Mehndi is meant to be painted on the palms of the hands. In fact, it stains more deeply there. Think about your hands for a moment. We usually do not stop to appreciate the role they play in our lives. They are there for doing and showing. We use them for mundane tasks, like washing dishes and opening doors, and also for more romantic tasks, like holding hands or writing in our journal. Many women and even mean invest time and money on weekly manicures. Our hands are our representatives: They come before us. Mehndi on the palms and the outer hands is a tribute to their power.

The actual act of having mehndi done requires contact between the artist and the person being painted. Energy is exchanged this way, through the hands. This can be very healing for the artist and the client. Mehndi softens the skin. You must sit still to receive it, which can help to still the mind, and this is the essence of meditation.

In the Egyptian fashion, you can dip your fingertips in henna paste. Egyptian women also painted henna on their nails. If you do this, it will last for a few months and grow out with your nails. Think of this as an alternative to nail polish.

Creeping vines are great motifs for the backs of the hands. In India they are known as b’hai ki bal. You can even use them to hide skin imperfections like scars. If the skin is dry or tanned, it will be hard for the henna to take. Remember to moisturize and stay out of the sun for a few days beforehand. Roome suggests using Moroccan symbols of protection on the tops of the hands and images of “opening and offering” on the palms of the hands. She suggests the sun, flowers, or mandalas for the insides of the hands. The palms are a place where you can create elaborate and intricate designs as you experiment and create new worlds. Or you can try to copy some of the more traditional designs.

As you discover yourself and the world through mehndi, you will start to notice some of the connections between the symbolism you encounter and the metaphysical arts. Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy dealing with truth and knowledge that is found outside of objective experience. Some of the occult sciences, like astrology and Tarot, are grouped with the metaphysical arts in bookstores. Palm reading is an example of an ancient Indian science that has resonance for many people but that cannot be proven by modern science. When choosing which hand you would like to be painted with mehndi, consider the traditional qualities attributed to each hand. If you are hoping to add power to parts of your inner life, such as honing your intuition, getting in touch with your emotions, or healing your body, consider having the left hand painted. If you want to do well on a test, get a job, or control some external influence in your life, consider the right hand. For balance, you can always have both hands painted, but total inactivity for at least a day will be necessary if you want the henna to take. Remember to ask someone close to you to help out.