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An itchy right hand can mean many things, depending on the culture and even your gender.
By Isabella Pacinelli — Last updated on Jul 10, 2023
When you have itchy palms, you may wonder what it means spiritually or if such questions as the meaning of right and left palm itching are nothing more than superstition.
Superstitions are a part of pretty much every culture. Whether you believe in them or not, you’re likely to have heard people say things like “Knock on wood,” “Find a penny, pick it up,” or "If your ear is ringing, someone is thinking about you."
For some, not abiding by a superstition can cause anxiety and fear that something bad will happen. For example, you might believe that if you skip doing 20 jumping jacks before a volleyball game, you will lose.
Another form of superstition is believing in signs meant to tell you that something good or bad is coming your way. Although we may want superstitions to ring true, there’s no scientific proof that they are accurate. But that doesn't mean they aren't fun to explore and consider.
What does it mean if your right palm itches?
An itchy right palm can have several meanings related to good luck, the lottery and money, or could also be a sign of potential health issues.
If you have an itchy right palm, it can also indicate betrayal from someone close to you, the universe encouraging you to work hard, that good luck is coming, or that you're beginning a new season.
The specifics depend on factors such as culture, gender, and even origin. And common superstitions about the right palm itching depend on the culture or country.
For example, in India, the right palm is generally thought of as the receiving hand, so right palm itching is most often thought of as a lucky sign, meaning something is being bestowed upon you (while left palm itching is thought of as an unlucky sign meaning something will be taken away).
Depending on the culture, an itchy right palm can mean many different things, all based on whether a person identifies as male or female.
This changes by gender, however. While for males, an itchy right palm is good luck, for females it's thought of as an unlucky sign of money going out (whereas left palm itching in females is thought of as a lucky sign of money coming in).
In Eastern cultures, like Hindu tradition or South Asia, an itchy right palm means good luck for men, but bad luck for women. On the other hand, an itchy right palm for women is doubly associated with financial prosperity and blessings. However, other cultures see an itchy right palm as a warning of financial loss for both men and women.
Additionally, some cultures believe that if a woman has an itchy right palm, she will meet new people or have positive social interactions; the same is true for men.
Here are some additional explanations of possible meanings of an itchy right palm or hand.
Here are 6 spiritual meanings of an itchy right palm and other fingers on the right hand.
1. Right palm itching could be a lucky sign that money is on its way to you, possibly through the lottery.
Money coming your way is a superstition that was first popularized by the Saxons. They believed that rubbing your skin on silver was a cure for topical diseases. This eventually morphed into the idea that silver would be coming your way, which was their form of money.
Many cultures began to associate the right itchy palm with winning the lottery, which was the most obvious way large sums of money would be gifted into your hands. This belief was combined with the Celtic notion that touching wood after mentioning hopes was necessary to prevent the evil spirits living in trees from undoing your good luck.
Because of this, they believed the only way to scratch an itchy right palm without undoing its good luck was by knocking on wood to chase the evil spirits away and call on good spirits for protection, hence the phrase "Knock on wood."
2. An itchy right palm can mean strength and growth.
Your hands are a powerful force in everyday life. They are responsible for much of human ability and allow you to express yourself in many ways.
Painting, writing, cooking, or playing an instrument are just some examples of the impact our hands can make. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to reach our full potential, and their connection to the spiritual world is strong.
3. An itchy right palm is a sign to take control of your freedom.
If you have itchiness in your right palm, this might be the time to take action to achieve your goals. This surge of energy that is presenting itself is the encouragement you need to be bold and make positive change. Don’t be afraid to go after what you want.
There’s also a chance that right palm itching is suggesting that you're feeling limited in life and wish to have more joy.
Do you want to leave your job? Is there a friend holding you back? Just as you should take action on your goals, you should remove anything from your life that doesn’t make you happy. It’s important to feel you have freedom and enjoy where you are.
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4. An itchy right palm can indicate that someone is talking poorly about you.
A right palm that is itchy means the energy flow that's associated with receiving and giving is being influenced by external forces. When your right palm itches, it means that someone is sending you ill intentions.
Be sure to stay wary of your surroundings and do everything in your power to protect yourself from harm.
5. Right palm itching in the center of the hand indicates creativity.
Having an itch in the exact center of the right palm means you are an incredibly creative person. Consider it the reassurance you need to begin any creative projects you've been thinking about.
Additionally, an itchy center right palm means it's time to take action to achieve your goals in order to bring balance and harmony into your life.
6. An itchy right thumb means you're in the midst of spiritual growth.
When the tip of the right thumb itches, it's a sign of spiritual growth. When you experience this specific type of itch, consider it a message from the universe that you're moving to a higher vibration.
Though things feel difficult right now, it's just a sign that you are growing and moving forward. So, fight through the discomfort.
An itchy right palm or hand could also be a symptom of certain medical conditions.
Sure, an itchy right hand has a bunch of superstitions associated with it, but persistent itching can also be a symptom of a health issue that should be treated by a doctor. Conditions that may cause itching palms or hands include: eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, allergies, diabetes, cirrhosis and nerve disorders.
As you try to figure out what it is that’s causing your right palm to itch, be mindful of the ways it can present itself. If you feel it could be a medical condition, see a doctor immediately. If you believe there’s a spiritual meaning, have the courage to make brave decisions.
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Isabella Pacinelli is a former contributor to YourTango, features editor for Ashland University's The Collegian, and freelance writer for Medina Weekly News.