Jin Zizai’s Fortune-Telling: What Eyebrows Reveal About Wisdom

Eyebrows are said to reflect one’s wisdom: the fuller and more complete the brows, the greater the wisdom. In this tradition, wisdom shows in the eyebrows.

Eyebrow-related fortune is considered most significant between the ages of thirty-one and thirty-four, symbolizing the first step in a person’s journey through life. Brow length is judged against the eyes: if the brows extend beyond the eyes, they are considered long; otherwise, short. As for height, an acceptable standard is about one finger’s width between the eyebrows and the eyes. Ideally, eyebrows are well-defined and fine. In practice, eyebrow reading is discussed in three areas—family fortune, career prospects, and character/health—summarized below.

First, Family Fortune

What eyebrows reveal about family differs from what the ears reveal. The brows primarily reflect support from siblings and friends. For women, in addition to siblings and friends, the husband’s support is also considered. A brief summary follows.

1. Eyebrows are considered the palace of friendships; if they appear overly thick, broken, or discolored, it suggests a tendency to be deceived or taken advantage of by friends.

2. Brows also relate to romance; the more well-shaped and complete the eyebrows, the better the outlook for friendships and romantic partners.

3. Brows are especially important for women; if they are sparse, discolored, or overly thick, it is said to signal an unhappy marriage.

4. Similar to the ears, the left eyebrow corresponds to the father and the right to the mother, with the left more influential for men and the right for women.

5. Clear, vibrant eyebrows, along with bright eyes, suggest a prosperous family background and strong support from parents and ancestors.

6. Clear eyebrows with tails that curve slightly downward signify a loving marriage.

7. Thick eyebrows that seem to cover the forehead, known as “connected heart eyebrows,” suggest a weak bond with the father and many acquaintances but few true friends.

8. Very sparse, almost nonexistent eyebrows, together with sunken eye sockets, indicate poor prospects for offspring.

9. Thick, short eyebrows that do not reach the outer corners of the eyes suggest limited support from family.

10. Eyebrows that are disconnected in the middle, known as “broken eyebrows,” indicate a lack of affection among siblings.

11. Low-set eyebrows that extend straight toward the bridge of the nose signify potential conflict with parents.

12. Thick, heavy eyebrows that overshadow the eyes indicate early conflict with parents and midlife issues with a spouse.

13. Eyebrows that do not sit close to the brow bone suggest conflict with the father at home and with the husband after marriage.

Second, Career Fortune

The eyebrows are said to govern fortune from ages thirty-one to thirty-four, marking the first step into society. How this step is taken is crucial.

1. If thick eyebrows overshadow the eyes, proceed with caution to avoid legal troubles.

2. Angular tails on the eyebrows indicate good financial prospects.

3. Dense eyebrows set close to the eyes—“eyebrows overshadowing the eyes”—suggest difficulties in fortune between the ages of thirty and forty.

4. Dull, sparse eyebrows between the ages of thirty and thirty-five indicate poor fortune.

5. Disheveled, fan-like eyebrows are said not to attract wealth.

6. Eyebrows that cover the forehead indicate unfavorable fortune, particularly between the ages of twenty-eight and thirty-two, and thirty-six to forty-three.

7. Regardless of whether the eyebrows are thick or thin, messy or neat, brows that extend beyond the outer corners of the eyes are ultimately favorable.

8. Eyebrows that stand upright, known as “arrow eyebrows,” indicate poor luck between the ages of thirty and thirty-five.

9. Straight eyebrows suit careers in the military or law enforcement, indicating a balance between scholarly and martial qualities.

10. Eyebrows that are thick at the head and sparse or nonexistent at the tail suggest a decline in career after the age of thirty-three.

11. Thick, coarse eyebrows are said to foretell a lonely old age.

12. Prominent brow bones suggest fluctuations in fortune before and after thirty, with a life of ups and downs.

Third, Character and Health

Eyebrows are known as the palace of emotions, said to show whether a person’s wisdom is complete and whether their emotional intelligence is high or low.

1. Upright eyebrows, including arrow-shaped heads, indicate impatience and harshness.

2. Reversed eyebrow heads suggest a petty, impatient nature.

3. Messy eyebrows indicate a confused, unfocused mind.

4. Disconnected eyebrows suggest hand injuries for men and limb injuries for women.

5. Crossing between the eyebrows and eyes between the ages of thirty and forty indicates potential vehicle-related accidents.

6. Connected eyebrows suggest a shorter lifespan.

7. Crescent-shaped eyebrows indicate many benefactors throughout life, with no shortage of food and clothing.

8. Eyebrows that overshadow the eyes suggest a malicious heart—someone who pretends to be benevolent while being deceitful.

9. Thick eyebrows indicate a bold, carefree personality, while thin eyebrows suggest a meticulous nature, skilled with details.

10. Thick eyebrows are associated with impulsiveness, while thin eyebrows indicate generosity and broad-mindedness.

11. Uneven eyebrows indicate a strong sense of self-centeredness.