The Enneagram is a nine-pointed diametric figure which can be used to indicate - amongst other applications - a dynamic model of nine observably distinct yet interconnected human personality types. This 'typology' model is often called the Enneagram of Personality though it is usually just called the Enneagram (often creating confusion with other applications of the Enneagram figure).
It is argued by some that it ought to really be understood as a model of psychological 'character archetypes' rather than a 'personality' typology. Whilst there validity to this argument it has still not gained popular support.
Contemporary understandings of the Enneagram have developed from various traditional spiritual wisdom and modern psychological insight.
The Diametric Figure & Origins
The diametric figure - an 'enneagram' or 'enneagon' (from the Greek word "ennea" meaning "nine") - is composed of a circle enclosing an equilateral triangle and an irregular hexagon that connect nine points around the circle's circumference.
Although it is sometimes claimed that that the Enneagram can be found in ancient sources, especially within the Sufi spiritual tradition, its first definitely established form as a personality typology is found in the teachings of Bolivian-born Oscar Ichazo (b. 1931) and his system of 'Protoanalysis'. Ichazo first taught his understanding of the Enneagram to students in Arica, Chile in the 1960s and later in the United States through his Arica Institute.
Most mainstream Enneagram teaching has been largely derived - directly or indirectly - from the teachings of the Chilean-born psychiatrist Claudio Naranjo who first learned the basics of the Enneagram from Ichazo in Arica. It was principally from Naranjo that the Enneagram became established in the United States and these teachings were developed and applied by various other people - including a number of Jesuit priests and seminarians.
The Enneagram figure's first established use is found in the teachings of the Greek-Armenian teacher G. I. Gurdjieff (d. 1949). It is speculated by some that the Enneagram figure is possibly a variant of the Chaldean Seal from the times of Pythagoras.
The Enneagram's nine types are sometimes given names that indicate some distinctive and prominent aspect of the particular type - such as:
- 1 – Critics
- 2 – Carers
- 3 – Achievers
- 4 – Romantics
- 5 – Observers
- 6 – Loyalists
- 7 – Enthusiasts
- 8 – Protectors
- 9 – Mediators
Among Enneagram teachers and theorists there can be important differences in their approach and interpretation. Some have also developed ideas about it that are not generally accepted by most others.
The characteristics of each of the nine Enneagram types overlap around the circle. Observation suggests, for example, that the type "One" people will also be influenced by characteristics of either or both Types Nine and Two. The two types on each sides of a person's principal type are usually called the 'Wings'.
The internal lines of the triangle and hexagon indicate what are usually called the 'Stress Points' and 'Security Points'.
Each type also has three main instinctual subtypes - the Sexual, Social and Self-Preservation subtypes.
The 'Ego-Fixations' of the Enneagram types also correlate with the traditional Seven Deadly Sins with two additional ones - 'deceit' and 'fear' - at Points Three and Six respectively.
Therefore these nine deadly sins correspond to the personality ego-fixations as follows:
- 1 – Anger (Resentment)
- 2 – Pride
- 3 – Deceit
- 4 – Envy
- 5 – Avarice
- 6 – Fear
- 7 – Gluttony
- 8 – Lust
- 9 – Sloth