Interpretation of character and fate from the study of a person's face is called 'Physiognomy' or 'Face reading'. It is obvious that when we meet an unknown person, we try to understand his feelings by looking at his face. So the origin of Physiognomy traces back to the date of origin of human beings. Indications of a person's progress in yogic path are described with respect to Physiognomy in Hindu text 'Svetasvatara Upanishad', composed earlier than 500 B.C. According to Hindus, Samudra (deity of oceans) have first given 'Anga Samudrika' (Body language). King Prahlada has contributed a lot to this subject. Chinese texts dating back 300 B.C., mention Physiognomy.

Socrates(470-399 B.C.) was a great physiognomist. The first book on Physiognomy 'Displaying the Secrets of Nature Relating to Physiognomy' was written by Aristotle(384-322 B.C.). As it was mentioned by Marco Polo, the Arabs also practised physiognomy. Physician and philosopher Avicenna(980-1037 A.D.) has written about Physiognomy in his book 'De animalibus'. Michael Scot(1175-1232 A.D.), court astrologer to Emperor FrederickII, also composed a book 'De hominis phisiognomun', which was printed in 1477 and became best seller for years together. Italian doctor d'Abano(1250-1316) also wrote many books on both Astrology and Physiognomy. During sixteenth century many authors have written books on this subject. Gerolamo Cardano, born in Italy in 1501, wrote many books on Medicine, Mathematics, Astronomy, Physics, Astrology, Dream Analysis, and Physiognomy. Cardano believed that a person's character and fate are symbolized by the shape, lines, and markings of his or her forehead. He wrote a total of 13 books on the subject of forehead reading. In 1586, Porta published 'De humana physiognoma' in which he compares the likenesses of human beings to certain animals. He says if some one resembles a particular animal, he will also have the same tendencies and temperament of that animal. Kaspar Lavater(1741-1801) was regarded as the founder of the modern Physiognomy for his tremendous work in this subject. Later on Cesare Lombroso has made this subject more popular.

Shapes of faces: Round shaped faces are also called Moon faces. They represent laziness, lack of energy, imaginative and jovial persons.
Square shaped faces are called Earth faces. They represent a tough and aggressive person, offensive and sociable.
Rectangular faces represent a honest, diplomatic and leadership qualities.
We can also have triangular faces. An upright triangle which starts with narrow area at the forehead and comes down widening, represents fire face. This is a symbol for anger, low talent but boastful, and rough person.
An inverted triangle which becomes narrowed at the chin, is also called Air face. This signifies a cheerful, bright temperament, hyperactive and sensitive person.
Side profile of face: A straight face represents a person whose nature is balanced.
A concave face represents a person who sees dark side of life.
A convex face makes a person an optimist with a happy disposition.
If a straight horizontal line is drawn from the corner of the eye towards the ear, it should just touch the ear's upper portion. If the ear is located above the straight line, it denotes the person is of refined nature.
Ear set low below the line and close to the head represents criminal tendencies.
If the ear is erected out from the head, with much gap between the head and ear, the person depends on inner self to gain success.
Forehead: A high and even forehead with a good shining gives a person intelligence and a rich life to enjoy. Any black shades or black creases on forehead represents obstacles in his career. Three clear horizontal lines on the forehead give longevity.
Eyebrows: If the eyebrows are set apart, it represents broad mindedness.
Eyebrows close to each other represent critical minded person who expects exactness in every work.
If the eyebrows are high set, then it denotes an irresponsible attitude and superior tastes.
If the eyebrows are low set and nearer to the eyelids, then they represent a prudent and calculative nature and an insecure mind.
If the eyebrows are like a straight line, the person will become practical and unimaginative.
Eyes: The colored circular portion of the eye is called 'iris'. If these irisis float too high, we will have an unstable and disturbed person. He is not trust worthy. Sometimes it denotes premature death.
If the irisis sink too low in the eye, a cruel and perverse nature is indicated.
If the iris is large, thus occupying much of the space in the eye , the person cannot hide affections and emotions.
If the iris is small, and hence the white portion of the eye is much seen, then the person is secretive.
If the gap between the two eyes is large, the person is expansive and communicative.
If the eyes are closely set, then the person will be criticising others, and will not demonstrate his feelings.
Color of Eyes: A dark eye denotes a forceful nature than a light colored one. Light blue colored eyes represent flirtation. Deep blue is a sign of gentle love. Brown eyed people are devoted in love and friendship. Hazel eyes represent a highly impressionable and affectionate type. Grey represents good intellect and imagination. Green eyes denote an inventive and adaptable nature. Black eyes provide passion and tenderness.
Nose: If the nose is long, the person will be proud of his accomplishments. If short nose is found, we will have a free person escaping from responsibility. Broad nose gives stability of mind.
Nose tilted up with nostrils visible represents a spendthrift and emotional person.
Lips: The size of the upper lip represents the ability to love and the size of lower lip represents need for love.
If the lip corners are turned up, cheerful and friendly disposition is seen.
If the lip corners are turned down, irresolute person with depression can be seen.
Full and broad lips show sensuous tendency. Thin lips show brevity and concise behaviour of the person. He will also be a learned person.
Mouth: A large mouth is a sign of outgoing and extroverted person. A small mouth represents introverted, careful and cautious people.
Chin: A narrow, pointed or weak chin represents less energy and drive. They face problems in old age. A broad, round chin is symbolic of generosity and good humour. A broad and square shaped chin makes the person work hard. It is a mark of steadiness.
Jaw: A strong and deep jaw line just below the ear lobe represents the person has good will power and energy. Weak jaw indicates flexibility.
When the soul creates its body in the mother's womb, and slowly limb by limb is formed, the interactions of previous birth's instincts with the soul lead to alterations in the outer body. So by observing the outer body, we can estimate the inner self of the person. This is the root idea of Physiognomy.