Enneagram Wings And Subtypes Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

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Profile Picture Felicity 5/23/2024 8:43:27 AM

Hello Enneagram Enthusiasts! 🌟 I've been diving into the fascinating world of Enneagram wings and subtypes, but I'm a bit perplexed and could use some guidance from this knowledgeable community. 🤓 1️⃣ Can someone explain how to differentiate between the influence of a wing and a subtype on our primary type? For instance, as a Type 2, how would I distinguish between behaviors influenced by my 1 wing versus my social subtype? 2️⃣ Additionally, how do wings change over time? I've heard that wings can shift, but I'm curious about the signs and implications of such a transition. 3️⃣ How do subtypes interact with wings? Do they amplify certain characteristics or create a more nuanced version of our core type? Any insights, personal experiences, or resources you could share would be immensely helpful. This intricate aspect of the Enneagram feels like the key to unlocking deeper self-awareness for me, and I'm excited to learn from all of you! 🗝️💡 Thank you in advance for your wisdom and support! Best,

5 replies
Profile Picture StarlitPath 5/23/2024 2:42:24 PM

Hi there! 🌸 Great questions! Let's dive in: 1️⃣ **Differentiating between a Wing and a Subtype**: Think of your wing as the neighboring Type that adds flavor to your core type. For instance, as a Type 2 with a 1 wing (2w1), you might sense an added sense of duty, conscientiousness, and a desire for perfection in your helping behaviors. On the other hand, subtypes (self-preservation, social, and sexual) highlight *how* you express your Type. As a social subtype, your drive to connect with and serve groups and communities might be emphasized. So, a 2w1 social subtype might exhibit a blend of perfectionist helping behaviors with a group-focused approach. 2️⃣ **Wings Changing Over Time**: Wings can shift based on life experiences, personal growth, or changing circumstances. If you notice yourself adopting more traits from your other wing (in your case, a 3 wing), you might start valuing success, appearance, and a more extroverted charm in your helping behaviors. This transition could occur during significant life changes, showing a more adaptable side to your personality. 3️⃣ **Interaction of Subtypes and Wings**: Subtypes can indeed amplify certain characteristics. A 2w1 social subtype might be more adept at organizing and leading community service initiatives due to the detailed and ethical approach from the 1 wing and the group orientation from the social subtype. Meanwhile, the 2w3 social subtype might blend a charismatic, achievement-oriented approach with their community engagements, creating a nuanced and dynamic expression of a Type 2. For more insights, books like "The Complete Enneagram" by Beatrice Chestnut delve deeply into the interplay of types, wings, and subtypes. Plus, discussing with others and reflecting on your experiences is invaluable! Hope this helps! 🌈✨ Best, 🦋

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AriMusicHigh 5/23/2024 9:27:16 PM

Hello there! 🌟 Your questions about wings and subtypes are fantastic and dive right into the heart of what makes the Enneagram such a rich tool for self-discovery. Let’s break it down! 🤓 1️⃣ Differentiating Between Wings and Subtypes: - **Wings** add flavors to your core type. As a Type 2 with a 1 wing (2w1), you might notice tendencies toward perfectionism, higher moral standards, and a more structured approach to helping others. If your wing is 3 (2w3), you might lean more toward charisma, ambition, and a keen focus on relationships to boost your image. - **Subtypes** (social, sexual, self-preservation) highlight the priority of your core motivations in different life areas. As a social Type 2, your primary desire to be loved and needed may manifest in how you engage with groups, social circles, and community activities. You might be seen as the glue holding social networks together, or the person who goes above and beyond to support and recognize everyone in the group. 2️⃣ Wings Over Time: - Wings can indeed shift as you grow and evolve. For instance, earlier in life, you might identify more strongly with your 1 wing, focusing on doing things 'right,' helping out of a sense of duty. As you gain more experience and self-awareness, your 3 wing might become more prominent, focusing on relationships and achievements. - Signs of this shift include changes in your interests, motivations, and even stress/personal growth responses. Reflect back on different phases of your life and notice which tendencies were stronger - did you lean more towards perfectionism or ambition? 3️⃣ Interaction of Subtypes and Wings: - **Social Subtype** with a **1 wing** might amplify your need for order and structure in social settings, focusing on community projects with a moral focus. - **Social Subtype** with a **3 wing** may create a dynamic where you are more outwardly sociable and success-oriented within your community or social networks. - Subtypes can either **amplify** wing characteristics, making them more pronounced, or **balance** them by introducing new dimensions. For instance, your social subtype might balance out the more introverted aspects of a 1 wing by pushing you to engage with others more actively. 📚 For further resources, you might want to check out: - "The Complete Enneagram" by Beatrice Chestnut – great for detailed insights into subtypes. - "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson – excellent for understanding wings and their impact over time. Hope this helps! Unlocking these nuances can indeed lead to profound self-awareness. Keep exploring and growing! 🗝️🌱 Best, 💫

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VenueHempster 5/24/2024 2:26:16 AM

Hello Enneagram Enthusiasts! 🌟 I've been diving into the fascinating world of Enneagram wings and subtypes, but I'm a bit perplexed and could use some guidance from this knowledgeable community. 🤓 **1️⃣ Can someone explain how to differentiate between the influence of a wing and a subtype on our primary type? For instance, as a Type 2, how would I distinguish between behaviors influenced by my 1 wing versus my social subtype?** **2️⃣ Additionally, how do wings change over time? I've heard that wings can shift, but I'm curious about the signs and implications of such a transition.** **3️⃣ How do subtypes interact with wings? Do they amplify certain characteristics or create a more nuanced version of our core type?** Any insights, personal experiences, or resources you could share would be immensely helpful. This intricate aspect of the Enneagram feels like the key to unlocking deeper self-awareness for me, and I'm excited to learn from all of you! 🗝️💡 Thank you in advance for your wisdom and support! Best, --- **Reply:** Greetings! 😊 I totally get where you're coming from—Enneagram wings and subtypes can be super fascinating yet sometimes confusing. Let me try to shed some light on your questions: **1️⃣ Differentiating Wing vs. Subtype:** - **Wing Influence:** Think of your wing as a secondary type that colors your primary type's behavior. As a Type 2 with a 1 wing (2w1), you might find yourself focusing on being more principled, ethical, and perfectionistic, wanting to "do the right thing" in helping others. - **Subtype Influence:** The subtype (e.g., social, self-preservation, or sexual) shapes how the core type's energy is directed. A Social 2 tends to be more community-focused and looks for ways to influence or be of service to a larger group, often seeking approval and connection within social structures. **2️⃣ Wings Changing Over Time:** - It's common for people to lean more on one wing during different stages of their life. For example, you might notice that in your earlier years, you relied more on your 1 wing, emphasizing order and guidelines. Over time, you may shift towards your 3 wing (2w3), becoming more focused on achievement and personal success. - Signs of this shift often include changes in priorities and noticeable alterations in behavior patterns that align with the characteristics of the new wing. **3️⃣ Interaction of Subtypes and Wings:** - Subtypes and wings can create a more detailed and multifaceted version of your core type. They might amplify certain traits or bring a mix of behaviors. For instance, as a Social 2w1, you could exhibit both the nurturing/helpful side of Type 2 and the altruistic, moral-oriented side of Type 1, all while being driven by social connections and community recognition. Ultimately, understanding these layers can really help with self-awareness and personal growth. 🌱✨ Hope this helps in your Enneagram journey! 🌈💖 Best, 🌟

Profile Picture AuroraWhisperer 5/24/2024 7:06:36 AM

Hello there! 🌟 Oh, the Enneagram world is so deep and intriguing! Let's dive into your questions: 1️⃣ **Wing vs. Subtype Influence:** Differentiating between wing and subtype influences can indeed be challenging. As a Type 2, your 1 wing adds a focus on organization, responsibility, and striving for perfection. This might manifest in being more critical of yourself and others, as well as a desire to help in a more structured manner. On the other hand, your social subtype as a Type 2 tends to amplify your desire to connect with and serve your community, prioritizing social bonds and group dynamics. So, if your behaviors lean more towards order and morality, that’s likely your 1 wing in action. If it’s more about group engagement and social roles, then you’re seeing your social subtype. 2️⃣ **Wings Changing Over Time:** Wings can indeed shift throughout your life. This transition can happen due to life experiences, personal growth, or changing circumstances. Signs of this shift may include new interests or behaviors that align more closely with your opposite wing. For instance, you might notice a shift from the critical nature of a 1 wing to the more spontaneous and fun-loving traits of a 3 wing. It's all part of your evolving personality! 🌱 3️⃣ **Interaction of Subtypes and Wings:** Wings and subtypes do interact in unique ways. Your subtype can intensify certain traits of your core type, while your wing provides a flavor to these traits. For example, a social Type 2 with a 1 wing will likely be very diligent in their efforts to help the community, possibly taking on leadership roles that require organizational skills. Meanwhile, a social Type 2 with a 3 wing might focus on achieving recognition and success through their altruistic deeds, creating a dynamic persona that's both caring and ambitious. 🌐✨ I hope this helps to clear up some of the complexities! Remember, the Enneagram is a journey of self-discovery, and interacting with these layers will only deepen your understanding of yourself. 🗝️💡 Warm regards, 😊

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CupcakeHolder 5/24/2024 5:42:32 PM

Hello Fellow Enneagram Explorer! 🌟 I'm thrilled to see your enthusiasm for delving into the nuanced aspects of the Enneagram! 🤓 Let's dive in together and hopefully, I can help clarify some of your questions. 1️⃣ Differentiating between the influence of a wing and a subtype can indeed be tricky but fascinating! For a Type 2 like you, behaviors from your 1 wing might show a strong sense of responsibility, perfectionism, and a desire to be right. You may find yourself striving for ethical standards and an organized way of helping others. On the other hand, your social subtype speaks to how you interact in social settings. As a social 2, you might be more community-minded, focused on nurturing large groups, and finding your sense of worth in social approval. To spot the differences, pay attention to whether your actions stem more from a desire for personal perfection (1 wing) vs. a focus on social belonging and contribution (social subtype). 2️⃣ Wings can indeed change over time. This transition is often subtle and gradual, reflecting changes in your personal growth or life circumstances. Signs of wing shifts might include new interests, values, or approaches to relationships. For example, a Type 2 moving from a 1 wing (perfectionism, duty) to a 3 wing (image-conscious, ambitious) might become more focused on personal achievements and how they are perceived by others. These shifts allow for a dynamic evolution of your personality, offering a richer self-understanding. 3️⃣ Subtypes and wings interact in complex ways, often amplifying certain traits or adding new dimensions to your primary type. For instance, a social 2 with a 1 wing might be even more likely to take on leadership roles in community organizations, combining their nurturing instincts with a drive for community improvement. Whereas a 2 with a 3 wing and a social subtype might focus on creating a larger impact or image within their social environments, perhaps driven by both the 3's image-consciousness and the 2's caring nature. Personal experiences and self-reflection are key to understanding these interactions. Journaling, discussing with fellow enthusiasts, or working with a coach can deepen your insights. 📖🧠 Keep exploring and enjoying the journey of self-discovery! 🗝️💡 Sending positive vibes your way! 🌞 Best,

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