The forehead or brow is the solitary feature of the heavenly or celestial zone of the face. It is also symbolized as one of the prominent features or “five mountains” of the face. Its symbolic animal is the phoenix, otherwise called the red bird of the south, and the entire area is governed by the fire element of Chinese tradition. This fiery aspect represents the intellectual capabilities and the processes of thought. The Chinese consider the height and breadth of the forehead as well as any distinguishing features, such as the hairline, and the grooves and wrinkles that may be found upon it, to have a direct bearing on intelligence and the capacity to learn.
In terms of age, the brow is associated with youthfulness. The central area just above the hairline corresponds to the fourteenth year. It is home to five of the significant age positions, namely fifteen, eighteen, twenty-one, twenty-four, and twenty-seven. The other age positions dealing with the teens and early twenties are found dotted about all over the brow area.
As well as indicators shown by the hairline, along with the height and the width of the forehead, there is another factor to consider on the celestial area of the face. This is the division of the brow into three horizontal zones relating to specific mental functions. The topmost of these zones, nearest to the hairline, is dedicated to the imagination. The middle area represents the faculty of memory, while the lower zone, found just above the line of the eyebrows, symbolizes the powers of observation.
The three regions of the brow
Any prominence, bulge, scar, or mark in one of these three areas will reveal problems or advantages connected to the mental faculties of imagination, memory, or observation. Should the area above the eyebrows be more prominent than any other segment of the forehead, the perceptive abilities will be emphasized. A brow that bulges in the middle will point to an exceptional memory, while one that protrudes at the top just beneath the hairline will indicate a vivid imagination and may show a potential for exaggeration and fantasy.
Any hairline can be even or uneven. If it is even, the person is likely to be one who keeps to the straight and narrow and who will not step outside the conventions of his society. However, if the hair growth is uneven, then the outlook on life is likely to be far more rebellious. Therefore, it is equally likely that the views, beliefs, and actions of this person will often be at odds with conventional opinions.
Male hairlines in particular are subject to recession, so when assessing the shape of the hair growth, it is important not to overestimate the height of the forehead. Loss of hair does not increase the height of the forehead, so if you examine the forehead closely, you will be able to detect the original hairline.
In common with the face as a whole, the shape of the hairline falls into five basic categories that are associated with the five elements of Chinese tradition.
This feature is often found on a person with a square, earthy type of face or a rectangular, wood face. Most often, it indicates a rational and methodical person. Straightforward and conventional, people with this style of hair growth can be somewhat unimaginative and plodding .
Often found on people with one of the metal faces, it is similar to the longer version above. However, these people are rather self-obsessed and they tend to repress their desires. Consequently, they may be irritable and they may possess narrow, moralistic views. It may point to an unhappy childhood and a need for appreciation and affection. It is also likely that such a person is prone to anxiety, or they could be quite promiscuous.
This is a watery hair-growth pattern and, in common with that changeable element, its possessor may be fickle. If it is connected to the water face shape, then its possessor is likely to be superstitious and overly imaginative. If this hairline is combined with a face shape other than water, it is more positive, because then it indicates a powerful intuition and a more open expression of feeling.
A hairline that rises to a point toward the crown of the head is associated with fire, and this signifies great ambition and a desire to rise to exalted heights. This person will have great intelligence but may be markedly intolerant of other people's views and remarkably fixed in his own. It may also reveal that this person wishes to put a lot of distance between himself and his origins and to re-create his life in a new, more satisfying form.
The M shape of the downward-pointed hairline is associated with the wood element. The possessor of a widow's peak does not like to be responsible for other people, and many with this feature prefer to live alone. This sort of hairline reveals someone who is very gifted but prone to self-doubt, and it can indicate a rather sensitive and creative nature. Although usually shy, the owner of this hairline often desires public acclaim. On the other hand, it may also hint at a superior attitude, self-indulgence, vanity, and in some cases narcissism.
Popular folklore has it that the height of the forehead is the main indicator of intelligence. The practitioners of Chinese face reading share this common view and add that forehead height is usually an indicator of wit. Therefore, a person with a prominent and noticeable forehead is automatically considered cleverer than a person whose brow is low. This belief gives rise to the description of an intellectual as “highbrow.”
Height of the forehead: standard, low, and high
The height of the forehead should be measured from the point between the eyebrows to the hairline. Classical proportions have it that this distance should be equal to the length of the nose and the distance from the tip of the nose to the tip of the chin. If, however, the height of the forehead is smaller than either of those, it reveals a lack of intelligence, forethought, and charisma. It may also point to a lack of social skills. Working and social relationships may be punctuated by heated disagreements.
This distance is measured from temple to temple in a line that is about an inch above the eyebrow line. The distance across the forehead is symbolic of the breadth of vision. Thus, if the forehead is broad, the mind is open to new concepts. Should the forehead be narrow, then its possessor's vision will likewise be limited, and this indicates a person blinded by ironclad preconceptions, prejudices, and intolerance.
The horizontal creases on the brow can provide even more information. Strictly speaking, Chinese face reading does not often take notice of these, but this is not the case in the Western art of physiognomy. According to this discipline, the lines of the brow reveal the image and the impact that one will make on society.
There are seven possible creases to be found on the forehead, and these are symbolized by the seven traditional planets of astrology. The highest crease is said to have the dour nature of pessimistic Saturn; the one immediately below it has the optimistic nature of expansive Jupiter. The warlike Mars follows, with the central brow line below that. The central line is associated with the Sun and shows how strongly personal identity is felt. Amorous Venus, eloquent Mercury, and the domestically inclined Moon creases are found below the line of the Sun, in that order.
In practice, it is difficult to spot which of the planetary lines are present. Some people have a smooth brow with no creases at all. This could be taken as a sign of a distinct lack of character. Having all seven is not a good omen either, because it indicates a confused and melancholy nature. The best omen is the presence of just three distinct parallel creases. These are known as “Three Fortunes” and are said to grant good luck, an advantageous start in life, and a prosperous old age.
One well-defined horizontal crease straight across the middle of the forehead is a good indicator of a life filled with remarkable achievements. This is the Sun line. The fortunate possessor of such a well-defined Sun line will be a person who enjoys a good reputation, and in some cases, there is at least the possibility of fame. The central line also indicates an optimistic person blessed with abundant energy and a strong constitution.
If the dominant crease occurs closer to the eyebrows, then it is likely that it is the line of Mercury. This is not quite as good a feature to possess as the Sun line, but it does reveal cleverness, swiftness of thought, and an eloquent and witty personality.
If any of the horizontal creases of the forehead are scarred, blemished, frayed, broken, or very faint, then misfortune is present. The fortunes are marred in one of the three zones of imagination, memory, or observation. This, of course, depends on the zone of the brow in which the damaged lines are found.
Much emphasis is placed on the vertical creases rising from the top of the nose because they are said to be very significant in revealing the course of an individual's fate.
The hanging needle is the name given to a solitary central line rising from the top of the nose. It is considered a generally good sign, signifying great powers of concentration. This character will rise to a prominent position through diligence, persistence, and vision. It is unfortunate that this feature can also indicate selfishness, anxiety, and a tendency to make enemies who will cause him financial problems. However, if another line branches off from the hanging needle, then the outlook becomes much more positive and fortunate. Should the hanging needle be crossed by transverse lines, this person is far too single-minded, often to the point of ruthlessness, and may be prone to violent outbursts.
Two vertical creases rising parallel to each other is a feature found on people who are well balanced. It indicates one who is willing to listen to both sides of an argument and to give impartial judgments. However, the type, shape, and inclination of these creases can affect the interpretation.
When parallel creases incline toward each other, it reveals a self-centered character, although without the ruthless single-mindedness that goes with a single line. It is likely that this person will have relationship difficulties simply because he is too selfish to accommodate the desires of a partner.
Vertical creases that incline toward each other and then bend back on themselves suggest that the subject lacks the courage of his convictions. It indicates a person who is anxious and lacking in confidence.
Meandering parallel creases reveal a person plagued by uncertainty and lack of purpose. The unfortunate owner of this feature will find it difficult to find a lasting role, and he may wander aimlessly from job to job, and relationship to relationship. Tradition states that this is a very unlucky brow feature, indicating a person who finds himself in considerable peril.
Parallel creases that are crossed by transverse lines show an irritable, tense character. Those with this feature are often frustrated and sad people who find themselves unable to sustain a worthwhile relationship.
If the vertical creases appear to be nothing more than a collection of short lines progressing up the forehead, it is not good news for this person—especially in the third decade of life. This need not necessarily be a disastrous factor, but a character-building experience. Any misfortunes that occur in the subject's twenties are likely to be rectified in later life.
If three parallel vertical creases are found, this person will be very fortunate and he will rise to a position of honor and authority. In some cases, the three creases indicate fame. This suggests that this person will be influential and that he will benefit from his celebrity.
When the two outer lines of a three-crease formation turn away from each other, it is a generally fortunate feature, but can be spoiled by some rude, peevish, and self-indulgent character traits.
When the vertical creases are both broken and wavering, it is taken to be a very bad sign. Traditionally, this feature indicates a criminal temperament. It certainly shows a ruthless nature and a readiness to gain advantage by dishonest means.
Many vertical creases are not considered a favorable omen, even if they happen to be well formed, straight, and unblemished. This is an indication of a total lack of direction and severe restlessness that allows no peace of mind. While it is true that the possessor of this feature will be blessed with many talents, he will rarely finish anything and will waste his efforts on frivolous and unrealistic endeavors. This feature is often associated with the destructive effects of alcohol or drug abuse.
Chinese ideogram symbols
Certain Chinese symbols have their place in this ancient art—although to be frank, the chance of finding a combination of vertical and horizontal grooves that form one of these patterns on the brow is slim. The first formation resembles the Chinese character for “king,” while the second symbolizes “mountain.” If you do find such a person, he is marked by destiny. He will be loved and respected by his family and friends, and even strangers will take to him easily. He will achieve prominence and prosperity and may even leave a unique mark on history.
