Hand Writing Analysis

Handwriting Analysis- What is it?

Handwriting analysis, or graphology, is the science involved in producing a personality profile of
the writer by examining the characteristics, traits and strokes of an individual's handwriting. I
know it seems impossible, but a trained graphologist can gather an astonishing amount of
information about the writer just from analyzing their handwriting. Besides creating a complete
personality profile, many other things are revealed in your handwriting, such as health issues,
morality, past experiences, hidden talents, mental problems-- to name just a few.
How it works
Your brain guides your hand. Everything put on paper is a result of a two-way circuit between
your brain and the motor reflex muscles of your hand. Thus, your handwriting becomes a
Polygraph or Oscilloscope read-out of your "complete self." To you, it's just handwriting, but to
a handwriting analyst, it paints a picture of the person "behind the pen."
How to Begin
When analyzing writing style, first look at the handwriting in general, much like you would a
painting. Make mental notes of the most outstanding traits and try to get a general feeling of the
writer. (After 20 years of experience I can usually put the writer in a category right away.) Then,
determine the emotional energy of the writer. This is the most important factor of the personality
of the writer.
The emotional energy has a direct impact on every other trait displayed in the handwriting.
Emotional energy is determined by how much pressure the writer uses when he writes. If you
examine the writing you can determine how much pressure was used by how "dark" the writing
is. Also, if you turn the page over and feel the underside you can feel how much pressure was
used (especially if the sample was written on a soft surface).

Emotional energy is a combination of the physical and mental energy level. Writers with heavy
pressure are usually highly successful. They have a lot of vitality and their emotional experiences
last for a long time. Writers who write with average pressure are usually moderately successful
and usually have enough energy to make it through the day. Those with light pressure try to
avoid energy draining situations.
The Slant of the Writing: What Does it Mean?
The slant is the second indicator to look for. The slant indicates the writers emotional response to
external forces. A right slant (////) signals one who responds strongly to emotional situations.
They are caring, warm and outgoing -- their heart rules their mind. A vertical slant (llll) writer
tries to keep their emotions in check -- mind rules their heart. A left slant writer (\\\\) will conceal
their emotions and is observed as cold and indifferent.

Putting it Together.
Now let's mix some of these traits and see what we come up with.
1. A writer with heavy pressure and a vertical slant:
Heavy pressure = strong emotions and vertical slant = trying to hold emotions back. This writer
is usually the one who keeps his wits about him. When "all hell breaks loose," his head rules. He
will not be as emotionally responsive as a right slant writer and will "keep cool". This "heavy
pressure-vertical slant" writer won't be able to keep his cool all of the time. When his emotions
get the best of him he may "fly off the handle" at unpredictable times.
2. A person with light pressure writing (not much emotional or physical energy) and a left slant
(tries to avoid emotional situations): This person will be emotionally withdrawn, cold, indifferent
and self centered.

There are many steps involved in creating a complete personality profile. Using these first two
steps you can begin to put together your own "profile" which can be useful in both personal and
professional relationships.
Some interesting facts about modern Graphology:
Handwriting-based Tool Offers Alternate Lie Detection Method
According to ScienceDaily, for ages experts and laymen have been analyzing and trying to crack
the code of handwriting characteristics, in order to detect an individual's personality traits, or in
most cases, gauge their innocence in the case of a crime. Although this science has often gone
the way of pseudoscience, researchers are now discovering that with the aid of a computerized
tool, handwriting characteristics can be measured more effectively.
The research, headed by Gil Luria and Sara Rosenblum at the University of Haifa, is published
Applied Cognitive Psychology. The researchers utilized a computerized tablet that measured the
physical properties of the subject's handwriting, which are difficult to consciously control (for
example: the duration of time that the pen is on paper versus in the air, the length height and
width of each writing stroke, the pressure implemented on the writing surface). They have found
that these handwriting characteristics differ when an individual is in the process of writing
deceptive sentences as opposed to truthful sentences.
The handwriting tool has the potential to replace, or work in tandem, with popular, verbal-based
lie detection technology such as the polygraph to ensure greater accuracy and objectivity in law
enforcement deception detection.
Additionally, polygraphs are often intrusive to the subject and sometimes inconclusive. The
handwriting tool therefore provides ease and increased accuracy over common, verbal-based
methods.

Steps 3 & 4: Looking into Emotional Control, Reliability and Concentration.

Last time we covered emotional and physical energy, which is indicated by the pressure applied
to the pen when you write. We also covered emotional response to external forces, indicated by
the slant of the handwriting.

The next step is to determine the emotional control and reliability of the writer. This trait is
shown in the baseline of the writing.
The baseline is a real or imagined line where the small letters rest. Baseline is best determined if
the sample is submitted on unlined paper to ensure that the writer does not follow the pre-printed
lines. For best results, handwriting analysts always prefer samples written on unlined paper.

The baseline can be straight, wavy, erratic or sloped. A normal baseline should be slightly wavy.
A person with a straight baseline is tense and over disciplined. A very wavy baseline signals a
person who is on an emotional roller coaster.
An ascending baseline means optimism. A descending baseline means pessimism, tiredness or
depression. A level baseline indicates a healthy balance between optimism and pessimism.
The following is a sample of Charles Manson's handwriting. Notice that baseline is very wavy,
indicating a person whose emotions are unstable and out of control.

Concentration
Step 4 in handwriting analysis determines the writers ability to concentrate. This trait is indicated
by the size of the writing.
Small writing points to someone who has the ability to concentrate on minor details for long
periods of time. They are not easily distracted by outside forces. These writers include scientists,
researchers, bookkeepers, etc. People who write small like to work alone. They can be trusted to
take on tedious tasks and follow them through to completion without being side tracked. Those
who write small are usually conservative and thrifty.
Most of us write average size, indicating an average ability to concentrate. We have to force
ourselves to concentrate on minor details, especially for long periods of time. Large writers are
easily distracted. They have trouble concentrating and easily get "off-track." At work, these
individuals should be given varying duties and assignments that are quick to complete.
Here is a sample of Albert Einstein's handwriting, actual size.

Get a pen and paper and try to write this small. You will feel your whole body go tense as you
concentrate on making the small letters. I have examined this sample with a magnifying glass
and every letter is shaped perfectly. It is a beautiful piece of art.
Putting it all Together
So far, we have covered:
*Emotional and physical energy (pressure applied when writing)
Slant of writing ...\\\.....lll../// (indicates what the writer does with this emotional and physical
energy)
*Emotional control and emotional reliability (baseline)
*Ability to concentrate (size of writing)

Now let's take a look at Sample 1, below:

The writer uses heavy pressure, pointing to a person with deep, long-lasting emotions. The right
slant indicates the writer responds freely with these emotions (heart rules the mind). The writing
is large and indicates that the writer has trouble concentrating on tedious tasks and is easily
distracted. The baseline is only slightly wavy, revealing no inner emotional turmoil.

This is a friendly outgoing person with a lot of energy. This person needs variety and lots of
activity. The emotional stability of the baseline indicates s/he is reliable and dependable.
On to Sample 2:

The writers pressure and size if writing is average, indicating s/he usually has enough energy to
handle daily activities. Emotional response is slightly inhibited (vertical writing) indicating the
head rules the heart. Average size of script shows the ability to concentrate on daily activities
without being distracted too much by what's going on around him/her. The baseline is wavy
indicating changeable moods- sometimes in a good mood, sometimes not. The wavy baseline is
common in vertical writing because people who try to control their emotions have a certain
amount of inner emotional turmoil.
Try analyzing a few samples of friends' handwriting using the skills you've gained from Steps 14. In my next article I will cover the three "zones" of handwriting and I will also analyze Bill
Clinton's handwriting.
Step 5: THE THREE ZONES OF HANDWRITING.
There are three zones to examine in handwriting. These zones reflect imagination and desires.
The upper zone reveals intellectual thought, abstract thinking, daydreaming, psychic abilities,
and imagination. The upper zone indicates philosophical imagination.
The middle zone deals with the day to day aspects of life, like home, family, paying the bills,
work and social concerns. The middle zone points to our approach to daily life.
The lower zone emphasizes physical and material drives such as physical abilities, sex drive,
appetite, and the desire for material wealth. The lower zone reveals activities essential to
survival.
Concerns in all areas.

Intellectual thinker

Day to day concerns.

Physical and material drives.

This information provides us with another key to the writer's personality. The zones indicate
three different areas of thought and are dependent on emotional energy (pressure or force applied
while writing), as well as how much or how hard the writer concentrates in these areas.

Look at the "l" in log. Consider the baseline reality. When the writer left the baseline (reality ),
he went the upper zone, grasped an idea, and returned to reality. There are many things realized
in the upper zone-- ambition, goals, philosophical and abstract thinking and daydreaming. Now
imagine this "l" written just as high but having a thinner loop. This writer is considered a quick
thinker. The writer with the fatter loop is a slower methodical thinker, but when he was in the
upper zone he stayed longer, realizing more, which tends to make him more creative.
Now look at the "o." The "o" is in the mid zone which concerns daily activities. If the "o" was
written thin ( not round but skinny), the writer would be narrow minded. If mid zone letters are
very fat the writer worries too much.
Now, observe the lower loop in "g". Lower loop letters concern desires for material wealth, sex,
appetite, and physical drives. This works the same as upper loops-- the fatter the loop, the more
the desire. The thinner the loop, the less the desire. Lower loop letters ( y g p f) indicate desires
in different areas. The "y" represents sex drive and money. The "g" (gregarious), socializing and

sexual fantasy. The "p" (physical), a fat "p" loop points to someone who does not mind hard
work.
Putting it all Together
Using what we have learned so far we can analyze Bill Clinton's handwriting.

The pressure is very heavy. This usually indicates greater accomplishments. Heavy pressure
writers' emotions are very strong and long lasting. Bill may be inclined to hold grudges and he
will not quickly forget the actions of his friends or enemies. His pressure will amplify all other
traits found in his writing.
The slant is vertical. He tries not to show his emotions. He makes decisions based on logic, not
emotions (his head rules his heart). Anyone who holds back their emotions makes a conscious
effort to do so, causing a certain amount of stress and inner turmoil. Bill's baseline is also very
straight, indicating even more control over his emotions. These emotions buildup over time and
have to be released.
Bill concentrates on the middle zone (daily activities, running the country, etc.), and the lower
zone (desire for material wealth, sex drive, etc.). There is not much going on in the upper zone at
all ( Bill has advisors to do his thinking for him).
Clinton's handwriting is smaller than normal, giving him the ability to concentrate. His lower
loops are quite large compared to the size of the rest of his script. If you look closely, you will
see the lower loops in his g's, p's y's are very fat and are magnified by his deep emotions.
Bill is under emotional pressure and he has to release some steam from time to time. He releases
some of this physical desire by running two or three miles, and then stops and has a couple of
Big Mac's. But there is the strong sex drive. How does he relieve that?

In the next article we will examine these lower zone traits further. You'll find out how to pick a
good lover, and also a lover that is compatible to you.
Step 6:
SPACING BETWEEN LETTERS
Average spacing between letters points to a person who is self-confident and feels comfortable
and at ease.

Letters written close together or "compressed" indicate a person who feels uncomfortable about
themselves, and usually has low self-esteem or is self-conscious.

Irregularly spaced letters indicate that the writer is confused, uncertain, or mixed up.

Step 7:
SPACING BETWEEN WORDS
Compressed spacing between words- needs to be close to others; likes crowds.

Average spacing between words- feels comfortable contact with others.

Wide spacing between words- avoids people contact; has problems dealing with others.

EXAMPLE:

Notice the word spacing on the note below. The writing indicates a person who isolates
themselves from others. He or she has difficulty dealing with others so would avoid people
contact, if possible.

This is the handwriting of Ted Kaczinski the "uni-bomber," who lived like a hermit in an isolated
cabin in Montana. He had difficulty dealing with people and society in general.
All wide space writers aren't like Ted, but they usually avoid people contact as much as possible.
Many wide space writers are married and have children, but, even then, they are usually loners.
They normally have a hobby, second job or some other excuse to avoid the family and friends as
much as possible.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Now let's add these traits to Bill Clinton's analysis from my last article

Pressure- heavy, strong long lasting emotions

Slant- vertical, Bill tries to control his emotions and bases his decisions on logic.
Size of writing- slightly smaller than normal, giving him good concentration skills.
Zones- Mid- concentrates on daily activities (running the country), and lower- desire for material
wealth and physical drives like appetite, sex, exercise etc.
Spacing between letters- mostly average but sometimes compressed, he is a little uncertain
about how he feels about himself. We know it's not low self-esteem, but it could be selfconsciousness or guilty conscious.
Spacing between words- crowded, Bill likes to be close to others and loves crowds.
Step 6:
INTELLIGENCE & THOUGHT PROCESSING
General level of intelligence can be determined by examining the small letters "m," "n," and "r."
Someone with a "quick" mind will write these letters with sharp pointed tops. These writers are
quick to comprehend and retain ideas. They are usually considered "smart."
Determining how intelligent they really are is impossible, but the pointed top can be considered
an indicator of "above average." (This can generally be confirmed by checking into level of
education.)

Those who write The "m," "n," and "r" with a round top are slower methodical thinkers. These
people can retain just as much knowledge as quick thinkers, but they tend to "think things over"
before making decisions. They are not as likely to "jump to conclusions," and tend to be more
creative.

The same letters written flat and thread-like point to a person who doesn't have the mental
capacity to learn quickly or to be creative. These writers are usually considered "lazy" or
"dumb."
Flattened peaks may also indicate that the writer is deceptive, or hiding something. He or she
may lack communication skills or not want to communicate for some unknown reason.

Step 9:
SPEED OF WRITING
The speed of the script reveals much about the writer. Fast writers can be spontaneous, impatient,
ambitious, aggressive, negligent, quick thinkers, accident prone, etc. In a full evaluation of
writing speed, many other traits must be examined to determine the correct meaning.

Average speed writers are slower thinkers. They can be cautious, creative, organized and so on.
Other factors in the script will reveal to its full meaning.

Slow writers show lack of ambition and determination, they are often ostentatious or lack mental
capacity.

SAMPLE ANALYSIS
Applying the nine steps to show outstanding traits.

1. * Pressure: Average. Average amount of energy to make it through the day.

2. * Slant: Right. Responsive to emotional situations. His heart rules his mind. Friendly and
outgoing.
3. * Baseline: This sample was written on lined paper, most words start on the preprinted line
but ascend, depicting a good mood.
4. * Size of Writing: Small. Good concentration skills.
5. * Zones: All 3 zones are emphasized.
6. * Spacing between letters: Average. Henri feels confident and comfortable about himself.
7. * Spacing between words: Average. He feels comfortable with people contact. He doesn't
necessarily like crowds but he is not a loner either.
8. * Speed of writing: Average.
9. * Intelligence: Henri switches between two modes of thinking. Some "m n r" tops are sharp
and some are rounded.
Henri is a moderately energetic person. He will have enough energy to make it through the "daily
grind." He wants to live life to the fullest, and values pleasures like gourmet foods and luxurious
surroundings. He is restless and is always on the go. He wants to lead an active varied life.
Henri has a great desire to accumulate money and material possessions. He is conservative and
thrifty, and manages his money well.
Henri is an emotional person who usually expresses his feelings freely. His reactions may be
impulsive at times. His emotional energy is moderate, so when he gets mad about something, he
can usually calm down in a reasonable amount of time.
Henri switches between two different thought processes. He is willing to slow down his thinking
and be more deliberate and precise if he has to. The small script depicts good concentration
skills. He has a sharp, incisive mind which can be applied to a problem like a surgeon's scalpel.
He can evaluate information, identify the flaws, and fill in the gaps. He has superior investigative
skills and enjoys uncovering new information. He can focus his attention and concentrate in spite
of distractions.
Intuition plays a small part in Henri's thinking, but logic rules his thoughts, producing continuity
in problem solving. This versatility enables him to see both the parts and the whole of a situation
or problem. Henri doesn't hesitate when it comes to solving a problem. He jumps right in with
both feet. He notices details and pays attention to the particulars of an idea or problem.
Henri is not afraid to speak out and defend himself. He uses his intellect to stoutly defend his
opinions in matters which are important to him. He loves a good discussion.

Henri is proud of how he looks and what he is capable of doing. He likes to dress well and
demonstrate his talents. He doesn't like others to question his competence. His feelings get hurt
when his personal appearance is criticized.
Henri shows many signs of being impatient. He will become frustrated when he is forced to wait
or do the same thing over again. Because he is intent on getting things done quickly, he
sometimes pushes too hard for the things he wants.
Henri likes having a good laugh, and uses his sense of humor to make life more fun. Henri's
determination is a little on the weak side he can be taken advantage of and give in when
pressured by others.
Henri is an outgoing person. He likes to be with people and enjoys meeting new people, but he
usually sets aside some time during the day to be alone with his thoughts and recharge his
batteries.
Henri sets realistic goals. He is ambitious and works hard to achieve his goals. He is able to
benefit from constructive criticism of his work, and doesn't react defensively. Henri's
concentration skills and attention to details would make him successful in a job using computers,
science or mathematics. He has good finger dexterity and would be good at handling or
assembling small parts.
Suggestions. Henri has one minor problem his determination is low. To cure this problem
Henri should cross his "t's" with a slightly upward slant using consistent heavy pressure. This
will send a message to his subconscious mind, and over time will raise his determination level.
I see other areas where suggestions can be made, and there are other personality traits that need
attention. They are not mentioned here, but would be disclosed in a confidential analysis meant
for Henri's eyes only.
MOOD EFFECTS YOUR WRITING
A handwriting sample reveals who you are at the time of writing. Your mood effects how you
write, and as your moods change, so does your script.
Other factors that alter handwriting include drugs, physical illness and preoccupation with
unrelated thoughts as you write.
For the graphologist, the only real solution to handwriting variance is to obtain samples written
over a extended period of time. This is the true way to get a true personality profile of the writer.
When my clients submit samples, they do it because they want to. They aren't under any
pressure. They are in the comfort and security of their own homes and, generally, relaxed. These
conditions are ideal, and the handwriting sample submited for analysis is usually a reflection of
the writer's true self.

Below is an experiment that helps illustrate how your mood effects your handwriting.
THE EXPERIMENT
The handwriting samples bleow were taken at intervals of about an hour apart by a friend who
was spending the day with her grandson.

Sample 1-Start of the day. Her 6 year old grandson is about to arrive and she will watch
him for a few hours. This is her normal handwriting.

Sample 2- The boy has been with her for an hour. Her baseline is wavy and slants
forward, showing her emotions out of control.

Sample 3- An hour later she regains her composure, somewhat, the left slant now
showing that she is really trying to keep her emotions under control.

Sample 4- The end of the day. She has let her emotions get the best of her. The boy will
go home and she will settle down. Later, her writing will be as it appeared in sample one,
at the beginning of the day.

This experiment illustrates that a handwriting sample reveals how the writer feels at the time of
writing. You can see, by the above samples, that the subject's handwriting changed in direct
relation to the circumstances under which the sample was taken. The mood factor is important in
handwriting analysis. If I had analyzed these 4 samples individually, I would have come up with
4 different analyses of the same person.

This is also an important factor to consider for all of you amateur analysts out there. Try to get as
many samples as you can over an extended period of time. It may save you some embarrassment.
THE JOB INTERVIEW
Since your moods effect your handwriting, how do you get a fair assessment if your handwriting
is analyzed during a job application?
First, the law requires the employee to advise the applicant beforehand that their handwriting
will be analyzed. The same is true regarding mandatory drug testing. The applicant must be
advised beforehand. This tends to make the applicant calm down and use their best handwriting
and usually causes the drug user to walk out.
Second, the handwriting analysis can not be the singular basis in determining if an applicant is
hired (or fired); this is discrimination. All other factors of the applicant such as experience,
qualifications, education, personality test, and the personnel manager's opinion of verbal
interview must come into play before a decision is made. In other words the company can't say
"We didn't hire you because we didn't like your handwriting".
If you are too nervous to write normally, you probably won't do well on the other tests either,
and possibly, will not get the job. On the other hand, if your handwriting is a little "shaky" but
you do well on the other tests you stand a much better chance.
The moral. When applying for a job, relax and be yourself.
OTHER MOOD FACTORS TO CONSIDER
During a criminal investigation when I have only one sample to work with, for instance, the
Ramsey ransom note. I could determine by the handwriting the mood of the writer at the time of
writing. He was under the influence of drugs or alcohol and was having bipolar mood swings,
and was in a disorganized mental state, which explained his actions on the night of the murder.
His handwriting would surely change when he settled down, his drugs wore off, and he returned
to more comfortable surroundings. But the handwriting of a man with these problems wouldn't
change drastically. There would still be enough matching traits in his "normal" handwriting to
prove that he wrote the note