7.1 THE LINES OF WRITING

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To analyze handwriting almost at a glance, you should first observe the lines themselves, noting the direction which they take – upward, downward, or certain other details that will be given here.

The direction of the lines may be termed the index to personality, though of course other features must be studied to form a solid conclusion. Yet in some striking instances, a whole character may be read by the direction of the lines and a few other equally conspicuous details that practically shout facts about the person who penned them.

LEVEL LINES

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(a) Writing in straight, level lines indicates both will power and determination, a strong, well-balanced nature. The purpose behind the personality reveals itself in this form. At the same time, if the lines are absolutely exact, it shows a dominating, sometimes unreasonable person, who is exacting in writing as in everything else.

Slight variations in this style of writing are therefore a good sign. If it appears relaxed, rather than rigid, it shows a nature that is frank and honest, but not too blunt or domineering.

(b) The opposite extreme is a wavery line that maintains a level, but it is always wandering from it. This shows a nature that seeks balance but fails to attain it. It is a mark of a careless, changeable, weak disposition—but these faults are never great unless the writing wavers to the extreme.

If only fairly irregular, such writing can be taken as a sign of genius, or skill in many fields. Its very lack of system shows a mind preoccupied with larger things than close attention tot trivial details.

UPWARD LINES

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Lines that rise regularly and consistently show an ambitious, optimistic nature, with a personality that is always on the go—perhaps too much so. Watch such persons for exaggerations; they are often too sure of themselves and unable to keep up with their boasts or promises.

A slight upward slant is a good sign, showing real purpose. It is when it becomes exaggerated that it indicates exactly that sort of nature. Some people like to dash off notes on the upward slant, either line by line or word by word, and the higher they go, the higher they are apt to regard themselves.

Upward Slant

DOWNWARD LINES

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Downward writing shows a moody nature, easily discouraged. Otherwise a comparatively slight downward trend is not bad; in fact, it may indicate a person who maintains a gloomy outlook rather than give way to undue or foolish enthusiasm. Call it caution rather than pessimism, unless the downward slant is extreme, as follows:

In such cases, you have indications of a despondent, morbid mind increasing in discouragement proportionately to the line’s fall. Remember, that this is normally an outward expression of a person’s feelings, that a person may be simply dramatizing

 Downward Slant

his or her pessimistic attitude to win the sympathy of others.

The real danger is present where this type of writing shows physical as well as mental weariness. A frail person, or one subject to illness, may let lines fall through sheer fatigue. With mental despondency, this is a bad combination, demanding a fresh outlook on life. It should be accepted as a Warning.

IRREGULAR LINES

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These are variations of those already given. When writing rises toward the end of a line and particularly near the bottom of the page, it shows a restrained optimism, a nature ready to show exuberance as well as a strong, reliant character that can meet adversity.

In contrast, a “fall off” at the end of lines and at this finish of a page shows a weary, worried nature, easily exhausted and apt to weaken under stress.

FALLING OFF

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A “humped” writing that climbs over the rise and then descends again shows a person of short-lived enthusiasm, who starts projects, then abandons them.

Humped

HUMPED

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The opposite nature is represented by “dipped” writing. Here you have a person who approaches projects rather glumly, or with no special purpose, but gathers enthusing as soon as things get under way.

Dipped