The Enneagram is a geometric figure that maps out the nine fundamental personality types of human nature and their complex interrelationships. It is a development of modern psychology that has roots in spiritual wisdom from many different ancient traditions. The word Enneagram comes from the Greek for "nine" - ennea - and "figure" - grammos; thus, it is a "nine-pointed figure."
Types Eight, Nine, and One are concerned with maintaining resistance to reality (creating boundaries for the self that are based on physical tensions). These types tend to have problems with aggression and repression. Underneath their ego defenses they carry a great deal of rage.
Powerful, dominating, self-confident, decisive, willful, confrontational
To protect themselves, to determine their own course in life
Of being harmed or controlled by others, of violation
“You are good or okay if you are strong and in control of your situation.”
Easygoing, self-effacing, receptive, reassuring, agreeable, complacent
To maintain their inner stability and peace of mind
Of loss and separation; of annihilation
“You are good or okay as long as those around you are good or okay.”
Rational, idealistic, principled, purposeful, self-controlled, perfectionistic
To be good, virtuous, in balance - to have integrity
Of being “bad,” defective, evil, corrupt
“You are good or okay if you do what is right.”
Types Two, Three, and Four are concerned with self-image (attachment to the false or assumed self of personality). They believe that the stories about themselves and their assumed qualities are their actual identity. Underneath their ego defenses these types carry a great deal of shame.
Caring, interpersonal, generous, demonstrative, people-pleasing, possessive
To feel loved
Of being unloved and unwanted for themselves alone
“You are good or okay if you are loved by others and are close to them.”
Success-oriented, pragmatic, adaptable, excelling, driven, image-conscious
To feel worthwhile, accepted, and desirable
Of being worthless, without value apart from their achievements
“You are good or okay as long as you are successful and others think well of you.”
Sensitive, withdrawn, expressive, dramatic, self-absorbed, temperamental
To find themselves and their significance, to create an identity out of their inner experience
Of having no identity, no personal significance
“You are good or okay if you are true to yourself.”
Types Five, Six, and Seven are concerned with anxiety (they experience a lack of support and guidance). They engage in behaviors that they believe will enhance their safety and security. Underneath their ego defenses these types carry a great deal of fear.
Intense, cerebral, perceptive, innovative, secretive, isolated
To be capable and competent
Of being helpless, useless, incapable (overwhelmed)
“You are good or okay if you have mastered something.”
Committed, security-oriented, engaging, responsible, anxious, suspicious
To find security and support
Of having no support and guidance, of being unable to survive on their own
“You are good or okay if you do what is expected of you.”
Busy, fun-loving, spontaneous, versatile, acquisitive, scattered
To be happy, satisfied, to find fulfillment
Of being deprived and trapped in pain
“You are good or okay if you get what you need”
The instinctual variants indicate which of our three basic instincts have been most distorted in childhood, resulting in characteristic preoccupations and behaviors throughout the entire range of the personality type.
The search for survival
Self, my world
Security, safety, well-being, food, comfort, conservation
Poverty, illness, endangerment, loss, annihilation, suspense
The search for community
Others, our greater world
Social acceptance, people, recognition, popularity, honor, status
Loneliness, isolation, failure, outcast, inferiority, low ranking
The search for intimacy
Beloved, our intimate world
Pair bonding, affinity, closeness, wholeness, attractiveness, "the other half"
Unworthiness, letting go, disconnection, incompleteness, loss of appeal, invalidation