Scottish Daily Mail

WHAT MEGHAN’S RINGS REALLY SAY ABOUT HER

... she’ll boss Harry about and wants to change the world — as revealed by the art of ‘ring palmistry’ which decodes the stars’ insecuriti­es and secret desires simply by the bling on their fingers

- by Helen Carroll FOR more informatio­n, see johnnyfinc­ham.com

WHEN Meghan Markle accompanie­d Prince Harry on their second official walkabout in Brixton earlier this week, it wasn’t her engagement ring that attracted most attention but the intriguing jewellery she wore on the fingers of her right hand.

What did this unusual collection of rings, on her thumb, index and fourth fingers, possibly signify? Quite a bit, apparently.

Johnny Fincham, the Norfolk-based author of the world No1 best-selling book on hand reading, Palmistry: Apprentice To Pro In 24 Hours, says people were right to wonder — and that palmistry, the ancient art of divining people’s personalit­y from their hands, gives a fascinatin­g insight into a person’s character.

‘When we look at the human brain, we find a huge portion of it is devoted to our hands, interpreti­ng the sensations they feel and the way they move,’ he says. ‘And when the digits are embraced by a ring, research has shown that this actually affects our behaviour.’

And Meghan’s not alone in embracing multiple rings: celebritie­s from Victoria Beckham to Kate Winslet and Cara Delevingne have also embraced the trend.

So how does where you wear a ring affect your behaviour — and what does it say about you?

A RING ON YOUR THUMB AND YOU’RE CONTROLLIN­G

GIVEN its associatio­n with grungy-festival goers, as opposed to elegant, soon-to-be royals, Meghan Markle’s most striking adornment, during her second official engagement this week, was undoubtedl­y her thumb ring.

However, rather than it being evidence of her inner hippy, the thin gold band may, according to palmistry experts, indicate characteri­stics including self-motivation and even aggression — with one website going so far as to claim a connection between it and ‘the controllin­g wife who loves bossing her husband and kids around’.

‘The thumbs are about self-control and willpower,’ says Johnny Fincham, who also lectures in palmistry at the London School of Astrology. ‘The developmen­t of the opposition­al thumb is the key evolutiona­ry advance that made humans able to control their destiny.

‘When a person wears a ring on the thumb, it represents a drive for more power.’

And, given the parallels frequently drawn between Harry’s fiancée, ambassador for the charities UNICEF and World Vision Canada, and his late mother, Princess Diana, who championed numerous humanitari­an causes, it’s perhaps unsurprisi­ng that he adds: ‘Thumb rings are also worn by those who want to change the world in some way — pacifists, eco-warriors, feminists, socialists.’

One thing seems clear: Ms Markle is a force to be reckoned with.

. . . ON YOUR INDEX FINGER FOR ESTEEM

MEGHAN also, notably, wore a matching band on the index finger of her right hand, a style which has likewise been adopted by Victoria Beckham.

Palmists refer to this as the mirror finger and believe it is ruled by the planet Jupiter and plays a significan­t role in selfreflec­tion and self-esteem.

Wearing a ring on this digit is said to show a frustrated need for power and recognitio­n — something which may resonate with Posh, so often over-shadowed by her footballin­g legend husband, David Beckham — but, given the public adulation, that is no longer in short supply for Meghan.

‘Wearing a ring on the index finger can help boost your sense of self,’ says Johnny Fincham. ‘It can act as a reminder to pull your finger out, as it were, helping you to grow in stature and develop in power.’

. . . ON YOUR MIDDLE FINGER FOR MORALS

REFERRED to by palmists as the ‘wall’ finger — due to its central, stable position on the hand — the middle digit is linked to your lifestyle and morals.

‘We live in a time when traditiona­l values are collapsing, which is perhaps why it is increasing­ly common to wear a ring on this digit,’ says Johnny. ‘The related internal conflict is one of struggling to find a role in society and insecurity about one’s place in life.’

Harry Potter actress Emma Watson is often seen sporting a ring on this finger and, vociferous on the subject of gender equality, has proved herself unwilling to be seen as merely another glamorous film star and, instead, keen to use her high profile to make a difference.

Accompanie­d at last week’s Golden Globe awards ceremony by Marai Larasi, an activist and executive director of the Britishbas­ed black feminist organisati­on Imkaan, Emma, who rose to fame playing Harry’s studious friend Hermione Granger, told the world that she had experience­d ‘the full spectrum of sexual harassment in Hollywood’.

. . . ON YOUR FOURTH FINGER FOR LOVE AND COMMITMENT

THIS, of course, is where we usually wear a wedding ring — and for good reason. ‘This finger has a direct meridian line connection to the heart in traditiona­l Chinese medicine,’ says Johnny. ‘Ancient Egyptians believed the vena amoris, the vein of love, made a connection between this finger and the heart.

‘The ring places restrictio­ns on its yearnings, important once a commitment is made.’

Much has been written about the controllin­g nature of Katie Holmes’s marriage to screen idol Tom Cruise. And those searching for signals as to how the whole affair has played out need look no further than the actress’s ring finger. Her rock of an engagement ring from the Top Gun actor was one of the most ostentatio­us ever seen in Hollywood.

However, their six-year marriage fell apart in 2012, amid claims that Katie objected to Cruise’s commitment to Scientolog­y. It was recently

reported that, as part of their divorce settlement, Katie had agreed to keep quiet about any future relationsh­ips.

And how did she eventually communicat­e her latest long-term love of actor Jamie Foxx to the world? With a much subtler diamond set in yellow gold on her ring finger.

. . . ON YOUR LITTLE FINGER SHOWS YOU ARE SEXUALLY OPEN

the little finger is known as the antenna in modern palmistry, as it’s all about communicat­ion — verbal, physical and sexual. Johnny Fincham says ‘in many cultures, a ring on this finger denotes sexual openness’.

that’s something actress Kate Winslet, who has three children by three men and is a fan of wearing a ring on her pinkie, may want to bear in mind, assuming she has no intention of moving on from husband No 3, Ned Rocknroll.

‘It’s enormously common for sexually curious people to wear a large ring on their little finger,’ adds Johnny. ‘the same is true for those who are concerned with communicat­ion, for instance writers and public speakers.’

. . . ON ALL YOUR FINGERS MAY SHOW INSECURITY

those who feel the need to wear rings on every finger tend to have ‘insecure and troubled personalit­ies’, according to Johnny.

‘this is very common among adolescent­s when they’re establishi­ng themselves in the adult world, and on people who feel alienated in some way,’ he adds. ‘It’s also often seen on the hands of showbiz personalit­ies.’

singer Rihanna, who has had her share of troubles — including being the victim of domestic violence at the hands of ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, and who recently buried her beloved cousin, murdered on Boxing Day — is among those who have adopted this style.

Johnny would advise anyone struggling to break the habit to wean themselves off, one ring at a time. ‘You’ll find yourself feeling psychologi­cally naked at first,’ he warns. ‘But you will soon develop a compensato­ry inner strength.’

WHAT A RING’S WIDTH MEANS

WheN it comes to longevity and commitment, the best wedding bands are, according to Johnny, slim and gold with a single small sapphire, traditiona­lly associated with honesty. thicker rings are, perhaps unsurprisi­ngly, more commonly associated with the kind of costume jewellery favoured by the young and traditiona­lly free and single. A ring which doesn’t form a full circle on the ring finger, but instead spirals up the digit, suggests an open approach to partnershi­ps and may, therefore, inadverten­tly send out the wrong signals.

WHY METALS MATTER

As Well as the positionin­g of a ring, the material it is made from also influences its power, says Johnny. Gold is traditiona­lly associated with Apollo, the sun god, who was both loyal and protective — ideal qualities in a spouse, which is perhaps what makes it the perfect metal for a wedding band.

A silver ring, especially worn on the thumb of the dominant hand, is perfect for those who have set themselves targets, such as getting up to do early morning yoga or sticking to a diet. this is because silver is said to have special links to guidance from a higher power.

tin, meanwhile, is a metal associated with Jupiter, king of the gods, so anyone feeling vulnerable or neglected should opt for pewter or base metal bands, both of which contain tin, to give themselves a confidence boost.

. . . AND WHAT GEMSTONES SAY

MANY cultures throughout the ages have attached special significan­ce to the various jewels with which we adorn ourselves.

Diamonds are believed to absorb and amplify the thoughts of those wearing them and were once used for detoxifica­tion as they were said to protect people from poisons.

emeralds are said to aid fertility, as well as improve eyesight, lift depression and relieve insomnia.

opals are strongly associated with emotions, including love and passion, while rubies are believed to protect from misfortune and bad health, as well as being a symbol of friendship and love.

sapphires, the Queen’s favourite jewel, have long been associated with peace and happiness and are said to help with communicat­ion, as well as inspiratio­n.

 ??  ?? HEIDI KLUM Ring on every finger can show insecurity KATE WINSLET Ring on little finger means open to new experience­s RIHANNA Ring on every finger can cause troubling times
HEIDI KLUM Ring on every finger can show insecurity KATE WINSLET Ring on little finger means open to new experience­s RIHANNA Ring on every finger can cause troubling times
 ??  ?? KATIE HOLMES Ring finger for love and commitment
KATIE HOLMES Ring finger for love and commitment
 ?? Picture research: CLAIRE CISOTTI ?? VICTORIA BECKHAM Ring on index finger can feel overlooked EMMA WATSON Ring on middle finger wants to change the world MEGHAN MARKLE Ring on thumb means a ‘controllin­g’ wife
Picture research: CLAIRE CISOTTI VICTORIA BECKHAM Ring on index finger can feel overlooked EMMA WATSON Ring on middle finger wants to change the world MEGHAN MARKLE Ring on thumb means a ‘controllin­g’ wife

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