The marriage lines, or relationship lines (Vivah rekha), are the short horizontal lines on the outer edge of the palm, between the base of the little finger and the heart line. They are one of the most searched topics in palmistry.
What the lines are said to show
- One clear line: one deep, lasting bond is the main theme.
- Two or more lines: several meaningful relationships or strong attachments. The longest and clearest line is read as the most important.
- No clear line: bonds that grow slowly out of friendship and shared values. It does not mean no marriage.
Position on the edge
Traditionally, a line closer to the heart line is linked with an earlier relationship, and a line closer to the little finger with a later one. Palmists differ on how precisely this can be read.
Read with care
Relationship lines are small, often faint and easily affected by how the hand is held. They should never be read as fixed predictions about marriage dates or divorce. Rekha reads only what is clearly visible and avoids predictions about separation.
For marriage compatibility, astrologers rely far more on the birth charts. See Kundli matching.
How to look at your own relationship lines
- Hold your dominant hand in good light, palm facing you.
- Gently curl the fingers inward so the outer edge of the palm folds slightly.
- Look at the edge between the base of the little finger and the end of the heart line. The relationship lines are the short horizontal creases there.
- Count only clear, unbroken lines that reach onto the palm. Tiny faint creases are usually ignored.
Shapes palmists comment on
- A long, clear line that reaches onto the palm: a strong, committed bond.
- A line that curves up towards the little finger: traditionally, someone who values independence in a relationship.
- A line that forks at the end: different expectations between partners that need talking through.
- Small lines rising from the relationship line: traditionally read as children in some schools, though many palmists no longer read them this way.
Indian and Western views
In Indian hast rekha shastra these lines are called Vivah rekha and are read together with the Mount of Venus (Shukra parvat) and the heart line. Western palmistry calls them affection or relationship lines and treats them as signs of emotional bonds rather than marriage itself. Both traditions agree that they should be read alongside the rest of the hand, never alone.