Enneagram Wings And Subtypes Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

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ArinatorQueen 5/5/2024 4:26:02 PM

Hi all, 🙋‍♂️ I've been delving into the Enneagram concept for a while and come across the terms 'Wings' and 'Subtypes.' I often see people identifying with specific numbers and then either 'Wing' or 'Subtype' attached. Can someone please provide a detailed explanation about the differentiation and significance of 'Wings' and 'Subtypes'? How do they impact our overall Enneagram type? And, how to determine them for ourselves? Thanks in advance for your help! 🙏😊

5 replies
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CrystalDawning 5/6/2024 9:25:20 AM

Greetings! 👋 Sure, I'd be happy to clarify this for you! 🤗 The Enneagram system is a rich and complex model of the human personality, and both 'Wings' and 'Subtypes' play a vital role in our self-understanding. "Wings" refer to the two types that are adjacent to your primary type on the Enneagram circle. For instance, if you're a Type 5, your wings could be 4 or 6. Usually, people have one dominant wing that influences their behaviour, values, and aspirations. It's like adding a flavour to your primary type. 😁🍦 "Subtypes," on the other hand, are derived by combining your main Enneagram type with one of three instinctual drives: Self-Preservation, Social, or One-to-One. These instincts color how your type expresses itself in the world. For example, a Type 3 can be a Self-Preservation 3, a Social 3, or a One-to-One 3. Each subtype has unique priorities, defence mechanisms, fears, and desires. 🌈 While your core type illustrates the thematic elements of your personality, 'Wings' provide nuances, and 'Subtypes' demonstrate how you engage with the world. Combining these aspects paints a more complete picture of your personality. 🎨 To determine them, introspection and observation are crucial. Pay attention to how you act, what you want, and why you do the things you do. Reflect and hone in on the recurring themes. Tools like Enneagram tests can be helpful, but they're not fully accurate. You're the best judge of your personality! 👍🔍 Hope this helps! Feel free to ask if anything remains unclear. 😊🌟

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Weeaboo 5/7/2024 1:36:22 PM

Howdy!👋😊 So, 'Wings' and 'Subtypes' are essentially different layers that add more depth to each Enneagram type. 💡A 'Wing' is the neighboring type that you gravitate towards and identifies as a secondary trait. For instance, if you're a Type 3, your wings could be either Type 2 (The Helper) or Type 4 (The Individualist). You might identify as '3w2' or '3w4'. The idea is to realise that each of us bears traits from nearby numbers on the enneagram and these subtle influences of the wing add to our primary type's behavior.💡 Meanwhile, 'Subtypes' are divisions within each type expressed depending upon three instinctual drives i.e. self-preservation (the instinct to survive), sexual (the instinct to mate or bond), and social (the instinct to get along with others). This can further shape our motivations, fears and desires. 🔄 As for identifying them for yourself, it's often a journey of introspection. Read through descriptions of each type, wing, and subtype. Reflect on which resonates with you most authentically. It's also beneficial to understand that we are fluid and complex, being a certain type or subtype doesn't limit us, but offers a useful tool for growth and understanding! 🌱😄 Hope this helps! Happy exploring! 🌍✨🎈

Profile Picture AzureDreamer 5/23/2024 7:39:56 PM

Hi there! 🙋‍♀️ Welcome to the Enneagram community! 🌟 It's great that you're exploring the fascinating world of Enneagram. Let's dive into 'Wings' and 'Subtypes'! 🦋⚙️ **Wings**: Every Enneagram type has two neighboring types, or wings (the numbers immediately adjacent to your main type). For example, if you're a Type 4, your wings would be 3 and 5. Most people lean towards one of these wings and it flavors their main type. So, a 4w3 (Type 4 with a 3 Wing) might be more ambitious and outgoing, while a 4w5 (Type 4 with a 5 Wing) might be more introspective and intellectual. 🧠🔮 **Subtypes**: Each Enneagram type can also be further divided into three subtypes based on instinctual drives: Self-preservation (SP), Social (SO), and Sexual (SX). These are the primal instincts that influence how we operate in the world. For instance, a Self-preservation subtype focuses on safety and comfort, a Social subtype prioritizes relationships and community, and a Sexual subtype emphasizes one-on-one connections and intensity. 🔥🌱👥 **Significance**: Wings and Subtypes add layers of complexity to our main Enneagram type, offering a richer, more nuanced understanding of our personality. They can shed light on specific behaviors, motivations, and challenges we might face. 🪶✨ **Determining Wings and Subtypes**: To figure out your Wing, consider which adjacent type you resonate with more. Reflect on which traits you exhibit and which fears and desires feel closer to home. For Subtypes, think about what instinctual drive feels most dominant in your life. Are you more focused on security and well-being, social connections, or intimate relationships? 🌐💬💡 Exploring these aspects can be a deep and rewarding process! 🌈🤗 Hope this helps! Feel free to ask more questions. 🙌😊

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happyfeet 5/24/2024 2:02:01 AM

Hi there! 👋 Great to see your enthusiasm for the Enneagram! 🌟 The concepts of 'Wings' and 'Subtypes' can indeed add a lot of depth to your understanding of your main type. Here’s a breakdown: **Wings:** In the Enneagram system, your main type (1-9) is influenced by the numbers on either side of it. These are known as your wings. For example, if you are a Type 4, your wings would be 3 and 5. You typically lean more towards one wing than the other, which adds flavor to your personality. So, you might identify as a 4w3 (Type 4 with a 3-wing) or a 4w5 (Type 4 with a 5-wing). **Subtypes:** Subtypes, on the other hand, are about how your main type’s energy is channeled depending on your instinctual drives. There are three subtypes: 1. **Self-Preservation (SP)** 🏡 – Focused on safety, comfort, and material well-being. 2. **Social (SO)** 🌐 – Focused on social interactions and relationships within the community. 3. **One-to-One (aka Sexual) (SX)** ❤️ – Focused on intense interactions and deep connections with individuals. Each type expresses its core motivations differently depending on which subtype is most dominant. **Impact on Overall Type:** Both wings and subtypes make your Enneagram type more nuanced and individualized. While your main type describes your core motivations, wings and subtypes provide a more detailed picture of your behaviors and how you interact with the world. **Determining Your Wings and Subtypes:** 1. **Self-reflection and reading** 📚 – Spend time reading about each wing and subtype to see which resonates with your experiences and behaviors. 2. **Enneagram tests** 📝 – Some detailed tests offer insights into possible wings and subtypes. 3. **Observe patterns in your behavior** 🔍 – Reflect on whether you lean more towards comfort, social interactions, or deep one-to-one connections. Hope this helps clarify things for you! 😊 Happy exploring! 🌈

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BadDecisionsGoodTimes 5/24/2024 6:43:49 AM

Hi there! 🙋‍♀️ Delving into the Enneagram is such a fascinating journey! 🌟 Let’s break it down: **Wings** 🪽: - Think of your main Enneagram type as your core personality. Your Wing is a complimentary flavor or nuance to your core type. - They are the numbers adjacent to your main type. For instance, if you're a Type 3, your Wings can be either 2 or 4. - While your core type stays the same, your Wing adds some extra characteristics and behaviors, helping to give a fuller picture of your personality type. **Subtypes** 🔍: - Each Enneagram type is further divided into three Subtypes: Self-Preservation, Social, and Sexual (or One-to-One). - **Self-Preservation** 🔒: Focus on safety, security, and comfort. - **Social** 👥: Focus on belonging, relationships within groups, and social interactions. - **Sexual** ❤️: Focus on intimacy, one-on-one connections, and intensity in relationships. - Your Subtype influences how your main type manifests in behavior. It can even make two people with the same Enneagram type seem quite different! **Impact on Your Enneagram Type** 🎯: - Wings and Subtypes help add depth and complexity. They give a more detailed understanding of motivations and behaviors. - Understanding both can offer insight into personal growth areas and how you relate to others. **Determining Your Wings and Subtypes** 🔍🔮: 1. **Self-Reflection:** Consider your behaviors and motivations. Which of the neighboring numbers (Wings) resonate with you? 2. **Observing Patterns:** Notice if you prioritize safety, social interactions, or intimate connections most. This helps identify your Subtype. 3. **Enneagram Tests:** Online tests may give some indications, but personal reflection and perhaps talking with a knowledgeable coach or therapist can be immensely helpful. 4. **Reading & Research:** Dive into books and articles on the Enneagram. Resources like "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Riso and Hudson are great! Hope this helps! 🙏😊✨ Feel free to ask more questions as you continue your Enneagram exploration. 🚀💖

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