The eyebrows are one of the five prominent features described in Chinese face reading. They conveniently provide the border between the upper or celestial zone and the central zone of self-will. When we relate the eyebrows to the age positions that are dotted around the face, we find that these features correspond to the early thirties. The outer ends of the right and left eyebrows correspond to ages thirty and thirty-one, respectively, while the end nearest the top of the nose relates to ages thirty-two on the right and thirty-three on the left.
The eyebrows are very revealing of emotional states. They are the most mobile features of the face and are the most expressive of both character and changes of mood. Without the clues provided by the eyebrows, it is almost impossible to deduce emotional states or mental attitudes. Those people who lack eyebrows—perhaps having shaved them off—are therefore enigmatic characters who like to create an aura of mystery.
A well-defined and prominent eyebrow ridge reveals a courageous and individualistic personality. Those who possess this feature are usually obstinate, and they are always convinced that they are in the right—especially when they are totally in the wrong! This sort of person can expect many long, drawn-out disputes. More positively, this character is a crusader and an asset to any cause that he champions. The prominent eyebrow ridge also denotes excellent powers of concentration.
Age positions of the eyebrows
It is a dangerous sign if the hairs on the eyebrows have a noticeable upward growth pattern, because although it reveals bravery, it also indicates a foul and volatile temper. This person is very tactless, often forcefully speaking before he thinks and acting without any forethought or consideration of consequences.
When the hairs of the eyebrow noticeably grow downward, the person lacks confidence. These people are often nervous and will attempt to avoid confrontations at any cost. There is also a refusal to accept blame for any mistakes or wrongdoing and an equal refusal to face the consequences of their own actions. This is a person who has little self-esteem and relies on his loved ones too much.
In this type of eyebrow, the hairs at the top of the eyebrow grow downward while those at the base grow in an upward direction. The traditional name for this sort of feature is “hairs that embrace,” or rather charmingly, “cuddling hairs.” This is revealing of an anxious person, an unnecessary worrier who is plagued by negative thoughts.
This feature is generally found in thick eyebrows where all the hair grows in different directions. Often this is the mark of the self-made man. He will have to cope with unexpected difficulties and setbacks throughout life. Possessors of this type of eyebrow may not have much help or acceptance by those in positions of power and authority, but they will progress through their own efforts.
Slim, delicate eyebrows reveal a calm, placid, and untroubled character. These people like a quiet, undemanding life, but when duty calls, they have the ability to cope with anything they are called upon to do with speed and efficiency.
Ancient Chinese tradition defines many different shapes of eyebrow, although for general purposes, we can content ourselves with defining twenty-one basic shapes.
This type of eyebrow has a gentle curve and extends beyond the edge of the eye. It may extend beyond both sides of the eye, and in some cases, these eyebrows also meet in the middle of the forehead. Even though there is a common belief that one should never trust someone whose eyebrows meet in the middle, the long eyebrow actually reveals an active intellect, considerable wit, and eloquence. It predicts a happy and prosperous middle age.
The hairs on this type of eyebrow tend to be rather coarse and uneven in length. This eyebrow does not extend to the full length of the eye. This feature could indicate an unhappy childhood, possibly someone who comes from a fairly small family or one who has little contact with his relatives. His family relationships may have been soured by arguments and resentment. He may have lost touch with his close relatives due to circumstances beyond his control.
The big eyebrow extends the full length of the eye and is wide with strong hair growth. Those possessing a wide eyebrow are never afraid to speak up or to make their feelings known. This person will invariably be the dominant partner in all his relationships. If the big eyebrow is found in conjunction with a prominent brow ridge, this person will be a very formidable individual indeed.
This type of eyebrow is said to resemble the Chinese character for the number one. The most notable feature is that the hair roots are visible in this type. There is thick hair growth, and the eyebrow is of medium length, but it should extend a little beyond the edge of the eye. The clannish eyebrow reveals a love of family, and it may indicate a large, extended clan. The owner of this eyebrow will have an excellent reputation and a long, stable, loving marriage.
The shape of this eyebrow resembles the letter Y or the Chinese character for eight. There is sparse hair growth in a generally thin eyebrow. As the name implies, this feature is found on people who prefer solitude and who are ill at ease in company. This is a dedicated individual and a hard worker who enjoys his job. It is considered a fortunate eyebrow, since it predicts a long life and much contentment.
The ghost eyebrow is similar to the loner type but is more curved and descends lower, to the bridge of the nose. An upward hair growth is usual. This person does not trust others and he plays his own cards close to his chest. His true thoughts and feelings are concealed. He may be resentful and rather antagonistic.
In the rolling eyebrow, the hairs are thick and curly, usually inclining toward the outer edge of the eye. This unusual feature denotes a capacity to take control and for others to accept his leadership. Eyebrows of this type are often found on the features seen on the faces of politicians, military leaders, and business magnates.
The broom eyebrow is long and thick, with wild, scattered hair growth toward the outer edge. The wildness of the hair growth reflects the wildness of the person who possesses it. He is a supreme individualist who requires great understanding within his close relationships. It is likely that he comes from a large family, but it is unlikely that he keeps in close contact with them. The broom eyebrow does not promise great prosperity, but on the other hand, its owner will never be short of money.
Identical in form to the broom eyebrow, this type is equally wild but shorter, rarely extending to the edge of the eye. This feature depicts an impatient and temperamental person who is adept at talking himself into trouble and equally skilled at talking his way out of it again. This person is difficult to live with, and his problems most likely stem from a difficult family background.
The hairs of beautiful eyebrows grow upward, and they are fine, rather long, and delicately curved. The eyebrow may curve very high or rather low, but either way, it is always described as being elegant and refined. It denotes an honorable person who is noted for trustworthiness. This person has excellent judgment, and he will always keep his word. He is wise and a skilled diplomat who is much sought after as an arbitrator in all disputes. The beautiful eyebrow is considered very lucky.
The hairs of the mortal eyebrow are coarse and bushy. The eyebrow is very short, wide, and thick. This person enjoys being sociable and having close friends and lasting relationships, but he prefers to live alone because he feels a need for his own private space. He may be estranged from his parents and the rest of the family, and he may feel let down by them. Traditionally, this type of eyebrow predicts that he will have children in later life.
The sword eyebrow is located high on the brow and is flat, long, straight, and wide—becoming thicker at the outside edge. All the hairs will tend to grow in the same upward direction. The possessor of this eyebrow is wise and very astute. This is a natural leader, and this feature is often found on those who are successful in business. The sword eyebrow is considered fortunate, indicating longevity and a large family.
The hairs of the knife eyebrow are usually coarse, while its shape suggests a dagger blade. This eyebrow indicates a cunning person, one who is quick on the uptake, who is astute, and who will gain great advantages throughout life. However, there is a certain laziness here, because this individual will always seek the easy route to his goal. His type of eyebrow is also taken as a sign of a boaster.
To recognize this eyebrow type, all you have to do is think about Star Trek's Mr. Spock and you can't go wrong. The rising eyebrow is shaped like the knife and sword types, but in this case, it rises diagonally from the bridge of the nose. A person with this feature has great determination, and he refuses to admit defeat in any circumstances. He is extremely dominant and can be argumentative and aggressive when he sets out to get his own way. Early successes are usual with this type, and he makes achievements throughout life, but personal and family relationships may suffer due to this relentless ambition.
The opposite of the rising eyebrow is the weeping eyebrow. It also has a diagonal slope, but in this case it falls downward and makes its possessor look sad or mournful. It is difficult to work out what the possessor of this eyebrow thinks or feels because he makes a virtue of being enigmatic. This person is fast-thinking and very clever. He will not be afraid to offend or take advantage of others if that is the quickest way to the top. This is a shrewd individual, quick on the uptake, and ready to make the most of all his opportunities.
The poetically named willow leaf eyebrow is curved and delicate, with tangled hair. It belongs to a person who is open, honest, and friendly. He has an excellent intellect and a lively mind. He loves social life and he is extremely popular. He will make influential friends who will help him achieve success. Those who possess willow leaf eyebrows do not usually start a family until later in life.
The new moon eyebrow is set high above the eye, gently curving into a crescent shape. True to poetic form, the hairs of this eyebrow are fine and glossy, as if filled with an inner light. They all grow in the same direction. The possessor of this eyebrow is compassionate and thoughtful. He is honest and trustworthy in all his dealings. This is a sure sign of fidelity in relationships, and it is considered fortunate for both early and later life. His dealings with his family are likely to be fulfilling, too.
This eyebrow is noticeably wide, with a significant lengthening of the hair at the tail end. Often these end hairs will curve downward beyond the edge of the eye. The hairs are usually glossy and dark. The possessor of this eyebrow is very fortunate, as he is likely to enjoy a long, happy, and successful life. This type of eyebrow denotes someone who is creatively gifted and a good writer and fluent speaker. Noted for friendliness and charm, this person is very attractive and alluring.
The dragon eyebrow is well shaped and elegant, with fine, glossy hair. It rises in a straight diagonal line for most of its length and then slopes downward past the outer edge of the eye. The dragon eyebrow is an indicator of wealth. The family of origin is likely to be large and to have spread out over a wide area. The owner of this type of eyebrow is ingenious, with a good instinct for business. His friends and associates respect him. He loathes injustice of any kind, and he is not afraid to speak up on a point of principle.
This type of eyebrow gently rises on the forehead. The silkworm eyebrow is smooth, with an even shape rising gently on the forehead. Its hairs are smooth, silky, and somewhat curled. This eyebrow points to someone who is popular and trustworthy. He is self-disciplined, quick-witted, and capable of making the best out of any situation. The silkworm eyebrow is very lucky, often predicting fame and fortune.
The lion eyebrow is wide, thick, and curly all along its curving length. Its roots will be visible even though the hair is dense. This type of eyebrow is indicative of a strong constitution, and it predicts longevity. The shape of the lion eyebrow can give its possessor a look of constant irritation, but it masks a generous spirit, thoughtfulness, and an affectionate nature. However, even though this is a person who will win the respect and admiration of others, his domestic life is not so happy. There may be marital difficulties and domestic tension.