an exploration of enneagrams

Photo by Enneagram Europe

I have a self-proclaimed affinity for personality tests and typology- I've never quite believed in astrology but, regardless, I absolutely know my sun, rising, and moon signs (Virgo Sun, Pisces Rising, and Aquarius Moon if you're really curious). My favorite type indicator has always been Myers-Briggs because I identified with mine so strongly; every word that described an INFJ was a word that pinpointed an aspect of my personality: introverted, altruistic, creative, sensitive. . .

I was reading the Instagram caption of one of my favorite musical artists, dodie, last year and stopped on the word "enneagram." I had never heard of it before and switched over to my laptop to look it up. I was beyond ecstatic when I realized that it was another type indicator.

The Enneagram of Personality is a system that distinguishes nine different basic personalities and their uttermost desire and fear- the Enneagram’s basic fears identify the force behind each of the nine type’s behaviors. Check the handy infographic at the top of the post to get an idea of what your type might be! Next, check out these two sites to find out your type:

http://www.9types.com/rheti/index.php

https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions/

If you don't feel like taking the test, here's a brief description of each type from the Enneagram Institute!

Type One is principled, purposeful, self-controlled, and perfectionistic.

- The fear of being evil or corrupt.

Type Two is generous, demonstrative, people-pleasing, and possessive.

- The fear of being unloved or unwanted by others.

Type Three is adaptable, excelling, driven, and image-conscious.

- The fear of being unaccomplished and worthless.

Type Four is expressive, dramatic, self-absorbed, and temperamental.

- The fear of lacking a unique, significant identity.

Type Five is perceptive, innovative, secretive, and isolated.

- The fear of being helpless and inadequate.

Type Six is engaging, responsible, anxious, and suspicious.

- The fear of being without support or guidance.

Type Seven is spontaneous, versatile, acquisitive, and scattered.

- The fear of deprivation and pain.

Type Eight is self-confident, decisive, willful, and confrontational.

- The fear of being harmed or controlled by others.

Type Nine is receptive, reassuring, complacent, and resigned.

- The fear of loss and separation from others.

The Enneagram is a 3 x 3 arrangement of nine personality types that can be split into three centers. There are three types in each center- three in the Instinctive Center, three in the Feeling Center, and three in the Thinking Center. Each center is made up of three personality types that have the traits of that center in common. Types 2, 3, and 4, for example, are all very emotional types so they're in the Feeling Center.

The Centers of the Enneagram, Enneagram Institute

I love enneagrams for so many reasons but mainly, I love them because each type explains WHY you do what you do and not only analyzes behavior but also advises how to cultivate personal growth. The in-depth type descriptions allow for self-observation and describe the healthiest versions of each type which adds a level that Myers-Briggs doesn't. Enneagram scholars believe that each person was born as their type- it isn't something that develops as you grow like a Myers-Briggs type, so, people don't change from one basic personality type to another as they grow. You can also identify with type on either side of you which are referred to as your wings! For example, if you're a 3 and also relate strongly with 2, you would be 3w2!

Thankfully, someone understands my need for enneagram-related content! Ryan O'Neal, who goes by the stage name Sleeping At Last (you've probably heard him during some especially sad scenes in Grey's Anatomy), is writing a series of songs about each type! Each song only includes musicians who identify with the type the song is about and lyrics that will speak right to your heart! My type's song, "Two," includes the incredibly relatable lyrics:

I know exactly how your rule goes Put my mask on first No, I don't want to talk about myself Tell me where it hurts I just want to build you up, build you up 'Til you're good as new And maybe one day, I'll get around To fixing myself, too

He's only on Type 4 so far, so subscribe to him with the link below to patiently wait for your type if you're 5-9 and if you're 1-4- get listening!

http://www.sleepingatlast.com/blog/2017/8/17/the-sleeping-at-last-podcast

Enneagrams are the absolute coolest and are so easy to go on and on about (like I already have) so as a favor to you, I'll stop, but if you're interested in learning more, check out the Enneagram Institute below!

https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/how-the-enneagram-system-works/

- Katie (a Type 2, INFJ, Virgo, Ravenclaw!)