DOODLE ANALYSIS
in conjunction with
LIGHTHOUSE MAGAZINE  -  MAY / JUNE 2009

The current editions 2010 are now available on the CSS website
as also are the back editions of "Lighthouse".

This article is being maintained because of the popularity of
"Doodles" interpretations and the doodle illustration
by veteran UK actor Nicholas Smith.
                                         

INFORMATION TO HELP INTERPRET YOUR OWN DOODLE
This information is supplementary to the "Kaleidoscope" article in the "Lighthouse" print edition.

To interpret your doodles you need to examine their general basic overall shape, spacing, size, composition and style. It is generally accepted that graphologists and psychologists would never try to interpret a person's emotional state or personality based on one doodle. The more you have to consider the better.

SHAPES

Are the lines generally straight or curved? These two styles represent the masculine and feminine sides of our nature. Straight lines indicate persons who like facts, have strong willpower and self-control – the more masculine characteristics. Curved lines indicate the feminine – flexible, emotional and imaginative.

TRIANGLES, CIRCLES, SQUARES
Overall these relate are desires and motivation

Does your doodle include objects which have triangular or pointed designs? If so, these indicate determination and a desire to find an outlet for your energy, both physical and mental. They are symbols of your masculine side:-Arrows, aeroplanes, targets, dartboards, weapons, diamonds, trains, lightening and interestingly, given the title of the C.S.S. journal, “Lighthouses”.

Objects which are generally summed-up as being circular in nature:-
Sun, eyes, cups, balloons, rings, clocks, wheels, rings, faces, loops and spirals – indicate emotional people who seek harmony and love. Also included in this grouping are: - lips, waves, water, cotton wool clouds, cuddly animals and flowers.

Square shapes are normally drawn by those who are practical, down-to-earth, like to be in control but also need the security of planning. Their shapes include:- doors, windows, ladders, stairs, tables, chairs, fireplaces, box-shapes, money, numbers and books.

 THIS DOODLE WAS DRAWN BY VETERAN BRITISH SHAPESPEAREAN ACTOR - NICHOLAS SMITH
KNOWN FOR HIS COMEDY ROLE IN UK BBC TELEVISION PROGRAMME "ARE YOU BEING SERVED" PLAYING "THE GRACE BROHERS" STORE MANAGER "MR RUMBOLD".
Exclusively for C.S.S. in-house / on-line journal "Lighthouse".

Analysis:- See if you are able to apply this train of thought to your doodles taking into account the shapes listed above.
Nicholas's doodle is rounded, displaying circular patterns and being a fish is associated with waves/water. This indicates someone who is seeking emotional harmony and love. They are also looking for change as the fish is obviously swimming /moving.....but the bubbles indicate a desire to communicate. As Nicholas is a friend, I know that this currently sums up his thoughts - but in drawing the doodle he was not aware of what was motivating him. It is interesting to compare this doodle with the different one in the "Lighthouse" print edition and note the similarities.

DOODLES ARE AN EXPRESSION OF OUR SUBCONSCIOUS MIND.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN TRYING TO ANALYSE YOUR DOODLES

"Doodles" refer to absent-minded drawings / scribbles and not conscious works of art that might be drawn on scraps of paper.

The meaning of other symbols and designs:-

Arrows: These may indicate someone who is aggressively ambitious.

Animals: This all depends on their size and nature. Do they look aggressive or playful? This will give you the clue to their meaning.

Aeroplanes (and cars): These usually refer to a person's sex drive.

Boxes: Drawings of boxes mean methodical reasoning. If they are open they are welcoming but if closed are usually an expression of seeking privacy

Designs: If they are intricate and very detailed, as distinct from just simple combinations of lines and curves, then it may mean that the doodler feels caught in a tight spot. The drawing of "webs" has a similar equally trapped-in meaning.

Eyes and Ears: They may indicate a fear of being watched or the need to be seen. Depending on how they appear within the doodle they  have opposite meanings so careful interpretation is required.

Flowers: These are predominately doodled by women and are a sign of romance.

Houses: Funnily enough houses are one of the most frequent doodle designs. Look to see if the windows and doors are closed or open. Is the overall image welcoming or isolated? People living in homes where they are unhappy usually doodle very fixed and closed structures.

Headline images: Those who embellish words within a doodle are thought to be good at carrying through ideas or ensuring orders are progressed.

Keys: These often indicate a desire to escape from the current situation.

Oceans and seas: The use of these are typical of those who like using their imaginations. Often though they are dreamers as distinct from putting things into reality.

Punctuation marks: These identify the need to take decisions on an issue.

Signatures: If you keep doodling your own name then it is a sign of having concerns about your identity.

Stars: The use of stars often relate to those who are very romantic.

Ships, boats etc: These all usually express an emotional and / or physical need to escape from restricting circumstances and / or develop new ideas.

Trees: Depending on the style of the tree - security / insecurity, stable / instability, strong family ties / isolated.

Umbrella: Any umbrella shape often shows a willingness to help others and / or protect yourself from undesirable external influences.

Windows: Of any shape or size should be interpreted by considering if they are opened / closed and if they are leading to a view which is inwards or outwards looking. Windows focus on the emotional direction of the doodler.

Whilst doodling is an expression of our subconscious mind, as mentioned in the "Lighthouse" print article the latest research shows that they help our understanding / thought processes.
So - doodle away and ENJOY.