happiness.

THE ANCHOR. The emblem of hope and commerce, implies successful business carried on by water and by land, if on the bottom of the cup; at the top and in the clear part, it shows constant love and fidelity; but in thick and cloudy parts, it denotes inconstancy.

THE SERPENT, always the emblem of falsehood and enmity, is likewise here a general sign of an enemy. On the top or in the middle of the cup, it promises to the consulting party that by his always acting properly, his enemies will not be able to triumph over him; if in the thick or cloudy part, he must watch his temper and actions very carefully, to prevent great troubles.

THE COFFIN. The emblem of death, prognosticates the same thing here, or at least a long and tedious illness, if it be in the thick or turbid. In the clear, it denotes long life; if in the thick, at the top of the cup, it signifies a considerable estate likely to be made by cautious industry.

THE DOG, being at all times the emblem of fidelity or envy, has also a two-fold meaning here. At the top, in the clear, it signifies true and faithful friends: if the image be surrounded with clouds and dashes, it shows that some whom you take for your friends are not to be depended on; but if the dog be at the bottom of the cup, take much care not to excite any person to envy or jealousy, or you will have to dread the effects of both.

THE LILY. If this emblem be at the top, or in the middle of the cup, it signifies that the consulting party either has, or will have, a good spouse; if it be at the bottom, it denotes anger. In the clear, the lily further betokens a long and happy life; if clouded, or in the thick, it portends trouble and vexations.

THE CROSS, in general, predicts adversities; if it be at the top, and in the clear, it indicates that the misfortunes of the party will soon be at an end, or that he will, by careful conduct, easily get over them; but if it appear in the middle, or at the bottom of the thick, the party must expect many severe trials; if it appear with dots, either in clear or thick, it promises recompense for sorrow.

THE CLOUDS. If they be more bright than dark, you may expect a good result from your hopes; but if they are black, you may give it up. Surrounded with dots, they imply success in trade, if you are saving, and not too venturesome; the brighter they are, the greater will be your happiness.

THE SUN, is an emblem of the greatest luck and happiness, if in the clear; but in the thick, it denotes a great deal of illness; surrounded by dots or dashes, it foretells that, without much circumspection, an alteration will soon take place.

THE MOON. If it appear in the clear, it denotes high honors; in the dark or thick parts, it implies disappointment and sadness, which will, however, pass without great prejudice. But if it be at the bottom of the cup, the consulting party may expect, by industry and prudent conduct, to be very fortunate.

THE STAR denotes happiness, if in the clear, and at the top of the cup; if clouded, or in the thick, it signifies long life, though exposed to various troubles. If dots are about it, it foretells fortune and respectability. Several dots denote good children; surrounded by dots, it predicts that, without good bringing up, they may cause you grief and vexation.

MOUNTAINS. If it present only one mountain, it indicates the favor of people of rank; but several of them, especially in the thick, are signs of powerful enemies; in the clear, they signify the contrary, or friends in high life.

THE LETTER. Signifies both pleasant and unpleasant news. If this emblem is in the clear part, it denotes the speedy arrival of welcome news; surrounded with dots, it announces the arrival of a remittance of money; but hemmed in by clouds, it forebodes some melancholy or bad tidings, a loss, or some other accident; if it be in the clear, and accompanied by a heart, lovers may expect a favorable letter; but in the thick it denotes the contrary.

THE TREE. One tree only is indicative of good health; a group of trees in the clear part, betokens misfortunes, but which may be avoided by carefulness and industrious habits; several trees, wide apart, promise that your wishes will be accomplished; if they be encompassed by dashes, it is a token that your fortune is in its blossom, and requires only your own care and prudence to bring it to maturity; if the trees be accompanied by dots, it is a sign of riches.

THE CHILD. In the clear part it bespeaks innocent intercourse between the consulter and another person; in the thick part it signifies crosses in love matters, and requires your utmost care to prevent great expenses; and a family without means of support.

THE WOMAN. Signifies much joy in general. If in the clear, this emblem shows very great happiness; but in the thick part it cautions against jealousy. If dots surround the image, it shows children and wealth.

THE PEDESTRIAN. Denotes in general a merchant, good business, pleasant news, or the recovery of lost things. It denotes to the female a kind and industrious husband; it also signifies some engagement, and a short journey.

THE RIDER OR HORSEMAN. Denotes a letter, good news from abroad, a good situation, or the like; it also foretells that a fortune is to be obtained by care and industry.

THE MOUSE. As this animal lives by stealth, it also is an emblem of theft or robbery; if it be in the clear, it shows that your loss will be easily prevented; but if in the thick, you must use your utmost watchfulness.

THE ROSE, OR ANY OTHER FLOWER. Usually indicates success in science or art by study; if married, good children may be expected, and all the happy fruits, if they have but a good education and good examples.

THE HEART. If it be in the clear, it signifies future pleasure. It promises joy at receiving some money, if surrounded with dots. If a ring or two hearts be together, it signifies that the party may expect to be married; if a letter is perceptible near it, it shews the initial of the person’s name.

THE GARDEN, WOOD, OR BUSH. Signifies a large company. In the clear and with leaves, it indicates good friends; in the thick, encompassed with streaks, or if without leaves, it is a token of the caprices of fortune, and warns the consulting party to be cautious whom they take for their friends.

THE ROD. Predicts differences with people about matters relating to legacies; in the thick, it denotes some affliction, which will require your utmost care to avert.

THE BIRD IN GENERAL. In the clear, it signifies that the disagreeables and troubles with which you will have to combat, will only be surmounted by persevering in doing good; in the thick, it is a sign of good living; also a speedy journey, or voyage, which, if there be dashes, is likely to be to a distance.

FISH IN GENERAL. Imply some lucky event by water, if in the clear, which will either happen to the consulter, or be the means of improving his affairs. If they are in the thick, the consulter may expect to fish in troubled water. Surrounded with dots, his destiny warns him to use diligence, temperance and frugality.

THE LION, OR ANY FEROCIOUS BEAST. At the top, in the clear, it signifies prosperity in your intercourse with people of quality. At the bottom it warns the consulter to shun such intercourse and do nothing to excite any person to envy his fortune.

WORMS. At the top, or in the middle of the cup, they denote good luck in trade and in matrimony; below they warn you against rivals in courtship, and against enviers in your trade and profession.

THE STYLE. If combined with an hour-glass and in the thick, it denotes imminent dangers of all kinds; in love, disappointment; but in the clear, it signifies that your sweetheart is faithful and affectionate toward you, and that you are likely to live a long and happy life.

CHARMS AND MAGIC PROGNOSTICATIONS.

Herewith I give a few mysterious magic formulas and prognostications, for the most part hitherto known only to wise old men and women, some of which I have had confided to me by learned astrologers, and a few were revealed to me by Madame Le Normand, a celebrated fortune-teller, in whose predictions the Emperor Napoleon put great confidence.

TO PREPARE A LOVE POTION.

The following substances must be gathered in silence when the full moon is in the heavens: Three white rose leaves, three red rose leaves, three forget-me-nots, and five blossoms of Veronica.

All these things you must place in a vessel, then pour upon them five hundred and ninety-five drops of clear Easter water, and place the vessel over the fire, or what is better still, over a spirit-lamp. This mixture must be allowed to boil for exactly the sixteenth part of an hour.

When it has boiled for the requisite length of time, remove it from the fire, and pour it into a flask. Cork it tightly, and seal it, and it will keep for years without losing its virtue.

That this potion is certain in its effect I myself will guarantee, for I have gained more than thirty hearts by its help. Three drops swallowed by the person whose love you desire, will suffice.

ANOTHER MEANS TO COMPEL LOVE.

Take a healthy, well-grown frog. Place it in a box which has been pierced all over with holes with a stout darning needle or gimlet. Then carry it in the evening twilight to a large ant-heap, place it in the midst of the heap, taking care to observe perfect silence.

After the lapse of a week, repair to the ant-heap, take out the box, and open it, when in place of the frog you will find nothing but a skeleton. Take this apart very carefully, and you will soon find among the delicate bones a scale shaped like that of a fish and a hook. You will need them both. The hook you must contrive to fasten in some way or other into the clothes of the person whose affections you wish to obtain, and if he or she has worn it, if it is only for a quarter of a minute, he will be constrained to love you, and will continue to do so until you give him or her a fillip with the scale.

This method is over three thousand years old, and it has been practised by thirty-thousand of our ancestors with the most complete success.

FOR A GIRL TO ASCERTAIN IF SHE WILL EVER MARRY.

Borrow a wedding-ring from a young married woman—the more recently she has been married the better—and do not tell her, or let her suspect your purpose; wear this ring on the third finger of your left hand at least three hours after sunset before you retire to rest. When you are ready to go to bed, take half a sheet of pure white paper, with no rule marks or anything upon it, lay down the ring on the paper, and mark round it so as to make a circle exactly its size: you then write within the circle,  “With this ring I hope to wed:” write your name over the top, and your age underneath; fold the paper with a three-cornered love-letter fold, and put it under your pillow. Before getting into bed, suspend the ring by a hair of your head over the pillow so that it will hang about six inches above your face. You will then dream of your future husband if you are ever to marry. If you dream of several men, the one whose appearance pleases you best will be the man. If you dream of women or girls exclusively, you will never marry. Sometimes it may happen that your dream is confused, and you have no clear recollection of it, or perhaps you may not dream at all, in which case you must continue the charm, by keeping the paper under your pillow for three nights; but the ring is not necessary after the first night.

THE STRAW SIGN.

If you find a blade of straw lying in your chamber, you may expect a visitor that same day. If there is one grain upon the straw, the visitor will be a gentleman, if not, a lady.

THE SCISSOR OR KNIFE PROGNOSTIC.

If a pair of scissors, a knife, or any other pointed instrument falls accidentally from your hand, and sticks in the floor, so that it remains upright, you may make every preparation for company, for be assured they will not fail to come.

THE CAT PORTENT.

When the cat licks and trims herself, it is a sign of visitors, but this is probably known to most of my readers already.

SIGN OF VISITORS.