Graphology. Just Graphology. Trust me, there is nothing more.
I have always been a passive lover of Psychology. The subject intrigues me so much, that I tried out a bit of amateur reading on it. I have an average knowledge on topics like criminal and behavioral Psychology, but as of recent, one more has been added to this list- Graphology.
I usually do not take up interest in passive forms of Psychology. In fact, until quite recently, I had a notion that Graphology was a pseudoscience, much like the validity of a Polygraph test in a criminal case. However, being a physics student, I must say that the unbalanced external force which propelled me to move on from a state of rest and reopen my mind towards the possibilities of this field was Rekha Mam's Physics Assignment. But even though I was ready to accept new theories supporting Graphology, I feel like my initial assessments were correct.
It so happened that for our very first class of my sixth semester B. Sc. Physics Degree course, we were assigned to read any Science Journal and write an article about it. Naturally everyone (at least most of the people I chose to ask around) went for something Physics related for their assignments. As usual, I had no idea what to write about, with the wide variety of topics puzzling me even further. It was then that I took up the Science India (though I simply cannot recall the edition) and simply drifted through the cover, which depicted a high definition picture of beautiful calligraphy ending with a pen nib on it. I read the words "Graphology: The door to Our Brain", and with the prior notions I had on the subject, opened up the page with a scoff, ready to mentally laugh off everything in the journal.
I was surprised to find out that the content was actually quite intriguing. I could not help but read on, and by the end of that five minute article, wish there was more. And so, the very next day, I brought my library card and proceeded to borrow Ann Mahony's "Handwriting and Personality: How Graphology Reveals What Makes People Tick". But then again I was back to square one, as I initially thought that the book was a gem, but further reading up on Graphology, I cannot help but say that the science of Graphology is still utter trash.
I must admit that I have not finished the book yet, but I find my mind drifting back to the same constantly. As of now, I have finished the first forty two pages within one hour, and I simply must say that I have become much more wiser about the subject.
Graphology is the study of handwriting to determine a person's personality traits. Graphologists are the people who analyze the size of letters, the slant, the pressure of strokes, and other aspects of handwriting to infer a person's character. The modern approach to handwriting analysis was established by a group of French clerics, led by Abbe Michon, who defined key aspects of the science in the 1870s, after 30 years of study. This work formed the basis of modern graphology, although the science is still being researched and expanded today.
Professional graphologists operate to a strict code of ethics, and these experts are constantly in demand; those who use it recognise its value in the workplace as an additional method of understanding character. It is therefore an extremely useful tool in identifying the quality and capacity of an individual's talents and potential, particularly in career guidance and improving relationships. Like other powerful behavioural or intuitive models, it is not easy to explain how and why graphology works, nevertheless, it continues to be used, respected and appreciated by many because it achieves a high level of results.
Technically, a right hander is so because the right side of his/her brain functions faster and better than the left side. The same goes for the left handers. However, researches have proved that those who lost their working hand started to write with their other hand. Gradually, this hand started to write the way and look like the handwriting of the hand which was lost. This clearly goes to show that what we write is ultimately not handwriting but brain writing. Although graphology had some support in the scientific community before the mid-twentieth century, more recent research rejects the validity of graphology as a tool to assess personality and job performance.
There are some handwriting features, however, which I came across while reading the book, which may intrigue you.
If the handwriting is generally upright, this indicates independence.
A left slant tendency shows emotion and reserve. This writer needs to be true to self first and foremost and can be resentful if others try to push for more commitment from them.
Large size handwriting can mean extravert and outgoing, or it can mean that the writer puts on an act of confidence, although this behaviour might not be exhibited to strangers.
Small size can, logically, mean the opposite. Small size handwriting can also indicate a thinker and an academic, depending upon other features in the script.
If the writing is small and delicate, the writer is unlikely to be a good communicator with anyone other than those on their own particular wavelength. These people do not generally find it easy to break new ground socially.
Light pressure shows sensitivity to atmosphere and empathy to people, but can also, if the pressure is uneven, show lack of vitality.
If there are reasonably proportioned upper zone loops, this indicates someone who likes to think things through and use their imagination in a sensible way.
Wider upper zone loops indicate more of a tendency to dream up ideas and mull them over.
If the up-stroke goes up and then returns on top of itself, the writer may be squeezing out imagination and keeping to the basic requirement of getting down to the job in hand.
For example, a straight stroke shows impatience to get the job done.
A 'cradle' lower stroke suggests avoidance of aggression and confrontation.
A full loop with heavy pressure indicates energy/money-making/sensuality possibilities, subject to correlation with other features.
A full lower loop with light pressure indicates a need or wish for security.
If there are many and varied shapes in the lower zone, the writer may feel unsettled and unfocused emotionally. Again the handwriting analyst would look for this to be indicated by other features in the script.
Wide spaces between words are saying - 'give me breathing space'.
Narrow spaces between words indicate a wish to be with others, but such writers may also crowd people and be intrusive, notably if the writing lacks finesse.
Wide-spaced lines of handwriting show a wish to stand back and take a long view.
Closely spaced lines indicates that that the writer operates close to the action. For writers who do this and who have writing that is rather loose in structure, the discipline of having to keep cool under pressure brings out the best in them.
The top is goals and ambitions. The foot of the page shows energy, instincts and practicality. Therefore margins are very informative.
If the writer has a wide left margin, the interest is in moving on. If it is narrow, caution and wanting to avoid being pushed before they are ready is indicated.
Narrow right margin shows impatience and eagerness to get out there and on with things. Wide right margin shows that there may be some fear of the unknown.
The middle zone in the script represents the ego - from it, we get a lot of information as to how the writer feels and acts in public settings - what makes them tick socially and at work.
Some people's handwriting consists of only one single style, but many people will have a mixture of two handwriting styles or more.
I usually do not take up interest in passive forms of Psychology. In fact, until quite recently, I had a notion that Graphology was a pseudoscience, much like the validity of a Polygraph test in a criminal case. However, being a physics student, I must say that the unbalanced external force which propelled me to move on from a state of rest and reopen my mind towards the possibilities of this field was Rekha Mam's Physics Assignment. But even though I was ready to accept new theories supporting Graphology, I feel like my initial assessments were correct.
It so happened that for our very first class of my sixth semester B. Sc. Physics Degree course, we were assigned to read any Science Journal and write an article about it. Naturally everyone (at least most of the people I chose to ask around) went for something Physics related for their assignments. As usual, I had no idea what to write about, with the wide variety of topics puzzling me even further. It was then that I took up the Science India (though I simply cannot recall the edition) and simply drifted through the cover, which depicted a high definition picture of beautiful calligraphy ending with a pen nib on it. I read the words "Graphology: The door to Our Brain", and with the prior notions I had on the subject, opened up the page with a scoff, ready to mentally laugh off everything in the journal.
I was surprised to find out that the content was actually quite intriguing. I could not help but read on, and by the end of that five minute article, wish there was more. And so, the very next day, I brought my library card and proceeded to borrow Ann Mahony's "Handwriting and Personality: How Graphology Reveals What Makes People Tick". But then again I was back to square one, as I initially thought that the book was a gem, but further reading up on Graphology, I cannot help but say that the science of Graphology is still utter trash.
I must admit that I have not finished the book yet, but I find my mind drifting back to the same constantly. As of now, I have finished the first forty two pages within one hour, and I simply must say that I have become much more wiser about the subject.
Graphology is the study of handwriting to determine a person's personality traits. Graphologists are the people who analyze the size of letters, the slant, the pressure of strokes, and other aspects of handwriting to infer a person's character. The modern approach to handwriting analysis was established by a group of French clerics, led by Abbe Michon, who defined key aspects of the science in the 1870s, after 30 years of study. This work formed the basis of modern graphology, although the science is still being researched and expanded today.
Professional graphologists operate to a strict code of ethics, and these experts are constantly in demand; those who use it recognise its value in the workplace as an additional method of understanding character. It is therefore an extremely useful tool in identifying the quality and capacity of an individual's talents and potential, particularly in career guidance and improving relationships. Like other powerful behavioural or intuitive models, it is not easy to explain how and why graphology works, nevertheless, it continues to be used, respected and appreciated by many because it achieves a high level of results.
Technically, a right hander is so because the right side of his/her brain functions faster and better than the left side. The same goes for the left handers. However, researches have proved that those who lost their working hand started to write with their other hand. Gradually, this hand started to write the way and look like the handwriting of the hand which was lost. This clearly goes to show that what we write is ultimately not handwriting but brain writing. Although graphology had some support in the scientific community before the mid-twentieth century, more recent research rejects the validity of graphology as a tool to assess personality and job performance.
There are some handwriting features, however, which I came across while reading the book, which may intrigue you.
Slant
Right slant indicates a response to communication, but not how it takes place. For example, the writer may wish to be friendly, manipulative, responsive, intrusive, to sell, to control, to be loving, supportive, just to name some possibilities.If the handwriting is generally upright, this indicates independence.
A left slant tendency shows emotion and reserve. This writer needs to be true to self first and foremost and can be resentful if others try to push for more commitment from them.
Size
Handwriting is made up of three zones - or cases - middle, upper and lower. A basic average measure - or benchmark - by which size can be judged is 3mm per zone. This gives a benchmark for a non-remarkable full height of 9mm. More than this is large; less than this is small.Large size handwriting can mean extravert and outgoing, or it can mean that the writer puts on an act of confidence, although this behaviour might not be exhibited to strangers.
Small size can, logically, mean the opposite. Small size handwriting can also indicate a thinker and an academic, depending upon other features in the script.
If the writing is small and delicate, the writer is unlikely to be a good communicator with anyone other than those on their own particular wavelength. These people do not generally find it easy to break new ground socially.
Pressure
Heavy pressure indicates commitment and taking things seriously, but if the pressure is excessively heavy, that writer gets very uptight at times and can react quickly to what they might see as criticism, even though none may have been intended. These writers react first and ask questions afterwards.Light pressure shows sensitivity to atmosphere and empathy to people, but can also, if the pressure is uneven, show lack of vitality.
Upper Zone or Case (as in l, t, h, etc.)
Tall upper strokes are reaching towards goals and ambitions or, if they are very extended, there may be unrealistic expectations of what the person feels they must achieve.If there are reasonably proportioned upper zone loops, this indicates someone who likes to think things through and use their imagination in a sensible way.
Wider upper zone loops indicate more of a tendency to dream up ideas and mull them over.
If the up-stroke goes up and then returns on top of itself, the writer may be squeezing out imagination and keeping to the basic requirement of getting down to the job in hand.
Lower Zone (as in g, y, p, etc)
Lower loops are also varied and have different meanings.For example, a straight stroke shows impatience to get the job done.
A 'cradle' lower stroke suggests avoidance of aggression and confrontation.
A full loop with heavy pressure indicates energy/money-making/sensuality possibilities, subject to correlation with other features.
A full lower loop with light pressure indicates a need or wish for security.
If there are many and varied shapes in the lower zone, the writer may feel unsettled and unfocused emotionally. Again the handwriting analyst would look for this to be indicated by other features in the script.
Word Spacing
The benchmark by which to judge wide or narrow spacing between words is the width of one letter of the person's handwriting.Wide spaces between words are saying - 'give me breathing space'.
Narrow spaces between words indicate a wish to be with others, but such writers may also crowd people and be intrusive, notably if the writing lacks finesse.
Line Spacing
Handwriting samples are always best on unlined paper, and particularly for exhibiting line-spacing features.Wide-spaced lines of handwriting show a wish to stand back and take a long view.
Closely spaced lines indicates that that the writer operates close to the action. For writers who do this and who have writing that is rather loose in structure, the discipline of having to keep cool under pressure brings out the best in them.
Page Margins
The sides of the page each have a meaning. The left side margin shows the roots and beginnings/family. The right side shows other people and the future.The top is goals and ambitions. The foot of the page shows energy, instincts and practicality. Therefore margins are very informative.
If the writer has a wide left margin, the interest is in moving on. If it is narrow, caution and wanting to avoid being pushed before they are ready is indicated.
Narrow right margin shows impatience and eagerness to get out there and on with things. Wide right margin shows that there may be some fear of the unknown.
Middle Zone or Case (as in a, c, e, etc.)
These middle zone shapes can give some particularly interesting information.The middle zone in the script represents the ego - from it, we get a lot of information as to how the writer feels and acts in public settings - what makes them tick socially and at work.
Some people's handwriting consists of only one single style, but many people will have a mixture of two handwriting styles or more.
All of these features have potentially positive and negative connotations; the analyst uses the flow and facility (ease, smoothness) of the script to infer a positive or negative interpretation.
It is in the basic style of copy-book, though it is not taught in all schools. Writers who use this can be loyal, protective, independent, trustworthy and methodical, but negatively they can be secretive, stubborn and hypocritical when they choose. The most important characteristic is group solidarity against outsiders.
These writers make their m's, n's and h's in the opposite way to the arcade writer, like cups, or troughs, into which people can pour their troubles or just give information.
The Garland writer enjoys being helpful and likes to be involved.
The angle writer, is better employing talents at work and for business or project purposes, rather than nurturing, which is the strength of the garland writer.
As with any indicators of personality style, the interpretation doesn't mean that each writer needs to be categorized and prevented or dissuaded from spreading their talents and interests, but the analysis can helpfully show where the person's strengths can be best employed.
Therefore they observe and bide their time so that decisions are made at the most appropriate moment.
Arcade
This means that the middle zone of the writing is humped and rounded at the top like a series of arches.It is in the basic style of copy-book, though it is not taught in all schools. Writers who use this can be loyal, protective, independent, trustworthy and methodical, but negatively they can be secretive, stubborn and hypocritical when they choose. The most important characteristic is group solidarity against outsiders.
Garland
Garland is like an inverted 'arcade' and is a people-orientated script.These writers make their m's, n's and h's in the opposite way to the arcade writer, like cups, or troughs, into which people can pour their troubles or just give information.
The Garland writer enjoys being helpful and likes to be involved.
Angle
The angled middle zone is the analytical style, the sharp points, rather than curves, give the impression of probing.The angle writer, is better employing talents at work and for business or project purposes, rather than nurturing, which is the strength of the garland writer.
As with any indicators of personality style, the interpretation doesn't mean that each writer needs to be categorized and prevented or dissuaded from spreading their talents and interests, but the analysis can helpfully show where the person's strengths can be best employed.
Thread
Thread handwriting is like unraveled wool, waiting to be made up into something fresh. These writers are mentally alert and adaptable, but can also be elusive and lack patience. They are responders, rather than initiators. They can be very clever at drawing together strands of information and making something of them.Therefore they observe and bide their time so that decisions are made at the most appropriate moment.
Wavy line
Wavy line handwriting is often an amalgam of all or most of the other forms and is usually written by people who are mentally mature and skillful. It shows that they can call on a variety of responses, to suit the occasion and indicates good coping mechanisms. They are adaptable and resourceful.There is not much I wish to talk about regarding Graphology, because I stand with my original opinion- Graphology really is a pseudoscience, even if my assignment research initially pointed to the opposite direction. I, however, wish to be factually neutral about the whole fiasco, since I myself have not got much of a clear idea on the subject. I only hope that I may not be judged on my handwriting as I now cannot stop judging others.
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