Face Reading - Physiognomy

Face reading or physiognomy is an ancient practice of telling the nature and future of an individual by reading his face. Physiognomy has been mentioned extensively in the literatures of medieval times and also in classical literatures of Homer and Hippocrates. Face reading is a branch of ancient practical philosophy.

The Greek philosopher, Aristotle used to examine the personality of a person by reading different features of the face and also the skin color, body, hair, voice, gait and limbs. Face reading was practiced by Latin philosophers such as Pliny the Elder, Suetonius and Juvenal.

Face reading would offer information about the nature and character of a person. A professional reader could read some of the characteristics such as intelligence, reliability and honesty. A couple of points noteworthy in predictions through face reading are the width, height and shape of the head and face.

Forehead - The forehead is classified as wide, narrow, round and shallow. Practicality and cleverness is associated with a wide forehead. People with a wide forehead are capable of executing duty diligently.

An individual with a deep or round forehead is an idealistic person and these people value longstanding friendship. Constraints and obstacles in family life are associated with a narrow forehead. While, obstacles in career and family troubles are associated with shallow forehead.

Eyebrows - The eyebrows of a person reveal his temperament and reputation. An ideal brow is highly arched. This pattern of eyebrow is seen on the faces of actors and actresses. If you come across an individual with developed brow line, you would know he is observant and is dexterous.

Sensitive and aesthetic temperaments are associated with a straight brow. A person whose brow grows thickly over his nose bridge is considered to be possessive and envious of others. A thin set of eyebrows reveal the cautious nature of an individual while making major decisions.

Nose - The attitude and the wealth of a person is revealed by the size of one's nose. According to face readers, the size of the nose is the indication of wealth and also the attitude of a person with regards to financial issues.

An ideal nose has a high and straight nose bridge and a fleshy nose tip. An oversize nose tip reveals the violent tendencies of an individual. While, a fleshy nose tip indicates warmth and cordial personality of an individual. Strong will-power and independence are the two characteristics associated with an aquiline nose.

Philtrum - One of the facial features a face reader notices is the groove on the upper lip known as the Philtrum. If an individual has an unpronounced philtrum it reveals his low energy level. While, a deep and clearly marked groove means strong and healthy energy levels.

Lips - The lips are associated with communication, nurturing relationship and sensual appetites. Full and round lips would convey caring nature of an individual. A thin lower lip indicates giving nature, while a thin upper reveals an inability of an individual to reciprocate feelings in a relationship.

The other facial features considered while face reading are the eyes, chin, cheek and ears. Face reading was used during the 18th and the 19th centuries to detect criminal tendencies.