Glossary

Arrows

The Enneagram diagram shows inner lines (or arrows) which form a triangle of (3,6 and 9) and a six-pointed star (1,4,2,8,5,7 and 1). The direction of the arrows signify the places (types) we go to in stress and security. For example, Ones moves to Four in stress, on a route known as the path of disintegration and to Seven in security, known as the path of integration. 

Chief feature

Also known as the root motivation, each type has a need for something, so for example Threes have a need to achieve and look good to others, and Fives need to be competent and capable. Only the individual can know this root motivation, which is why it is advisable not to try and ‘type’ others. 

Countertypes

Under each of the types one of the three subtypes acts as a countertype.  This means that instead of going with the flow of energy of the mental fixation and ruling passion, the countertype goes against it and doesn’t look like the other two.

Default thinking and behaviour

This describes our mental fixation, such as our patterns of thinking and feeling, and our emotional energy or ruling passion. Each type has a focus of attention, for example Nines focus on others, rather than be in touch with themselves. They are intent on avoiding conflict, seeking to maintain harmony at all costs. As these defaults are motivated by a sense of loss, they also obstruct us in fulfilling our needs until such time as we become conscious and take ownership of our motivations. 

Defence mechanisms

Corresponding to each types particular mental fixation, defence mechanisms are an unconsciously developed strategy and protective habit for coping with pain . 

Energy centres

Each type is grouped into one of three energy centres (or ‘Centres of Intelligence’). These centres are the Gut (physical), the Heart (emotional) and the Head (intellectual). 

Holy idea

Each type has a particular longing for something, for example Eights have a longing for truth. After the loss of the Holy Idea and corresponding Virtue or Essence in our early life, in order to cope we create our personality strategies – that is our default thinking and behaviour. 

Levels of health

Levels of health are categorised into three levels. Healthy levels when we are functioning well and feeling relaxed and secure. Average levels when we are responding to life circumstances, which trigger our default thinking and behaviour more. And finally, unhealthy levels when we are very stressed, and our behaviour may become dysfunctional. 

Mental fixation

These are patterns of thinking and feeling, for example for Sevens it is planning and for Twos it is flattery. 

Mimicking

Mimicking is how, through personal effort, we seek to reproduce and fulfil our deepest longing (or Holy Idea). 

Ruling passion

These are our emotional drivers, the energy which helps us to cope with the loss of what we long for, for example for Fours it is envy and for Sixes it is fear.  

Subtypes

The Enneagram model includes characteristic patterns of behaviour for each of the types, known as subtypes. These subtypes are categorised as Self-preservation, One to one and Social bonding.  All three subtypes will be present in us, and we use all three instincts in daily activities in life. 

Virtue/Essence

In order to return to our Essence, also known as our true self or virtue, a period of growth is necessary. As we learn more about the Enneagram, we can start to introduce strategies to help us along this path of growth. Growth comes from self-identification, followed by self-reflection and finally self-development. The Enneagram is an effective tool for this process. 

Wings

These are the numbers (types) that sit, like neighbours, on either side of the key type.  For example a Five’s wings are Four and Six.  Typically one wing is more dominant than the other and can strongly influence our personality.