Ancient Physiognomy Decoded: Liu Heng's Translation and Commentary, Part 3

The concept of "Ma Yi Physiognomy" that circulates today is rooted in the teachings of the Ma Yi school. "Liu Zhuang Physiognomy," authored by Yuan Liuzhuang during the Ming Dynasty, also derives from the same tradition. During the period of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, a practitioner of the Ma Yi school found a prized disciple to whom he imparted the teachings of the Great Way; this disciple was Chen Tuan, better known as Chen Xiyi. Ma Yi Physiognomy captures the essence of physiognomy, creating a robust theoretical foundation for future generations' studies in physiognomy. Teacher Liu Heng has meticulously compiled and annotated the "Heart Mirror of Physiognomy," with the aim of shedding light on its origins and ensuring its transmission to future generations.

Southerners Resembling Northerners: A Lineage of Green Toads and Purple Ribbons

Liu Heng's Note: Northerners typically have narrow foreheads and long noses, whereas Southerners tend to have broad foreheads and low noses. If a Southerner resembles a Northerner, possessing a wide forehead and a high nose, it symbolizes "a straight nose indicates unparalleled wealth," enabling them to exchange a blue robe for a yellow gown.

Northerners Resembling Southerners: Rise to the Han Court Dressed in Red

Liu Heng's Note: Distinct differences exist between the appearances of Northerners and Southerners, with each person uniquely individual. Northerners often have long noses and full foreheads, indicating a forehead like a standing wall and a commanding presence, which predicts an ascension to the Hanlin Academy garbed in red robes.

Thin Individuals Are Like Wood, Vulnerable to Heavy Gold

Liu Heng's Note: Thin individuals are typically marked by an excess of the wood element and a deficiency in the earth element; those characterized by excess wood should steer clear of individuals with strong gold characteristics. They are straightforward but can be critical.

Fat Individuals Are Like Earth, Unbothered by Weight When Facing Muddied Waters

Liu Heng's Note: Those with a fat physique tend to have an excess of earth and a deficiency of wood; individuals with water characteristics should avoid those with an earth excess. People with too much earth can be domineering, whereas those with excess water often carry numerous worries.

Fire Diminishes Under Water, Leaving Desires Unrealized Before Twilight

Liu Heng's Note: Fire-type individuals usually have narrow foreheads and low brows, while water-type individuals have prominent foreheads and large eyes. Fire is associated with middle age and water with old age; an excess of water may result in concerns during one's later years.

Gold Towers Above Earth, Promising Initial Success

Liu Heng's Note: Gold-type individuals are often noted for their pale faces and prominent cheekbones, whereas earth-types typically have square faces. Since wood symbolizes youth and gold signifies middle age, these individuals tend to stand out prominently in their early years.

Withered in Form and Color, Signal an Easily Predicted Early Demise

Liu Heng's Note: From a physical standpoint, individuals with sunken cheeks and tight skin appear to lack vitality; from a color perspective, those deficient in kidney essence tend to have dark and dry complexions. Such features suggest a predisposition toward early death.

Taut Facial Skin Suggests a Questionable Longevity

Liu Heng's Note: A face with tightly drawn skin, resembling the surface of a drum, indicates a downturn in vitality with an excess of liver energy, implying a rushed digestive process lacking sustenance, which may signal a doubtful life span.