Graphology is the scientific method of identifying, evaluating and understanding a person's personality through the strokes and patterns unique to her handwriting. It is in no way similar to document analysis, which is when a person examines a sample of writing to determine the author's capacities.

Document analysis is often used in cases of forgery. In document analysis, no comment of character or personality is derived from the handwriting.

You must remember that, Handwriting Analysis neither tells the future, nor does it reveal the past. However, it can give you an insight into the person you really are. It can also help you understand the personalities of other people, especially those close to you.

What Can It Do Today, graphology has many uses, from working with children with learning disabilities, to employee screening tests or even helping people find their most compatible mates.

These are the areas where graphology can be used for;

• Self-improvement; it helps people understand themselves better and improve their attitudes or behaviour using grapho-therapy.
• Understanding and helping children with learning disabilities. 
• Helping kids correct and improve their handwriting.
• Finding compatible partners - life or business.
• Improving current relationships through better understanding and communication.
• Career counselling and development.
• Personnel selection by employers.
• Jury selection process by attorneys.
• Law enforcement in investigating evidence involving handwritten notes.
• Personality evaluation and therapy by psychologists.

Learning Graphology Graphology can be learnt from different sources like books, websites, CDs / DVDs, classes, etc. However, for any skill to be learnt completely, you need to learn from professionals.

A famous school for graphology is the World School of Grapho Education and Therapy  in Mumbai. It is run by Dr. Parag Khatri and Raveeshekhar. For further details, please visit the official website.

Graphology as a Career

You should have analysed a minimum of 150-200 samples, before doing it on a professional basis. Every stroke in graphology counts. So, a graphologist needs to be well prepared before giving an analysis to clients.

Graphology can initially be started with your family members and close friends, who you feel comfortable with and who will co-operate with you.

Once you are confident of your skills, you can advertise your services.

Here are few openings.

• You can approach schools or PTA associations for handwriting correction sessions.
• Arrange for workshops by advertising in newspapers.
• Write to magazines, papers and websites to make yourself popular.
• You can also approach HR firms for application analysis.

Prospects and Earnings

According to graphologist Nitu Mohta, in the beginning you can charge about Rs.100 for an analysis. If it leads to therapy, then you can charge between Rs.100 - Rs.500 per sitting, or as high as, Rs.2000 - Rs.3000 for the whole session of four-six sittings.

Nitu says, "The fee you charge depends on how well established you are and how much practice you have."

Dr. Parag mentions that an established graphologist can charge Rs.100 - Rs.500 per analysis.

Graphology is a very interesting art to learn and if well used, you can help in contributing towards the improvement of many people and growth of your own bank balance!

Author: Veena Balakrishnan

(Veena is an early childhood educator by profession and passion. She also has keen interest in handwork, graphology and experimentation.)