The Complexion: Tangible and Intangible Aspects Reflecting a Person's Fortune and Luck

When people think of physiognomy, they often consider it limited to facial features such as the nose, eyes, and mouth. However, similar to analyzing a person's BaZi, understanding the fortune or misfortune indicated by physiognomy requires a comprehensive approach. What does this involve? It includes evaluating not only facial features but also voice, movements, body shape, facial shape, and complexion, among other factors. Complexion is particularly challenging to understand and interpret. Therefore, today, I will share my insights on the role of complexion in physiognomy.

So, what is complexion? To me, it encompasses a person's aura and color.

(1) Tangible Complexion

In life, many things can be classified as tangible or intangible. Tangibility refers to what can be seen or touched. Tangible complexion can be categorized by the Five Elements: white, green, black, red, and yellow. White corresponds to metal, green to wood, black to water, red to fire, and yellow to earth—these are the elemental colors. When these colors appear on someone's face, they are readily observable. For instance, some people often have a red complexion, while others may suddenly develop a darker hue, or a previously dark complexion may lighten. But does red always signify good fortune? Not necessarily. Is black always negative? Definitely not. Which colors are considered favorable? It depends on the person's elemental attributes. For example, for a water-type person, black is their natural color, indicating good fortune, career success, and smooth endeavors. If their complexion turns red, it might lead to disputes, minor annoyances, financial loss, or illness. Tangible complexion is easily detectable and understood because it appears on the surface.

(2) Intangible Complexion

You might wonder, if there's a tangible complexion, is there also an intangible aspect? Absolutely. I believe tangible complexion focuses on color, while intangible complexion emphasizes "qi" (energy). Intangible complexion is about what cannot be seen or touched. So how can we recognize its existence? Those familiar with my previous writings know I often discuss "qi" when explaining feng shui. In feng shui, qi is perceived through mountains and water; essentially, it involves deducing intangible qualities from tangible ones. This understanding helps reveal the essence behind phenomena. Therefore, the principle of complexion in physiognomy also involves inferring the intangible from the tangible.

So, what is tangible in physiognomy? For example, a person's movements and expressions are tangible. If someone speaks quickly, fidgets, or seems anxious, what complexion does that suggest? It's the complexion of fire, as fire is characterized by urgency and restlessness. Conversely, if someone has a deep voice, walks steadily, and speaks slowly, it indicates the complexion of earth. If a person's movements are stiff and they speak loudly and clearly, it represents the complexion of metal. These examples show how tangible actions, expressions, and behaviors can reveal intangible complexion. By understanding tangible complexion, fortune and misfortune distinctions become clearer. Thus, a comprehensive view in physiognomy is necessary, as behaviors, expressions, and actions reflect the intangible complexion. Much like how light reveals electricity, wind reveals qi, and happiness manifests in expressions, these aspects are often overlooked by the general public.

(3) Tangible Complexion Affects Quickly, Urgently, but is Temporary

Because tangible complexion manifests directly and represents a mature phenomenon, I believe its impact in physiognomy is the fastest, most urgent, and most direct. Changes can occur within three days, seven days, fifteen days, or a month. For example, if a metal-type person's complexion turns red or crimson, it signals significant changes or upheavals in their work or career, potential disputes, or gossip. If the person is female, it might indicate upcoming changes or ongoing issues in relationships or marriage. For a wood-type person, a white complexion suggests a conflict between metal and wood; they should be cautious about the health of elderly relatives, potential injuries, work-related stress, liver and gallbladder issues, and matters concerning funerals. While tangible complexion affects quickly and urgently, it is superficial, so its impact is short-lived. Once changes occur, the complexion will also change.

(4) Intangible Complexion Affects Slowly, but is Long-lasting

Why does intangible complexion have a slower influence? Because the qi within this complexion remains present, surrounding the individual, without fully manifesting on their face. Although the intangible complexion has formed and is recognizable, it requires time and a process to fully express itself. Therefore, its influence is slow. For instance, if a person's intangible complexion is associated with fire (speaking quickly, acting hastily, walking briskly), these are fire characteristics. This energy remains within their actions and expressions without surfacing in their facial features yet. In other words, for this energy to emerge in the facial features, time and development are needed, making its influence slow but longer-lasting. This is because intangible complexion operates from the inside out, with internal essence gradually manifesting as external phenomena, resulting in a comprehensive, enduring influence.

Physiognomy offers many intriguing aspects. By delving deeper, you can uncover and apply extensive knowledge about both tangible and intangible elements. However, many people today seek quick results and want to master complex subjects in mere days. This is unrealistic. Is there any knowledge worth having that's easily gained with quick success? Certainly not. After learning, you'll encounter new challenges requiring further study. Therefore, if you're passionate about a particular subject, it requires genuine effort and time. This is the most practical approach; shortcuts are merely self-deception.