Classic Collection Edition -- Against the Book

Author: Zhao Rui (Tang) / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-02-01
Features: In addition to signs of wealth and status, there are six signs of low destiny:
1. Uneven physical development;
2. Lack of luster in the eyes, thin back and chest;
3. Every move is weak and disordered, or with defects in voice, complexion, and expression;
4. Incomplete nose development, with a low nose tip;
5. Long legs and short waist;
6. Poor mouth shape.
These are mostly predictions of a person's future and destiny based on bone and face features. The examples of Yao, Shun, and the Duke of Wen in the author's illustrations are merely further explanations of the importance of face reading. However, the author uses the case of a person from the East Gate of Zheng to introduce a key principle in face reading: one must grasp and predict a person's destiny based on the overall structure of the body, never focusing only on the trees while ignoring the forest. In general, a person's appearance is valued for its "wholeness." Here, "wholeness" does not mean uniformity but rather that all parts of the body must be proportionate and balanced, forming a harmonious and organic whole. For example, in terms of physique, one can be short but not short and fat like a squatting pig; one can also be tall but not so tall as to stand like a solitary reed. In terms of body shape, one can be plump but not so fat as a gluttonous bear; one can also be thin but not so thin as a cold sparrow—this is what is meant by "wholeness." The back should be round and sturdy, the abdomen prominent and flat, the hands warm and soft, and the palms curved like bows. The feet should be thick and full, with the soles hollow enough to hold an egg—this is also what is meant by "wholeness." Those with short, sturdy builds are often of high status, while those with excessively long legs often have poor destinies. Those who walk as if carrying heavy burdens are bound to become high officials, while those who walk with quick, delicate steps and glance left and right are greedy and profit-driven (this is what we call "narrow-eyed and short-sighted"). Other fate patterns, such as hands longer than the upper body or the upper body exceeding the lower body, will certainly lead to nobility if paired with excellent bone structure (e.g., Liu Bei: arms longer than the knees). For instance, if one has delicate, smooth skin like silk covering the entire body, hidden chest bones, and refined features, and is paired with a corresponding demeanor, one will surely become a top scholar even if not a prime minister. As for the person from the East Gate of Zheng, despite having Yao-like skull, Yao Yao-like neck, and Zichuan-like shoulders, his short legs made him like a homeless dog, unable to achieve prominence. This is the essence of the overall principle in appearance. Ancient Chinese philosophys "unity of heaven and man,"，. Under this principle, the four seasons and the five elements are corresponded to the human body, as mentioned earlier. Traditional Chinese medicine is fundamentally consistent with face reading in this regard. Both believe that a person's five senses and five internal organs correspond to the four seasons, the five elements, and innate temperament as follows: Wood governs spring, the liver belongs to wood, the eyes connect to the liver, symbolizing benevolence, and people with this trait are generous. Fire governs summer, the heart belongs to fire, the tongue connects to the heart, symbolizing propriety, and people with this trait are expansive. Metal governs autumn, the lungs belong to metal, the nose connects to the lungs, symbolizing justice, and people with this trait are frugal. Water governs winter, the kidneys belong to water, the ears connect to the kidneys, symbolizing wisdom, and people with this trait prefer seclusion. Earth governs late summer, the spleen belongs to earth, its orifice is the lips, symbolizing trustworthiness, and people with this trait are loyal. If the parts of the body correspond, match, and are symmetrical and harmonious, they will bring blessings. Conversely, if the parts are discordant or crowded, and the appearance is disorganized and unbalanced, their destiny will be insignificant. P55-56