What is it about rings? We’re all drawn to certain metals, stones and styles, but are often unaware of the deeper significance of the rings we wear. A little understanding will help you invoke the power of rings to enhance every aspect of your life.

From ancient times, the wearing of rings signified a form of magical “binding” -- to the priesthood, to the tribe, to another person or to a higher spiritual authority. The circle of the ring itself is a traditional symbol of infinity or eternity, the transposition of the magical circle into the real world of tangible, functional objects. The materials of which the ring is constructed, plus the wearer's visualisation of the ring’s higher purpose, determine the nature of a ring’s power. All rings were once magical or sacred.

Even ancient goddesses and gods are depicted wearing rings; fourth-century stone images of Hindu deities are depicted wearing rings; Babylonian mythology is replete with stories of the rings of Shamas and Marduk.

No one knows with certainty where the wedding ring tradition began, but there is some evidence that it originated in sub-Saharan Africa where the bride and groom’s wrists were tied together with grass. Certainly in Europe well into the late middle ages, a simple semi-pagan marriage ceremony for the poor was to bind the couple with wedding bands made from special grasses or yarn.

In the modern world, rings are still enormously important signifiers, both in terms of the rituals of the binding of one person to another and also in revealing a huge amount of information about the state of a person's inner life. The perceptive ring-watcher can observe psychological traits in the choice of ring someone chooses to wear -- its shape, style, stone, setting and which particular finger it's worn on. Not only this, but with an understanding of the deeper significance of rings and their relationship to the palm and fingers, one can choose the unique and appropriate ring to produce a spell that is truly dazzling.

Every digit is ruled by a planet astrologically, and each planet is associated with a metaphysical element (earth, water, fire or air) and a related metal.
Earth metals are lead, tin and iron; water metals are silver and zinc; fire is associated with gold and copper; and air with white gold and mercury.

The element that rules all the other elements is ether. This is the element of spiritual transcendence and, hence, the metal associated with it is that most otherworldly precious metal, platinum, and the immutable gem associated with ether is the diamond.

Both platinum and diamonds are created by primal creative forces of the universe itself. Platinum is forged in the impossible heat of supernova in distant space and diamonds created by forces deep in the Earth’s crust, long before man walked the Earth. In spiritual and traditional understanding, these materials are considered transcendent of human life and understanding.
Now let’s look at the digits individually.

Thumbs
The thumbs are about self-control and will power. The development of the oppositional thumb is the key anthropological development that has made humans able to control their destiny. When a person wears a prominent ring on the thumb, it represents a drive for more power.

On the active hand (the right hand if you’re right-handed), a thumb ring is worn by those who want to change the world in some way. So “ists” -- pacifists, vegans, eco-warriors, feminists, socialists, etc. -- wear a ring here. On a personal level, there are inner conflicts and a drive to transform oneself. People engaged in courses of self-development often wear a ring on the thumb.

On the passive hand’s thumb, a ring shows a wish for more energy and the self-discipline to reach goals.

If you wish to achieve some target, like getting up for your early-morning yoga class, or to lose weight, wear a narrow, silver ring (silver draws down higher guidance) with a milled surface (for industry and effort) on the active hand’s thumb. See this as a temporary measure, though, and remove the ring once the goal is attained. A ring worn for too long on the thumb strangles personal power.

Index finger
The index finger is known to palmists as the “mirror” finger. Its ruler is Jupiter and its about self-reflection and self-esteem. A big ring on the active index finger means self-esteem issues, particularly if there’s a large gemstone. It shows a frustrated need for power and recognition. In portraits of powerful, ruling figures, like Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Napoleon, large rings are visible on both the index fingers.

If you want to boost your self-esteem, use a ring to increase your sense of self. Tin is the metal of Jupiter, so whenever you feel vulnerable or neglected, wear a ring of iron or tin or base metal (to reinforce the sense of self) with no gems and flat, faceted sides (for modesty and recognition) on the index finger of your passive hand. Get into the habit of pulling the finger, as if stretching it. Think of yourself growing in stature and developing in power as you visualise the finger getting longer.

Middle finger
This is the “wall” finger. It’s ruled by Saturn and represents psychological boundaries, lifestyle, morals and value systems. We live in a time when values are collapsing and it’s increasingly common to wear a ring on this digit. The related internal conflict is one of struggling to find a role in society and an insecurity about one’s place in life. The larger the ring and gemstone on this finger, the more seriously one takes life and the more one wants to fit in and feel secure. A ring on the middle finger on the passive hand is associated with concerns with the stability of the family and an obsession with material things.

The metal traditionally associated with Saturn is lead. If you wear a ring on this digit, make it one of pewter (which contains lead), with a clear, square crystal to enhance stability and to clarify any concerns about family or security.

Ring finger
The roots of using this digit in the love-binding ceremony go back to pagan times. Its ruling planet is Apollo, the sun god. In modern palmistry it’s known as the peacock finger, as it’s about the expression of the instinct to display to attract a mate. The ring finger on the left hand has a direct meridian line connection to the heart in traditional Chinese medicine. Ancient Egyptians and later, the Greeks, believed the vena amoris (the vein of love) made a connection between this finger and the heart.

Wearing a ring here is a self-imposed restriction on the subconscious desire to limit the pursuit and posturing to attract the opposite sex. The ring places restrictions on the heart’s yearnings.

The traditional metal associated with Apollo the sun god is gold.
When a large ring (that’s not an engagement or wedding ring) is worn on this digit, the need for self-expression, social kudos and the sense of drama is strong; the bearer is obsessed with his or her public image and is anxious about how his or her persona is interpreted. The ring wearer is hungry for expression, appreciation, stimulus and the public stage.

Multiple thin wedding bands worn on this digit show someone who views marriage as a total, yet not a limiting environment.

The woman who wears an extremely thick wedding band is one who lives under strong emotional ties and feels a great deal of dependency upon her husband. A ring which doesn’t form a circle but which spirals up the digit indicates an open approach to partnerships with an expectation of much adoption and change within the pairing.

When the ring on this digit is too tight, so that it “strangles” the finger, the sense of creative expression and pleasure in partnerships is inhibited by the sense of wifely or husbandly duty. A very large stone on an engagement ring shows too much expectation of a marriage.

If you’re in a marriage, the best ring to wear is a slim gold one with a single small sapphire indicating honesty, unblemished faith and eternity of the love bond. If you’re single, the best kind of ring to wear is a gold band with various small gems in a line which indicated longevity of passion and constant surprise within relationships. It also gives a boost to creativity, self-expression and social acceptance.

Little finger
This digit is ruled by Mercury, the god associated with communication, quickness of wit, commerce and sexuality. It’s called the “antenna” in modern palmistry as it’s concerned with communication at all levels - verbal, signal and sexual. A little finger with more than one ring shows a hunger to pick up and manipulate ideas and may be inclined to bend the truth, be the bearer in the field of business, education, finance or comedy. A large ring is found on the little fingers of, amongst others: politicians, comedians, financial speculators, writers, teachers, sales reps and lawyers. When the ring on this digit is large and broad, it indicates a desire to communicate better and more effectively. If it bears a gemstone, the person will feel deficient in verbal skills, and shows the bearer’s want to pick up the subtle subtext of language and inference. The ring’s size is an indication of the size of the need for more and better power of language itself, the yearning for natural eloquence and wit, and it displays sexual curiosity. It’s enormously common for sexually available or sexually curious people to wear a large ring on the little finger; also those who are concerned with communication, i.e., writers, public speakers. In many cultures – particularly Arab cultures -- a ring on this finger denotes sexual rapacity or licentiousness. On both sexes, this is the most likely finger to wear a ring after the ring finger and it’s the most common place to wear a non-partnership ring. On the passive hand, a large ring here with a gemstone shows a deep-set underdevelopment in sexual and intimate articulacy. It signals difficulty in individual expression of the deepest private desires. On both sexes, a ring is worn on the passive little finger to signal an absent or difficult relationship with one of the parent figures. Sex is always a big issue for such people. Usually, though, it’s not the sex itself that they yearn for but true intimacy. From this comes the observation that the person is unsure about how he or she relates to people, or may not feel free to openly express feelings in a personal relationship. The multi-ringed antenna digit is endemic in the sex industry. To enhance your verbal skills and to renounce any issues in intimacy, you should wear a small, fine platinum or white gold ring (for absolute purity) on the passive hand’s little finger. Turn the ring around regularly and imagine as you do so the finger acting like an antenna, making connections between you and your deepest needs, sending clear, strong signals to others.

Rings on all the fingers
In general, a lot of rings on both hands indicates an insecure and troubled personality. This is very common on adolescents when they’re establishing themselves in the adult world and on people who feel alienated in some way. It’s often seen on the hands of showbiz personalities. Try to go without one ring at a time, if you have an abundance of them on your hands. You’ll find yourself feeling psychologically naked at first but will soon develop a compensatory inner strength.
Now use the secret of the rings to boost your power!

Johnny Fincham is the author of Palmistry - Apprentice to Pro in 24 Hours it's published by O-Books. My website iswww.johnnyfincham.com and e-mail is johnnyfincham@yahoo.co.uk