Face reader reads between lines

Just what do you see when you look into the face of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley? Or talk show host Oprah Winfrey? How about Patti Blagojevich, the former Illinois first lady?

Jean Haner sees more than just expressions. Trained in the ancient Chinese practice of face reading, Haner analyzes wrinkles and lines, the shapes of facial features and the placement of facial hair, for deeper understanding.

An author and speaker who promotes her work at the Web site wisdomofyourface.com, Haner travels the country giving seminars on how to read a person’s face.

“We read and react to faces all the time,” Haner said. “There’s a part of the brain that tells us how to react. But we react emotionally.”

Understanding your face and others’ faces is the key to flourishing, Haner said.

Here’s Haner’s look at some famous faces:

Richard Daley, Chicago mayor: He has large earlobes. That’s someone who can think ahead in the future, especially in terms of finances. That could mean his personal life or professional life.

“He has rounded eyebrows,” she said. “That is someone who will try to create a win-win in negotiations. He can be a bit of a bulldog. I can tell from the flushness of his nose, the thickness of his features.”

Oprah Winfrey, talk show host: Haner said Winfrey has “a classic face, associated with the archetype of the mother. Their theme is to help others.”

She’s developed some puffiness under the eyes. The Chinese call that unshed tears. It means she’s dealing with something privately that sorrows her, Haner said.

Rod Blagojevich, former Illinois governor: Never trust a man if you can’t see his forehead. There are a few wrinkles that show he feels unpowerful as a man. That could mean he’ll do dishonest things.

Patti Blagojevich, former Illinois first lady and contestant on “I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!”

Blagojevich has two vertical lines between her eyebrows. That means she can focus intently and work hard, but it also means she carries more inner tension and is easily angered.

Her eyebrows are in a straight line, which shows a logical mind. She’s not emotionally reactive or fragile.

Ozzie Guillen, White Sox manager: He probably wears a goatee because he feels the need to strengthen his determination. It draws attention to the chin, and chin size dictates the level of stubbornness and how tenacious a person is. His hairline is in a straight line. That’s the sign of a rule breaker. He’s rebellious.

Lou Piniella, Cubs manager: His flat, bony cheeks show he is not tactful and says just what he feels without thought. He’s got a strong jaw and a strong chin; this is a stubborn guy. The way he holds his jaw and chin show he is competitive and driven.

Eminem, rapper: He’s got indented temples. That’s someone who has a tendency to be reactive and tends toward more anger and distress. This is not the kindest person in the world. He doesn’t wake up and think, “How can I help people?”

Jay Leno, former “Tonight Show” host: He’s got that chin, which shows enormous determination and tenacity and willingness to work really hard. But in private relationships, he’ll be stubborn and dig his heels in. If he does not want to do something, he will not do it.

Sonia Sotomayor, U.S. Supreme Court nominee: She has prominent cheeks that show she’s comfortable with authority. Her eyes are deep set and narrow, so she can keep a secret.