Facial Thirds
Facial Thirds: Dividing the face into three equal sections: upper (forehead), middle (brows to nose tip), lower (nose tip to chin). The dominance of each section indicates different character traits.
What are the Facial Thirds in face reading?
The facial thirds are the division of the face into three horizontal sections, called the three stops (san ting) in Chinese face reading. The upper third runs from the hairline to the brows, the middle from the brows to the nose tip and the lower from the nose tip to the chin. In Mian Xiang they are tied roughly to ages 15 to 30, 31 to 50 and 51 onward. In character readings the upper third is linked with thought and imagination, the middle with will and everyday life, and the lower with stamina and practical needs. The reader compares the heights: thirds of similar length are read as a balanced course of life, and a clearly longer one as that period or theme standing out. A common misconception is that the thirds describe a particular face shape; they are proportions found on every face. You can get a face reading on Faltastik by uploading a clear photo of your face.
Related Terms
Jawline
The side profile and shape of the jaw. A sharp jawline indicates determination and strength, a soft jawline harmony and flexibility. Considered the physical reflection of character.
Five Main Features
The five elements forming the basis of character analysis in Chinese physiognomy: eyebrows (sociability), eyes (intuition), nose (will), lips (communication), and ears (listening).
Face Lines
Wrinkles and expression lines that form throughout life. Horizontal forehead lines reflect responsibility, crow's feet indicate joy, lines around the lips reflect communication style.
Forehead Types
Broad forehead indicates intellectual tendency, round forehead artistic sensitivity, sloped forehead practical intelligence, M-shaped forehead creativity. Tradition reads forehead shape not as a measure but as a hint about one's style of thinking.
Face Colors
The overall skin tone and regional color variations of the face. Tradition reads redness as anger or excitement, paleness as tiredness and a need for rest, and lively pink tones as energy balance.
Facial Symmetry
The similarity between the right and left halves of the face. High symmetry reflects inner balance; asymmetry reflects emotional experiences in life. Tradition reads it as a reflection of character.