The Fate Line in Palm Reading: What It Is & How to Interpret It

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Learn about your career and finances with your fate line

Co-authored by Miriam Weber and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: November 9, 2025 Fact Checked

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• What is the fate line?
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• Shape Meaning
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• Location Meaning
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• Marking Meanings
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• Video

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You’ve probably heard that palm readings can predict your future, but what exactly can they tell you? Your fate line, sometimes known as the career line, is believed to predict your career, finances, and overall life path. We interviewed palmistry and astrology expert Kalem Turner to teach you everything you need to know about the fate line, including what it is, where to find it, and how to read its various shapes, locations, and markings.

How to Read the Fate Line

According to palmistry and astrology expert Kalem Turner, the fate line reflects your career and finances. Your fate line is the line that runs vertically up the center of your palm. A deep line represents stability, while a shallow one symbolizes indecisiveness. No fate line indicates you may change careers often.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

What is the fate line?

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   The fate line reflects your career and financial future. According to Turner, the fate line “is most important for the career because it really shows you your life direction [and] how much security you have. It can tie into finances [and] the themes you would be happy with in terms of finding purpose in your work or vocation.”

   • Turner explains, “Traditionally, we actually linked vocation more to someone’s destiny. That’s why it’s called the line of fate or destiny.”
   • Turner adds that the fate line is sometimes known as the career line or the Saturn line.

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Kalem Turner is a palmistry and astrology expert based in Scotland. He’s been practicing divination since he was a teenager and is Scotland’s no. 1 palm reader.
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   The fate line runs vertically up your palm. “It’s the line [that] runs up the middle of the hand towards your middle finger,” explains Turner. “Not everyone has it, but most people do.” Fate lines typically start at the base of the palm near the wrist and extend upward. They may curve to the left or to the right.
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Section 2 of 4:

Fate Line Shapes & Their Meanings

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   A deep, long fate line indicates stability and determination. “People with very deep fate lines tend to have a very strong sense of vocation or purpose,” explains Turner. If your fate line is long, deep, and clear, you likely have a stable professional life. You’re probably goal-oriented and ambitious, and you’ll likely experience fewer setbacks in your career. You may even start your own business or career.

   • If the line starts out strong but gradually narrows, you may have a smooth career early on in your life, but you may have less professional luck as you grow older.
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   A shallow fate line symbolizes indecisiveness or changes. If your fate line is thin and hard to see, you may experience a lot of indecision in your life or career. You may not know what your passion is, or you may switch career paths often. You may do well in jobs that are flexible and diverse.

   • Shallow fate lines may represent a lot of twists and turns in your career.
   • A shallow fate line also indicates that you’re not bound by destiny; you don’t have one destiny you’re going to carry throughout life.
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   A slanted fate line means you may have a less straightforward life path. If your fate line is slanted (oblique) or curved, your career likely isn’t set in stone. You likely have unique ideas and easily think outside the box. You’re open to exploring many different paths and perspectives, and you’re constantly learning and adapting.
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   A double fate line symbolizes multiple careers or a good support system. If you have two parallel fate lines, you will likely have more than one career or source of income. It can also indicate that you’ll have a lot of external assistance from parents, advisors, or a life partner. You’re likely good at multitasking and can perform various roles at one time.
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   A wavy fate line represents unpredictability. You may experience unpredictability or instability in your career if you have a wavy fate line. You might try out several different careers before you figure out what you want to do, or you may never settle down into one path. You’re likely versatile and creative.
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   A short fate line indicates limited career progress or delayed success. If your fate line doesn’t extend very far up the palm, it often indicates that you’ll experience delayed success in life. You may begin your professional career late or strive for self-improvement at the cost of your material well-being. You will likely achieve success in the latter part of your life thanks to hard work and life experience.
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   A forked fate line symbolizes multiple opportunities and career transitions. If your fate line forms a Y-shape, it represents double career opportunities or significant career shifts. You may try out various professions, have a multitude of hobbies, or achieve career breakthroughs that bring unexpected success. You’re flexible, versatile, and have the capacity to handle multiple opportunities effectively.
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   The lack of a fate line means you may change careers often. If you don’t have a fate line, don’t panic—it doesn’t mean you won’t have a career. This often means you create your own destiny and that you trust free will and hard work more than destiny or external influences. A lack of a fate line also means you may change career paths frequently and have no permanent occupation. You may have a carefree attitude and thrive socially.

   • “[Your fate line] can disappear at a certain age,” Turner adds. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll lose your career, but you may gain more freedom in exchange for less security.
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Section 3 of 4:

Fate Line Lengths & Locations

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   If your fate line ends at your head line, your life is governed by thought and intellect. A fate line that ends on the head line indicates that your career and life are supposedly governed by your intellectual choices. You may also experience sudden changes in your profession during middle age, due to personal decisions, overthinking, or changing your mind. Your profession is likely dominated by study and intellectuality.

   • The head line runs horizontally from the base of your thumb across the center of your palm. It reveals your mental patterns, intellect, communication style, and creativity.
   • If your fate line ends at the head line, you’ll likely achieve success after the age of 35.
   • If it runs through the head line, you’re likely to marry before starting your business or career.
   • If it does not cross the head line, you may gain wealth in the early years of your life, but you might be fickle-minded.
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   If it ends on the heart line, your career is based on emotions and relationships. If your fate line ends on your heart line, you will likely choose your career based on personal sentiments, like your hobbies or love life, rather than materialism. Your personal life will either help you develop your career or hinder you.

   • The heart line is a horizontal line located above the head line. It starts under your pinky finger and usually ends below your middle or forefinger. It represents your emotional nature, romantic tendencies, and how you approach relationships.
   • If your fate line ends at the heart line, you may have success later in life, after the age of 50. You will likely have to work hard as you age.
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   A fate line ending at the life line indicates you’ll be self-made. If your fate line ends on your life line, your success will likely be earned through hard work rather than inherited wealth or family support. You may struggle in your early years, but will eventually achieve success through your efforts. You may be an entrepreneur, a freelancer, or self-employed.

   • The life line is a curved line that extends from the area between your thumb and forefinger down toward your wrist. It represents your vitality, energy levels, and overall well-being.
   • If your fate line ends at your life line, you’re likely full of energy, and your hard work may increase your social status.
   • Want to learn more about the unique lines on your hand? Take our Palm Reading Quiz to find out what they say about you!
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   If it extends to the Mount of Saturn, you’ll experience professional success and stability. A fate line that ends at the Mount of Saturn is typically a sign of long-term stability. You likely lead an organized life and steadily progress toward your goals. You’re diligent and disciplined and will likely be very successful in your field.

   • The Mount of Saturn is [the raised area] located underneath the middle finger, explains Turner. A prominent Mount of Saturn symbolizes traits like seriousness, discipline, and wisdom.
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   If it ends at the Mount of Jupiter, you have strong leadership skills and ambition. A fate line that ends at the Mount of Jupiter often indicates strong leadership qualities, ambition, and success. You’re likely motivated, confident, and thrive in your career. You may be involved with management, politics, or business.

   • The Mount of Jupiter is the raised area at the base of your index finger. “Jupiter represents leadership, ambition, confidence, [and] good teaching skills,” says Turner.
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   A fate line that ends at the Mount of Sun indicates celebrity status. If your fate line ends at the Mount of Sun, there’s a chance you could reach celebrity status or find success in some form of art. You may be an actor, writer, musician, or artist. Your abilities set you apart from others.

   • Turner says you can find the Mount of Sun, or Mount of Apollo, underneath the ring finger. It represents creativity, artistic talent, success, and fame.
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   A fate line ending at the Mount of Mercury symbolizes strong business skills. When the fate line ends at the Mount of Mercury, it often indicates a sharp business acumen and strong communication skills. You may be good at trade, business, advertising, politics, or any profession that involves negotiating and convincing.

   • The Mount of Mercury is located beneath the pinky finger, Turner explains. It’s associated with communication, intellect, business acumen, and wit.
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   If it ends at the Mount of Moon, you’re guided by intuition and creativity. A fate line that curves toward the Mount of the Moon indicates that your profession will be guided by intuition, creativity, and social interaction. You may work in travel, spirituality, psychology, or any field that requires good people skills. You may be guided by chance rather than having a set career path.

   • The Mount of Moon, or Mount of Luna, is located at the outer corner of the palm, below the pinky finger, but just above the wrist, Turner says. It’s associated with imagination, creativity, intuition, and emotional depth.
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Section 4 of 4:

Fate Line Markings & Their Meanings

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   Breaks in the fate line indicate career or personal life breaks. If your fate line is broken up by small gaps, it often indicates career breaks or changes. While these changes can be negative, like the loss of a job, financial problems, or sudden changes in life, when a new fate line emerges after the break, it typically indicates recovery and a fresh start.

   • If the break is at the base of your palm, you may have had a rough childhood and had difficulties in school.
   • If the break is in the middle of your palm, you may experience a career setback or property loss.
   • If you have multiple breaks, you may not put your all into your work, or you may switch jobs often.
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   Islands symbolize times of trouble. In palmistry, an island is an oval-shaped break in a line. On the fate line, these islands often symbolize confusion, trouble, or financial issues. They may also be associated with work failures or emotional issues. The size of the island can reflect the intensity of the challenge, and the location signifies when these challenges might occur.

   • Try not to worry if you see something perceived as negative. Turner says, “There are some things you will go through that [are] more fated, but half of it is malleable and down to your willpower.” You have the power to turn things around!
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   Stars indicate sudden success or failure. A star is a small mark formed by 3 or more intersecting lines at a single point, similar to an asterisk. On a strong fate line, stars may indicate sudden, overnight success or fame. On a weak line, however, they often symbolize a sudden disaster or failure. On the Mount of Saturn, these markings indicate fame and wealth.
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   Crosses imply great challenges and obstacles. A cross is an X-shape somewhere on your palm. When located on the fate line, crosses may represent professional challenges, legal issues, or disputes. They’re usually connected with significant life changes or interruptions and may imply external opposition.
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   Triangles represent financial success. If you have a triangle on your fate line, you’re in luck! These markings typically indicate professional and financial achievements, whether through talent or luck. If well-constructed, they also imply a remarkable climb in status.
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   Squares symbolize protection against failures. Squares along the fate line serve as protection against significant failures. They imply that you will receive help when issues arise, and they symbolize resilience and achievement in the face of adversity.
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   Branches represent growth or decline. If your fate line has another line branching upward, it indicates career achievements, promotions, and financial growth. If the branch points downward, however, it signifies setbacks, losses, or emotional conflicts. The direction of the branch indicates whether the outcome is favorable or not.
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   A dotted fate line indicates instability or a weak destiny. If your fate line has dots, it indicates doubt, a lack of well-defined goals, or uncertainty in your career. You may have difficulty settling on a career path. These markings are typically linked to frequent career or life direction changes.
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   Chains symbolize unhappiness. In palm reading, chains are small, connected loops that form a chain-like pattern along a palm line. If there are chains on your fate line, you may experience some unhappiness in your life that makes it difficult to focus on your studies or work. If the chain appears at the end of your fate line, it may mean your career didn’t go smoothly or that you may experience financial loss toward the end of your life.
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