Graphology

Graphology is the art and science of analyzing handwriting to identify, evaluate and understand a person's personality. The word Graphology is derived from the Greek word 'grapho' which means 'writing' and 'logy' meaning 'study'. The graphic manifestations via the strokes and patterns of a persons handwriting reveal their thought patterns, behavior and a glimpse into their subconscious mind. Thus can provide an insight into one's personality such as character, temperament, the present state of mind etc. even if only a few words are scribbled hurriedly on a piece of paper. Graphology is built on the scientific method of conclusions drawn on common sense, universal concepts, psychological interpretations and empirical research. 

There are several aspects of analyzing handwriting such as general style of writing, the formation of letters, the alignment and space between words and lines, strokes and patterns, the loops in alphabets, bends, slants of writing, size of letters etc. For example, if somebody is using lots of dots in writing, the person is associated with lack of confidence. Certain curves of letters, which a person is unable to present in his writings, may denote certain stomach or mental ailments. An upward moving baseline is associated with happy people while a downward sloping hand denotes a person prone to depression. Large size handwriting indicates extravert and outgoing nature, while small size handwriting hints at someone who is introverted and focused. If the handwriting is generally upright, this indicates independence. Right slant indicates a response to communication, writer may wish to be friendly, manipulative, responsive, intrusive, to sell, to control, to be loving, supportive, just to name some possibilities whereas a left slant tendency shows emotion and reserve. Forward slants in handwriting signify a future-oriented attitude while doodling wavy patterns suggest an easy-going nature.

Graphologists are trained specialists in handwriting analysis who carefully studies the various intricacies of a person's handwriting to interpret his/ her character, behavior, mindset, emotions, creativity, likes and dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, fears and future potential. They are skilled at analysing one's signatures and can also read random scribbling and doodling, as they conceal valuable hints. They can even identify depression and suicidal tendencies if approached at the right time.

Graphology finds major application in areas like human resource development, consultant services, teaching etc. where screening of people is essential. Though graphology is emerging as an interesting career choice and has a good potential for its application in corporate sector, it is still in infant stage in our country. Learning the techniques of graphology can be very useful in many different professions, specially for those working in HR, psychology and teaching field. It is also ideal as a supplementary profession or hobby.

How to Become a Graphologist

To become a graphologist, one should have a flair for analyzing other people's writings, ability to understand the difference between handwritings, a keen eye for detail and the will to master a new skill. Good communication skills, intelligence, inquisitiveness, ability to notice even minute details and a desire to understand and analyse people, are the desirable skills to learn graphology. A graphologist must also have some basic psychological sense. 

In India, there are no recognized degree courses in Graphology. It is usually taught as a part of Forensic science. Various training institutes are offering short-term certificate and diploma courses in Graphology. World school of Handwriting Mumbai, Handwriting Analysts India (HAI) Vishakapatnam, Institute of Graphological Research Mumbai, Indian Graphologists Kolkata, M J Rajore Institute of Graphology and Personal Success in Pune, Kokata Institute of Graphology, are some of the renowned institutes conducting courses in Graphology. 10+2 is the minimum qualification required for the course.

International Graphological Research Centre (IGRC) Bangalore, and Handwriting Institute India Bangalore provide Graphology course through distance learning. Interested aspirants can gain basic knowledge in graphology by reading books or working under a trained graphologist.

Graphology courses besides enabling one to gain deep insight into all the personality traits that can be identified in handwriting analysis, also help to change ones attitude, behavior and relationships by making simple changes in their strokes and patterns. The most acute assignment for handwriting analysts is to provide a solution for the identified problems. So most institutes provide additional training in psychology and personality development. 

Job Prospects and Career Opportunities in Graphology

Graphology has a wide variety of applications, professionally as well as personally, from choosing the right candidate to choosing the right life partner. Graphologists are in demand in various sectors such as psychiatric and counseling centers, career guidance, personality development, child development, employee recruitment, marriage compatibility, police department, forensic department, private investigation centers etc. Business Owners, Personnel Managers, Journalists, Financial Service Providers, Law Enforcement & Investigative Agencies, Legal Professionals, Psychologists, Medical Practitioners, Academics and Questioned Document Examiners may need the services of a Graphologist. Forensic department recruits specialist Graphologists to analyze Signatures and handwritings to detect forgery. 

Besides analyzing, identifying and evaluating clients handwriting and behavior, some Graphologists conduct workshops, conference and presentations for corporate/ private events. Some write books and articles. Experienced graphologists can teach graphology courses or can start their own Graphology practice. These professionals and experts are in demand for written reports, which determine forgery and fraud cases. 

Graphology is now accepted and increasingly used for many purposes like personality development, self-improvement, team building, counseling and child development. Combined with psychology, Graphology is also used as a therapy for improving one's personality. The concept of Graphotherapy is that one can change or improve his/her personality, character or behavior by changing the handwriting. The system believes that correcting handwriting can lead to self- improvement. Factors like mood, state of mind, type of pen, paper and ink affect writing. Even signatures of the same person vary at times. A professional graphologist helps to solve problems of clients by analyzing their handwriting and signature, and suggesting a pattern to write. 

Handwriting is considered as brain writing, since brain transmits electrical impulses through the nervous system and fibers of the body, arm, hand and fingers. The fingers are only vehicles that put the impulses in writing. So any diseases in the brain or problems with the nervous system could affect the movements of the fingers and ones hand writing. Graphology can be a very useful tool for spotting certain diseases of the brain as well as problems with the nervous system, before they become too severe.

Some of the career opportunities available in this field includes : 

• Corporate Industries / Consultant Services hire the service of graphologists for selecting the most suitable employees. These industries make use of these professionals to judge and determine the personality traits, aptitude and abilities of the employees before zeroing in on the right career. 
• Forensic department need graphologists support to detect forgery and solve criminal cases, by analyzing offenders handwriting samples.
• Court and police departments require the help of graphologists to perform character analyses on samples of handwriting found at crime scenes or written by possible criminals. In legal matters, graphologist can be required for authentication of any handwriting on questionable document such as cheques, wills, extortion letters, etc.
• Schools may need assistance for these professionals in evaluating and helping problematic students. Graphologists serve as a guide not only to the parents but also to the teachers in providing them with insights into the personality of young children. Graphologists helps them to take appropriate steps for the betterment of the children by making changes in the development of the child by detecting personality disorders or imbalances before these become a problem.
• In Career Guidance sector, Graphologists can help people to take right career choices and give additional inputs for self improvement. 
• While Choosing life partners a graphologist can provide inputs on the characteristics and habits either good or bad, tastes, culture, intellect, profession and hidden traits of prospective life partner. 

Graphology Institutes in India

List of Graphology Institutes in India

For the details of colleges/ insitututes conducting Graphology Courses, click on the following links.

• Basic Course for Handwriting Analysis
• Certificate Course in Questioned Document and Handwriting Expert (Correspondence/ Distance Education)
• Handwriting Development and Grapho-therapy Program
• Advanced Certificate Course in Graphology
• Basic Principles of Graphology
• Graphology Training
• Graphology Training (Correspondence/ Distance Education)