The Nine Personality Types - The Enneagram

The Nine Personality Types – The Enneagram

By Lauren McLaughlin

The Dictionary definition of the Enneagram is “A system of spiritual psychology based on an ancient Sufi typology of nine personality types or primary roles with the recognition of one’s type tantamount to a spiritual awakening.

We’re all searching for ‘something’ in life. It may be that soul connection with that someone special, the career that expresses who we are at a deep level, or that child we’ve been yearning to have and wonder if we ever will.  If we take a step back from all the different ‘things’ outside of us that we are looking for we may find truth in the idea that what we really yearn for is ‘to know who we are and why we are here’. After the initial rush of a new romance or a couple of months spent in a new car we may find ourselves yearning again for the next thing. All of these things have their place in life, however they do not address that illusive soul connection to self above all else which the masters would define as ‘enlightenment’.

The Enneagram is based on the premise that we all incarnate with a ‘soul wounding’ and we spend the rest of our lives living through a filter that effectively hides that wounding from our external world.  Each personality type, there are nine in total, comes also with its’ own unique gifts and talents. What would life be like if we knew our personality type and could learn to navigate our relationships with others by understanding their personality type? At a guess we would probably have smoother, more loving and compassionate experiences with others and also ourselves.

For example let’s say you’re a 2 (The Helper) and you’re in love with an 8 (The Challenger).  The 8’s basic fear is for other’s to have power over them in any area of life. 8’s can have trouble opening up to that someone special as they feel their lover will have power over them, which ignites their basic fear of others holding power over them. The 8’s basic desires are to protect themselves and to determine their own course in life. 2’s basic fear is being unworthy or unloved and their desire is to ‘feel loved’. 2’s are the caring, generous interpersonal type.  They love to be involved in people’s lives and this can work well for the 8. While the 8 takes the world on the 2 can be the support crew. Under stress the 2 will go to 8 which would indicate that deep down 2 also has a lot of power. To integrate the 8 will go to 2 and open their loving, caring and intimate side this then fulfills the 2’s needs of being needed and loved. In the healthy ranges this can be a powerful match indeed.

The nine types are 1. The Reformer – Can lead through integrity and reason OR be hindered by perfectionism and resentment. 2. The Helper – Can shine with generosity and healing power OR struggle with people-pleasing and possessiveness.  3. The Achiever – Can become an inspiring example of excellence and authenticity OR blindly pursue success and status. 4. The Individualist – Can model creativity and intuitive power OR be held back by moodiness and self-consciousness.  5. The Investigator – Can demonstrate visionary intellect and inventiveness OR become increasingly eccentric and isolated.  6.  The Loyalist – Can exemplify courage and commitment OR struggle with anxiety and rebelliousness.  7.  The Enthusiast – Can become highly accomplished and spirited OR be waylaid by impulsiveness and impatience.  8.  The Challenger – Can be a powerful, magnanimous leader OR control and intimidate others.  9.  The Peacemaker – Can bring people together and heal conflicts OR be held back by passivity and stubbornness.  Too learn your type go to www.EnneagramInstitute.com.

References:                   http://www.dictionary.com/

                                    The wisdom of the Enneagram

                                    Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson

                                    Bantam Books, 1999