The science of Phrenology teaches how to discover from the formation of the skull the qualities of the soul, and to draw conclusions as to the character of an individual. The whole head, accordingly, is divided into organs. The following are the principal ones, and are all that are necessary for the reader’s instruction. To enter more deeply into the subject would exceed our limits.

• 1. Memory.
• 2. Causality.
• 3. Benevolence.
• 4. Approbativeness.
• 5. Painting.
• 6. Energy.
• 7. Imagination.
• 8. Inclination to Melancholy.
• 9. Mischievousness.

(See Engraving.)

According as these organs are more or less elevated and well formed that peculiarity of character which they indicate is more or less present.

Physiognomy, or the Features of the Head and Face, teaches us to judge of the character of a person and of events connected with his destiny from the shape, color and expression of his features. If my fair readers would like to know how many husbands they are to have, they have only to knit their eyebrows closely together, and count the folds of the skin formed by this movement.

If they wish to see how many years they have to live, let them elevate their brows as much as possible, and then count the cross folds in the forehead. Subtract the number found from one hundred, and the remainder is the number of the years which it is allotted you to pass upon this earth.

Of the Nose. A bold, projecting nose, usually called a Roman nose, denotes an enterprising temper. In general a large nose is a good sign. A long nose is a sign of good sense, a stumpy one generally indicates the contrary. A perfectly straight nose denotes a high and noble spirit, unless the expression of the eyes contradicts this judgment, and then it denotes great stupidity. A turned up nose signifies a spirit of mischief, wit, forwardness, that is, if it is not too stumpy. A very small nose indicates good nature, yet at the same time a complete want of energy. A red nose denotes a cheerful temper, or an inclination to drink, as all the world knows.

Of the Lips. Very thick lips indicate either great stupidity or very great genius. Very fine thin lips denote falsehood, especially if they are usually compressed. Swelling lips, if generally compressed, denote great decision of character, a philosophical turn of mind, and oftentimes somewhat of obstinacy. A mouth always open says as plain as words can speak, “I am a calf.”

Of Dimples. Dimples in the cheeks signify roguery. But the dimple in the chin the God of Love has himself imprinted with his own divine finger.

Of the Eye. The soul, however, dwells particularly in the eyes, and the faculty is inborn with every man to understand their language without ever having studied it. At least it should be so; the eyes should be like an open book, which all may read and understand. But as all eyes are not to be trusted, and will sometimes lead you astray, I will give you, my dear readers, a few rules to guide you in your path through life.

A clear eye, with the pupil in continual, slightly tremulous movement, denotes a good memory, yet something of selfishness with slowness of comprehension.

An eye which, while the person speaks, roves hither and thither, denotes a deceiver. Very quiet eyes which have an imposing effect upon you, and embarrass you by their great repose, signify great self-command, yet, at the same time, great self-complacency.

Eyes which ordinarily appear impressive, yet often suddenly flash forth a clear pleasant light, denote true-heartedness and honesty, coupled with a sound understanding.

Eyes which have always an inquisitive expression in them, and then suddenly, when they turn to address a person, have an exceedingly kind expression, are not to be trusted. This indicates a suspicious temper, and he who does not trust his fellow-man, can seldom himself be trusted.

An eye in which the white has a yellowish tinge, and is streaked with reddish veins, denotes vehement passions.

Very blue eyes, betray a temper inclined to coquetry.

Gray eyes, intelligence.

Greenish, falsehood, and a disposition to tittle-tattle.

Yellowish, great phlegm.

Black, a passionate lively temperament.

Brown, a kind, good, happy disposition.

A pair of eyes which looks every one cheerfully and frankly in the face, with an air of simple joy and unaffected innocence, yet, when surprised, droops to the ground, with a certain sly bashfulness, or, when offended by another’s glance, turns aside blushing and confused, such a pair of eyes, indicates an amiable character, a faithful heart, a sound understanding, and a pure soul.

A being with such a pair of eyes we cannot help loving, let the eyes be black, brown, blue, gray, green, or yellow, let the nose be stumpy, and the features ill-shaped, no one can help regarding their possessor with a feeling of hearty kindness and good will, if not with actual love.

Of the Eye-Brows. Upright eyebrows are amiable; the eyebrows hanging over, indicate an effeminate person; the brows very hairy, denote an industrious, affectionate man; the brows extending to the temples, usually signify a slovenly man.

Of the Ears. Open ears usually indicate but little reason; great ears not too much wisdom; very small ears foolishness; square ears of medium size, prudence.

Of the Nostrils. The nostrils thick and strong, betoken strength; if round, fair, and drawn in length, they are a sign that the person is merry and courageous; if narrow and round, they are mostly indicative of an envious and foolish person.

Of the Mouth. A very large mouth, with the upper lip hanging over, usually signifies a foolish, unsteady person, a rash man and a babbler. A mouth not too large, indicates a bold and courageous man; and a small mouth, a clever man.

Of the Face. A lean face is an indication of a wise man; the face plain and fat, denotes a person addicted to strife. The face without any rising and swelling, indicates a penurious person; a sad face sometimes denotes foolishness, and at other times wisdom; a fat face indicates a man to be inclined to untruth; a round face signifies folly; a great face denotes a man slow about business; a well-proportioned face indicates a person to have virtuous qualities.

Of the Nails on the Fingers. Broad nails show the person to be bashful, fearful, but of gentle nature. When there is a certain white mark at the extremity of them, it shows that the person has more honesty than subtlety. White long nails denote much sickness, but are sometimes indicative of strength and deceit. If upon the white anything appears at the extremity that is pale, it denotes short life; but if the white is clear and smooth, it signifies long life.

Of the Head. A large head shows a person stupid, and dull of apprehension; also a very small head signifies the same; but the head of a man being neither great nor small, is the prognostic of a wise man; for all extremes are irregular and a deviation from nature, and experience has made it manifest, that a great head and small members do always produce great indiscretion and folly in either man or woman; but we must also consider the several parts of the head: and first,

Of the Forehead. A large forehead shows a liberal man; but the forehead narrow, denotes a foolish person; a long forehead shows one apt to learn; a high forehead, swelling and round, is a sign of a crafty man, and a coward; a forehead full of wrinkles, shows a man to be envious and crafty.

But in forming your opinions of men from these or other indications, you should always bear in mind that there is no rule without an exception.

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FORTUNE-TELLING BY MOLES.

These little marks on the skin, although they appear to be the effect of chance, or accident, and might easily pass with the unthinking for things of no moment, are nevertheless of the utmost consequence, since from their color, situation, size, and figure, may be accurately gathered the temper of, and the events that will happen to the person bearing them; though moles are, in their substances, nothing else than excrescences, or ebullitions which proceed from the state of the blood whilst the foetus is confined in the womb, yet they are not given in vain, as they are generally characteristic of the disposition and temper of those that bear them; and it is also proved by daily experience, that from the shape, situation, and other circumstances, they bear a strong analogy to the events which are to happen to a person in future life. But before I presume to give any directions to those who are to form the prognostic, who are desirous to be duly enabled to pronounce an infallible judgment, I shall, in the first place, teach you herein the common prognostications by moles found in the various parts of the body, according to the doctrine of the ancients. And, first, it is essentially necessary to know the size of the mole, its color, whether it be perfectly round, oblong, or angular; because each of these will add to or diminish the force of the indication. The larger the mole, the greater will be the prosperity or adversity of the person; the smaller the mole, the less will be his good or evil fate. If the mole is round, it indicates good; if oblong, a moderate share of fortunate events; if angular, it gives a mixture of good and evil; the deeper the color, the more it announces favor or disgrace; the lighter, the less of either. If it is very hairy, much misfortune may be expected; if but few long hairs grow upon it, it denotes that your undertakings will be prosperous.

We shall further remark only, that moles of a middling size and color are those which we are now going to speak of. The rest may be gathered from what we have just above mentioned, but as it may frequently happen that modesty will sometimes hinder persons from showing their moles, you must depend upon their own representation of them for your opinion.

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SIGNIFICATION OF MOLES.

Arm. (Right or Left.) Show a courteous disposition, great fortitude, resolution, industry, and conjugal fidelity; it foretells that the person will fight many battles, and be successful in all; that you will be prosperous in your undertakings, obtain a decent competency, and live very happy—it denotes that a man will be a widower at forty, but in a woman it shows that she will be survived by her husband.

Ankle. Shows an effeminate disposition, given to foppery in dress, and cowardice in a man; but in a woman it denotes courage, wit, and activity—they foretell success in life with an agreeable partner, accumulation of honors and riches, and much pleasure in the affairs of love.

Anus. Around outside this place, a mole predicts that you will be indolent, shiftless and poor, though of good capacity.

Arm-Pits. You will be very good looking, will become rich, and be benevolent.

Back. If just below either of the shoulder blades, it signifies that you will have misfortune and defeat in the enterprises you may undertake.

Belly. Shows an indolent, slothful disposition, given to gluttony, very selfish, addicted to the pleasures of love and drink, negligent of dress, and cowardly; it denotes small success in life, many crosses, some imprisonment, and travelling, with losses by sea; but it foretells that you will marry an agreeable partner of a sweet temper, have children, who will be industrious and become very respectable in life.

Bosom. Shows a quarrelsome and unhappy temper, given to low debauchery, and exceedingly amorous, indolent and unsteady; it denotes a life neither very prosperous nor very miserable, but passed without many friends or much esteem.

Breast. A mole on the right breast shows an intemperate and indolent disposition, rather given to drink, strongly attached to the joys of love; it denotes much misfortune in life, with a sudden reverse from riches to poverty—many unpleasant and disagreeable accidents, with a sober and industrious partner—many children, mostly girls, who will all marry well, and be a great comfort to your old age; it warns you to beware of pretended friends, who will harm you much. A mole on the left breast shows an industrious and sober disposition, amorous, and much given to walking; it denotes great success in life and in love, that you will accumulate riches, and have many children, mostly boys, who will make their fortunes by sea.

A mole under the left breast under the heart, shows a rambling, unsettled disposition, given to drinking and little careful of your actions; very amorous, and much given to indulge indiscriminately in the pleasures of love, in a man. In a woman it indicates sincerity in love, industry, and a strict regard for character; in life it denotes a varied mixture of good and bad fortune, the former rather prevailing; it denotes imprisonment for debt, but not of long duration. To a woman it denotes easy labors, and children who will become rich, live happy and respected, and marry well.

Buttocks. Signifies shiftlessness and poverty, though a good capacity; it is a sign that you will be too lazy to do anything for yourself.

Cheek. A mole on either cheek, shows an industrious, benevolent and sober disposition, given to be grave and solemn, little inclined to amorous sports, but of a steady courage and unshaken fortitude; it denotes a moderate success in life, neither becoming rich nor falling into poverty—it also foretells an agreeable and industrious partner, with two children, who will do better than the parents.

Chin. A mole on the chin shows an amiable and tranquil disposition, industrious and much inclined to travelling, and the joys of Venus; it denotes that the person will be highly successful in life, accumulating a large and splendid fortune, with many respectable and worthy friends, an agreeable conjugal partner, and fine children, but also indicates losses by sea and in foreign countries.

Ear. On either ear it denotes riches in man or woman. If on the lower tip of the ear, keep off the water, or you will be drowned.

Elbow. A mole on either elbow shows a restless and unsteady disposition, with a great desire for travelling—much discontented in the married state and of an idle turn; it indicates no very great prosperity, rather a sinking than rising condition, with many unpleasant adventures, much to your discredit—marriage to a person who will make you unhappy, and children who will be disobedient, and cause you much trouble.

Eye. A mole on the outside corner of either eye shows a sober, honest, and steady disposition, much inclined to the pleasures of love; it foretells a violent death, after a life considerably varied by pleasures and misfortunes; in general it foreshadows that poverty will keep at a distance.

Eyebrow. A mole on the right eyebrow signifies a sprightly, active disposition, a great turn for gallantry, much courage, and great perseverance; it denotes wealth and success in love, war and business; that you will marry an agreeable mate, live happy, have children, and die in an advanced old age, at a distance from home. On the left eyebrow, temple, or side of the forehead, shows an indolent peevish temper, a turn for debauchery and liquor, little inclined to amorous sports and very cowardly; foretells poverty, imprisonment and disappointments in all your undertakings, with undutiful children, and a bad-tempered partner.

Finger. On either finger of either hand, it shows that you will be a thief, or a dishonest person in some way, and never wealthy.

Foot. A mole on either foot shows a melancholy and inactive disposition, little inclined to the pleasures of love, given to reading and a sedentary life; they foretell sickness and unexpected misfortunes, with many sorrows and much trouble, an unhappy choice of a partner for life, with disobedient and unfortunate children.

Forehead. If the mole is in the centre of the forehead it predicts an active, industrious disposition, success in business, riches, honors, a happy marriage, and a son who will be distinguished. But if the mole is on the side of the forehead, the signification is not so favorable, particularly if on the left side. (See Eyebrow.) On the right side of the forehead, or right temple, shows an active and industrious disposition, much given to the sports of love; it denotes that she will be very successful in life, marry an agreeable partner, and arrive at unexpected riches and honors, and have a son, who will become a great man.

Groin. On the right groin denotes riches and honors, but to be accompanied with disease. On the left groin, you will have the sickness without the wealth.

Gullet. On that part of the throat called the gullet, it predicts that you will be distinguished in some way and become rich.

Hand. Moles on either hand, if not on the fingers, denote wealth, industry and energy in either sex. You will also be fortunate and happy in your children.

Heart. Over the heart, denotes wickedness, poverty and a hasty, headstrong disposition. (See Breast.)

Heel. Shows a spiteful and malevolent disposition, but a person of much energy, who may be successful in what he undertakes; that he will be greatly talked about behind his back.

Hip. A mole on either hip shows a contented disposition, given to industry, amorous and faithful in engagements, of an abstemious turn; it foretells moderate success in life, with many children, who will undergo many hardships with great fortitude, and arrive at ease and affluence, by dint of their industry and ingenuity.

Knee. A mole on the left knee shows a hasty and passionate disposition, extravagant and inconsiderate turn, with no great inclination to industry and honesty, much given to the pleasures of Venus, but possessed of much benevolence; it indicates good success in undertakings, particularly in contracts, a rich marriage, and an only child. On the right knee, shows an amiable temper, honest disposition and a turn for amorous pleasures and industry; it foretells great success in love, and the choice of a conjugal partner, with few sorrows, many friends, and dutiful children.

Leg. Moles on either leg show a person of a thoughtless, indolent disposition, of an amorous turn, much given to extravagance and dissipation; it denotes many difficulties through life, but that you will surmount them all; it shows that imprisonment will happen to you at an early age, but that in general you will be more fortunate than otherwise; you will marry an agreeable person, who will survive you, by whom you will have four children, two of which will die young.

Lips. A mole on either lip shows a delicate appetite, a sober disposition, and much given to the pleasures of love, of an industrious and benevolent turn; it denotes that the person will be successful in undertakings, particularly in love affairs—that you will rise above your present condition, and be greatly respected and esteemed—that you will endeavor to obtain some situation, in which you will at first prove unsuccessful, but afterward prevail.

Mons. If a woman have a mole here, she will become the mother of a great genius, or else the wife of a distinguished personage. It is also a sign of riches.

Mouth. (See Lips.)

Navel. On a woman it denotes many children, a good husband, and an abundance of this world’s goods. On a man it is a sign he will be lucky in all he undertakes, become very rich, and that he will have a son who will be distinguished.

Neck. In front of the neck is a good sign; you will rise to unexpected honors and dignities, or become rich. On the back of the neck it denotes misfortune. On either side of the neck it foretells that you will become wicked or quarrelsome; and if on the right side, behind the ear, it is a sign that you will be hung.

Nipple. In woman it is a sign that she will have a child that will become famous and distinguished in the world. In man it denotes that he will be fond of women, and spend much of his life in amours, to the neglect of his proper business.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Finally, a fourth sign of approaching visitors is the crying of the magpie. Magpies, as is well known, are the most inquisitive creatures upon the face of the earth. They fly from place to place, and listen to everything. When they find out that any persons have concluded to pay you a visit, they fly to you at full speed, and bring you the news, for they are as chattering as they are inquisitive. They perch themselves upon your house, or upon a tree which may stand near it, or on the grass, and there sit and chatter until they think you must have understood them. Therefore, always give heed to these wise birds, for it is well to know when you are to expect visitors.

THE NEW MOON.

On first seeing the new moon, if you happen to look at it over your right shoulder, you may make a silent wish, and you will realize it. If a girl thus observes the new moon, and desires to see her future husband, she must repeat to herself (so as not to be heard by any one) the following lines:

If she is to be married that year, she will positively see the man of her choice before the wane of the full moon.

THE KEY AND BOOK CHARM.

To find out the two first letters of a future wife’s or husband’s name, take a small Bible and the key of your front street-door, and having opened to Solomon’s Songs, chap. viii., ver. 6 and 7, place the wards of the key on those two verses, and let the bow of the key be about an inch out of the top of the Bible; then shut the book, and tie it round with your garter, so as the key will not move, and the person who wishes to know his or her future husband or wife’s signature, must suspend the Bible, by putting the fore-finger of the right hand under the bow of the key, and the other person in like manner on the other side of the bow of the key, who must repeat the following verses, after the other person’s saying the alphabet, one letter to each time repeating them.

It must be observed, that you mention to the person who repeats the verses, before you begin, which you intend to try first, whether surname or Christian name, and take care to hold the Bible steady; and when you arrive at the appointed letter, the book will turn round under your finger, and that you will find to be the first letter of your intended’s name.

Solomon’s Songs, chap. viii., ver. 6 and 7.

"Set me a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm; for love is strong as death, jealousy is cruel as the grave; the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.

“Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it; if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would be utterly contemned.”

CARD CHARM.

Draw all the face cards from the pack and put them into your stocking on a Friday night, placing the stocking under your pillow. You must find out by the Almanac the precise time the sun rises on Saturday morning, and at that moment draw a card. A king denotes a speedy marriage; a queen means delay or celibacy; a Jack is a gay seducer who will give you trouble. Diamonds are riches, hearts true love, spades thrift, and clubs poverty.

THE SPIDER OMEN.

It is considered an ill omen when one sees a spider in the morning. The earlier in the morning, and the larger the spider, the greater the evil which threatens you. It is within doors, however, and chiefly in one’s own chamber, that the spider has this signification—out of doors they forebode no harm. The wood spider especially, is not much to be dreaded; what I have said above refers particularly to the house spider. Never, on any account, kill a wood spider. By such an act you would only draw upon yourself the hatred of the whole race of witches, and sooner or later you would suffer from it.

When found in the evening, a spider signifies good luck. The smaller the spider, the greater the good fortune. I will here teach you the following rhyme:

Little spiders have much less evil in them than the others, and those called daddy-long-legs are always messengers of good luck.

THE STRING TOKEN.

If your shoe-tie or apron string breaks, your sweetheart is thinking of you.

SIGN WHEN YOUR RIGHT EAR TINGLES.

If your right ear tingles, some one is speaking well of you, if the left ear tingles, some one is speaking ill of you. To find out who this some one is, you must call out aloud the names of your acquaintance, one after another. The name at which the tingling ceases is the name of the person.

SIGN WHEN TOUR NOSE ITCHES.

If your nose itches early in the morning, you will on that very day hear a piece of news.

STRANGE BED.

Lay under your pillow a prayer-book, opened at the matrimonial service, bound round with the garters you wore that day, and a sprig of myrtle on the page that says “With this ring I thee wed,” and your dream will be ominous, and you will have your fortune as well told as if you had paid a dollar to an astrologer.

THE SIGN OF A SNEEZE.

If any one tells you anything, and you are shortly after obliged to sneeze, you may be sure that what was told you is true.

THE DEATH-TICK.

If you hear a wood-tick or death-watch ticking anywhere in the house, you must try to get rid of it as soon as possible, or you will speedily hear of a death which will greatly afflict you.

THE CRICKET.

If there is a cricket in the house, be careful on no account to disturb it. Think of Dickens’ Cricket on the Hearth.

AN OMEN OF RICHES.

When an ant-heap gathers in your house, it signifies coming wealth—you may, however, destroy the nest.

THE FROG PROGNOSTIC.

If the first frog that you see in the spring of the year is sitting upon dry ground, it signifies that, during the same year, you will shed as many tears as the frog would require to swim away in.

THE CANDLE TOKEN.

When a large red token forms in the flame of a candle-wick, it signifies that the one who first sees it will soon receive a letter.

THE STAR AUGURY.

When you are out of doors on a starlit evening, and shooting stars appear, turn your face upward to the stars, and utter in a whisper the wish nearest your heart. If a star shoots while you do this, you may be sure that the wish will be fulfilled.

HOW TO BE SURE OF A PARTNER AT A DANCE.

When you wish to be sure of many partners at a dance or ball, let a little brother or sister, or any other person hold a thumb for you—that is, keep her hand closed like a fist for a quarter of an hour, holding her thumb between the fore and middle finger, while she thinks of you, and wishes you good luck. This proceeding has a wonderful effect.

THE BRIDE’S OMEN.

If you would have fair weather on your wedding day, you must always faithfully feed the cats. It is true it is a common error when persons think that it forebodes evil when it rains upon the bride in her bridal dress. This is no evil omen, but the contrary. But, above all things, let her be careful not to allow her shoes to get wet. If my young readers would take the trouble to read Frederika Bremer’s work called “The House,” they would find in it a confirmation of this warning.

TO KNOW IF A WOMAN WITH CHILD WILL HAVE A GIRL OR BOY.

Write the proper names of the father and the mother, and of the month she conceived with child, and likewise adding all the numbers of those letters together, divide them by seven; and then, if the remainder be even, it will be a girl, if uneven, it will be a boy.

THE CROW SIGN.

If you wish to know how matters will go with you during the year, you must take good heed of the first crow that you see in the spring. If, when you first see it, it is flying, it signifies that you will take a journey that will be longer or shorter, according to the distance which the bird flies before it alights. It may also signify a complete change of abode, perhaps by a wedding. If you first see the bird sitting, you will remain at home; if cawing, much that you do not think of will happen to you; if upon one leg, fortune will not smile upon you.

THE RABBIT AUGURY.

If, when in the open field, or upon the highroad, a rabbit runs across your path, it signifies that something unpleasant will happen to you.

THE SHEEP AND SWINE TOKEN.

If you are going to pay a visit, and you meet with sheep, you will be very welcome; but if you meet with swine, you will be unwelcome.

A CHARM AGAINST NIGHTMARE.

If you wish to be secure against the nightmare in your sleep, place your shoes side by side upon the floor, at the foot of the bed, so that the toes will point not toward the bed, but in the contrary direction, as if they were going from it.

WHAT A SPIDER WEB FORETELLS.

If you are walking with a young man at a time when the so-called gossamer, those snow-white spider’s threads, are floating about in the air, and one of these delicate fibrous veils sweeps by, and forms a band between you and him, it is a sign that feelings of a tender nature will some day bind you to each other.

HOW TO GET A SWEETHEART.

If a thick, long spider’s web hangs anywhere from the ceiling, you must sweep it down as soon as possible, for it signifies a suitor, and the one that gets the web will have him.

WHAT A PRICK IN THE FINGER SIGNIFIES.

If you are sewing upon a new dress, apron, &c., &c., and you prick your finger with the needle so as to bring blood, it is a sign that when you first wear the garment you will receive many kisses.

EASTER WATER.

In speaking of a love potion, I made mention of Easter water; many of my readers have, I suppose, never heard of this singular kind of water. I will explain it to you. It is water which is drawn from the river upon Easter morning, before the sun has shone upon it. To obtain it, therefore, you must rise on Easter morning while it is still quite dark, take your way to the river in silence, fill your pitcher in silence, and then make your way home in silence, without looking behind you. You may then go to bed again and have your sleep out. This Easter water has this peculiarity: it will keep sweet throughout the whole year. You can, therefore, fill as many bottles with it as you please, cork them tightly, and lay them away. Besides its use in the above-named love potion, it is beneficial in various maladies, especially in diseases of the eye, and, in addition to this, it is an approved cosmetic.

THE RYE CHARM.

If you would have bread and cake in plenty during the whole year, hang a full sheaf of rye and a full sheaf of wheat upon a pole outside the door, on Christmas morning, so that the birds may come and feed from it.

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NUMEROUS METHODS OF TELLING FORTUNES ON NEW YEAR’S EYE.

The evening which of all others is the most adapted for witchery, is New Year’s eve. It is a very ill practice to spend this evening at a ball, and it is an acknowledged fact that ill luck, more or less, follows a person throughout the year, who has danced the old year out and the new year in.

You should spend New Year’s eve with a small circle of near and dear friends, around a punch-bowl, while you seek to inquire what the future has in store for you. In the first place this may be done with melted lead or wax. Some of you, perhaps, are acquainted with this method of inquiring of the future, yet there may be many among your number who are still ignorant of it. Now, as it is of the highest interest in the world that these should know the process, I will here give, for their benefit, a short explanation of it, which the others may skip over.

THE LEAD AND WAX SPELL.

Take a good-sized piece of lead or wax, (the former is better,) place it in a melting-ladle, and dissolve it over the coals, or over a spirit-lamp, into which you have poured a little alcohol. You must then take a vessel full of water, (a bowl is best, that is not too deep nor too shallow,) and pour into it the lead or wax, and from the various figures which it forms in the water you endeavor to tell your fortune.

THE SAUCER CHARM.

The following is another method: you take four saucers; in one you put a ring, in another a sprig of myrtle, in the third a piece of money, and in the fourth nothing. The individuals composing the company must now walk around the table, blindfold, one after the other, and choose one of the saucers, which, in the mean time, have been changed as to place. Those among the company who choose the ring, will be betrothed in the course of the year; myrtle signifies wedlock, the piece of money wealth, the empty saucer no change of circumstances.

HOW TO TELL THE FIRST LETTER OF YOUR FUTURE WIFE OR HUSBAND’S NAME.

If you wish to know the letter with which your future wife or husband’s name commences, write all the letters of the alphabet, separately, upon small pieces of paper, put these pieces in a box, and draw one out blindfold.

All this may be done before twelve o’clock. Exactly at the stroke of midnight, however, you can summon up your future husband or wife, and behold his or her image up the chimney.

THE CANDLE SPELL.

The following is another method: Take two candles, go a little before twelve o’clock into an adjoining chamber—no one on any account must follow you—place yourself before the mirror, and exactly as it strikes twelve, call out your own name in full, three times. When the last sound has died away, you will see in the glass your future husband looking over your shoulder.

The company may not remain together after twelve o’clock. When the old year is out and the new year in, you must embrace, and kiss each other, and then go home. You must not yet go to bed, however, but must first devote an hour to solitude, to reflect upon all which the past year has brought with it, and to commit to writing the chief occurrences, as well as the state of your minds. It would be well to keep a book for this purpose, in which you should read and write only on a new-year’s eve, and at other times keep carefully stored away. I have always done this, and I can assure you, that it is with a feeling of sad, sweet interest, that I now read, each new-year’s eve, of the eighty-nine years of my life.

THE NUTSHELL WITCHERY.

Among the witcheries which you may perform on a new-year’s eve, there is one to which I have not alluded. Each person of the company, to wit, takes a nutshell, and, after lighting a wax taper, places it in the shell. A basin of water is then brought. You now place the nutshells, with the burning tapers in them, in the basin. Some will incline toward each other as they float along, others will repel each other, until, at last, all are extinguished or sunk. What conclusions in reference to the future, are to be drawn from the various movements of these tiny magic skiffs, your own quick wits will tell you.

THE BRIDGE OMEN.

After you have gone home, and have devoted an hour to the solitary task which I counselled you (see Candle Spell), take a glass of water, cut a small chip of wood, and lay it crosswise upon the glass, so that it stretches like a bridge, from one end to the opposite one. Then place this glass under your bed. The consequence will be that you will dream during the night that you are walking over a bridge, and that you fall into the water. A gentleman, however, appears and rescues you. This same gentleman, whom you will see very distinctly, be careful to remember, for he is your future husband. A gentleman can make the same experiment, and he will dream the same thing, with the difference only, that it is a lady who rescues him, and she is to be his future wife.

THE HAIR SPELL.

If you wish any person to think of you, pluck a hair from your head, and blow it out into the air toward that quarter of the heavens in which the person lives, while, at the same time, you call out the name of this person three times, at the top of your voice. During this you must be entirely alone, and must have thought intently upon the person for, at least, a quarter of an hour beforehand. At the same instant he will experience a strange unearthly shudder or thrill, and his thoughts will turn irresistibly toward you.

SIGN WHEN YOU WET YOUR APRON.

When you are washing, if you are apt to wet your apron a great deal, it is a sign that your future husband will be a tippler. Take good heed therefore!

THE NAIL TOKEN.

If a person has nails that are all bitten to pieces, and gnawed close to the quick, it signifies an evil, malicious character, and you have every reason in the world to be on your guard in your intercourse with such a person.

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