Liu Heng's Interpretation: The Secret Golden Formula of Physiognomy, Part 2

"Ma Yi Physiognomy" is a tradition that originates from the Ma Yi school. Yuan Liuzhuang's "Liu Zhuang Physiognomy" from the Ming Dynasty also draws from this school. During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, a practitioner of the Ma Yi school found a favored disciple and shared the teachings of the Dao with him. This disciple was Chen Tuan, also known as Chen Xiyi. The Ma Yi Physiognomy encapsulates the essence of physiognomy, laying a profound theoretical foundation for future generations' physiognomy. Teacher Liu Heng has compiled and annotated the "Heart Mirror of Physiognomy," offering detailed explanations to clarify its origins and ensure its preservation for future generations.

By observing age and stature, one can foresee the rise and fall of fortunes.

Annotation by Liu Heng: By asking about a person's age, one can discern the current state of their fortunes and the gains and losses of their destiny.

By observing appearance, one can determine worth, distinguishing between the noble and the common without doubt.

Annotation by Liu Heng: By examining the prominence of the bones and the thickness of the features, one can differentiate between the wise and the foolish, the noble and the common.

Clean and unique, with distinct bone structure, the noble are exceptional.

Annotation by Liu Heng: If a person's features exhibit a clean, unique, and ancient quality, along with a distinguished bone structure and substantial features, that person is surely noble and distinct from the ordinary.

Young or old, weak or strong, a murky complexion suggests poverty.

Annotation by Liu Heng: Observing features regardless of age, if the features are small and thin, with dull eyes and a dark complexion, it indicates poverty and low status.

Listening to their voice reveals stagnation or flow; observing their spirit shows connection or disconnection.

Annotation by Liu Heng: By listening to a person's voice, one can discern the quality of their fortunes. If their features align with the principles of physiognomy but their voice is harsh, like a broken gong, their fate is doomed. Observing the eyes can reveal the strength or weakness of their mind, and examining the nose can indicate the extent of their ambitions, thereby revealing the heights and depths of life and the rise and fall of destiny.

Lack of vitality indicates a short life; lack of voice indicates danger to life.

Annotation by Liu Heng: If a child's forehead protrudes and their eyes are sunken, with a lack of spirit and dullness in their gaze, this indicates weak liver energy and a likely early death. A low and disconnected voice suggests insufficient lung energy, which also points to a precarious fate.

A voice like a broken gong leads to lifelong solitude.

Annotation by Liu Heng: If a woman's voice resembles a broken gong, coarse and resembling a man's voice, she may face instability in marriage and could end up lonely in old age or dependent on men.

Clear and bright spirit, exceptional talent recognized by many.

Annotation by Liu Heng: If a person's features are full, with sharp and gentle eyes, they are likely exceptionally talented, with wisdom and skills that stand out.