In the ancient teachings, the wise describe how the marks and features of the body reveal the destiny and character of a person. For those who are rich in sacrifices, the sign of a mortar appears, and for the dedicated sacrificer, the mark of an altar is found. Lines at the base of the thumb foretell the birth of sons, while fine lines indicate daughters. If the line is whole, it bestows long life; but a broken line warns of the fear of death from a tree. Those whose lips are fleshy are blessed with wealth, and kings are distinguished by lips that are reddish in hue. Irregular teeth are a sign of poverty, while teeth that are smooth, thick, and beautiful are auspicious. A palate that is smooth and long is notable, but if it appears white, it signals loss of wealth. Kings are graced with pure and smooth palates, whereas the opposite brings suffering. The wealthy have palates that are round and curved, while those without possessions have palates that are long. A sunken and crooked palate is seen in those without children; a short palate marks the unfortunate. A closely set, unseparated tip and a red beard reveal a thief. Those whose ears are fleshless and flattened enjoy little, and the unfortunate have short ears. In contrast, those with large ears are said to be wealthy kings. Sunken cheeks mark a sensualist, while full cheeks are the sign of a wise man. If the tip of the nose is cut or has a well, the person is fond of intercourse with the unworthy. When the nose is pressed down by death, one becomes dependent on the fortunate. If the right side is crooked in a cruel person, and for the strong, a single sneeze occurs. Eyes whose ends are slanted and resemble lotus petals are destined for happiness. Cruelty is found in those with eyes like a peacock’s, and those with green eyes are impure. Deep-set eyes belong to lords, while ministers have large eyes. It is said that those with black pupils will have their eyes plucked out. Moist and large eyes indicate enjoyment, but small and raised eyes foretell a short life. Thick, long, and closely joined brows, raised like the crescent moon, bring fortune. Those attached to women who are easily accessible are deprived of sons. Men whose brows resemble a half-moon experience both poverty and wealth. Raised veins and marks like a svastika mark the lords of wealth. A covered forehead brings misery, but a raised forehead is the sign of a king. Abundant tears, and pitiful, harsh weeping, bring happiness. Frequent, loud laughter is inauspicious and points to many kinds of madness. Kingship is marked by four signs, and such a person’s lifespan is ninety-five years. If a man’s hair reaches the ends, his life spans eighty years. Forty features are crooked, and thirty are marked by brows that are joined. Kings possess heads shaped like umbrellas, while those with low heads are wealthy. One whose head is shaped like a pot, with an unpleasant appearance, is deprived of wealth and other blessings. Kings have tips that are unbroken, soft, and not excessively numerous. Sparse, extremely twisted, thick, and dark hair signals a lack of prosperity. Each of these features brings its own auspicious result; if the features differ, so does the outcome. Among the marks of a king, six are elevated, four are short, and red is the seventh. A man’s forehead, face, and chest should be exceedingly broad. The thighs, neck, and genital are either elevated or short. The inner corners of the eyes, feet, tongue, and lips—these five are fine in form. Thus, the wise reveal the secrets of destiny, written upon the body, for those who seek to understand the path of their lives.