Jin Zizai’s Fortune-Telling: Who Is Naturally Lucky?

Physiognomy is popular because it’s convenient and easy to pick up. But as it’s been passed down, misunderstandings are inevitable—what’s auspicious is sometimes mistaken for inauspicious, and vice versa. Some people apply it without understanding the principles, misleading themselves and others. Here we share some basic insights to help avoid confusion. Every Wednesday, feel free to join Lao Jin to discuss facial features.

First: Thick Eyebrows and Big Eyes

Men with thick eyebrows and big eyes are generally considered handsome. They tend to get along well with elders and are popular with women. In love and in study, they typically have an easier time than those with narrow eyes and thin brows. They’re straightforward, value emotions and friendship, and aren’t cruel or eccentric—often a top choice as partners.

“Thick eyebrows and big eyes” come in many varieties: thick brows with sunken eyes, thick brows with protruding eyes, thick brows with “three whites” (sclera visible on three sides), thick brows with slanted eyes, thick brows with phoenix eyes, thick brows with crab eyes, and so on. The most common is thick brows with double eyelids. If you choose someone like this as a partner, consider yourself fortunate.

Be prepared to work hard and take care of the household—and him. In terms of career, financial fortune, and even family responsibilities, don’t expect too much from this man. If he doesn’t cause you extra trouble, that’s already good. Don’t look to him to steer your life; he often lacks direction himself. Don’t expect him to hand you a pile of money; when you need it most, he may be worse off than you. Don’t count on him for tedious chores; at best, he might cook. When difficulties arise, you’ll need to be the one with the broader perspective. This isn’t just physiognomy talking—handsome men are often spoiled, so don’t expect him to spoil you.

Men with thick brows and double eyelids often attract petty people, act on impulse and regret it afterward, lack strategy, are indecisive, are easily tempted, and tend to be softhearted. If their eyes are moist and their eyelashes are long, this is said to be virtually guaranteed.

Based on professional experience, men with thick brows and double eyelids have a higher divorce rate in long marriages. They pair best with strong, assertive women—those with high cheekbones and a sharp tongue. Otherwise, early marriage often ends in divorce.

Second: Being Plump is Fortunate

In everyday conversation, people often avoid the word “fat” and politely say someone has “gained fortune.”

So, does being plump really mean one has gained fortune? Is that luck, wealth, or something else? There’s a lot behind this idea, and it can’t be summed up by the single word “fortune.”

First, we should acknowledge that plump people are thought to have more fortune than thin people. Nine out of ten plump individuals are wealthy; the only concern is a plump body without a full backside. A big head and a thick neck usually indicate either a wealthy person or a cook; being a cook isn’t bad either—it generally pays well, just involves more labor. Thin people can have fortune only if they have a high nose bridge and lively, spirited eyes; otherwise, any luck tends to be temporary and unsustainable.

Let’s talk about “plump.” In ancient societies where material goods were scarce, being able to eat well and stay plump signaled a well-off household—much as in places like today’s North Korea, where being well-fed is seen as a sign of capability. That kind of plumpness is indeed considered fortunate.

Weight gain also has to be viewed by age: being plump at twenty is very different from being plump at forty. Putting on weight at twenty often points to a decade of weaker career prospects, while gaining weight at forty suggests a decade of flourishing career.

Where the weight goes matters too: a plump face indicates wealth, a fuller backside suggests career success, and plump hands and arms indicate good financial luck. The worst is having only a plump belly, which not only stalls fortune but can invite illness.

The pace of weight gain also matters: gradual gain is normal; sudden gain is concerning. Many untimely deaths are said to be linked to sudden weight gain. The best kind of plumpness is natural and firm; the worst is puffy or overflowing—think the Michelin Man.

Now, about “fortune.” The three concepts—fortune, wealth, and prosperity—have distinct meanings. Fortune refers to good luck, wealth to financial gain, and prosperity to development. Ancient texts say, “A radiant face indicates prosperity; a rosy complexion indicates wealth; a well-nourished body indicates fortune; a clear mind and spirit indicate fortune.” Gradual weight gain points to fortune: it suggests your work is becoming more grounded, you’re achieving success step by step, and you’re receiving more help from benefactors. It does not mean you’ll make money—unless you also have a rosy complexion. If your body is gaining weight while your face looks worried, you won’t just lack good luck—you’ll face ongoing obstacles.

Third: Big Ears are Good

The older generation often says big ears—and big earlobes—are good; generally, the bigger the better. That’s not entirely accurate. While big ears can be favorable, it’s not only about size. You judge by five criteria—firmness, thickness, height, color, and symmetry—to see whether the ears meet the standard. In other words, even large ears that are soft, dark, set low, or thin aren’t much use. Beyond these points, the key is how well the ears harmonize with the rest of the face.

In physiognomy, it’s important not just to list the strengths and weaknesses of individual features, but to emphasize their harmony. The eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and tongue shouldn’t be wildly out of proportion; they should match each other. For example, large ears may indicate strong kidney energy, but if the mouth is small, it suggests weak willpower. What can someone with strong kidney energy but weak willpower accomplish? Just look at Edison Chen. Another example: large eyes with a small mouth. Ancient texts say such a person will never be wealthy. Why? Large eyes indicate many ideas, enthusiasm, and a desire to try many things—but also indecision and susceptibility to influence. A small mouth suggests they can’t stick to their principles. The result is frequent job changes and a lack of persistence—hardly a path to wealth.

In short, big ears should be paired with a wide, generous mouth; a small mouth is inauspicious. If the ears are also “flowered,” dark, soft, and thin, prosperity is unlikely.