Understanding Moles: How to Tell the Difference Between Benign and Concerning Moles

Image source: Pixabay

Hello everyone, and welcome to this edition of our facial features series! Today, we're diving into the topic of moles. Many people are curious about moles since most of us have a few on our face or body.

Before we explore the role of moles in facial analysis, let's first define what moles actually are.

What You Need to Know About Moles

A typical mole is pigmented and slightly elevated. Those that are partially raised or appear elevated are considered "low-quality moles." Dark spots that are not raised are referred to as "dots."

Moles can appear in various colors, including black, brown, blue, green, or red. Unlike many other facial feature theories, moles can be linked to health issues. According to a theory from Baidu, "Moles are benign skin tumors formed by mole cells, frequently observed in medical practice. They typically appear on the skin and mucous membranes, manifesting as surface growths of various sizes, shapes, and colors."

Many of us have also heard that certain moles might become cancerous under particular conditions (consult a medical professional to evaluate this).

Thus, when considering the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of moles in facial features, it's crucial to remember: facial feature theories cannot outweigh the importance of modern science. If a mole poses potential health risks and medical advice suggests removal, it's essential to heed your doctor's guidance.

For example, even if a mole is regarded as "auspicious" in facial feature theories, you should not ignore medical advice for its removal. This oversight could potentially lead to negative consequences. With this understanding in place, let's explore what facial features theories have to say about moles.

Moles and the Twelve Palaces

A mole's significance is influenced by its location. While there are over 160 possible locations in facial feature diagrams, analyzing them can become overly complex. Therefore, a simpler method involves dividing the face into "regional divisions" known as the Twelve Palaces.

The Twelve Palaces are closely linked to family, wealth, and longevity, and the specific meanings of auspicious or inauspicious moles can often be determined by their positions in these regions.

• First Palace: Life Palace: Located between the eyebrows, above the bridge of the nose, also known as the "Yintang." If the Yintang is smooth and bright, it generally indicates a smooth life. A mole here can often relate to overall fortune and life smoothness.
• Second Palace: Official Palace: Positioned above the Yintang, in the center of the forehead, representing career advancement. A mole here is often related to career progression.
• Third Palace: Fortune Palace: Located below the hairline on both sides of the forehead, known as "Tian Cang," indicating economic prospects. A mole here can impact financial fortune.
• Fourth Palace: Sibling Palace: Referring to the eyebrows, representing siblings and friends. A mole here can affect relationships with siblings and the health of the arms.
• Fifth Palace: Wealth Palace: Referring to the nose, symbolizing financial matters. A mole here can affect financial circumstances.
• Sixth Palace: Property Palace: Located between the upper eyelid and eyebrows, representing family assets and inheritance. A mole here signifies inherent wealth and family inheritance.
• Seventh Palace: Spouse Palace: Situated between the outer corner of the eye and the temple, it represents romantic relationships and marriage. A mole here is tied to emotions and marriage prospects.
• Eighth Palace: Children Palace: Located under the eyes, representing children's talents and health. A mole here often pertains to children's fortune.
• Ninth Palace: Migration Palace: Found above the outer ends of the eyebrows, known as the "Yima Palace." A mole here influences travel and opportunities abroad.
• Tenth Palace: Illness Palace: Situated at the bridge of the nose and the forehead, concerning physical health. A mole here is associated with health challenges.
• Eleventh Palace: Parents Palace: Located between the Fortune Palace and the Official Palace, symbolizing the parental relationship. A mole here relates to parents' health and relationship.
• Twelfth Palace: Servants Palace: Located on the chin, related to subordinates or younger generations. A mole here can influence one's influence over descendants and power dynamics.

Moles and Annual Luck

Fortunes based on facial features are often analyzed through the Three Divisions. As discussed in previous articles, a face is divided into three sections, or "Three Divisions": from the hairline to the eyebrows (upper section) for early life fortune; from the eyebrows to the tip of the nose (middle section) for middle age fortune; from the nose tip to the chin (lower section) for later life fortune.

For instance, a poor forehead shape with a low, uneven hairline (indicative of a weak upper section) suggests challenges in early life fortune. Nonetheless, if other features like eyes and nose are strong, it might hint at success and improved fortunes in middle age. Conversely, a person with stronger middle and lower sections might enjoy better fortune in later years, even if their early life was difficult.

A more detailed luck prediction is provided through an annual luck chart, dividing the years from age 15 to 100. This chart helps assess general fortunes and possible events corresponding to different life stages, as indicated by specific facial features.

As shown in the image below, the marked zones generally influence an individual's fortune over roughly a one-year span.

To assess specific annual fortunes, check the appearance of age-related zones. For example, if the Yintang is bright and smooth, it suggests a smooth year around age 28; if the Yintang appears darkened, it indicates potential misfortune.

Beyond the complexion, two common negative configurations are "纹侵" (wrinkle invasion) and "痣破" (mole break).

"纹侵" entails the appearance of wrinkles or lines where they typically shouldn't occur at a young age, like the "suspended needle breaking the Yintang." Meanwhile, "痣破" involves the presence of black moles. Moles are often seen as one of the eight negative indicators in facial features. Therefore, a black mole in a corresponding area (assuming no distinct auspicious or inauspicious trait) can negatively impact annual fortune.

If these conditions exist and you haven't reached the corresponding age, it might be wise to take early precautions. If the age has passed, there usually isn't any harm.

Of course, these are general cases. What about exceptions? Some moles inherently have auspicious or inauspicious traits— if a mole is auspicious, it can enhance already good annual fortune or assist during a challenging year. Conversely, if a mole is inauspicious, it could hinder prosperity or intensify misfortune.

Additionally, it's crucial to note that moles with inherent auspicious or inauspicious qualities will have a "notable impact" during their corresponding year. Pay particular attention in such years. Furthermore, the positive or negative effects of these moles are lifelong, persisting beyond that specific year.

General Discussion on the Auspiciousness and Inauspiciousness of Moles

Now that we've clarified the connection between moles, the Twelve Palaces, and annual fortunes, it's time to differentiate between auspicious and inauspicious moles.

Facial Moles

Facial moles are particularly concerning, as the decision to keep or remove them often centers on one's face. You can refer to the facial mole diagrams for guidance, noting that interpretations may vary for men and women.

Male Facial Mole Diagram

Female Facial Mole Diagram

Consult the diagrams to determine which auspicious moles to keep and which inauspicious ones might be removed. If there is uncertainty about a mole's nature, it is often reasonable to lean towards removal.

However, there are exceptions where moles should not be evaluated solely based on the diagrams. It's advisable to consult a knowledgeable expert in facial feature analysis before making a removal decision—

For instance, a mole below the lower lip might be a "ground cellar mole," considered auspicious for wealth. If you have one, ponder its removal carefully. Similarly, "special moles" such as very dark, glossy moles, red facial moles, or hair-covered moles are exceptions and should not be judged like typical moles.

PS: The diagrams can be used to identify moles' nature, but many terms are quite harsh; traditional texts often adopt severe language. Interpret these generally without being intimidated.

Body Moles

Regarding body moles, it's key to remember: in facial feature studies, moles are categorized into "visible moles" and "hidden moles." Visible moles are often considered inauspicious, while hidden moles are typically auspicious.

Visible moles are those easily seen, like facial moles. While they can be auspicious, most are not. Hidden moles, not easily visible, are mostly auspicious, such as those on private parts, breasts, back, abdomen, and feet.

For areas regularly exposed, like the neck and collarbone, both positive and negative moles may exist.

Some moles are challenging to classify, like a mole in the center of the back of the neck, which denotes family care but can be negative if too large. Similarly, a shoulder mole reflects taking on responsibilities but signifies pressure too.

PS: Discussions about body moles are less common in facial feature books compared to facial moles, and interpretations may vary across texts, so it's important to keep this in mind.

Classic Auspicious Moles Summary

Let's highlight some major auspicious moles worth celebrating if you have them—

Ear Moles

Moles on the ears are generally regarded as auspicious, with different locations conferring various advantages. In addition to the facial diagrams above, ear moles can denote intelligence and nobility (if on the ear rim), health and longevity (if on the ear lobe or inside the ear), good financial luck (if on the ear lobe, though it can also mean ease of losing money), and virtue or good parental relations (if on the back of the ear).

Hand Moles and Foot Moles

Hand moles defy the "visible moles are often inauspicious" notion, as they are generally favorable.

Moles on the back of the hand suggest financial acumen and control. Moles on the palm indicate meticulous planning, and those on fingers relate to family and social connections, generally positive.

Foot moles, usually favorable, include auspicious moles on soles, toes, and between toes, while only moles on the foot's top imply hard labor.

Moles in "Hidden Areas"

Moles on or around private areas are considered highly typical hidden moles and are auspicious.

Red Moles

Known as "blood moles," according to old texts like "The Iron Knife of Divine Features," all red moles are considered favorable.

To conclude, here are some reminders:

About Facial Moles— Facial moles, due to their visibility, have a more significant impact. If you identify inauspicious moles via the male and female facial diagrams, consider their removal (aside from earth cellar moles and special moles that demand careful thought or expert consultation).

About Body Moles— Due to the body's vast area, it's impractical to delineate the fortune of every mole, and facial feature texts primarily focus on facial moles, with interpretations varying across texts. For body parts not extensively discussed, their auspicious or inauspicious implications remain uncertain.

As a general guideline, follow the principle: "hidden moles are often auspicious, visible moles often inauspicious."

That wraps up this article. See you in the next installment of our facial features series!

Images and text by Lei Men Yi