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Articles On The Nature of Subtypes PDF
Articles On The Nature of Subtypes PDF
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The enneagram is an ancient but newly-revealed system that types and three subtype arenas, theres a total of 27 possible
can be used for looking at many aspects of life. Its currently subtypes.
In this article, I explore the nature of the enneagram
well-known as a personality assessment tool. It depicts nine
points on a circle, each of which represents a different per- subtypes. Some of the ideas that I propose are controversonality type with a distinctive core motivation (see Figure sial, because theyre based on propositions that diverge from
1). People new to the system often wonder how there can the received wisdom of the field. But I hope to make a conbe only nine core personality types when there are so many vincing case for the approach Im taking, because I think it
different kinds of people. The reason is that there are many has certain advantages over the paradigm currently in use.
Please note that, while my
ways we can use to further define
main focus in this article is on the
the nine types in order to account
Type 9
subtypes, I also devote quite a bit of
for the great diversity of temperatime to discussing both the enneaType
8
Type
1
ment. We can, for example, see
gram types and energy
cenwhich of the two points on either
ters. I tried an approach that was
side (the wings) is most dominant.
more limited in scope, but soon reWe can also look at the relationship Type 7
Type 2
alized that I needed to talk about all
of each enneagram point with each
three topics in order to present a coof its two connecting points.
herent picture of my ideas. The reaBut I find that the most powsons for this should become clear as
erful way to account for diversity
Type 6
we proceed.
Type 3
within each type is to look at how
The article is divided into three
each type operates within three
parts: Background, Part I, and
Type 5
arenas in life, which we may call
Type 4
Part II. The Background section insubtype arenas. Whats of particutroduces the topic and provides the
Figure 1. The Enneagram.
lar interest is which of these arenas is
context for further discussion. Part I
most dominantthat is, which one
focuses on current assumptions about the types, the enneamost attracts our attention. When we know both our en- gram energy centers, and the subtypes. Part II proposes an
neagram type and our dominant arena, we can determine alternative view and some ideas for working with the enour enneagram subtype. Because there are nine enneagram neagram based on that view.
Background
I became interested in the enneagram as a means of looking
at individual differences in motivation. As a cognitive psychologist, Id long been interested in looking at how variables
like sex, age, and cultural differences affect our psychology.
I was also interested in the effects of our basic disposition
or character, so I studied the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
(MBTI) to gain insight into that dimension of the psyche.
Based on a Jungian approach to typology, the MBTI
generates 16 personality profiles. One thing that I like about
the MBTI is that these profiles are pretty value-neutral. This
means that the MBTI profiles simply distinguish individuals on the basis of temperament. They arent designed to
evaluate the character of the individual by reference to any
are two of his enneagrams are now the best known: (a) the
enneagram of the emotional passions and (b) the enneagram
of the cognitive fixations.
One reason for the focus on these two particular enneagrams may be that they are the ones of most interest to one of
Ichazos most influential students, Dr. Claudio Naranjo.
In the 1970s, Naranjo was a student of Oscar Ichazo.
However, within a decade, he became an influential teacher
of the enneagram in his own right. Many of the people who
became later become prominent in the enneagram community started out as Naranjos students.
Naranjo also wrote several books on the enneagram. All
of them focus primarily on the deficiency motivations (core
neuroses) associated with each enneagram type. Figure 3
summarizes the categories he developed for characterizing
the different types of psychological imbalance that can be
mapped to each enneagram type.
Naranjo goes into great depth in Character and Neurosis and his other books to describe the personality disorders
associated with each point. But he provides little or no description of the balanced personality.
I didnt understand why until it dawned on me that, unlike James Hollis, Naranjo does not seem to believe that its
actually possible for the personality self to become balanced.
This is evident from many passages in his books.3
His philosophical perspective (which seem akin to that
of both Gurdjieff and Ichazo) is that personality is inherently
9 - over-adaptative
8 - anti-social /
sadistic
7 - hedonistic/
narcissistic
1 - obsessivecompulsive
Personality
Disorders
by
Enneagram Type
6 - anxious
2 - histrionic
3 - Type A
overachieving
5 - schizoid/
withdrawn
4 - depressivemasochistic
Physical
center
Emotional
center
Mental
center
Physical
center
Mental
center
Emotional
center
Body
Center
Head
Center
Heart
Center
3
(Lower)
physical
center
Higher
emotional
center
Higher
mental
center
Lower
emotional
center
Lower
mental
center
Body Center
Head Center
Heart Center
Body Center
Head Center
Heart Center
Body Center
Head Center
1 Heart Center
9
8
Body Center
2 Head Center
Heart Center
Body Center
Head Center 7
Heart Center
Body Center
Head Center 6
Heart Center
Body Center 5
Head Center
Heart Center
Higher
emotional
center
Body Center
3 Head Center
Heart Center
4
(Lower)
physical
center
(subtype behaviors)
Body Center
Head Center
Heart Center
At the same time that each point belongs to a given center, each of these centers is paradoxically said to be within
each of us (as shown in Figure 8). However, the center
thats home to our enneagram type tends to exert more influence than the other two centers. So if my type is Two,
Three, or Four, for example, although Im subject to the
influence of all three centers, the heart center is likely to
be more influential than the other two centers.
How Gurdjieffs Centers Show Up at Each Enneagram Point. As I mentioned above, Gurdjieff sometimes
emphasized the difference between ordinary perception and subtle (expanded) perception by talking about
the energy centers as having higher and lower aspects.
However, as shown in Figure 6, he only attributed higher
Higher
mental
center
(Holy Virtues)
(Holy Ideas)
Lower
emotional
center
Lower
mental
center
(passions)
(fixations)
appetite
union
satisfaction
possession/
surrender
anxiety
family
me-first
Self-preservation
subtype
warmth
suggestibility
refuge
heat/jealousy
Sexual
subtype
strength/
beauty
security
aggression/
seduction
masculinity/
famininity
confidence
daultlessness
participation
competition/hate
friendship
sacrifice
inadaptibility
ambition
Social
subtype
duty
prestige
totems
shame
SP=family
SX=suggestibility
SOC=sacrifice
9
8
SP=anxiety
SX=heat/jealousy
SOC=inadaptibility
SP=me first
2 SX=aggression/
seduction
SOC=ambition
3 SP=security
6
SP=warmth
SX=strength/beauty
S0C=duty
SP=refuge
SX=confidence
SOC=totems
SX=masculinity/
feminiity
SOC=prestige
SP=dauntlessness
SX=competition/hate
SOC=shame
Only one of these (Figure 5) was adopted as the primary model for the personality enneagram. This is the model
that divides the emotional and mental centers into higher
and lower versions and positions the physical center (which
is said to have no higher center) at the same level as the
lower versions of the other two centers.
Its my impression that Gurdjieffs purpose in dividing
the centers into lower and higher versions was to contrast
ordinary perception (which takes place in the lower centers)
with extraordinary or subtle perception (which takes place
in the higher centers). And for that purpose, this kind of
model makes sense.
But when the teachings of the personality enneagram
were developed, somehow the lower center came to be associated not just with ordinary perception, but with distorted
or imbalanced perception. I dont know the reason for this,
although I do know that Gurdjieff wasnt exactly a big fan of
ordinary human nature, so the tone of his writings may have
led those who followed him to assume that ordinary perception must be equivalent to distorted perception.
Whatever the reason, this assumption that limitation =
distortion came to be embedded in the basic teachings on
the personality enneagram. When coupled with the idea
that the body is inherently limited (because theres no higher
center), this approach invites us to suppose that anything associated with the body must be debased.
This sounds suspiciously like the old and familiar belief that the body is a source of impure desire and is nothing more than a necessary evil. This belief has deep roots
in Western culture, going back many centuries. Although
most people no longer consciously embrace this idea that
the body is evil, on a subconscious level were still susceptible to the pull of the old ways. I think this is why its been
so easy to accept the idea that the body center is inherently
lower in nature.24
Whenever we divide things into higher vs. lower aspects, its always tempting to regard the lower aspects as
lesser aspects. Thats why Id really like to scrap the whole
idea of talking about higher and lower centers in favor of
talking about centersperiod. But if were going to retain
the higher vs. lower distinction, then its critical that we
at least modify our ideas to allow for the possibility that
the lower centers can operate in a balanced and integrated
manner.
Gurdjieff gives us a precedent for this kind of approach
by talking about three levels within each of the lower centers: the intelligent, the motivational, and the mechanical
(see Figure 4). Since he uses the word intelligent, I can
only assume he means something that arises out of a balanced or attuned perspective. If this is true, then it means
Higher
emotional
center
(Holy Virtues)
(Lower)
physical
center
(subtype behaviors)
Lower
emotional
center
(passions)
Higher
mental
center
Higher
emotional
center
Higher
mental
center
(Holy Virtues)
(Holy Ideas)
Lower
mental
center
attuned
action
responsive
emotions
flexible
thinking
Physical
center
Emotional
center
Mental
center
(fixations)
unattuned
action
reactive emotions
(passions)
rigid thinking
(fixations)
(Holy Ideas)
Figure 12. The Enneagram Energy Centers from Two Perspectives. The figure on the LEFT represents the traditional view of the enneagram energy
centers (and corresponds exactly to Figure 9). The figure on the RIGHT represents a non-traditional view of the enneagram energy centers that focuses
entirely on ordinary consciousness and makes provision for the existence of non-distorted modes of thinking, feeling, and behaving at this level of awareness.
that Gurdjieff formally acknowledged that ordinary perception doesnt necessarily imply distorted or imbalanced perception.
If we want to create a model to show what this would
look like, we could divide each of the lower centers into
higher and lower levels and designate these levels as a way
to distinguish attuned from unattuned activity (whether
physical, emotional, or mental).
Figure 12 shows us such a model. In this figure, the
states of exalted consciousness are grayed out, because
theyre not our main focus. The three circles that remain
represent states of ordinary consciousness. Each circle is divided in two. The bottom half of the circle represents functioning which is less balanced and the top half represents
functioning which is more balanced. So on the bottom half,
we see unattuned action, reactive emotions (passions), and
rigid thinking (fixations). On the top half, we see attuned
action, responsive emotions, and flexible thinking.
In this figure, the term subtype behaviors no longer appears in the physical center. This is because I conceive of
subtype behaviors as behavioral profiles that can be either
attuned or unattuned in nature. So they can belong to either
half of the circle. This is symbolized by the presence of
three colored arenas in both halves of the whole.
A model like this has a number of advantages. First, it
doesnt assume that ordinary consciousness equals distorted
consciousness. Second, it shows us ways that higher consciousness can be manifest right here in ordinary life, in our
acts, emotions, and thoughts. Third, it restores the physical
center to a place of honor. The physical center is the center
that directs things on the physical level of reality, so by honoring the physical center, we honor the things that happen in
our daily lives.
ion
al
ot
l
ta
Men
Self-preservation
Pioneer (anxiety): May appear either high-strung or very
PT
1
PT
3
privileges. Get hurt, and possibly resentful, if they dont get it.
Focus on home & hearth, food for others, nursing & nurturing.
often want the chase more than catch; can fear real intimacy. Can
also shape shift, losing themselves in the other. With growth, may
Can perform for many or for just one partner. Seek approval
a public role, take the lead in social groups, look the part theyre
& transmuting the pain of something missing into creative expression, often via self-abandonment. Are tenacious & self-contained but not materialistic. Emotional sensitivity hidden behind
playing. Want to be the leader, not help the leader (unlike 2s). Dislike being upstaged; are secretly hurt by it but dont let on.
Dramatic Person (competitive): Charismatic, high strung, competitive but sensitive & permeable. Can ght for what they want
but also long for approval; need good boundaries to avoid getting
hurt, reactive or overwhelmed. Often elicit love/hate reactions.
Cultivating generosity toward self & others helps lessen the need to
compete or upstage. Tend toward theatricality; many actors & fashion models are this type. Relationships generate high expectations;
disappointment often follows.
& travel, but the focus is on safety, via walls or anonymity. Tend
ling; can draw special others into their inner sanctum. There may
be a big rift between sexual self & outer self. May be true monas-
les & books. Avarice is for whatever kinds of learning & presenta-
Gourmand / Family Visionary (family): Family life is idealized to create an environment that is stimulating, enthusiastic,
pleasurable, body-oriented (gourmet or health food focused), or
visionary (e.g., utopian, as in a commune or extended family).
Like the good life, to stay busy with fun home activities, not to
slow down or get bogged down with routine chores.
social visions.; they are resolute idealists who will place limits on
merge with others plans, ideas, fantasies; can get carried away by
network, therefore, I am
Friendship & social justice are key, but can be excessive; then
overdo it.
(Gurdjieff).
betrayers.
Seeker (union): Desire for union makes them open but vulner-
PT
9
PT
8
PT
7
PT
6
PT
5
PT
4
Social
Social Reformer (inadaptability): Stiff, rigid, upright in stance.
Want a secure social role & clear set of rules. Tend to thing theres
sexuality w/morality.
PT
2
Sexual
The Evangelist (jealousy or heat): Personal intensity plus strict
self control = heat. Often channeled into safe passions (eg reli-
key here, not only for food, but for all kinds of material comforts
& possessions, especially small personal items. There tends to
be lots of stuff everywhere, as things are collected for potential
use. This type can be organized or disorganized.
with it, instead of doing personal inner work. Formal groups are
others wishes. Can be like a blank screen in 121, but can also
Figure 14 . Subtypes vs. Subtype Arenas. The three royal blue column
headers represent the three subtype arenas. Combining the three subtype
arenas with the nine enneagram types (in orange) yields 27 subtype descriptions (light blue.).
1.
2.
3.
unconscious obsession?
We want to know before acting, because we dont want
to make mistakes. We dont want to experience the consequences of making a wrong decision. Were afraid of the
suffering this can bring.
But part of the integration process seems to depend
upon our willingness to fully engage with our passions.
From a certain perspective, it seems to matter less whether
we succeed or fail than that we manage to really get in touch
with the energy thats manifesting. This energy always represents some sort of opportunity for growth, and if we turn
away from it because of fear, we turn away from life. We
cut ourselves off from the energy we need to grow.
With this in mind, I can fully embrace the idea that our
subtype reflects the passion of our type. But this is because
I see passion in such a positive light.
Are the subtypes the result of early childhood wounding?
I dont see that we develop a preference for a given subtype
arena in response to any sort of psychological conditioning.
The idea that we do is based on the idea that early nurturing is what determines our personality (and hence both our
type and subtype). Although this view is common, its not
universal.30 And its not a view I personally embrace.
I think of both type and subtype as basically innate. I
think that the basic structure of our subtype exists at birth,
although its initially undeveloped. We could think of it as
an energy potential waiting to be developed or envision it as
an empty vessel, waiting to be filled. How we grow into
our subtype depends on many things, including the kind of
experiences we have when were very young.
But it also depends on how we respond to those experiences. The idea that babies are a blank slate which can
be easily conditioned is not true. Recent research on infant
cognition demonstrates that even very young infants already
have a great deal of individuality. They have preferences,
they make choices, and they actively engage with their environment in unique ways.
The way I look at it, from the moment were born, were
individuals. Theres a unique pattern to us thats bigger than
our personality self which is actively involved in shaping
our destiny. This pattern is active in shaping how we act
and how we react to whats happening around us. However,
its also affecting the way that other people react to us.
The subtype arenas give us a way to look at these innate
patterns of individuality. Because they look at enneagram
type in context, they can offer a way to significantly refine
our understanding of individuality .
I wouldnt deny that the things that happen to us in
early life, both positive and negative, have a significant ef-
An Optimists Approach
to Presenting the Subtypes
SP=Pacific Provider
SX=Chivalrous Protector
SOC=Personal Exemplar 8
SP=Family Visionary
SX=Joyful Intimate
SOC=Social Change
Artist
SP=Patient Homebuilder
SX=Dispassionate Refiner
1
SOC=Serene Advocate
SP=Family Supporter 6
SX=Faithful Companion
S0C=Social Conservationist
SP=Calm Introspector
SX=Focused Confidant
SOC=Transpersonal Guide
SP=Unassuming Nurturer
SX=Attentive Lover
SOC=Community Server
SP=High-energy Multitasker
SX=Attractive Aspirant
SOC=Cooperative Leader
SP=Imaginative Originator
SX=Intuitive Dramatizer
SOC=Gentle Truth-teller
fect. Its just that these events dont actually create the basic
structures of the psyche, either at the personality level or any
other level. They dont create our type or subtype.
I do notice that there do seem to be certain childhood experiences that are more characteristic of one type or subtype
than another. I find this an interesting synchronicity that Id
like to understand better.
But as we say in psychological research, correlation does
not imply causation. This is the idea that, just because A is associated with B, it doesnt mean that A causes B. Just because
people of a certain type have similar experiences in childhood
doesnt mean the it was these experiences that created the
personality. It just means theres an association between the
two.
When I listen to the stories that people tell on enneagram
panels about their childhoods, I do find it deepens my understanding of type and subtype. But I dont find it explains their
origins.
The need to find a theory to account for the origin of subtype behaviors tends to arise as the result of considering these
behaviors to be psychological in nature and to represent some
sort of deviation from the norm. I dont regard the subtypes
as either psychological or deviant, so I dont need a way to account for their origins.
This is not to say that deviance doesnt exist, only that I
wouldnt use either type or subtype to account for it. There
are people of all subtypes who are psychologically healthy and
people who are less healthy. Subtype focus tells us more about
dharma than about mental health.
Self-preservation
Sexuality or Intimacy
Figure 16. Images of the Three Subtype Arenas.
Sociability
sponsible to myself and to life. I try to capture this dimension of the subtype behaviors in Table A-3.
Being responsible doesnt seem to preclude having fun,
though. Working with the subtypes is a lot of fun, because
it naturally lends itself to imaginative play. I found that the
more I started working with the subtypes in an imaginative
way, the more I actually started thinking of the subtypes as
images. This was especially true after talking with Katherine
Chernick and David Fauvre, who rely heavily on images to
communicate their ideas on the enneagram types and subtypes.
I also started using images in my subtypes work, although my approach differs somewhat from that of Katherine and David. My focus is on working with images as a
way of helping people remember differences among the 27
subtypes.
Together with my colleague, Dina Innominato, I developed a weekend subtype workshop thats experiential in nature. We start by focusing on the three subtype arenas, rather
than all 27 subtypes. We introduce the arenas using three
big collages, one for each arena (an idea I got from Katherine
and David). But we follow up by passing around laminated
images for the arenas. As we pass around the images, participants talk about what the images mean to them as individuals.
In this way, people start to get a real feel for how they personally experience each of the subtype arenas.
Dina and I also use film clips to help make the arena
memorable. As we talk about the subtype arenas and the film
clips, were able to sneak in little bits of information about
how the subtype arenas interact with the types. We also use
small group work to allow participants to experience the different ways that people can show up in each arena.
Only after the group has a solid understanding of the
subtype arenas do we move on to talking about the subtypes
themselves. Using this kind of experiential approach, were
able to present material on all 27 subtypes in a nine-hour
workshop.
Its a fun way to work. Its also an approach that introduces people to the subtypes without overwhelming them
with too much detail too quickly.
Endnotes
See Was ist das Ich?: an Interview with James Hollis on Carl Jung, at
http://www.wie.org/j17/hollis.asp?pf =1.
1
The information on Gurdjieffs conceptualization of the centers is primarily drawn from two sources: The Enneagram: Symbol of All and Everything (2003), by Nathan Bernier (especially pp. 31-38); and The Intelligent
Enneagram (1996), by A.G.E. Blake (especially pp. 272-274).
9
At this point, its helpful to mention that Oscar Ichazo and Claudio Naranjo are the two most instrumental figures whove developed the modern
enneagram. When attributing responsibility for ideas to anyone, I generally
assume that its Ichazo whos the primary source. However, due to the
secretive way that the enneagram was taught until recently, its sometimes
difficult to be sure who is responsible for what. I apologize in advance for
any misattributions.
10
Claudio Naranjo has a slightly different way of conceiving of the five centers. He talks about a lower feeling center, a lower mental center, and the
three subtype centers within the physical center. He posits the existence
of three higher centers (mental, feeling, and instinctual), as well. But the
higher version of the instinctual center has no subtype arenas (presumably because instinct is now equally responsive to the needs of all three
arenas). What both models share is the assumption that the lower centers
are by nature distorted and in need of reformation or transformation. (See
Enneagram Structures, pp. 4-5, or Character and Neurosis, pp. 7-11 for his
discussion about the centers.)
11
See also The Enneagram in Love & Work (1995), by Helen Palmer, p.
25.
12
For a list of all the fixations and the passions, see, e.g., pp. xiv-xv in
Maitris The Spiritual Dimensions of the Enneagram.
13
14
15
These labels are from Sandra Maitris The Spiritual Dimension of the
Enneagram (2000), Chapter 12. She says theyre based on those used by
Claudio Naranjo and/or Oscar Ichazo. Maitri also includes short descriptions of each subtype in this chapter. (For a similar graphic with slightly
different labels, see The Enneagram in Love and Work, p. 28.
The Wisdom of the Enneagram, p. 70.
The Mindsight Symposium was held Oct. 21-23, 2005 in Portland, Oregon.
18
19
Its interesting how similar the word compelling is closely to the words
compulsive and compulsory. All three words describe the action of an
irresistible force. Which word we use to describe that force depends a lot
on how we respond to it. Im using the word compelling to describe the
nature of a force that evokes such an inner resonance that we accept and
embrace it completely. Im also suggesting that the reason it evokes no resistance is that its recognized by the personality as the source of its vitality
and wellspring for its existence. If for some reason, the personality fails to
recognize the energy thats designed to energize it, the same purposeful
thrust of that energy may be interpreted as a compulsory force that is to be
resisted. This resistance can cause the personality to become compulsive.
The nature of the compulsion reveals the nature of the energy by which the
personality is nourished and sustained.
21
Claudio Naranjo is aware of the pitfalls of falling into the old trap of
scapegoating the body, which is one reason he posits the existence of a
not just a lower, but a higher instinctual center (see Note 11). However, he
doesnt discuss what purified instinct would actually look like. Also, at the
same time that he avoids scapegoating the physical body, he doesnt seem
to avoid scapegoating the ego-personality. In fact, just the opposite. At
the 2004 IEA Conference, he asked the participants of his workshop to do
an exercise in which they were to strongly chastise their ego self. To me,
this kind of exercise seems futile. Its the act of blaming itself that creates
a psychic split. It doesnt matter so much what we decide to blame; what
matters is that we hive off part of ourselves and make it bad or wrong.
24
25
26
p. 96.
A type panel is a group of people of the same enneagram type who talk
to a larger group about how they experience their enneagram type.
27
Here Im speaking at the level of the point, but we can obviously say the
same thing about the entire enneagram. Seeing the parts and how they
relate to the whole is what matters.
28
16
17
a personality attribute may be one of the big reasons that enneagram type
is always assumed to be psychological. In Western culture, we find it very
imagine some kind of motivation thats not person-centered. If we could,
we might see the enneagram in a different light.
See, for example, The Nurture Assumption, by Judith R. Harris, for an alternative point of view to the idea that personality forms mainly in response
to early caregiving.
30
31
Sexual
Social
PT
1
PT
2
PT
3
PT
4
Critical Commentator (shame/honor): Social acceptance or recognition brings honor & meaning; not
belonging brings shame. The tension between needing
to be socially correct & personally authentic > an aura
of reserve. Need to speak their truthare often the
emotional truth-tellers in a group. But critical like 1s; must
learn not to pressure themselves too much to be authentic
& also not to be too critical or demand too much emotional
intensity.
PT
5
Professor (totems/cultural symbols): Focus of understanding & interpretation of sacred symbols, systems,
philosophy, religion, science, mathematics. Magic of
the written word means lots of files & books. Avarice is
for whatever kinds of learning & presentations that bring
social standing & the respect of others.
PT
6
Family loyalist (warmth): Creating a warm, welcoming home life is the focus; They show love to
secure loveseek affection (or rejectionCF) from
others in order to feel safe. Belonging & maintaining closeness are critical; warmth is used to ensure
continued bonding.
Social Guardian (duty): Fear dispelled & security enhanced by knowing & following group rules, upholding
social authority, dutiful commitment to cherished groups
& causes. Can have trouble realizing others may have
different rules; also can feel burdened, unappreciated, etc.
CFcan rebel against the same.
PT
7
Adventurer (suggestibility): Charming, risk taking, adventurous. Experience overdone due to extreme expansiveness &
mental fascination/ imagination. Suggestibility comes from
tendency to merge with others plans, ideas, fantasies; can
get carried away by fantasies of love or unwittingly inflict hurt
as dance away lovers, but find commitment difficult. Love of
intense experiences can mean addiction. Flower children, roll
& rollers.
PT
8
Group Leader (friendship): Can be both social & antisocial. Friendship & social justice are key, but can be
excessive; then personal needs get ignored. Seen as
more moderate than other 8s because of an interest in
social acceptance. Can overextend themselves in social
activities, partying, etc. Not tolerant of betrayers.
PT
9
Seeker (union): Desire for union makes them open but vulnerable. Weak personal boundaries can mean promiscuity,
dispersion, indiscriminate urge to merge, vulnerability to suggestion from unsavory types. Easily overwhelmed or carried
away; establishing a professional identity helps structure their
life. Can dominate or be dominated by partners (more often
the latter); tend to accede to the others wishes. Can be like a
blank screen in 121, but can also bring a quality of unconditional love & sacredness.
Sources: Labels from Peter OHanrahan, parenthesized descriptors from Oscar Ichazo, information from the work of Helen Palmer, Tom Condon, Katherine Chernick & David Fauvre, Don Riso & Russ Hudson, and Sandra Mai
Sexual
Social
PT
1
PT
2
PT
3
Attractive Aspirant: Charisma infused with hope becomes true radiance. This is highly attractive because of
its purity, beauty & power. Performance becomes giving;
the focus is personal & specific. Other people feel appreciated for who they are as individuals, not just for the
approval they can provide. Intimate relationships are a
source of joy and inspiration .
PT
4
Imaginative Originator: Inner vision can be translated into creative work in the home & garden. Color,
light, fabric, clothing, etc., can express an inner
aesthetic born out of a genuine love of beauty. Abandonment is to ones vision or passion. The dauntless
tendency is mostly reflected in a clear & steady boldness of personal expression.
PT
5
Calm Introspector: The reflexive need to protectively withdraw is replaced by an inner calm that is
always present, regardless of surroundings. Home
is within, & so the need for retreat is merely a preference, not a compulsion. Solitude is joyful but does
not become social isolation. Books, high-tech stuff,
etc., are valued for their ability to satisfy intellectual
curiosity & further personal understanding.
PT
6
Faithful Companion: The love & faith felt for the companion is reflected by the care given to them, & a sincere
appreciation for what is given in return. There is an exquisite attunement to the other. Faith strengthens the heart,
bringing courage & dissolving doubt, worry, ideological
rigidity, false projections; this allows the arising of true
clarity of mind.
PT
7
Joyful Intimate: A soaring imagination & desire for intense highs are grounded in a genuine appreciation for
the ethical dimensions of intimate relationships. Attention
shifts from the self-centered need for intense experiences
to the honoring of the personal desires & needs of the
other. Joy comes from shared experiences and the deepening of intimacy.
PT
8
Chivalrous Protector: The focus on personal ownership & control in relationships shifts to a heartfelt desire
to unselfishly protect, uphold, & serve the beloved one,
to enable the beloved to freely grow & flower in their own
right, rather than to possess them as objects or limit their
freedom to movement. This is the expression of the archetype of courtly love.
PT
9
Introspective Seeker: The desire to merge in an unconscious way becomes conscious; the personal self is
embraced, so that union is not an unreflective gravitation
toward a love object but an active embracing of the other.
Because the self is genuinely present, its voluntary surrender is genuinely sacrificial. This can bring to the relationship a sense of sacredness or even mystical oneness.
Sexual
Social
PT
1
PT
2
PT
3
PT
4
PT
5
PT
6
PT
7
Utopian: Feast of life here is of ideas & social visions.. These are the resolute idealists who will place
limits on their freedom in service to a cause; this is a
sacrifice for freedom-loving 7s. Their plans & visions
can be compelling, but only bear fruit if they can slow
down, get grounded, and patiently follow-through.
Democratic extremism & entitlement are possible. Tend
to be more detached & idea-oriented than other 7s.
PT
8
Survivor: There is a very concrete & tangible understanding of what it takes to physically survive on the
earth. Gain satisfaction by providing for their own
needs & those of their family. Tend to see others
close to them as extensions of themselves, so their
task is to allow others the same space they value for
themselves.
PT
9
Sexual
Social
PT
1
Monk, Nun, Ascetic, Renunciate, Evangelist, Proselytizer, Missionary, Pilgrim, Puritan, Ethical or Spiritual
Counselor, Stern Confessor, Exacting Mentor, Persistent Interrogator, Fiery Advocate, Angry Demonstrator,
Thorn in the Side, Picketer, Protester, Ranting Reformer, Passionate Lover, Possessive Friend
PT
2
Guardian Angel, Mother Nature, Doting Mother, Effusive Caregiver, Homemaker, Cook, Nurse, Fairy
Godmother, Best Friend, Eager Helper, Sympathetic
Listener, Inquisitive Matchmaker, Busybody, Gossip,
Self-Martyring Sacrificer, Would-be Rescuer, Needy
Giver, Emotional Blackmailer, Diva, Maestro, Crone,
Devouring Mother, Wicked Witch
PT
3
Public Personality, Aspiring Star, Shining Star, Popular Hero, Attention-getter, Sex Goddess, Glamour
Queen, Fashion Plate, Model, Manicured Professional, Airbrushed Perfection, Media Sensation, Masculine Ideal, Feminine Ideal, Venus, Adonis
Early Adapter, Effective Presenter, Team Leader, Office Seeker, Opinion Leader, Politician, Head of the
Class, Valedictorian, First Among Equals, Credentialed
Consultant , Lobbyist, Prestige Elite Member, Public
Opinion Expert, Public Relations Genius, Spin Doctor,
Glosser-over, Master Deal-maker
PT
4
PT
5
PT
6
Fiery Rebel, Feisty Friend, Debater, Underdog Fighter, Scrapper, Runt of the Litter, Fierce Warrior, Tender
Defender, Defender of the Faith, Battlefield Medic,
Cowardly Lion, Beauty Queen, Miss America, Boy or
Girl Next Door, Prince Valiant, Braveheart, Dauntless
Explorer, Sensitive Creator, Aesthetic Appreciator,
Idealistic Lover, Shy Sensualist
Preservationist, Conserver of the Social Order, Historian, Loyalist, Archivist, Recorder, Community Builder/
Volunteer, Committee Worker, Prosecutor, Community
Protector, Police Officer, Firefighter, Upholder of Law
& Order, Reluctant Whistle-blower, True Believer, Vigilante, Unyielding Conformist
PT
7
PT
8
Father Figure, Protector, Guardian, Powerful Presence, Heavyweight, Strong Silent Type, Weightlifter,
Sampson, Hercules, Atlas, Mountain Man, Mountain
Mama, Force of Nature, Wilderness Survivor, Prepared Survivalist, Mother Bear, Grounded Weightlifter,
Pillar of Strength, Unsung Hero, Little Orphan Annie
Patriarch, King, Queen, Emperor, Empress, Court-holder, Ruler, Autocrat, CEO, Boss, Born Leader, Leader of
the Pack, Mafia Don, Military Commander, Chieftain,
Benevolent Dictator, Tactician, Strategist, Commander
in Chief, Tough-love Parent, Dominant Friend, Ones of
the Boys, A Real Pal
PT
9
Group Participant, Community Member, Natural Mediator, Harmonizer, Blender, Go-Between, Peacemaker,
Consensus Builder, Family Counselor, Unassuming
Facilitator, Unintentional Networker, Faithful Steward,
Activity Coordinator, Coach, Referee
PT
1
PT
2
PT
3
PT
4
PT
5
Sexual
Passion: possessing, obsessing, holding, disapproving,
impassioning, intensifying, idealizing, burning, pressurizing, containing, restraining, pointing out, adjuring, entreating, enjoining, beseeching, criticizing, disciplining,
harnessing, inhibiting, confining, curbing
Examples: ascetics, renunciates, rabble-rousers,
intensifiers, zealous preachers, jealous lovers, observant partners
Romance: flirting, attracting, enticing, seducing, luring,
tempting, pursuing, romancing, dating, fascinating, winning-over, shape-shifting, entrancing, stalking
Examples: lovers, romantics, pursuers, people who
date, attentive listeners, happy lovers, supportive
partners
Social
Law: ordaining, decreeing, consecrating, prescribing, proscribing, codifying, systematizing, rule-making, law-making, evaluating, judging, governing,
regulating, regularizing
Examples: lawmakers, judges, lawyers, social
arbiters, parliamentarians, religious & spiritual
leaders
Diplomacy: organizing, arranging, connecting, supporting, affirming, appreciating, smoothing over,
entertaining, facilitating, socializing, making connections, social networking
Examples: diplomats, event organizers, ambassadors, social supporters, humanitarians
Stardom : aspiring, radiating, starring, beaming, inspiring, leap-frogging, shining, winning, glowing, illuminating, glittering, gleaming, energizing, attention garnering
Politics: public speaking, selling, promoting, publicizing, winning over, connectiing, cooperating, leading, networking, self-promoting, self-packaging
Examples: feminine ideal, masculine ideal, performers, movie stars, rock stars, confidence boosters,
cheerleaders, image-oriented lovers & partners
PT
6
PT
7
The Good Life: eating, drinking, enjoying, shopping, celebrating, entertaining, improvising, mixing, combining, melding, alchemizing, stimulating,
expanding
Examples: chefs, gourmands, wine tasters, kite
flyers, bike riders, enthusiastic workers
PT
8
Examples: knights, heroes & heroines, dragon slayers, avengers, aggressors, lustful lovers, fierce friends
PT
9
There are four figures in this appendix. The first three are the mini-collages I created for
each subtype to use as handouts for a subtype workshop. The fourth figure is one I call
Wings Around the Enneagram. It represents an effort to depict the enneagram subtypes
along a continuum going around the outside of the enneagram circle. The title comes from
the idea that the wings represents the transitions between each enneagram point and the
neighboring points.
Figure B-4.
Wings Around
the Enneagram.
Cautious Conserver
Bashful Lover
Community Server
Family Preserver
Tender Lover
Community Upholder
Family Appreciator
Grateful Lover
Community Developer
Receptive Enthusiast
Playful Lover
Community Entertainer
Zesty Pragmatist
Enthusiastic Lover
Strategic Planner
Color Key:
Independent Professional
Image-conscious Lover
Prestige Elite Member
Focused Achiever
Model Lover
Political Aspirant
Affable Go-Getter
Charming Lover
Cooperative Leader
Best Friend
Seductive Lover
Energetic Networker
Natural Nurturer
Eager Lover
Friendly Hostess
Good Samaritan
Giving Lover
Public Servant
Self-critical Perfectionist
Intense Lover
High-minded Civilizer
Concerned Citizen
Impassioned Lover
Social Reformer
Conscientious Detailer
Contained Lover
Reserved Arbitrator
Artistic Achiever
Self-conscious Lover
Distinctive Aristocrat
Non-Conforming Artisan
Self-dramatizing Lover
Social Critic
Dauntless Creator
Moody Lover
Ruthless Truthteller
Heart
Self-preservation subtype
Sexual subtype
Social subtype
Crusty Eccentric
Quirky Lover
Iconoclastic Commentator
Body
Mind
Reclusive Thinker
Private Lover
Public Observer
Detached Puzzler
Undemonstrative Lover
Trend Analyzer
Resourceful Realist
Bold Lover
Confident Initiator
Patient Protector
Mature Lover
Enduring Ruler
Powerful Survivor
Chivalric Lover
Triumphant Leader
Unassuming Enjoyer
Dreamy Lover
Careful Compiler
Placid Bear
Universal
Wistful Lover
Patient Lover
Harmonizer
Even-handed Mediator
Calm Pacifier