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Walter Hegar’s
original system of graphology was based on a study of lines and curves
and consisted of four elements. We can see them quite clearly in any
handwriting .
The 4 elements
are: Heavy, Precise, Straight and Rapid.
The various
combinations of these strokes resulted in 16 types which he felt were
the only reliable descriptions of personality
Heavy -
this had to do with the Pressure of the stroke. It was either
heavy or light. A heavy stroke meant energy and decisiveness while a
light stroke represented a more sensitive personality
Precise -
The quality of the stroke – which was seen as precise or pasty. A
precise stroke referred to the line of writing which was clean cut. A
pasty stroke looked as if it were painted by a brush or had edges that
were a little blurred or hazy. Precise handwriting showed an
intellectual and decisive type of person; while a pasty writing showed a
more pleasure loving individual.
Straight -
Movement of the stroke - that is to say whether the stroke appeared
to be straight or curved. A straight stroke implied rigidity while a
curved stroke reflected a softer and more malleable personality
Rapid - The
Speed of writing– whether the writing was executed rapidly or
slowly. Rapid writing reflected dynamism while slow writing meant
deliberation and caution.
Now the
various combinations of these 4 factors led to 8 and then 16 different
personality types.
For example, a
heavy plus precise stroke showed a hard individual. The degree could
determine hardness to the point of cruelty.
Curved + slow
revealed a gentle, relaxed and friendly personality.
Bear in mind
that this is an extremely simplified and watered down version of Hegar’s
system and it certainly does not do him justice. But once you have the
basics like this it is easier to understand how he managed to describe
personality.
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