poverty and
despair.[3]

[3] For more details concerning the meaning of "islands" in general,
_see_ Chapter XV.

When the Line of Fate finishes suddenly with a cross, some great fatality
may be expected, but when the cross is found on the Fate Line and on the
Mount of Saturn, the ending of such a Destiny will be some terrible
tragedy, generally one of public disgrace and public death.

CHAPTER VI

THE LINE OF THE SUN

The Line of the Sun, which is otherwise called the Line of Success or the
Line of Brilliancy (1-1, Plate XV.), is one of the most important marks
on the hand to consider.

It has in its symbolism almost the same significance as the Sun itself
has to the Earth.

Without this line the life has no happiness, no sunshine, as it were, and
even the greatest talents lie in darkness and do not produce their fruit.

Amateurs, in looking at hands, often make the greatest mistakes in seeing
what appears to be "a good Line of Fate," and in consequence rush off and
predict great success and fortune, whereas, as I explained in the
preceding chapter, a Fate Line unaccompanied by the Line of Sun may
simply mean a fatalistic life full of sorrow and darkness.

The quality that the Line of Sun denotes is, what is generally called
"luck"; with a well-marked Sun Line even a poor Line of Head promises
more success, and it is the same with the Line of Fate.

People with the Sun Line appear to have more magnetism, more influence
over others. They more easily secure recognition, reward, riches, and
honours.

They also have a happier and brighter disposition, and this has
naturally a great deal to do with what is called success.

[Illustration: PLATE XV.

THE LINE OF SUN AND ITS MODIFICATIONS.]

From whatever date in the hand the Line of Sun appears, things become
brighter, more prosperous and important. The Line of the Sun may rise
from the following positions:

From the Line of Life, the Line of Fate, the Plain of Mars, the Mount of
the Moon, the Line of Head, and from the Line of Heart, or it may only
appear as a small line on its own Mount.

Rising from the Line of Life (2-2, Plate XV.), it promises success from
whatever the life is that is led, but not from "luck."

From the Line of Fate (3-3, Plate XV.), it is a sure sign of recognition
for the career adopted, but brought about by the personal effort of the
subject.

From the Plain of Mars, and not connected with the other lines, it
foretells