ALL basic theory about the enneagram of personality (OLD AND OUTDATED)

UPDATE 2021-10-08: THE  POSTS ON THIS BLOG ARE SHIT. THEY WERE WRITTEN ONLY MONTHS AFTER I DISCOVERED TYPOLOGY  AND I DON'T AGREE WITH AT LEAST HALF OF THE STUFF HERE ANYMORE. I DO NOT REGRET MAKING THESE POSTS BECAUSE WRITING IS A LEARNING EXERCISE FOR ME BUT YOU HAVE TO KEEP IN MIND THAT THEY ARE OLD AND OUTDATED.  READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION AND USE CRITICAL THINKING. 

Note: In this article I will quote/copy-paste a ton from this beautiful article: http://www.fitzel.ca/enneagram/triads.html

This is the Enneagram:

It is basically a circle with some numbers and lines. Of course they have a meaning behind them.

The Enneagram arranges people in nine different personalities, each with their different basic fears and motivations throughout life.

From one point of view, the Enneagram can be seen as a set of nine distinct personality types, with each number on the Enneagram denoting one type. It is common to find a little of yourself in all nine of the types, although one of them should stand out as being closest to yourself. This is your basic personality type.

Several more points can be made about the basic type itself.

1.      People do not change from one basic personality type to another.

2.      The descriptions of the personality types are universal and apply equally to males and females, since no type is inherently masculine or feminine.

3.      Not everything in the description of your basic type will apply to you all the time because you fluctuate constantly among the healthy, average, and unhealthy traits that make up your personality type.

4.      The Enneagram uses numbers to designate each of the types because numbers are value neutral— they imply the whole range of attitudes and behaviors of each type without specifying anything either positive or negative. Unlike the labels used in psychiatry, numbers provide an unbiased, shorthand way of indicating a lot about a person without being pejorative.

5.      The numerical ranking of the types is not significant. A larger number is no better than a smaller number; it is not better to be a Nine than a Two because nine is a bigger number.

6.      No type is inherently better or worse than any other. While all the personality types have unique assets and liabilities, some types are often considered to be more desirable than others in any given culture or group. Furthermore, for one reason or another, you may not be happy being a particular type. You may feel that your type is “handicapped” in some way. As you learn more about all the types, you will see that just as each has unique capacities, each has different limitations. If some types are more esteemed in Western society than others, it is because of the qualities that society rewards, not because of any superior value of those types. The ideal is to become your best self, not to imitate the assets of another type.

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

The nine personality types can be arranged into 3 different groups called triads or centers.

Each Centre of the Enneagram describes the main imbalances that exist in each personality type. The personality types in the thinking center are not necessarily more intelligent than the other types. Instead, these types actually lack true connection to their inner knowledge and guidance. Their personalities try to compensate for this lack of inner guidance by using mental strategies. The same pattern exists with the types in all the centers.

The three centers refer to the three centers or sources of human intelligence. Typically, we think of intelligence as a mental faculty. One is intelligent because one can understand and solve problems. However, this source of intelligence is not the only way in which one can truly know something.

The heart is also a source of intelligence. Through the heart we connect with our feelings and the emotions of others. We can understand what others feel and value through our feelings and values. The love and values we recognize in ourselves and in others leads to an understanding of our identity and that of others.

The third source of intelligence is our body's intelligence: our instinct. Instinct is the expression of the body's energy and vitality, how we assert our will into the world around us.

THE HEART CENTER (2,3,4)

The types in the Heart Centre have gifts and issues involving their emotions. When they are healthy and balanced, their use of emotion is constructive and especially beneficial to their relationships. When they are unhealthy, their emotions become imbalanced.

The essential qualities of this center involve the deep connection with the intelligence of the heart. The heart is our source of feelings and emotional connection with others. It helps us recognize our love and value for ourselves and for others. Through feelings and value we understand our identity, who we (and others) really are.

At some point in their development, Twos, Threes, and Fours feel that they have lost these essential qualities -- that they have lost contact with their value and with their identity. They adopt a false belief that they are worthless, leading to an underlying feeling of shame.

To compensate, the personality tries to create and maintain a personal identity that will overcome these feelings. By identifying with this self-image, they create a false sense of value. Twos, Threes, and Fours spend a great deal of energy seeking validation from others to affirm this self-image.

Unfortunately, others do not always recognize or pay enough attention to the self-image. As a result, Twos, Threes, and Fours may begin to experience their underlying feelings of shame. They may become hostile with others and express hatred of those who don't value them. Another problem is that by focusing exclusively on their created persona, they must reject some aspects of their true nature. For whatever reason, these aspects must remain hidden from others (and from themselves) because they are associated with qualities that render them worthless.

TYPE 2

Twos deal with their shame and self-image outwardly through direct external approval, basically, their main want in life being being loved, appreciated and wanted by others. Their self-image is directed outward trying to get others to like them.  They tend to over express their feelings, focusing on the positive emotions, while repressing the negative ones. Generally, Twos accomplish this task by being kind and giving to others and expecting others to validate and appreciate them. Twos are trying to earn attention: by being kind and loving others, others will be kind and loving in return. Twos can maintain their "all-good" self-image by rejecting what they see as their "negative" qualities. They also minimize their own needs so they can focus on meeting the needs of others. Twos also always want conformity over non-conformity.

Sometimes the Two gets into the situation where they are not needed. Since Twos get their worth from helping others (they need to be needed), they will still try to find ways to help others, even if it really isn't required. With the best of intentions, Twos can start to become intrusive and meddlesome and try to make others dependent on them.

They usually have problems with helping others too much (ignoring their own needs).

When unhealthy they will demand the appreciation and love of others so much until they become manipulative.

TYPE 3

Threes deal with their feeling of worthlessness on the most raw and direct way of the word, they will cope with that by being workaholics, always doing something productive to prove their worth. They direct their self-image both outwardly and inwardly, like twos, they desperately want the approval of others, always trying to help them, but the difference is that the two wants to be seen as a friendly helpful lover while the three wants to be a useful worker for people. Like fours, threes also direct their self-image inward to adapt and match what is expected of them by society. Unlike twos or fours though, threes have a very hard time getting in touch with their emotions, always putting away their emotions in the favor of work and productivity. When threes do not get the attention of others, they are likely to promote themselves too much, exaggerating their accomplishments and becoming arrogant. Threes seek both conformity and non-conformity, wanting to fit in society as a helpful useful working citizen but also having a special place, as a leader or a winner/champion.

They usually have problems with workaholism and extreme productivity.

When unhealthy they will have problems with arrogance, putting others down so they feel superior.

TYPE 4

Fours deal with their worthlessness internally, directing their self-image inwardly. Unlike twos, fours want to have their self-image completely independent of society, when twos have their image based on the idea of other people and three are a mix. Fours want to make sure that their identity completely based on their own true feelings and imagination. Fours under express their feelings, preferring indirect methods, such as art. Fours reject many of their positive qualities and common characteristics that they share with others (it's hard to be unique if you are like others). Fours seek attention through withdrawal (which may at first seem like a contradiction). Fours withdraw to pull others in (especially into their inner world). They want others to notice their depth of character and to obtain sympathy for what they feel is their unjust suffering. Fours believe that Life has dealt them a bad hand and their underlying feeling of shame may lead to hostility against Life (despair). In addition, they may feel hostility at their parents (or others in their past), themselves (for being defective), and at others (for not recognizing how special the Four is).

They usually have problems with neuroticism and isolation.

When unhealthy they will do about anything to not blend in with the crowd, also seeking special treatment from others, they might be called a “special snowflake” by some people.

THE HEAD CENTER (5, 6 ,7)

The types in the Head Centre have gifts and issues involving their thinking. When they are healthy and balanced, they have incredible keen insights and ideas. When they are unhealthy, their thinking becomes imbalanced.

The essential qualities of this center involve the deep connection with the intelligence of the mind. The gifts of the mind include the ability to observe, perceive, and effortlessly understand. The mind also provides us with confidence and inner guidance.

At some point in their development, Fives, Sixes, and Sevens feel that they have lost these essential qualities -- that they have lost contact with their inner guidance for life. They adopt a false belief that they have no inner support or confidence, leading to underlying feelings of fear and anxiety. They see unknown parts the world as a threatening and uncertain place.

To compensate, Fives, Sixes, and Sevens become very motivated to find sources of security and confidence. They try to anticipate and prepare for the future. They spend their time trying to find and maintain a sense of inner guidance and support. These types pursue mental strategies and/or belief systems to create a false sense of security against anxiety.

Unfortunately, they do not always feel they have the security they need to combat their fear. As a result, their insecurity and anxiety increase. They seek methods to decrease their anxiety. They tend to be wary of authority and are generally cautious with relationships. They dislike uncertainty and want to be prepared for it, but have difficulty with closure.

TYPE 5

Fives lost their inner guidance in the external physical world. They think of the world as a very threatening and dangerous place, and so, they isolate and retreat in their rich inner worlds to analyze and gain as much knowledge of the environment before acting. Unfortunately Fives get stuck in an "analysis paralysis" where every answer they generate raises more questions, which they must answer. Like the other members of this center, Fives seek security. Because they feel the world is very uncertain, Fives withdraw to feel secure. They retreat into their minds to understand the world around them, removing themselves from directly observing that which fears them. Unfortunately, this strategy generates even more fear. By removing themselves from the world, they are less able to participate -- the best path to understanding.

TYPE 6

Sixes fear both their internal and the external world. Like Fives, they focus their thinking inward to avoid external threats, but they have serious doubts about their own abilities too! (fearing their inner world) Consequently, they seek reassurance and confirmation outside themselves. However, Sixes may start to doubt their authority figures, resulting in a vacillating between their own ideas and those of others. Sixes seek security by finding something (or someone) in which to believe. By having a clear set of rules or beliefs, Sixes will gain confidence to cope with life. Sixes feel they must earn their security. They believe if they do their part for the authority, it will take care of them. Sixes are constantly aware of their anxiety and always react against it. Sometimes, they rely on their authority to allay their fears; sometimes they will courageously confront their fears directly.

TYPE 7

Sevens fear their inner world. Sevens see their inner world as threatening; issues of sadness, loss, and grief cause great anxiety. Sevens avoid dealing with these issues by fleeing their inner world and trying to keep preoccupied with the outer world. As a result, they focus their thinking outward, keeping their mind busy with new plans and ideas. They doubt their own intellectual abilities, knowledge and competence to make decisions and they will cope with this by relying with the capacities they have on the external world, trying to experience as much as they can of the world so they won’t have to make decisions anyway. Their anxiety is repressed through constant activity, and by concentrating on positive expectations, ideas, and plans. Like Fives and Sixes, Sevens are also seeking security, but they are unsure where to find it. Sevens feel that they have to try all sources of security and that way they'll eliminate the ones that don't work and find the ones that do. Sevens however, have a hard time focusing on the sources of security they presently have. Instead, they are always thinking about the future. Keeping their options open, Sevens try not to over commit themselves to any one thing, lest they miss out on an even better experience.

THE BODY CENTER

The types in the Body Centre have gifts and issues involving their instinct. When they are healthy and balanced, they have strong relational skills with others and their environment. When they are unhealthy, their relationship skills become imbalanced.

The essential qualities of this Centre involve the deep connection with the intelligence of the body, their instinct. Instinct is a type of knowledge that is not often recognized. Our instincts involve our sense of vitality and assertion. Instinct involves our inner wants and our ability to assert them in a way that is consistent and harmonious with the world around us.

At some point in their development, Eights, Nines, and Ones feel that they have lost these essential qualities -- that they have no sense of self and that they cannot assert their wants. Being unable to express themselves leads to an underlying feeling of rage.

To compensate, the personality tries to create and maintain a sense of self, where they are free to influence the world, but not be influenced by it. Consequently, the types in the Body Centre are motivated to find ways to feel autonomous and independent. One way to feel a sense of self is to carry tension in our bodies. Another is to create boundaries around us.

Unfortunately, when Eights, Nines, and Ones do not get the autonomy and independency that they seek, their underlying feelings of rage rise up. They may become aggressive (in a way, proving their independence). They way become resistant to change, again to bolster feelings of autonomy.

TYPE 8

Eights over express their instinct. Like all types in the body center, they want to feel safe and independent from their environment, so eights express their anger outwardly to feel safe and calm on the inside. They will be controlled by their inner anger to feel independent from the outside influences. They may also repress their soft and gentle side fearing that they will be taken advantage of that way. Their main basic fear is being controlled and manipulated by their environment, so they will resist to any attack aggressively. They act upon whatever gut hunches and powerful impulse arise. They feel that autonomy will come if they assert their wants aggressively and if they resist being influenced. They must remain in control. Eights extend their sphere of influence to include their families, their home, their workplace, etc. These expansive boundaries help them to feel substantial and immortal. They may become confrontational to feel their boundaries.

TYPE 9

Nines are most out of touch with their instincts. Nines don’t want to be influenced by anything, both inside drives and external pressures. Unlike Eights, that want to feel calm and safe only on the inside, Nines want to be at complete peace and harmony both on their inside and on the outside, therefore believing that expressing their views or asserting their needs will cause conflict or lack of harmony. Nines shut down most of their instincts by repressing and denying their own wants and needs. Nines try to maintain their autonomy by resisting change (both external pressures and passionate feelings). Nines often accommodate and go with the flow (in a sense giving up their independence), but they do so with the agreement to give the Nine her own space to do her own thing. If they don't get that space, their underlying rage may come out in passive-aggressive forms. We have sometimes called the Nine the crown of the Enneagram because it is at the top of the symbol and because it seems to include the whole of it. Nines can have the strength of Eights, the sense of fun and adventure of Sevens, the dutifulness of Sixes, the intellectualism of Fives, the creativity of Fours, the attractiveness of Threes, the generosity of Twos, and the idealism of Ones. However, what they generally do not have is a sense of really inhabiting themselves—a strong sense of their own identity.

Ironically, therefore, the only type the Nine is not like is the Nine itself. Being a separate self, an individual who must assert herself against others, is terrifying to Nines. They would rather melt into someone else or quietly follow their idyllic daydreams.

TYPE 1

Ones under express their instinct. Ones want to feel safe and calm on their outside so they will turn this rage down on their inside through self-control and harsh criticism. Unlike Eights that don’t want to be controlled by the outside world so they let themselves be controlled by their inside world, Ones don’t want to be controlled by their inside wants and needs so they will keep peace on the outside world by self-control. Ones can maintain their autonomy by being perfect -- being above criticism. Sometimes, they lose self-control and have outbursts of anger towards others. Ones are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organized, orderly, and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can slip into being critical and perfectionistic.

I would also like to show you this amazing chart:

WING:

A person's basic type is modified, at least to some extent, by the personality dynamics of the two adjacent types as indicated on the enneagram figure. These two types are often called "wings". A person of the Three personality type, for example, is understood to have points Two and Four as their wing types. (9 has 1 and 8 as wings, 5 has 4 and 6, etc.) The circle of the enneagram figure may indicate that the types or points exist on a spectrum rather than as distinct types or points unrelated to those adjacent to them. A person may be understood, therefore, to have a core type and one or two wing types that influence but do not change the core type. A big misconception is that for example if you're 5w4 you're *insert number here*% 5 and *another number*% 4. Like 80%5 and 20%4. It's not really like that, it's more like there are certain functions the wings have

a 5w4 is 100% 5 and there are some empty spots that are filled by either a 4 wing or a 6 wing. Also that spot they fill isn't going to be everything from a 4 and everything from a 6. An 5w4 are only going to take certain parts of the 4 like the individualism and independence and authenticity of fours but not the attention-seeking behavior and need for validation. An XwY isn't 80% of everything an X is and 20% of everything an Y is. It's 100% of everything an X is and some random things of what an Y is.

Some people believe the wings are on a spectrum rather than set in stone (balanced wings being ~50% of each one) while some people believe you are full one wing or the other. It’s up to you to decide what to believe.

Also, some people believe that wings can change throughout one’s life while some people believe they are set in stone from birth. Again, it’s up to you to decide what to believe.

I personally believe that wings are nurture, not nature and that they can change throughout one’s life according to certain environmental factors, I also believe they are on the spectrum and the notation is quite stupid. What is balanced wings? If a type 5 has 49% a 4 wing and 51% a 6 wing does he have balanced wings or is he 5w6? 51% and 49% are far too close to be considered a difference to add “w6” and you could say it’s balanced wings. But what is the border? 52%/48%? 53%/47%? 58%/42%? 61%/39%?  

Also A 5 which has 60% a 6 wing (and 40% and a 4 wing) is also going to be very different to a 5 that has 90% a 6 wing (and 10% a 4 wing) but both of them are written as “5w6”.

CONNECTING LINES:

For some Enneagram theorists the lines connecting the points add further meaning to the information provided by the descriptions of the types. Sometimes called the "security" and "stress" points, or points of "integration" and "disintegration", some theorists believe that these connected points also contribute to a person's overall personality. From this viewpoint, therefore, there are at least four other points that can affect a person's overall personality; the two points connected by the lines to the core type and the two wing points. The middle 369 triangle integrates to the right (3 into 6, 6 into 9 and 9 into 3) while the convex irregular hexagon integrates into this order: 1-7-5-8-2-4-1(…). The directions of disintegration are the same as the integration but reversed (369 triangles disintegrates to the left and the irregular hexagon in a reverse order) for example 5 integrates into 8 but 8 disintegrates into 5.

INSTINCTUAL DRIVES, BASIC FEARS AND HEALTH LEVELS.

As you probably observed. The Enneagram is centered around the number 3. It is separated in three centers, so it added some interesting features.

First off, even though only three types are from the fear center, every type has a basic fear. (will explain them later)

Second off, even though only three types are from the instinctual center, all types have an instinctual subtype (sexual, social or self-preservation). (will explain later)

Third off, even though only three types are from the image center, every type has health levels, which is how you perceive and judge others according to your self-image. At the healthiest level there is no self-image, “I can be everything I want”. The unhealthier you get the more you identify with a certain image (ex: Type 5 think he’s smart) which you use to compare yourself to others. Having a specific self-image is considered a bad thing because when the subject gives itself a specific image it also excludes others. For example, the more type 5 thinks he/she is smart (and compares himself/herself to others according to the power of understanding) the more he can’t be dumb (because dumb is the opposite of smart). If you are smart you can’t be dumb so the more a type attributes itself certain trait the more he/she doesn’t allow him/herself to be another certain trait, resulting in a distorted thinking.

BASIC FEARS

The basic fears of each type are as follows:

Type 1 – The fear of being evil or corrupt

Ones always want to achieve a greater good, to be a good person, striving for perfection. They are the usual person that never litters and always follows the rules (and will correct others when they don’t). Their prime motivation in life is their own sense of integrity. They are constantly aiming to move away from corruption and towards virtue, or the greater good.

Type 2 – The fear of being unloved, hated or unwanted by others

Twos strive to be loved and wanted by those around them. Their pervasive, underlying fear is that there is nothing inherently loveable about them, and they must therefore help others in order to earn their love. Their prime motivation in life is proving themselves worthy of care and love from others. They are constantly aiming to move away from worthlessness and toward relationships that foster mutual loving and caregiving. (Source: http://thoughtcatalog.com/heidi-priebe/2015/11/if-youre-confused-about-your-enneagram-type-read-this/)

Type 3 – The fear of being unaccomplished and worthless

Threes strive to achieve success within their community, believing it to be a measure of their own worth. This type’s pervasive, underlying fear is that they are inherently worthless and undesirable apart from their achievements, and they must therefore accomplish as much as possible in order to be desired and accepted by others. They are constantly aiming to move away from worthlessness and towards impressive achievements that will earn them the respect and admiration of others. (Same source)

Type 4 – The fear of lacking a unique, significant identity (being "normal")

Fourstrive to prove their uniqueness and individuality to others. Their pervasive, underlying fear is that they would be worthless and unlovable if they were average, therefore they must cultivate as unique an identity as possible in order to prove their own significance. (same source)

Type 5 – The fear of being helpless and inadequate
Fives strive to become as knowledgeable and competent as possible in all of their undertakings. Their pervasive, underlying fear is of being helpless, overwhelmed and incapable of dealing with the world around them. Therefore, they must learn as much as they can and master as much as they can, in order to reassure themselves that they are competent and capable. They are constantly aiming to move away from ignorance and ambiguity, and toward knowledge and understanding. (Same source)

Type 6 – The fear of being without support or guidance
Sixes strive to find support and guidance from those around them. Their pervasive, underlying fear is that they are incapable of surviving on their own, and they must therefore seek out as much support and direction from others as possible. They are constantly aiming to move away from isolation and towards structure, security and the guidance of others. (same source)

Type 7 – The fear of deprivation and pain
Sevens strive to achieve their wildest desires and find fulfillment. Their pervasive, underlying fear is that their needs and desires will not be met by others, and so they must go and pursue them themselves. They are constantly aiming to move away from pain, sadness and helplessness and towards independence, happiness and fulfillment. (Same source)

Type 8 – The fear of being harmed or controlled by others

Eights strive to become strong, independent and self-directed. Their pervasive, underlying fear is of being violated, betrayed or controlled while at the mercy of others. They feel secure and okay so long as they are in control of their circumstances. They are constantly aiming to move away from external limitations and toward self-sufficiency and power.

Type 9 – The fear of loss and separation from loved ones

Nines strive to maintain peace and harmony both internally and externally. Their pervasive, underlying fear is that they will become disconnected from others and out of sync with the world around them. They feel secure and okay as long as they are living in harmony with the people and world around them. They are constantly moving away from conflict and pain and toward peace, stability and harmony.

INSTINCTUAL SUBTYPES

“The three Instincts (often erroneously called “the subtypes”) are a third set of distinctions that are extremely important for understanding personality. A major aspect of human nature lies in our instinctual “hard wiring” as biological beings. We each are endowed with specific instinctual intelligences that are necessary for our survival as individuals and as a species. We each have a self-preservation instinct (for preserving the body and its life and functioning), a sexual instinct (for extending ourselves in the environment and through the generations), and a social instinct (for getting along with others and forming secure social bonds).

While we have all three Instincts in us, one of them is the dominant focus of our attention and behavior—the set of attitudes and values that we are most attracted to and comfortable with. We each also have a second Instinct that is used to support the dominant Instinct, as well as a third Instinct that is the least developed—a real blind spot in our personality and our values. Which Instinct is in each of these three places—most, middle, and least developed—produces what we call our “Instinctual Stack” (like a three-layer cake) with your dominant Instinct on top, the next most developed Instinct in the middle, and the least developed on the bottom).

Further, our Enneagram type flavors the way in which we approach our dominant instinctual need. Combining our Enneagram type with our dominant instinct yields a much more specific portrait of the workings of our personality. When we apply the distinctions of these three instincts to the nine Enneagram types they create 27 unique combinations of type and dominant instinct that account for differences and variability within the types. We call these combinations the Instinctual Variants.” – Source: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/how-the-enneagram-system-works/

->Self-Preservation (Sp for short)

Generally, this instinct basically wants to have all their needs met. When people using this instinct have all their needs met/got their job done they can relax and do whatever they want, but if something is missing they suddenly go into survival mode so to speak. Sp instinct is always aware of how they are affected by the environment and are in some sort of protective state most of the time.

“People who have this as their dominant instinct are preoccupied with the safety, comfort, health, energy, and well-being of the physical body. In a word, they are concerned with having enough resources to meet life’s demands. Most people in contemporary cultures have not faced life or death “survival” in the strictest sense; thus, Sp types tend to be concerned with food, money, housing, medical matters, and physical comfort. Moreover, those primarily focused on self-preservation, by extension, are usually interested in maintaining these resources for others as well. Their focus of attention naturally goes towards things related to these areas such as clothes, temperature, shopping, decorating, and the like, particularly if they are not satisfied in these areas or have a feeling of deficiency due to their childhoods. Sp types tend to be more grounded, practical, serious, and introverted than the other two instinctual types. They might have active social lives and a satisfying intimate relationship, but if they feel that their self-preservation needs are not being met, still tend not to be happy or at ease. In their primary relationships, these people are “nesters”—they seek domestic tranquility and security with a stable, reliable partner.”-Source: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/how-the-enneagram-system-works/

->Sexual (Sx for short)

Many people originally identify themselves as this type because they have learned that the Sexual types are interested in “one-on-one relationships.” But all three instinctual types are interested in one-on-one relationships for different reasons, so this does not distinguish them. The key element in Sexual types is an intense drive for stimulation and a constant awareness of the “chemistry” between themselves and external influences. Another misconception is that this chemistry is only related to the relationships, but in fact the Sx instinct is always aware of the chemistry between them and everything, not just humans. People using the Sx instinct are very aware of the passion for their hobbies or the connection between them and a certain special place they have. Sx types are immediately aware of the attraction or lack thereof, between themselves and other things. They can get emotionally invested to anything from people to objects to hobbies to music to locations, etc.

Instead of describing the Sx instinct as a "one to one" instinct, I would instead describe it as an "all or nothing" instinct. People using Sx will always look for INTENSITY, CONNECTION and PASSION. Sx types are constantly moving toward that sense of intense stimulation and juicy energy in their relationships and in their activities. They are the most “energized” of the three instinctual types, and tend to be more aggressive, competitive, charged, and emotionally intense than the Self-Pres or Social types. The Sx instinct needs to have intense energetic charge in their primary lifestyles or else they remain unsatisfied. They enjoy being intensely involved—even merged—with others, and can become disenchanted with partners who are unable to meet their need for intense energetic union. Losing yourself in a “fusion” of being is the ideal here, and Sexual types are always looking for this state with others and with stimulating objects in their world.

->Social (So for short)
Just as many people tend to misidentify themselves as Sexual types because they want one-on-one relationships, many people fail to recognize themselves as Social types because they get the (false) idea that this means always being involved in one->group relations. What the So instinct actually does is seeing the cause and effect of everything in their lives. They are the most aware of how they affect other people emotionally so they tend to be warmer and friendly. They are also very aware of how others affect other people in a big group, as in they are very big picture thinkers, and this is not only limited to people, this applies to everything. From the laws of the universe to a complex mechanism, So types are the most aware of the effect objects and beings have between them. If Self-Preservation types are interested in adjusting the environment to make themselves more secure and comfortable, Social types adapt themselves to serve the needs of the social situation they find themselves in. Thus, Social types are highly aware of other people, whether they are in intimate situations or in groups. They are also aware of how their actions and attitudes are affecting those around them. Moreover, Sexual types seek intimacy, Social types seek personal connection: they want to stay in long-term contact with people and to be involved in their world. Social types are the most concerned with doing things that will have some impact on their community, or even broader domains.

Countertypes.

For each of the nine types, there is a “countertype” subtype. In every case, with each of the nine points of the Enneagram, there are two subtypes that go with the flow of the energy of the passion and there is one that is upside-down: one that doesn’t look like the others and goes against the main energetic direction of the passion. This “counter-passional” type is called the “countertype” of the three subtypes. For example, the “counter-phobic” Sexual Six is the most well known of the countertypes. It’s a Six who’s unafraid. The passion of the Six is Fear, but the Sexual subtype goes against fear by being strong and intimidating as a way of coping with fear.

The passions for each of the types are as follows:

1 – Anger

2 – Pride

3 – Vanity

4 – Envy

5 – Avarice

6 – Fear

7 – Gluttony

8 – Lust

9 – Laziness/Inactivity/Sloth

The countertypes for each of the types are as follows:

1 – Sx (A one that controls their anger much less than the others)

2 – Sp (A more authentic and less fake and less manipulative two)

3 – Sp (A three that instead of striving to look good they try to BE good)

4 – Sp (A four that suffers but doesn’t want to get the attention of others so instead of being a “special snowflake” they are more or less sado-masochistic)
5 – Sx (A five that contrary to the detached fives, wants an ATTACHEMENT, a CONNECTION, they want PASSION)
6 – Sx (The counterphobic six, this six goes against its fears, it might be misidentified as a type 8 from the outside but inside they are as scared and terrified as the other two sixes)

7 – So (A seven that goes against gluttony by being in service of others)

8 – So (An eight that protects others more than himself and uses anger and violence for the good of humanity, like a justice warrior)

9 – So (A 9 that is always busy doing things and going to activities and events instead of being “lazy”)

LEVELS OF HEALTH

The Levels of Development describe a framework that exists within each personality type.

There are nine Levels of Development (not to be confused with the nine personality types). There are three levels in the "healthy" range (levels 1,2,3); three levels in the "average" range (levels 4,5,6); and three levels in the "unhealthy" range (7,8,9).

At each level, we employ different strategies to reinforce our identity.

In the healthy range, we are not strongly identified with our identity. We are free to express ourselves through a wide range of behavior. We believe that we can express and reinforce our identity through letting go of it and by acting in a manner consistent with it.

In the average range, some imbalance arises and their scope of concern narrows. We focus more on our identity and want others to see us a certain way. We use social roles, manipulation, and controlling others to reinforce our identity.

In the unhealthy range, our focus is so narrowed on our identity that we often break with reality. We see ourselves in a way that is completely different from how others see us.

ONLY READ FURTHER WHAT IS IN ITALICS IF YOU HAVE AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF TIME TO SPEND.

At Level One we let go of our self-image. We no longer see ourselves in a narrow and incomplete way. We integrate the qualities rejected at Level Two and truly come to balance with ourselves. We realize that we in fact possess what we have always sought. Our basic desire arose at Level Two because we no longer see certain qualities within us.

At Level 2, we attain the full potential that our personality affords. Our personality is guided by a basic desire that serves as the driving motivation of most of our behaviour. This motivation remains largely intact (although sometimes distorted) throughout the levels.

At this stage, we begin to identify with certain qualities within ourselves. These qualities are seen as positive and we emphasize their presence within us. For example, Ones will stress their objectivity, their reason, and their moderation. We believe that by identifying with and exercising these qualities they will be able to attain their basic desire.  For the most part, people at this level are very open minded and tolerant. However, these qualities begin to colour our view of the world. And although we have preferences at this level, we can act largely without bias.

A self-image therefore develops because we see ourselves incorporating these qualities. At this level, our self-awareness is very clear: the self-image is an accurate reflection of ourselves. We recognize our gifts, talents, and qualities and we trust in them. We define who we are based on the values with which we've identified. For example, a Two will identify with qualities of loving, caring, and compassion (among many others). Twos have a self-image that could be described as "I am a loving, caring person." Twos will continue to see themselves this way throughout the levels (although others may not see the Two in the same way).

By shifting their focus towards some of their qualities, they shift away from their other qualities. For example, Nines identify strongly with their qualities of inner peace, relaxation, being calm, etc. At the same time, Nines tend to distance themselves from their own qualities of assertion, being dynamic, voicing their opinions, standing up to others, etc. In order to focus and develop some qualities, other ones are overlooked and underdeveloped.

We see here that identification with certain qualities leads to a particular self-image. Not all of the qualities we possess are consistent with that self-image. Consequently, we must disregard or overlook some of our qualities in order to maintain a consistent sense of self. In other words, we tend to nurture some qualities at the expense of under-developing other ones. The shift of focus is subtle at this level, but it sets the stage for a stronger identification in the subsequent levels.

At level 2, we have focussed on a subset of our qualities. As soon as we identify with certain qualities, we immediately dis-identify with other ones. By defining who we are, we also define who we are not. This strategy begins to limit who we believe we are and we begin to shut our certain qualities that comprise our full human potential.

At level 3 we form a stronger identification with our self-image. It is no longer sufficient to see ourselves in a certain way to counteract underlying anxieties. Instead, we desire to show others who we are to reinforce our self-image.

At this level, we relate to others primarily (but not exclusively) through our qualities and gifts. We want to share our talents and our abilities, believing that they will have a positive impact on those around us. We try to nurture in others the same qualities that we have identified with. We want to help, teach, and strengthen others to realize their full potential and we share in the delight of others' successes. For example, Eights at this level will try to empower others to be strong and independent. This form of mentoring is not imposed on others, we are simply acting with everyone's best interests in mind. In this manner, we contribute our gifts in a very constructive and beneficial way.

Despite a deep desire to show others who we are, we don't seek validation of our self-image from others. There’s no need to do so, because we know that our healthy behaviour is a direct manifestation of these qualities and stands on its own. Simply by expressing our self-image through action we reinforce our self-image. By interacting with others, we create and sustain relationships and support systems. We believe these relationships will help meet our needs.

At level 3, we are confident in our own ability to cope with the world. Not because we are proud or egotistical, but because we believe in our values. We believe they are the path to fulfillment and at this level we believe that expressing these qualities will make us feel fulfilled. However, we're not so attached to our self-image that we only see things one way. We're not afraid to be different or to question the status quo.

The self-esteem plays a role at this level. We begin to feel good about ourselves when we are behaving in a manner that's consistent with our self-image. At level 3, our qualities serve as a set of guiding principles that we apply to ourselves. As long as we follow these guidelines, we feel that we are good people.

Our behaviour at level 3 has become noticeably more limited than at the previous level. It isn't enough to think of ourselves in a certain way, we have to act in a certain way. The self-esteem reinforces these actions, because it makes us feel good when we act in that way. If we choose to behave differently, we may get anxious or less confident in ourselves.

At Level 4, we become more attached to our self-image than at Level 3. We now believe that by striving after the qualities identified at Level 2, we will be able to meet our needs. We also tend to reject our qualities and behaviours that are not consistent with the qualities that we have identified with. The focus on our self-image comes at the price of narrowing our scope of concern.

An idealization of values/qualities takes place. Our worldview begins to polarize between two extremes: one of which is associated with our own values and qualities; the other is associated with our fears. For example, a type One at Level 4 will idealize values of organization, doing what’s right, hard work, etc. At the same time, they begin to fear disorganization, making mistakes, and not working hard enough.

Despite this polarization of values, there is still some middle ground. However, we have difficult time dealing with situations that fall in the gray area. For example, a type One at Level 4 often sees things in terms of good and bad. Ones deal with moral ambiguity by trying to adopt a firm stance – it’s difficult to accept and live with uncertainty.

At Level 4, we notice that the qualities we possess are not widely possessed by others. In fact, we sometimes use these qualities as a metric to measure the worth of others. Eights, for example, will measure the strength of others; Fives measure the intelligence of others. Most of the time, we feel slightly superior, because most often we believe that we possess these qualities more than others.

At level 4, we have given into a Characteristic Temptation (different for each type). The Characteristic Temptation is a limited way of thinking and behaving that seems to be an answer to what we want. Unfortunately, it is not a permanent solution to our problems. Instead, it is a “quick fix” that traps us in a repetitive pattern that does not have our best interests at heart.

One of the aspects in which our behaviour becomes more limited is in our relationships. We see ourselves a certain way (self-image) and, at Level 4, we really want to prove to others the “reality” of our self-image. In order to prove who we are, we relate to others through a certain role, called the Social Role.

The Social Role is a very limited way of interacting with others that makes us feel comfortable and secure. In our Social Role, we are trying to get others to see in us the qualities of our self-image. For example, a type Three wants to be seen as a Winner. Threes seek out situations where they can relate to others through the role of the Winner. They will also avoid situations where they cannot be seen in that way. Unfortunately, by acting only through his social role, he avoids those activities that would really develop true confidence. He is frustrated when he can’t act in this role, because his confidence and security are dependent on others validating his self-image.

At Level 5, the main strategy employed is manipulation of others and control of inter-personal relationships. Here, we really insist on getting others to accept our self-image. Unfortunately, others don't always respond in the way we wish, leading to tension and conflict.

At this Level, we also see the beginnings of the Shadow Issue of each type. The Shadow issue (as its name implies) is a hidden element of our personalities. In a way, the Shadow Issue represents the major issue that each type needs to deal with in order to grow.

Throughout the Levels, we can see that the strategies we employ are a compensation for underlying feelings of anger, shame, or fear. At Level 6, we overcompensate for those underlying feelings. At this stage we are so desperate to have others accept our self-image that we engage in truly offensive behaviour.

At Level 6, we believe that we must put others down in order to make ourselves feel better. Don Riso calls this behaviour the "Leaden Rule." The Golden Rule states "Do unto others that which you would have done unto you." In other words, treat others in the same way you would like to be treated. The Leaden Rule states " Do unto others that which you most fear have done unto you." At this stage we project our fears onto others. Type Ones fear making mistakes and being bad, so they compensate by being good and doing the right thing. They overcompensate by pointing out the mistakes of others and criticizing others for not doing the right thing. Putting others down in this way, boosts a fragile self-esteem.

Note that the Leaden Rule behaviour is seen by others to be offensive, but it is easily justified by the Basic Desire. For example, the One can justify their criticism as simply pointing out how things should be done better.

Thinking tends to be very black and white at this stage. There is a sense that we possess certain positive values (the basis of our self-image) that others do not. As a result, we tend to look down at others as inferior for not possessing the gifts we do. In order to make ourselves feel better about ourselves, we must prove that others lack our gifts. A type Five, for example, "proves" her own intelligence by "proving" that others are stupid and incompetent.

At Level 7, we are so desperate to get our needs met that we are willing to violate ourselves and others, resulting in serious conflict. There is a feeling that life has violated me, leading to terrifying and desperate behaviour. People at this stage see themselves as victims, and therefore can justify their offensive actions. At this Level, we tend to overindulge in actions that appear to alleviate our pain (overeating, drinking, drug abuse, etc.). Unfortunately most of this behaviour is just an escape from dealing with reality and the genuine problems we must face.”

Source: http://www.fitzel.ca/enneagram/levels.html

TRITYPES

Your Tritype consists of one Enneagram Type in each center of intelligence: Head (567), Heart (234) and Body (891). Although one Enneagram Type is dominant, you also use two other types in a consistent order.

Tritype explains the distinct differences of those sharing the same Enneagram Type. For example, the 874 is a fast-paced, optimistic, creative, and emotional type 8 whereas the 826 is a more dutiful, loyal and helpful type 8.

Additionally, Tritype explains why those sharing the same Enneagram Types have a natural affinity for one another. For example, the 126, 216 and 612, are all focused on helping and being supportive of others regardless of which type is dominant.

The reason we have one type in each center (head, heart, body) is that our main type can’t cope will all three situations. For example if you are a 6, your main gifts and issues will be related to the intelligence of the mind, anxiety/fear and inner guidance/strategy for life but you also need a type to deal with intelligence of the heart, self-identity, relationships with people, shame, etc. (2,3,4) and a type to deal with autonomy, independence, intelligence of the body, boundaries, anger, etc. (8, 9, 1).

The instincts (Sx, Sp, So) will be the same for every one of the three types in your tritype. If for example you are a Sx/Sp 548 like me you’ll relate most to descriptions of Sx 5, second to Sp 5 and least to So 5 but also the most to Sx 4, less to Sp 4, etc. same for 8.

What we call all the possible combinations of the three types in a tritype is an archetype. For example someone with a 4 in the heart center, 5 in the head center and 8 in the body center is part of the 458 archetype, but you could be core 5, core 4, etc.

The 458 archetype is the combination of 6 tritypes: 458, 485, 548, 584, 845, 854. This applies to all of them. 135 archetype is for example the combination of 135, 153, 315, 351, 513, 531. The list goes on.

In total there are 27 different archetypes (with nicknames for each) and 162 tritypes (27x6).

Here are the nicknames for each archetype:

Tritype                                     Archetype

125, 152,  251, 215, 521 512 The Mentor

126, 261, 612, 162, 216, 621  The Supporter

127, 271, 712, 172, 217, 721  The Teacher

135, 351, 513, 153, 315, 531  The Technical Expert

136, 163, 316, 361, 613, 631  The Taskmaster

137, 371, 713, 173, 731, 317  The Systems Builder

145, 153, 415, 451, 514, 541  The Researcher

146, 164, 416, 461, 614 641   The Philosopher

147, 174, 471, 741 417, 714   The Visionary

258, 582, 825, 285, 528, 852  The Strategist

259, 592, 925, 295, 529, 952  The Problem Solver

268, 682, 826, 286, 628, 862  The Rescuer

269, 692, 926, 296, 629, 962  The Good Samaritan

278, 782, 827, 287, 728, 872  The Free Spirit

279, 792, 927, 297, 729, 972  The Peacemaker

358, 583, 835, 385, 853, 538  The Solution Master

359, 593, 935, 395, 539, 953  The Thinker

368, 683, 836, 386, 638, 863  The Justice Fighter

369, 639, 936, 396, 693, 963  The Mediator

378, 738, 837, 387, 783, 873  The Mover Shaker

379, 739, 937, 397, 793, 973  The Ambassador

458, 548, 845, 385, 584, 854  The Scholar

459, 549, 945, 495, 594, 954  The Contemplative

468, 648, 846, 486, 684, 864  The Truth Teller

469, 649, 946, 496, 694, 964  The Seeker

478, 748, 847, 487, 784, 874  The Messenger

479, 749, 947, 497, 794, 974  The Gentle Spirit