The Chinese believe moles can be lucky or unlucky depending on where they are located, what colour they are, and how large they appear in proportion to our body. A mole can be a tiny black speck on the feet signifying opportunities for travel, or it can be a dark red dot on the hand, often interpreted as indicating a particular skill or luck associated with one’s hands. Moles on our backs denote some kind of burden we have to carry, while moles at the front of our bodies are said to attract success luck. This issue we offer this special feature on moles based on information from the Tung Shu and other Taoist sources. If you have ever wondered what that mole on your neck, back or thigh means, read on.

Some say that the moles on our bodies are in reality secret imprints carried over from our previous lives, stamps of some past karmic deed meant to ripen in this life, good as well as bad. Others contend that moles are messages of good fortune and misfortune that reflect important turning points of our life. Each noticeable mole on our body carries a hidden meaning, or depicts some secret obstacle or unexpected help from someone.

In certain traditions, the messages of moles were so significant it could even be read as bringing bad luck to the family, or so highly revered that the member of the family with the mole would be highly revered. Many cultures contend of course that the larger and more prominent the mole, the greater its power. Another widely held belief is that lighter-coloured moles spell better fortune. Here is what the Chinese generally have to say about moles on our body.

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