If you are new to graphology, start here. These answers introduce handwriting analysis, personality, handwriting changes, and the path to becoming a graphologist.
Frequently asked questions related to graphology and handwriting analysis. Ask your questions here.
Graphology is the art of reading character from handwriting.
Graphology, sometimes called handwriting analysis, is the study of handwriting with the aim of revealing the character and personality of the writer and his or her strengths, weaknesses, and abilities.
Merriam-Webster defines graphology as the study of handwriting, especially for the purpose of character analysis.
Sources: Graphology or How to Read Character from Handwriting by Simon Arke, American Institute of Graphology, 1903; The Elements of Graphology by Barry Branston.
The short answer: graphology is presented here as a science, an empirical science. The art is in handwriting analysis, where artful skill is required for expression and communication.
Science is commonly described as a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions. Wikipedia describes graphology as pseudoscience, so readers should approach the subject with inquiry, context, and critical thinking.
Try answering these questions about your own handwriting without looking at a sample first:
Most people cannot answer these questions without examining their writing. This suggests that many features of handwriting are unconsciously adopted and can become significant indicators in handwriting analysis.
Source: Graphology or How to Read Character from Handwriting by Simon Arke, American Institute of Graphology, 1903.
Yes, particularly if you are interested in people and have a fair ability for observation and deductive perception. How deeply you go depends on whether your interest is casual or a serious study.
Source: The Elements of Graphology by Barry Branston.
Pens affect the appearance of handwriting, but the choice of pen is itself one element in handwriting individuality. A pen may make writing easier or awkward, but it does not usually alter the distinguishing characteristics of a person's handwriting.
Source: Graphology or How to Read Character from Handwriting by Simon Arke, American Institute of Graphology, 1903.
Handwriting may change across life. A person at fifty may not write exactly as they did at eighteen, and later life may show further changes. This is presented as emphasizing the relationship between handwriting and personality: as experience modifies a person, handwriting may also alter.
Source: Graphology or How to Read Character from Handwriting by Simon Arke, American Institute of Graphology, 1903.
A familiar example is recognizing a friend's handwriting from an envelope before opening the letter. No two people write exactly alike, even when taught from similar copybooks.
Graphology presents handwriting as an expression of thought, movement, habit, and personality. Once writing is learned, it becomes semi-automatic, much like speech or gesture.
Source: Graphology or How to Read Character from Handwriting by Simon Arke, American Institute of Graphology, 1903.
Graphology is used to observe character, personality traits, and abilities. It looks at mental and moral qualities, distinctive characteristics, and possible behavioral tendencies.
A long list of personality characteristics and related handwriting formations may be available to active GGA members.
Graphology may be applied to understanding health issues, morality, past experiences, hidden talents, and mental problems.
Source: Personality Profile Through Handwriting Analysis by D. John Antony, O.F.M.Cap.
Each person modifies the copybook style according to individual character, taste, inclination, and habit. Graphology presents handwriting variety as evidence that individual traits and tendencies influence writing style.
Source: Graphology or How to Read Character from Handwriting by Simon Arke, American Institute of Graphology, 1903.
When someone deliberately changes handwriting, they often alter the obvious features: slope, size, pen type, letter formation, or flourishes. However, minor characteristics of natural writing may still repeat unconsciously.
Source: Graphology or How to Read Character from Handwriting by Simon Arke, American Institute of Graphology, 1903.
Handwriting can vary superficially from day to day because of emotion, physical condition, ink, pen, paper, and other circumstances. The graphology view is that the underlying individuality remains more stable than these surface changes.
Source: Graphology or How to Read Character from Handwriting by Simon Arke, American Institute of Graphology, 1903.
Children are still learning to write, and their neurological conditions are maturing. Therefore, this approach does not analyze children's handwriting.
Source: Personality Profile Through Handwriting Analysis: A Textbook of Handwriting Analysis by D. John Antony, O.F.M.Cap., Anugraha Publications, 2008.
Build a practical, ethical skillset for handwriting analysis through the Graphologist Program.