Handwriting analysis, also known as Graphology, is a highly specialized social science, much like psychology. It is built on logical deductions and psychological interpretations. Handwriting is 'brain writing'. Brain pattern produces a neuromuscular movement that is unique for each person, which is revealed in the handwriting. It is essentially a graphic manifestation of a person's thought patterns and behavior that gives a glimpse into the subconscious mind.

Its origin goes back to1622, when the first treatise on handwriting analysis was written by Camillo Baldo, a professor at the University of Bologna. But it got actual recognition during the 19th century when many members of the French clergy studied the subject. Further, many German scientists became involved and provided new findings and insights. The International Graphoanalysis Society started a research department in 1929.

A person may bluff his way through interviews but handwriting is liar-proof. It speaks more about a person's character and integrity than a resume or an interview. It can reveal a person's passions, strengths and weaknesses. It can find out whether a person can perform under stress. It shows his ambition level, organizational skills and team spirit. It also reflects his emotions and sensitivity to surroundings. Further, assertiveness, crisis management, decision-making abilities and optimism that are required for a management cadre executive, can be found out from a person's handwriting.

Through handwriting analysis, one can explore the inner personality and hidden talents. Very often the inner personality lies unexplored and inaccessible to the outside world and also to the person himself. Further, one can actually change one's personality and behaviour by changing the handwriting through Graphotherapy.

However, a person's handwriting cannot reveal his age, sex or profession. It also cannot predict the future.

In US and European countries, many companies are using Graphology as a tool to screen job applicants to have better understanding of the person and with growing concern for security. This subject is taught in many European schools. It is the best non-discriminatory assessment measure that is also relatively inexpensive. In India, it is in an infant stage but its popularity and applications are increasing.

Some of the major applications of Graphology are:

• Understanding oneself:

A person can know his strengths and weaknesses. Hidden talents can be known. It will enable him to make wiser decisions for his personal and professional life. Also helps in developing the personality.


• Choosing the right job:

It offers a means of deciding what type of work would best suit a person, and what kind of employment situations to avoid.


• Marriage:

It can help in understanding one another. Compatibility can also be found in matrimonial proposals.


• Business:

It can help improve personal relations and aid in taking decisions on promotions/selections/placements. It can detect dishonest people, forgers or pilferers. It can help in forming a group of compatible individuals to work on a project.


• Teachers:

In can help detect a shy, emotionally disturbed child and a slow learner.


• Health:

Detection of nervousness, mental illness, frustration, depression, drug addiction, etc. It is helpful to 'know the person' to effectively give homeopathic treatment.


• Police:

Finding out tendency of lying, dishonesty and criminal mentality. Detecting forgery.


• Bankers:

Detection of cheque frauds/ forgery.