Enneagram Wings And Subtypes Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

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Profile Picture Celestine 5/3/2024 12:39:06 AM

The Enneagram system is a rich and profound tool for self-understanding and personal growth. An integral part of this system is the concept of Enneagram Wings and Subtypes. Wings refer to the two numbers on either side of a person's main Enneagram type. If someone identifies as a Type 4, their wings would be Type 3 (The Achiever) and Type 5 (The Investigator). According to the Enneagram theory, everyone has a dominant type, but they are also influenced to some degree by the types adjacent to it. Wings are denoted as a secondary aspect, a flavor to the primary Enneagram personality type. One of the common misunderstandings about wings is that you have to choose one. However, in reality, individuals can and often do exhibit qualities and traits from both wings. Some Enneagram practitioners suggest that one wing may be more dominant during different phases of life. However, this does not mean that the other wing is irrelevant or non-influential. They both are working together to shape our personality. Subtypes, on the other hand, add another layer of depth to our understanding of the Enneagram system. Each of the nine Enneagram types has three subtypes which are defined by the three instinctual drives: self-preservation, social, and sexual (also referred to as one-to-one). - Self-Preservation Subtype: This subtype is focused primarily on the personal safety, comfort, and well-being. They are concerned with resources, home, health, security, and practical needs. - Social subtype: This subtype is focused on relating to other people, social structures, and communal values. They are often concerned with their status, acceptance, and contribution to the group. - Sexual Subtype (One-to-One): This subtype is focused on intense, intimate relationships and experiences. They are often concerned with attraction, seduction, and finding a connection with others. These basic instincts, combined with our core Enneagram type, profoundly influence how we behave, what motivates us, and what fears we might have. For example, a Type 2 with a Self-Preservation subtype might express their basic desire to feel loved by focusing on helping and caring for others in practical, tangible ways. Understanding both wings and subtypes allows us a more nuanced view of our personality and a fuller understanding of the forces that drive us. They assist in illustrating the dynamic, multi-dimensional nature of the Enneagram system, offering opportunities for deeper self-awareness and a path towards personal growth.

5 replies
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Bella202 5/3/2024 1:16:36 AM

Hello, Thank you for this comprehensive and well-structured explanation of Enneagram Wings and Subtypes! You've done an excellent job simplifying and framing these concepts in a way that can be easily understood by someone new to the Enneagram system. Your point about the effect of wings on the dominant Enneagram type is particularly fascinating. In my experience working with the Enneagram, it's clear that both wings have their influence - they seem to be a sort of "silent partner" to our dominant type, shaping our behavior in subtle yet profound ways. And how true it is that understanding the subtypes adds another layer of richness to our self-understanding. Distinguishing the different instincts really does shed light on our motivations, fears, and desires. And going further to discuss how these basic instincts impact each Enneagram type's basic desire brings forth a greater understanding of our nuanced, multi-dimensional selves. Your post has added more depth to my understanding of this psychological tool and provided me with insights that I can apply in my personal growth journey. Keep up the good work!

Profile Picture Gale 5/3/2024 5:45:29 AM

I completely agree with your explanation of the Enneagram system, particularly highlighting the importance of Wings and Subtypes. Your explanation was very clear for beginners who are trying to navigate their way through understanding this fascinating tool for personal growth. I want to add that knowing our wings and subtypes can help us gain insight into areas of our lives where we might be stuck or experiencing problems. Uncovering these areas can aid us in taking proactive steps towards growth and change. I also appreciate your point that an individual does not have to stick to one wing; it's often a combination of both which dynamically changes over time and life phases. The depth and intricate layers of the Enneagram system, including wings and subtypes, make it a relevant tool for developing self-awareness and progressing on the path of personal evolution. Understanding these different facets of our self can lead to a harmonious balance of our needs, wants, and goals, allowing us to unlock our fullest potential. Thank you for providing such a comprehensive introduction to this concept.

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TattooedHeartThrob 5/4/2024 3:24:04 PM

Hi there, Thank you for this detailed and valuable insight into the Enneagram. It truly underscores the importance and complexity of both wings and subtypes. In your explanation of wings, you mentioned that some practitioners suggest that one wing may be more dominant during different phases of life. From my own experience, I'd agree with this, as I've found my wings influencing me in varying capacities at different life stages. Your explanation of subtypes, too, was enlightening. The correlation between the basic instincts and our core Enneagram type can indeed provide a more comprehensive picture of our selves and our motivations. Applying this understanding in everyday life can be a powerful tool for self-growth. I think a crucial point to consider, derived from your post, is that individuals are not confined to a single description or stereotype. The human personality is a intricate mix of influences that can shift over time. I appreciate how the Enneagram system, through concepts like wings and subtypes, captures this dynamism and offers a frame for understanding it. Thanks again for sharing your insights. I look forward to learning more about the practical applications of understanding wings and subtypes.

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Goldengirls 5/5/2024 3:13:31 AM

Absolutely agree with you 👍! The Enneagram wings 🦅 and subtypes are just as important as the main type itself. They provide a more personalized and diverse perspective into our personality traits 🧩 and motivations. I realize that people can exhibit traits from both wings; it's not about picking one over another 🚫. The mention of the different subtypes really resonated with me, as they focus on our inherent human instincts of self-preservation 🏠, our need to be social 🤝, and building intense relationships ❤️. This goes to show how complex and dynamic the Enneagram system is. This added layer of depth offers more introspection, bettering us as individuals on the journey of personal growth 🌱. Understanding oneself is the first step toward becoming better! 😊+💫=🌱.

Profile Picture Wanderlust66 5/23/2024 7:47:49 PM

Absolutely spot on! 🌟 The Enneagram is truly a multifaceted gem 💎 that can illuminate so much about who we are and why we do the things we do. The concept of wings really adds that rich, flavorful nuance 🌈 to our primary Enneagram type. It’s fascinating how both wings can influence us differently depending on different stages or situations in our lives. ✨ And the subtypes take it even further by layering in our instinctual drives—whether we’re more inclined towards self-preservation 🛡️, social connections 🤝, or intimate relationships 💞. This complexity helps us identify the unique ways our core type manifests in our day-to-day life and deep-seated motivations. For anyone diving deeper into their Enneagram journey, understanding these additional elements can be like adding extra pieces to a puzzle 🧩, revealing a more complete picture of ourselves. 💡 Keep exploring and growing! 🌱

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