The cheek lines are the two creases running from the nose toward the outer corners of the mouth. In the art of Chinese face reading, these lines are referred to as the fa ling. According to the rules of this ancient practice, the direction and shape of these lines can say a lot about the nature and character of the subject.
According to the age positions of the face, the fa ling lines link to the mid-fifties, with the left side corresponding to fifty-five years of age and the right to fifty-six.
If the two lines of fa ling are parallel on both sides of the mouth, or if there is a branch line running from either of the cheek lines, it is suggested that the subject may suffer from a great deal of stress in relation to finances. Though the subject should find it easy to make money or hold down a job, he may find problems with hanging on to money and discover that it flows out of his hands like water.
Age positions of the fa ling
Dark moles or protrusions on either fa ling line suggest that the subject may have a tendency toward extravagant behavior. The subject may find it difficult to put something away for a rainy day, and he may feel the constant need to live for today. This attitude can also extend to the career, and there might be a tendency for the subject to flit from one job to another. As the fa ling lines refer to the fifty-fifth and fifty-sixth years, a mole on either line could suggest danger for the subject in his mid-fifties. The American president Abraham Lincoln had a mole on his right cheek and was shot dead at the age of fifty-six. Fortunately, the negative effects indicated by moles or protrusions can be neutralized if the subject has a mole or red mark on the tip of his tongue.
If the subject has cheek lines that join with the outer corners of the mouth, the lines are said to be locking. The ancient Chinese described this feature as “dragons entering the mouth,” and it is considered unlucky. The subject might find that he is extremely accident-prone, especially during middle age—but although this looks bad, there is a positive aspect, because he can turn misfortunes around and set himself in a new direction in life.
Fa ling lines that touch the corners of the mouth and that are crossed by lines running down from the cheeks can suggest that the subject might suffer from stomach problems. The subject should avoid rich foods in an effort to combat potential stomach ulcers or in more extreme cases, food poisoning.
If the fa ling lines curve toward the mouth but do not touch it, they are known as t'eng snakes lines. If they curve outward and down toward the chin, they suggest that the subject has a carefree nature, though in extreme cases this can lead to a reckless attitude toward safety and with regard to personal possessions.
Fa ling lines that run down from the cheeks in a broad curve away from the mouth indicate an innovative character, and this can lead to success in business. These lines can also suggest that the subject would be suited to careers involving administration or a job that allows for a creative flare.
Fa ling lines that run sharply down the face, passing the corners of the mouth and possibly bowing in toward the chin, are an extremely good indicator of a long and healthy life. If, on the other hand, the fa ling lines run straight and pass the mouth at a steep angle, this warns that the subject may be his own worst enemy, causing arguments by his outspoken manner and never keeping his word.
Faint or nonexistent fa ling lines, or lines that break into a myriad of smaller ones, are extremely lucky—but in a very odd way. Although the subject might not have an easy life, the presence of this feature indicates that he always seems to eventually land on his feet. It is true that the subject's own bad judgment lands him in these troublesome situations, and he should be aware that one day his luck might run out!
Fa ling lines that are deeply creased, and joined both by lines from the corners of the mouth and by lines running up from the chin toward the cheeks, are known as mandarin lines. This feature suggests that the subject is destined to find himself in positions of power and to be able to shoulder a great deal of responsibility.
If the fa ling lines are unequal in length or if they wander along different paths from each other, this can indicate that the subject is unstable and lacks a persistent nature. As is common with negatively featured fa ling lines, the subject will find problems around his mid-fifties.
Fa ling lines that bow predominately upward toward the cheeks are not considered a very good feature. The outlook is bleak, and traditional interpretations suggest that the subject will be plagued with misfortune and ill health.
