- The foundations of graphology lie in psychology, which is the study of the human mind and behavior. According to Handwritingpro.com, graphology 'works' because it analyzes a set of written characteristics that can signify particular personality traits. For example, Handwritingpro.com argues that the stroke (the pressure applied to the paper, the direction the line of a letter begins and ends in, the thickness or slimness of the line) suggests a person's sense of vitality and intensity of the intellect, emotions, and sexuality. According to LearnGraphology.com, a person's handwriting reveals their personality because we all eventually deviate from the way that we are initially taught to write. This variation is the result of our developing personalities as we age and experience various situations. Although the methods differ, the primary way to learn graphology is to read books about the subject and to test yourself (and those around you) with what you've learned.
- According to Barry L. Beyerstein's article, "How Graphology Fools People" graphology is not the psychology-based science that many claim it to be. Instead, Beyerstein argues that graphology is a highly subjective, non-scientific ruse in which something as unique yet irrelevant as a person's handwriting is used to incorrectly determine intimate aspects of their character. Learning graphology online or through a correspondence course can be an interesting hobby or a way to make some extra cash, but be aware that the practice is considered to be unscientific and potentially unethical.
- There are a number of graphologists who offer instruction in graphology online. Dr. Joel Engle's website, LearnGraphology.com offers a correspondence course that includes a book and audio CD which will teach you how to analyze handwriting. Handwritingpro.com offers a list of books and other reading materials that you can use to teach yourself to interpret others' handwriting. Also, Handwriting.org includes a list of online and correspondence courses that will teach you graphology.
