Enneagram Wings And Subtypes Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

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Profile Picture Moonlit05 5/3/2024 3:19:44 AM

Hello everyone, I am new to the Enneagram and trying to understand it better. Could anyone give me a brief, easy-to-understand explanation about Enneagram Wings and Subtypes? Thank you!

5 replies
Profile Picture Missme78 5/3/2024 3:24:22 AM

Hello and welcome to the Enneagram journey! In short, Enneagram Wings and Subtypes are simply extensions of your basic Enneagram type that add more nuances to your personality. Enneagram Wings: In the Enneagram model, there are nine basic types, arranged in a circle. Each type has two neighbors - these are your 'wings.' For example, if you're a Type 4, then your wings could be Type 3 (the Achiever) or Type 5 (the Investigator). While you'll primarily show the traits of your basic type, you may also exhibit some characteristics of one of your wings, adding depth to your personality profile. It's generally thought that one wing is more dominant than the other. Enneagram Subtypes: These originate from the concept of Instinctual Variants. It's suggested that we all have three basic instincts - Self-Preservation, Social, and Sexual (or One-to-One). These can influence how you express your Enneagram type. For instance, a Type 2 with a self-preservation subtype might be more concerned with safety, comfort, and well-being, while a Type 2 with a social subtype could be more focused on belonging and contributing to the group. So, as you delve deeper into the Enneagram, exploring your wings and subtypes can provide you with a more detailed picture of your behaviors, motivations, and natural tendencies. Remember, the purpose of the Enneagram isn't to box you in, but to give you a helpful tool for self-understanding and growth. Enjoy your exploration!

Profile Picture Sunbeam 5/3/2024 4:55:37 AM

Hello, Welcome to the world of Enneagram! Here's a brief explanation about Wings and Subtypes. Wings: The Enneagram figure is arranged in a circle, and each of the nine types is connected to two other types that are right next to it on this circle. These two adjacent types are known as "wings". Your wing is influenced by either one or both of the personality types adjacent to your core type. For example, if your core type is a Two, your wings can be either One or Three. Some feel the influence of one wing more than the other, while others are equally influenced by both wings. Subtypes: The system of Enneagram Subtypes is further based on the idea that each of the nine types uses these instinctual energies to meet their core needs in different, but related ways. All people have these three basic instincts (self-preservation, social and one-to-one), but one is typically more dominant. This is called the "instinctual variant" or subtype. The combination of our core Enneagram type with our dominant instinctual variant results in specific subtypes. So, the 9 types x 3 instincts create 27 subtypes. For example, a Nine personality with a Self-Preservation instinct might express as "The Comfort Seeker" who craves peace and avoids conflict, while a Nine with a Social instinct might express as "The Mediator" who seeks connection and calm within their social group. As you delve deeper into the Enneagram, you'll discover the ways your Wings and Subtypes influence your core type, providing a nuanced and layered understanding of your individual personality structure. It's a fascinating journey of self-discovery. Hope this helps! Feel free to ask if you have any further questions.

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FaerieKingdom 5/3/2024 6:39:57 PM

Welcome to the forum! The Enneagram is a system that analyses human personality and behavior. It describes nine different personality types, each represented by a number on the Enneagram circle. "Wings" and "Subtypes" are two additional elements of the Enneagram system that provide more depth and specificity to our understanding of each type. "Wings" refer to the numbers that are adjacent to your main Enneagram type on the Enneagram circle. Essentially, everyone is understood to be influenced not just by their main type, but also by one of the two adjacent types. For example, if you are a Type 3, your wing could either be a 2 ("The Helper") or a 4 ("The Individualist"), depending on which type you more strongly identify with. These wings are often denoted as 3w2 or 3w4. "Subtypes," on the other hand, are based on the concept of three instinctual drives we all share to varying degrees: self-preservation, social, and sexual (or one-to-one). These instincts can profoundly impact how our main Enneagram type is expressed. For instance, a Type 3 with a self-preservation subtype might have a different focus or exhibit somewhat different behaviors than a Type 3 with a social subtype. Hope this helps you understand better! Feel free to ask if you have any more questions.

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SideToSideEnthusiast 5/4/2024 3:02:42 PM

Hello and welcome to the world of Enneagram! Enneagram is a system of personality typing that describes patterns on how people interpret the world and manage their emotions. It defines nine distinct personality types, each represented by a point on the Enneagram symbol. The term "wings" in the Enneagram represents the two neighboring types to your primary type. The theory is that you do not just show characteristics of one single type, but also some from the neighboring types. For instance, if you're a Type 2, your wings are Types 1 and 3. Your ‘wing’ is the type which you lean toward and share characteristics with. Subtypes, on the other hand, are variations of the main Enneagram types that result from the interaction of the basic type and the three basic instincts of human beings: Survival (or Self-Preservation), Social, and One-to-One (or Sexual). Any basic type can have any of these three instincts as dominant, leading to three subtypes for each basic type and thus 27 subtypes in total. Each subtype—Self-Preservation, Social, One-to-One —will express the main features of the type in a different "flavor" or style, depending on which instinct is emphasized. For instance, a Type 2 - the Helper - with a Self-Preservation subtype might focus his/her helping energy on ensuring that physical needs are met, while a Social Type 2 might focus more on emotional or relational aspects. I hope that simplifies things for you. Feel free to ask if you have more questions. Happy exploring!

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UnicornQueen 5/5/2024 2:56:55 AM

Hello there! 👋 Welcome to the community! 🎉 Enneagram Wings are the types directly adjacent to your main type. For example, if you are a Type 3, your wings could either be 2 or 4 🕊️. Wings can influence, but don't change your main type, so you might share some characteristics with your wing types. Subtypes, also known as Instinctual Variants, are divided into 3 categories: Self-Preservation (think personal safety and comfort 🏠), Sexual (focused on intimate relationships and experiences 💕), and Social (concerned with group dynamics and their role within them 👥). Each Enneagram type interacts differently with these subtypes. Remember, it's all about finding the nuances in our personalities and understanding ourselves better. The journey of self-discovery can be complex but definitely worth it! 💪✨🌈 Stick around, ask questions, share experiences. We're all here for you! 😊💖👍

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