I’m sure you’ve seen the many fortune telling houses in Korea that are increasingly becoming more popular. Whether for fun or out of pure curiosity, it is a definite fact that many people are seeking these houses to have their past and future read by experienced fortunetellers. But how reliable are their premonitions? Can your destiny really be read in your palm and facial appearance? Delve into the history and teachings behind the science of physiognomy, and find out if the shape of your forehead, eyebrow, nose and lips can really determine your destiny!
The History of Physiognomy
Physiognomy is based upon the belief that the study of a person’s outer appearance, especially the face, reflects their personality. It is thought to have been started in the Greek period and passed on up until the reign of the English King Henry VIII’s. By this time, its validity was so widely assumed that it was taught in universities and was an everyday concept. The famous philosopher Aristotle also referred to physiognomic theories in many of his famous essays. Even in Korea, physiognomy was and still is referred to as an informative and useful tool in judging one’s personality and destiny.
The Basic Theories of Physiognomy
The basic theories behind physiognomy are quite simple. It states that depending on the shape of your facial features, your personality and destiny can be judged by them. Look at the table below to see a brief description;
Forehead - The forehead represents wisdom and given fortune. If you have a wide and clear forehead, you are in luck! If you have a V-shaped forehead, this means you are creative and imaginative.
Eyebrows - If you have dark eyebrows, you are very strong-minded and stubborn. The greater the arch of the eyebrow, the more dramatic, lively and theatrical the person is. Alternatively, a person with angular eyebrows is oriented towards control, observes conversation with detachment and may be manipulative.
Eyes - Your eyes mirror your psychological state, fortune and health. If you have clear, glistening eyes, this directly signifies that you’re healthy. A person whose eyes are slanted is more optimistic and idealistic. A person whose eyes slant upwards is more skilled at solving problems and is sympathetic towards suffering people.
Nose - The nose represents oneself, and his or her wealth, fortune and well-being. It is said to be the most important feature on the face. A person with an aquiline (hawk’s beak) nose is stronger and more aggressive. A person with a straight nose is a systematic worker who enjoys completing each step of a plan.
Mouth - The shape of your mouth shows your attitude and personality. A person with full lips is more generous and funny. A person with thin lips is less tolerant, efficient and stubborn. If your lips are down turned, this means you are pessimistic and less pleasant as company, whereas upturned lips signify optimism and fortune.