This article is extracted from a free Face Reading e-book that I wrote a while ago.

Take a good look at the faces of the people around you. Do you see that they come in different shapes?

Some are rounded like a ball. Others may be square or oval and yet some may look like an inverted triangle, broader at the forehead and pointed at the chin.

Not every face will fit into the categories that I have described above. Some may look like a mixture of round and square and so on.

Chinese face reading text has a 5 faces and a more complex 10 faces classification. In this e-booklet I will introduce you to the 5 faces classification.

There is a pervasive principle in Chinese metaphysics called the Five Elements. I will not explain the principles behind the Five Elements but it is suffice to know that the elements are Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth.

Each of these elements has a set of characteristics. For example Metal is oval and stands for righteousness and decision making, while Wood is rectangular and is associated with kindness, growth and learning and so on.

Wood Face

The first shape that I am going to introduce to you is the Wood Face. This face has a strong and broad forehead that tapers all the way to the chin like and inverted triangle. Please refer to the diagram on the right.

A tall and broad forehead indicates intelligence while a tapered and small chin indicates lower physical motive. People with such face shape tend to be deep thinkers, philosophical, have strong good analytical skills and a strong desire to acquire knowledge. Generally they do not like menial outdoor jobs.

People with Wood faces are highly suited for ‘thinking’ jobs like scientist, researcher, corporate strategist, advisers etc.

One weakness of wood face people is that they do not often spend enough time thinking about money and have the tendency to face financial problems in old age. Take a look at yourself in the mirror. If you have a wood face, you might want to put some money in property or other investments!

Water Face

The next shape that I would like to introduce to you is the Water face. The water face is rounded, wider in the middle and rounded at both the top and bottom. Please refer to the diagram on the right.

Water is associated with intelligence, diplomacy, adaptability and relationship. They also have strong business acumen and can take advantage of opportunities that come along.

Water face people are most suited to jobs that require interaction such as public relations officers, sales professionals etc. Or they can be good businessmen.

One weakness of water face people is the tendency to take too long to make decisions and others may view them to be slow. Another weakness of water face people is food and we know what too much good food can do to us!

Metal face

Next is the Metal Face which is sort of oval as shown in the diagram below.

Metal face people tend to have a whiter complexion. They have a sense of righteousness and justice and are very good in decision making. They are also elegant and courteous and they make natural managers or diplomats.

People with metal faces are suited for positions that involve justice and decision making such as judges, management professionals, diplomats etc.

Earth Face

The Square or Earth shape face represents someone who is stable, reliable and trustworthy. They are down to earth and are unlikely to take unnecessary risk, instead preferring to tread the beaten and proven path. They are also doers with strong will power.

Earth face people are suitable for jobs that require trust such as finance and insurance. They are also likely to end us as industrialist.

One weakness of Earth face people is the tendency to be too conservative and others may view them as not forward minded enough or worst label them a ‘Square’!

Fire Face

Finally we have the Triangle or Fire face. As the shape implies the face is pointed at the top but with a dominant flared out chin.

Fire face people are usually extroverted and have an aggressive style. They tend to be gregarious with a fun personality and are people oriented.

They are suitable for jobs that require an audience where they can utilize their best qualities. They made good speakers, network marketers, presenters etc.

Fire represents beauty and elegance and fire face people are also suited for show business.

One weakness of fire face people is their temper. They need to keep them in check.