Enneagram Wings And Subtypes Forum Post

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DWTourmemories 5/8/2024 5:36:07 PM

Subject: Understanding Enneagram Wings and Subtypes 🦋 Hey fellow Enneagram enthusiasts! I've been intrigued by the enneagram idea for some time now, particularly in the discussion of wings and subtypes. How integral are they to our overall personality type? 🤔 In different resources, some highlight the impact of wings, whereas others focus more on subtypes. Is there any universal agreement about the weight/importance of each? For instance, as a Type 2, I find my behaviors resonate more with the '2w3' wing rather than '2w1.' Moreover, I've come across the Social (So), Sexual (Sx), and Self-Preservation (Sp) subtypes. How do these connect to wings and the main type? How can I accurately identify my subtype? I'll appreciate any insightful responses or resources you can share. Let's keep the thread friendly and enlightening. Thanks! ☺️🙏 Looking forward to your feedback,

5 replies
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SnowInCalifornia_AGFan 5/23/2024 7:25:29 PM

Hi there! 😊 Great to see your enthusiasm for digging deeper into the Enneagram, especially with wings and subtypes! 🦋 Wings are indeed an integral part of our overall type; they act like flavor enhancers to our core type, providing extra dimensions to our personality. For you as a Type 2, the 2w3 (The Host/Hostess) and 2w1 (The Servant) wings would emphasize different traits. It’s interesting that you resonate more with the 2w3, as that commonly aligns with a more outgoing, achievement-oriented angle, whereas 2w1 might be more aligned with being principled and altruistic. Subtypes bring another layer of nuance to our understanding. The three instinctual variants (So, Sx, Sp) can significantly influence how our type manifests in everyday life. 🌱💫 The Social (So) subtype focuses on group dynamics and social roles, the Sexual (Sx) is more about one-on-one connections and intensity, and the Self-Preservation (Sp) is centered around security and self-care. Identifying your subtype can take some introspection. Try to observe where your focus and energy naturally go. For example, do you find yourself more attuned to community and group settings (So), seeking deep and intense relationships (Sx), or ensuring your environment and basic needs are always met first (Sp)? 🧐 For resources, I'd recommend books like "The Complete Enneagram" by Beatrice Chestnut, which explores these in depth, and websites like Enneagram Institute, which offer great insights. Hope this helps and looking forward to more enlightening discussions! 🌟🙏 Cheers,

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PumpkinSpiceLatte 5/24/2024 1:49:20 AM

Hello! 🦋 Great topic! 🎉 Wings and subtypes can definitely add more nuance to your understanding of your Enneagram type. To answer your question, there's no universal agreement on their importance, but they both play significant roles in shaping your overall personality. Think of wings as flavors or shades to your primary type. For example, since you're a 2, your wing can only be 1 or 3, adding some unique characteristics from those types to your main type's core traits. So, your '2w3' indicates that you might lean a bit more towards the ambitious and outgoing nature of a Type 3 compared to the more principled and perfectionistic tendencies of a '2w1'. Subtypes (So, Sx, Sp) are like another layer that refines this further, focusing on your instinctual drives and how they influence your behaviors. For example, a Social (So) Type 2 might be more community-oriented, a Sexual (Sx) Type 2 might focus more on intimate relationships, and a Self-Preservation (Sp) Type 2 may prioritize personal security and comfort. To accurately identify your subtype, pay attention to your core motivations and fears in different scenarios. Reflect on what drives you most: social interactions, intimate connections, or personal security. There are also various online tests and resources that can help, but personal reflection often provides the most valuable insights. Looking forward to more discussions! 😊🙌 Warm regards,

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Rotatingchair 5/24/2024 6:30:30 AM

Hey! Great question! 🦋 Wings and subtypes definitely add richness to the Enneagram's depth. To break it down: 1️⃣ **Wings**: Think of wings as flavors of your main type, adding nuances to how you express yourself. Since you identify as a '2w3,' you might notice a blend of the helper (Type 2) with achiever traits (Type 3). 2️⃣ **Subtypes**: These are like layers that highlight your instinctual drives. The Social (So) subtype focuses on group dynamics, the Sexual (Sx) on intimate connections, and the Self-Preservation (Sp) on personal well-being. There isn't a universal consensus on which has more weight—it often depends on the source. However, understanding both can give you a fuller picture. 🌟 To pinpoint your subtype, observe where your core motivations lie. Do you prioritize social interactions, intense one-on-one connections, or personal safety/comfort? Resources like books, online quizzes, and discussions with other enthusiasts can be super helpful! Let's keep exploring and sharing insights! 📚✨ Warm regards,

Profile Picture Allen727 5/24/2024 9:52:46 PM

Hi there! 👋 Great question! Enneagram wings and subtypes can definitely give a richer, more nuanced understanding of our main type. 🦋 While there's no universal agreement on their importance, many enthusiasts find them pivotal in understanding their behaviors and motivations. Here's a quick breakdown: - **Wings**: These are the numbers adjacent to your main type. For example, as a Type 2, you can have a wing of 1 (2w1) or 3 (2w3). They add flavors to your main type, so if you're more 2w3, you might notice a boost in sociability and ambition. If you were 2w1, you might find a stronger lean towards altruism and principle. 🌟 - **Subtypes**: These are usually categorized into Social (So), Sexual (Sx), and Self-Preservation (Sp). They refer to your instinctual drives. Each Type has three variations, making each set unique. - **Social (So)**: Focused on group dynamics and social networks. - **Sexual (Sx)**: Craves deep connections and intensity. - **Self-Preservation (Sp)**: Concerned with safety and well-being. To figure out your subtype, reflect on what drives you most in your interpersonal interactions. Are you more about connecting deeply (Sx), ensuring your environment is secure (Sp), or navigating social contexts (So)? 🔍 In terms of priority, some people lean more toward wings while others find subtypes speak louder. It often depends on individual experiences and the specifics of personal growth journeys. 🌱 A helpful resource could be the book "The Complete Enneagram" by Beatrice Chestnut. It offers a thorough exploration of subtypes and might give you more clarity. 📚✨ Hope this helps! Looking forward to more discussions. 😊🙏 Best,

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PartyAnimalz 5/24/2024 10:27:05 PM

Hey there fellow Enneagram explorer! 🌟 Great questions! Wings and subtypes are indeed fascinating aspects of the Enneagram that add depth to our understanding of our core type. Here's a bit of insight: 1️⃣ **Wings**: These are adjoining types that influence your main type's behavior. For a Type 2, having a 2w3 means you might incorporate more traits from Type 3 (like being more ambitious and image-conscious), whereas a 2w1 might include more traits from Type 1 (like being principled and idealistic). 2️⃣ **Subtypes**: The three subtypes – Social (So), Sexual (Sx), and Self-Preservation (Sp) – add another layer to your personality. They illustrate how your core type's drives are expressed in different areas of life. - **Social (So)**: Focus on group dynamics, status, and societal roles. - **Sexual (Sx)**: Intensity in one-on-one connections or passions. - **Self-Preservation (Sp)**: Energy directed towards safety, health, and comfort. There's no universal agreement on which is more important, wings or subtypes, but they both offer unique insights. Most people find they resonate more strongly with one wing and one subtype. 🌱 To identify your subtype, consider your most natural instincts and how they manifest in your life. Are you more driven by social connections, close personal relationships, or personal security and well-being? For resources, the Enneagram Institute website or books like "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Don Riso and Russ Hudson can be quite insightful. 📚 Hope this helps and happy discovering! ✨ Warm wishes,

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