There are two kinds of rings to be found on the hands. One is that which is placed on a finger form ornamentation; the other is a small etching in the skin of the upper palm just below the base of the forefinger, and it is drawn there by repetition of a particular behavior. (This non-ornamental ring, which in the biz is known as The Ring of Solomon, will be covered next month.)

In our culture, if you wear hand adornment at all, it is likely to be on (What do you know) the ring finger. But the tradition of wearing jewelry on the ring finger encourages conscious and therefore ambiguous messages regarding marital status and wealth, and has little to say about inner workings. Rings displayed on the other fingers contain more "inside information." For instance, more is said about relationship potential by the presence of rings on both little fingers than by the absence of w wedding band. When that second pinkie ring was put on, its wearer declared, "I want more intimacy and I'm going to get it!"

Generally, the left hand is the more personal one, the right is the more public. Rings are for emphasis; if the ring is large, the intention is large. But any ring at all is notable and the less likely a ring is to appear, the more potent its meaning. For example, how often does one see a ring on a first finger? On a thumb? And how much less often on men than women? The presence of more than one ring on a single finger adds importance; several locations indicates diffusion of focus. If a ring has a stone, its influence prevails: reds excite, blues bring calm.

A ring on the middle finger fortifies safety. In some way, the wearer is expressing an attitude of practicality, order, and taking care of business. If that finger is 1/2 inch or so longer than the others, a ring enhances the person's sense of security in assuming responsibility. Worn on a relatively short middle digit, a ring's significance approximates the gesture most associated with the finger!

An accessory on the first finger deals with the wearer's coming to grips with power. When you see a ring on this finger, how do you and react? If you yourself can wear a trigger finger ring, then maybe you respond positively. However, if you find some subtle aversion to others who sport this ring, consider that you might be among those who are uncertain of their own inner resources. (Uncertain? Me? Resistant to my own power?) It could be interesting at that next job interview to wear a ring around your right pointer finger, or for that visit with your parents to slip something comfortable on the first finger of your left hand.

Ornamentation on the thumb is rare, but when it is there it is to enhance the capacity to get results. Next month we'll take a good look at King Solomon's Ring and that will bring us just about full circle.