Free Introductory Notes on Graphology

    Free Introductory Notes on

Graphology

FORMS OF CONNECTION - PART 2

INTERPRETATIONS

Following on from Part 1 last time, we now look at the general meanings of the forms of connections. For this, it is important to keep in mind that the connecting strokes between letters indicate "relationships", whilst the 'connections' between the downstrokes of the letters themselves represent "behaviour".

For example, in the single lower case letters 'n' and 'u', we see two short downstrokes connected by either a 'garland' movement (letter 'u') or an 'arcade' movement (letter 'n').

In the 'u' the two downstrokes are connected along the baseline, producing the effect of a 'cup', indicating that for the writer, who prefers to produce garland formations (especially where they are not prescribed by the copymodel), the environment is more real than their own ego, whereas in the letter 'n' the same two downstrokes are connected at the top of the letter height by an 'arcade' movement producing an 'arch' formation (or a 'cover' protecting all that lies below the baseline, i.e. the "instincts"), revealing the writer for whom the ego is more real than the environment.

In particular, the 'arcade' formation of the 'n' can be likened to the 'mask' hiding the individual's true feelings, producing an effect to 'impress', sometimes for calculated reasons. So, under certain circumstances, and with supporting evidence, the 'arcade' writer may be considered insincere.

Note that, when found in letter shapes calling for either the 'garland' or the 'arcade' formation, etc., they are merely following the cb. But when found in letters not calling for these connectives within the letter shape, far greater significance is inferred, e.g. the letter 'n' written as a 'u' shape, or the 'u' produced as an 'n', as seen in the 'garland' and 'arcade' illustrations in Part 1

These two opposing mannerisms are at a subconscious level and indicate two opposite points of view, which in turn affect the writer's behaviour towards their fellow man (and which often cannot understand the other).

We therefore find that the general indications of the Forms of Connection, which is all we can cover here, indicate the way in which the writer tackles life's problems and her/his general attitude to the outside world and to the people s/he meets.

COPYBOOK FORM OF CONNECTION

The guiding image is imitation of the copybook model and the source meaning is conventionality.

If quickly written, copybook may well be a good type of writing. If slowly written, however, except of course by a child or someone who is unable to write naturally or spontaneously, it may be a sign of a pathological or even a criminal lack of personality or of normal feelings.

There are exceptions to this very general rule. The writing of teachers is often in copybook form, and certain other specialists, such as architects or calligraphists, deliberately write in copybook or script form, though they are often able to write in a completely different style in private letters or when making notes.

GARLAND CONNECTION

The guiding image is round and open and the source meaning is sincere, receptive, obliging.

As with all aspects of handwriting, the interpretation is affected by other characteristics in the script, especially the speed and nature of the stroke.

NB: These notes are intended to provide some insight into graphology, but cannot go into sufficient detail to show the many and various formations shown in what is collectively termed "garland writing". For that you will need expert tuition. If you are interested in studying professional graphology with a view to perhaps following it as a future career, you are strongly advised to contact our Education Officer who will be happy to forward details of tutors and types of tuition available.

ARCADE CONNECTION

The guiding image is round and closed and the basic meaning diplomacy. While the arcade writer does establish a connection with others, s/he is not natural and spontaneous in so doing and seldom discloses his real self.

As before, other features are necessary to confirm the interpretation. The task is to identify the real and the assumed personalities, which are not necessarily widely different. There is often something creative, idealistic or constructive about the arcade writer.

The arcade often illustrates a paradoxical connection between the saint and the sinner. The saint tries to make himself into something better, but the sinner or the crook often tries to appear better to others than he really is.

ANGULAR CONNECTION

The guiding image is sharp and straight and the basic meaning is a straight line to the point of decision.

The angular writer is not as a rule very adaptable or easy. He prefers to tackle opposition and makes no attempt to shirk difficulties. He may be relentless to himself and inconsiderate to or of others. He is seldom lazy but he may not produce the best results or be able to profit from the experience or advice of others. He learns the hard way, by his own mistakes.

WAVY-LINE CONNECTION

The guiding image is undulation and the basic meaning is avoidance of sharpness from which are derived:-

Obviously then, some wavy-line connections in a generally strong writing are desirable. The alternative would be to have nothing but angles. However, in a weak writing consistently wavy-line connections would make one look rather suspiciously for other signs of unreliability.

THREAD CONNECTION

The guiding image is gliding and the basic meaning is avoidance of decisions. Derivative meanings:-

In a quick writing, occasionally thready endings are frequently met with, especially in "ing" endings and short words such as "the", where the meaning is quite clear.

But wavy-line in combination with thread connections in letter forms often result in unclear words. Then they become a general indication of lack of consideration and weakness and uncertainty of character.

So that speed is a very important factor when judging the meaning of thread connection. If it merely hastens the completion of non-essential features, well and good. As a very general rule, however - and there are many exceptions - a writer who continually neglects the endings of words, representing terminals e.g. "ing" or "ious" by a straight line or 'squiggle', is the sort of person who wants to get round things or who suffers from some difficulty of character development.

COMBINATIONS OF CONNECTIVE FORMS

The possible combinations are too numerous to cover here, but the reader is encouraged to read Ulrich Sonnemann's notes on "Primary Thread", being his term for the first sign of 'breakdown' in the correct formation of the prescribed connective forms (the advanced stage being 'secondary thread' or the 'true' thread movement, as noted above). Basically, some handwritings show a continually changing form of connection. In a good standard writing this may show variety, mental capacity, or just harmless caprice . In low standard writing however, it is far more likely to be a sign of weakness, inner conflict or unreliability.

There are also many derivative connective forms, which is beyond the scope of this introductory article and for which professional guidance is essential for the beginner. Amongst them are: the "pseudo garland", so named because the 'downstrokes' of the letters are formed like tiny 'e's. Similarly, "pseudo arcades", again formed with tiny 'loops' but this time upside down. In both cases the intention is to give the impression of what the true formation indicates, but with the pseudo garland we see the gushing type of personality, anxious to impress others for personal gain, and with pseudo arcades we see the 'sham' personality, wishing to impress by importance, often regarded as a "worry stroke". Also the 'shark's tooth' formation - something between an arcade and an angle, and more easily recognizable by its 'label' than any other way - indicating the individual who can take advantage of others either financially or in more emotional spheres. The famous catch-phrase of the comedian/actor W.C. Fields, best sums this one up, "Never give a sucker an even break!"

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Reminder

These notes are intended to give some insight into the workings of graphology, and will be updated every few weeks. Join us again for the continuation of these guiding notes on "The Forms of Connection".

If you have enjoyed this brief introduction, and would like to take a serious course of instruction, details of tuition are available. The Institute offers a series of examinations leading to Diploma for those students who successfully complete all stages.

 

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