Enneagram Triads: 3. Harmonic Groups

Enneagram Triads: 3. Harmonic Groups

Whilst the Hornevian Groups looks at the actions of the types, the Harmonic Groups focuses on the types reactions to obstacles and difficulties in life. And the groupings are completely different to those seen in the Hornevian triads. Probably the easiest way to type someone is by identifying both their Hornevian and Harmonic group, their action and reaction to the world. In the Harmonic triads, similar to other groupings, we find three distinct ways of reacting to an obstacle. They can be classed according to the reasoning attached with each view. Remember, although these reactions are paired with certain types, people of these types may in addition also react according to their lines of integration and disintegration, depending on how developed they are. Positive Outlook - Types 2, 7, 9 The silver lining is what these types focus upon. When the going gets tough, the Positive Outlook types bring our attention to what is still going right and how the problem may not be that bad. Type 7 does this through their focus on happiness, on constantly keeping the environment upbeat. Type 2 will focus on people, calming and reassuring them in trouble. Type 9 maintains their tranquility throughout the ordeal, acting as a soothing presence for others. One problem with the Postive Outlook types is that sometimes they can easily overlook the problem, even denying its existence. The focus on happiness and positivity can be used as avoidance of problems and so it’s important for people who react like this to acknowledge that can be good sometimes to face an obstacle as it is, working through the pain and difficulty with resilience. Competency - Types 1, 3, 5 When faced with an obstacle, the Competency group look towards resolution, working as quickly and efficiently as they can. They value an unemotional approach to problem-solving, valuing cognitive efficiency as opposed to the irrationality contained within emotional reasoning. Type 1 will focus on working within their belief systems, valuing moral law and ethical fairness. Type 5 in contrast strives for an omniscient view of the problem, moving outside of the systems they are part of. Type 3 will do both but mainly wants to resolve chaos smoothly without impacting themselves or others opinions of them. Although efficiency is an effective problem-solving strategy, denying emotions can be detrimental. The advice for the Competency group is that feelings, though messy and irrational, are necessary part of reacting to problems. Dealing with them, instead of denying or repressing, not only provides cathartic experience but also increases our empathetic connection with others, bettering relationships with all people.  Emotional Realness - Types 4, 6, 8 Obstacles and problems evoke within us an emotional response, and it is the reaction that the Emotional Realness types will focus in on. They express their reactions openly and in doing so, look for emotional mirroring within others gaining knowledge of where others stand on issues. Type 8 openly expresses anger, often feeling energised by conflict. Type 4 takes a more withdrawn approach to their reaction, often in an artistic or symbolic form. Type 6 is more selective in its reaction, using the emotional release as a way of assessing people or situations. The Emotional Realness reaction is probably the least supported by the western world, which values rationality and emotional repression. This isn’t to say these types are not good. On the contrary, the Emotional Realness types are probably best at working through their emotions as well as those expressed by others. It is just a matter of not over doing it, of being aware of how venting your own frustrations can significantly impact others. After learning about the different triads present within the enneagram, what I found most interesting was the geometry. All the major triads when drawn onto the enneagram symbol, came up as similar triangles creating a symmetrical pattern. It seems to be more than a coincidence that a personality based model of humanity can produce such a mathematically sound pattern. This is why I believe the enneagram should be taken and applied not only to just personality, but also to other areas of our human existence.  

Enneagram Types (Part 2)

Here’s a description of each Enneagram type, including their core motivations, fears, desires, and typical behaviors, along with information about their wings:

Type 6 - The Loyalist: Core Motivation: Sixes seek security, guidance, and support. They strive to find safety and stability in their environment and relationships.

Core Fear: Sixes fear being abandoned, unsupported, or without guidance. They may worry about potential dangers and uncertainties.

Core Desire: Sixes desire to have security, certainty, and trust. They long for reassurance and reliable relationships.

Typical Behaviors: Sixes are loyal, responsible, and often seek guidance from authority figures or trusted individuals. They may be cautious, vigilant, and prepared for potential risks.

Wing 5 (6w5): The Defender

Fives bring an intellectual and independent dimension to Sixes. They may have a more withdrawn and observant approach to their loyalty and may seek knowledge to feel more secure.

Wing 7 (6w7): The Buddy

Sevens add an adventurous and optimistic element to Sixes. They may seek distraction from anxieties and look for exciting experiences to balance their need for security.

Type 7 - The Enthusiast: Core Motivation: Sevens seek pleasure, excitement, and new experiences. They strive to avoid pain and discomfort and seek fulfillment in the present moment.

Core Fear: Sevens fear being trapped, limited, or missing out on opportunities. They may avoid facing difficult emotions or situations.

Core Desire: Sevens desire to be happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. They long for freedom and a sense of abundance.

Typical Behaviors: Sevens are enthusiastic, spontaneous, and often have a wide range of interests. They enjoy seeking new experiences, possibilities, and tend to be optimistic.

Wing 6 (7w6): The Entertainer

Sixes bring a practical and security-oriented dimension to Sevens. They may have a more cautious approach to their enthusiasm and may seek support and guidance in their pursuits.

Wing 8 (7w8): The Realist

Eights add a bold and assertive element to Sevens. They may be more focused on power and assertiveness in their pursuit of pleasure and may have a stronger desire for control.

Type 8 - The Challenger: Core Motivation: Eights seek control, independence, and protection. They strive to avoid vulnerability and stand up for themselves and others.

Core Fear: Eights fear being controlled, manipulated, or vulnerable. They may worry about being taken advantage of or appearing weak.

Core Desire: Eights desire to be strong, self-reliant, and in control. They long for justice, fairness, and protection for themselves and those they care about.

Typical Behaviors: Eights are assertive, confident, and often take on leadership roles. They have a strong presence and tend to be direct and confrontational.

Wing 7 (8w7): The Maverick

Sevens bring an adventurous and pleasure-seeking dimension to Eights. They may have a more lighthearted and optimistic approach to their assertiveness and desire for control.

Wing 9 (8w9): The Bear

Nines add a calming and harmonizing element to Eights. They may have a more grounded and receptive approach to their assertiveness and desire for control.

Type 9 - The Peacemaker: Core Motivation: Nines seek inner and outer peace, harmony, and avoidance of conflict. They strive for comfort and a sense of unity with others.

Core Fear: Nines fear conflict, disconnection, or loss of peace. They may avoid asserting themselves or facing difficult emotions.

Core Desire: Nines desire to have inner stability, peace, and to maintain their relationships. They long for a sense of wholeness and unity.

Typical Behaviors: Nines are easygoing, agreeable, and often go along with others' preferences. They seek to maintain harmony and may merge with others' opinions.

Wing 8 (9w8): The Referee

Eights bring a stronger assertiveness and a desire for power to Nines. They may be more willing to stand up for themselves and others and may have a stronger sense of individuality.

Wing 1 (9w1): The Dreamer

Ones bring a sense of responsibility and a desire for order to Nines. They may strive for personal improvement and may have higher standards for themselves and their relationships.

Remember that individuals may vary within each type, and the wings offer additional dimensions to their core motivations. The Enneagram system is a tool for self-awareness and personal growth, helping individuals understand their patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

Stay tune for Enneagram posts.

xoxo J.

Enneagram Types (Part 1)

The Enneagram system consists of nine core types, and each type can have a dominant wing, which is one of the adjacent types on the Enneagram diagram. The wing adds additional nuances and characteristics to the core type.

Here's a description of each Enneagram type, including their core motivations, fears, desires, and typical behaviors, along with information about their wings:

Type 1 - The Reformer: Core Motivation: Ones strive to be good, moral, and virtuous. They have a strong sense of right and wrong and seek to improve themselves and the world around them.

Core Fear: Ones fear being corrupt, immoral, or flawed. They strive for perfection and can be highly critical of themselves and others.

Core Desire: Ones desire to have integrity and to be right. They long for a sense of balance and order.

Typical Behaviors: Ones are responsible, principled, and have a strong work ethic. They tend to be self-disciplined, organized, and strive for excellence.

Wing 9 (1w9): The Idealist

Nines tend to soften the rigidity of Ones and bring a more peaceful and easygoing approach to their perfectionistic tendencies. They may be more patient, accepting, and able to see multiple perspectives.

Wing 2 (1w2): The Advocate

Twos add a caring and nurturing element to Ones. They may be more focused on helping others and may strive for perfection in service to others. They may also struggle with boundaries and a need for external validation.

Type 2 - The Helper: Core Motivation: Twos seek to be loved, wanted, and needed. They strive to be helpful and to win the affection and approval of others.

Core Fear: Twos fear being unwanted, unloved, or rejected. They may worry about being seen as selfish or needy.

Core Desire: Twos desire to be appreciated, valued, and loved. They long for connection and meaningful relationships.

Typical Behaviors: Twos are caring, generous, and empathetic. They often put others' needs before their own and seek to be supportive and helpful.

Wing 1 (2w1): The Servant

Ones bring a sense of responsibility and a focus on ethics and doing what is right to Twos. They may have higher standards and may feel a sense of duty in their helpfulness.

Wing 3 (2w3): The Host/Hostess

Threes add an achievement-oriented and goal-focused aspect to Twos. They may strive to be the best at helping and seek recognition and validation for their efforts.

Type 3 - The Achiever: Core Motivation: Threes seek to be successful, admired, and accomplished. They strive for excellence and are highly driven to achieve their goals.

Core Fear: Threes fear failure, being seen as incompetent, or worthless. They may worry about not measuring up to others' expectations.

Core Desire: Threes desire recognition, approval, and validation for their achievements. They long to be seen as successful and competent.

Typical Behaviors: Threes are ambitious, hardworking, and image-conscious. They often excel in their chosen fields and are focused on presenting a positive image to others.

Wing 2 (3w2): The Charmer

Twos bring a nurturing and helpful dimension to Threes. They may be more focused on building relationships and connecting with others in their pursuit of success.

Wing 4 (3w4): The Professional

Fours add a unique and individualistic flair to Threes. They may strive to stand out and be recognized for their uniqueness, bringing creativity and depth to their achievements.

Type 4 - The Individualist: Core Motivation: Fours seek to be authentic, special, and unique. They desire to express their individuality and connect with their innermost emotions.

Core Fear: Fours fear being ordinary, mundane, or without significance. They may feel a deep sense of longing and struggle with feelings of emptiness.

Core Desire: Fours desire to be seen and understood for their authentic selves. They long for deep, meaningful connections and to express their innermost emotions.

Typical Behaviors: Fours are creative, introspective, and often express themselves through art, music, or personal styles. They value authenticity and tend to have a rich emotional inner world.

Wing 3 (4w3): The Aristocrat

Threes add a focus on success and achievement to Fours. They may strive to stand out in their unique way and desire recognition for their individuality.

Wing 5 (4w5): The Bohemian

Fives bring an intellectual and introspective element to Fours. They may be more withdrawn and focused on gaining knowledge and understanding their complex emotions.

Type 5 - The Investigator: Core Motivation: Fives seek knowledge, understanding, and independence. They strive to conserve their energy and protect their inner resources.

Core Fear: Fives fear being overwhelmed, invaded, or inadequate. They may worry about not having enough resources or knowledge to cope with the demands of the world.

Core Desire: Fives desire to be competent, self-sufficient, and capable. They long for space and privacy to explore their interests and pursue intellectual pursuits.

Typical Behaviors: Fives are observant, analytical, and tend to withdraw into their inner worlds. They often have a thirst for knowledge and may have a few close, trusted relationships.

Wing 4 (5w4): The Iconoclast

Fours add an emotional depth and a unique perspective to Fives. They may have a more artistic or expressive approach to their intellectual pursuits.

Wing 6 (5w6): The Problem Solver

Sixes bring a practical and skeptical dimension to Fives. They may seek security and may be more cautious and attentive to potential risks.

Remember that individuals may vary within each type, and the wings offer additional dimensions to their core motivations. The Enneagram system is a tool for self-awareness and personal growth, helping individuals understand their patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

Stay tune for Enneagram Types (Part 2)

xoxo J.

Enneagram Triads: 1. Primary Centres

The relationships most obvious within the enneagram are those connected by the lines of integration and disintegration. Yet many who have studied the enneagram have found all the types can be related to each other not only by lines if connection but also by groupings in threes, known as the triads. There are 4 distinct triads which will be looked at over the course of the month and this relate to the dominant emotion of a type, the way a type acts, the way a type reacts and the psychological association of the type. (Note that triadic groupings should not be used to determine compatibility, as this is affected not only by personality type but factors outside of the enneagram. Like seriously don’t) The triadic grouping that is usually first introduced is the dominant centres of intelligence. Each centre is associated with relating to an aspect of being (self, others, environment) and although each type is influenced by all three, the groupings are formed by identifying the dominant centre, resulting in a dominant emotion being present. It in interesting to note that the way a type deals with their dominant emotion results in their type behaviour. The Instinctive Centre - Anger and Rage Also referred to as the gut centre, as its name suggests this is our point of instinctual intelligence. Instincts are concerned with relationship between a person and their environment. It is the oldest and most primitive part of human psychology, and is primarily focused on our survival and endurance in our world. This will to endure is seen within the types it rules, 8,9 and 1. All three types are subconsciously focused on not being affected by the world and on moving through, no matter what happens. However, these three types deal with the dominant emotion of the centre, anger, in very different ways. For type 8, the anger is externalised. 8s use anger as an energy source to fuel their actions, as a driving force to gain control. 1s focus more on a internalised control of their anger; it is justified to be used for justice and morality whilst the primitive desires it produces are repressed. 9s are the most out of touch with their anger, numbing it out or denying its existence. This conflict avoidant type often employs a narcotization process to put its anger to sleep. In society, anger is often viewed as a counter-productive emotion. It is associated with conflict, hostility and violence. However, the centre is directly linked to the body and to our physical energy. Anger, when utilized correctly, can be a great driving force for good within our world. Utimately, in order for the gut types to mature they must realise what affect the anger has on them and to grow past this. The Emotional Centre - Shame and Image When relating to other people, we make use of our emotional centre and our emotional intelligence, related to the heart. Emotions such as joy, sorrow and the dominant emotion of shame or guilt, can often result from interactions with people, how we treat them and are treated by them. While we are in control mostly of how we treat others, we can manipulate how others treat us through the presentation of image of self. Thus the three heart types, 2,3 and 4, all focus open the image of themselves, sometimes to the extent beyond truth. For type 2, the image focus is on others, being a helpful and caring person. Guilt is alleviated through love for people with love in return. Type 4s focus more on building image internally. Individuality begins with separation from others, leading to a focus on originality and self-awareness. Type 3 is the most image-focused, always presenting itself as self-directed and successful. 3s are also very out of touch with emotions, often feeling with the deem to be the feelings needed for a situation. Reflecting upon the heart centre brings to mind the saying ‘just be yourself’. What is the self and our identity? Evidently, its probably nothing to do with what others think of us or perceive us to be and more to do with understanding ourselves. Our true selves. For the heart types, growth comes in looking past the image they have constructed towards a more honest sense of self and authenticity of identity. The Intellectual Centre - Anxiety and Fear Perhaps the centre we are most familiar with, the head centre is directly linked to the self, our consciousness. It is concerned with evaluating all the sensory input we receive and processing it into responses for action and reaction. The brain is the organ we rely on to run the whole body system and so it is constantly preparing us for the future. The head types, 5, 6 and 7, therefore all are oriented towards looking ahead at what is to come. The three types also have a over-active minds, leading to the emotion of anxiety, which is dealt with in different ways. Type 5 takes an internal focus of dealing with anxiety by collecting knowledge and withdrawing from the world. There is a safety in being away from the world. In contrast, Type 7 takes an external approach, doing things rather than thinking. If anxiety is not felt, it does not need to be dealt with. Type 6, the central head type, is most out of touch with dealing with this anxiety, often over-thinking situations and reacting to their own projection of this anxiety. Meditation is a key practise encouraged by almost all spiritual practitioners. By focusing upon stillness, we empty our minds of its banter and just exist within the silence. This is particularly useful for the head types. Shifting attention from anticipating the future to being present within the here and now is done through working on stillness of the mind. Whilst the centres are used for the main groupings, it can be difficult at first to see how the types are grouped. The analytical type 5 is almost completely opposite to the impulsive type 7 whilst the peaceful type 9 contrasts greatly to the assertive type 8. This is because the types work at controlling their dominant emotion, some making it more obvious than others. We will see that other triads present more obvious behavioural similarities than the centres and can be more useful in typing a person. 

Enneagram Triads: 4. Psychological Geometry

As seen so far, each enneagram triad has associated with it a particular triangle. Therefore the most obvious grouping we would notice would be the large equilateral triangles making up the 9 points. Unfortunately, the associations with this are much more difficult to discern; they are the distinctive psychology of the types and the processes they use. This is probably an area of enneagram research that has not been looked into quite deeply but enneagram authors Riso and Hudson have labeled these the object-relation groups. This focuses upon the relationship between the ‘self’ and ‘other’ and from it, what dominant feeling-state is present. I’ve also included my own observations of types, though these are not psychologically validated terms. Intensity/Polarity - Types 1, 4, 7 According to object-relations this group is classed as frustration-based, that the types within it are never able to fully find what they seek, or become disenchanted quickly. I notice a certain polarity and intensity present within each type. With Type 1, the polarity is in morality. The world is black and white, divided into perfect ideal and imperfect reality. The intensity of Type 1 comes within its own moral compass which seeks to be ethically perfect. With Type 4, intensity is found in emotion. The world is experienced through a very profound emotional filter. Things are intensely beautiful or hauntingly tragic or extremely distasteful. Polarity comes with the fact that there is no emotional neutrality with Type 4. Even something viewed as a common object will have a dreadful commonality attached to it. Type 7 has polarity within their thinking processes and this is seen through where it focuses attention. Subjects are either interesting or boring. In addition, there is no spectrum of a little interesting or slightly boring; the mind moves from one intensity to the other, accounting for the distractible nature of Type 7. Superiority/Dominance - Types 2, 5, 8 In object-relation terms, these are the rejection-based group, which sees themselves as smaller and weaker than the other build defences for this rejection from the other. This certainly matches my observation of the types striving for superiority or dominance. Type 8 displays this most obviously with a desire for control of environment and dominance of situation. They exert a energetic superiority towards the external world, using anger as a driving force to gain power over their circumstances. In contrast Type 2 strives for social superiority. By attending to the needs of others, they can place themselves in the position where others are dependent on them. Without them others would struggle. In this sense, superiority comes in the value of ‘goodness’ and kindness to others. With Type 5, the dominance is of the self. The rational mind is valued to control all other aspects of the body. Irrational emotions and impulses are dominated and processed by logical reasoning, leading to the believe the mind is superior to the body. This can account for the Type 5 behaviour of withdrawing within their head as they must attend to this emotional processing to maintain their control.

Multiplicity - Types 3, 6, 9 The final group in the object-relation theory is the attachment-based group. The types within this group are attached to a state of being, an image, a job, a feeling, whatever it is that’s stabilising their lifestyle. This attachments can often be too deeply held and can cause problems for the types. I’ve also noticed their is an inherent multiplicity present within these types, a sort of chameleon-ness. Type 3 has the obvious shifting of image present. They are able to quickly shape shift the presentation of themselves to others in order to be appealing to others and present their success. Type 9 contains multiplicity in being, changing with their environment. This type is most affected by the space it enters, filling their consciousness to merge with certain people or specific environments. Interestingly, Type 6 shows the multiplicity within personality. This is the only enneagram type that has correlations with almost every single Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Some have even alluded to the fact that within themselves there are splits within consciousness, forming an inner council of personality. Type 6 therefore alters personality to fit to that which provides the greatest security and personal safety to themselves. Unlike the other 3 posts on triads, I have not provided any advice for the types. This is an area of the enneagram that has minimal information and I can only provide observation on what I have seen and researched. Hopefully, taking into account all the information of the triads, you will be able to apply it to yourselves to identify your own ego patterns and then work towards moving beyond these defense mechanisms to a greater self development and connection towards Essence.

FunkyMBTI - Enneagram

Enneagram Themes

Enneagram 1: The Reformer

Enneagram 2: The Helper

Enneagram 3: The Achiever

Enneagram 4: The Individualist

Enneagram 5: The Investigator

Enneagram 6: The Loyalist

Enneagram 7: The Enthusiast

Enneagram 8: The Challenger

Enneagram 9: The Peacemaker

Other links

Enneagram pages

MBTI pages

Character Typing Guide