Why Good Facial Features Indicate Good Fortune
People who have flipped through books on physiognomy are often puzzled by the terminology, especially the descriptions of facial features. They wonder why certain traits are judged good or bad—and on what basis. Unfortunately, these books rarely offer clear explanations.
Ancient people had an intuitive grasp of the connection between nature and humanity. Modern readers, however, need a deeper understanding of this link to make sense of why physiognomy labels some features as favorable and others as unfavorable.
Mountains, rivers, and landscapes mirror the ideas behind physiognomy. The bones, flesh, and complexion of a person’s face are likened to elements of natural terrain. When we assess the ecological feng shui of a place—whether plant life is lush and animals congregate—we gauge its vitality. In regions where mountain lines are blocked or broken, nearby peaks can differ markedly, indicating that the energy has not connected.
By analogy, the forehead represents a peak, the crown the summit, and the nose a ridge. Thus, the forehead should not be flat, as a flat forehead suggests limited ambition; the nose should not be low or damaged, as this points to obstacles. These are basic tenets in physiognomy. As for the seven orifices—two eyes, two ears, the nostrils, and the mouth—if we view the head as a mountain storing energy, these openings are its outlets. For example, people with prominent eyes may build up pressure and erupt more easily; those with sunken eyes may struggle to retain energy and appear gloomy; individuals with large ears tend to be vigorous and warm, while those with small ears are often more reserved. Large nostrils can signal a tendency to lose wealth, while small nostrils can suggest stinginess. A large mouth is often associated with divulging secrets, whereas a small mouth can make self-expression difficult, inclining one toward a more melancholic temperament, and so on.
Even in self-cultivation, it helps to understand these facial cues. The principles of physiognomy developed over centuries and are not arbitrary inventions. Some people rise quickly and preserve their wealth, while others invest heavily yet see little return. Cultivating the mind can reduce mistakes, but one’s physical endowment also influences the heights one can reach. To foster a favorable appearance, one must start early with proper nurturing—nutrition, temperament, environment, feng shui, and other factors often grouped under destiny. It is certainly not something that can be solved by a casual incantation or ritual.