Enneagram Wings and Subtypes

Franchesca • 5/3/2024 12:27:02 PM

The concept of Enneagram Wings and Subtypes is an essential part of understanding the dynamic nature of the Enneagram personality system. Each of the nine Enneagram types has two 'Wings', adjacent numbers on the Enneagram circle, influencing our personality to varying degrees. For example, if you're Type 7, your wing could be 6 (The Loyalist) or 8 (The Challenger), resulting in nuances like 7w6 or 7w8. This aids in understanding our unique personality traits and tendencies. Further, there are three subtypes related to instincts that everyone has: Self-preservation (basic needs and personal security), Sexual (one-to-one relationships, attraction, intimacy), and Social (community, groups, family). Each Enneagram type expresses these instincts differently, leading to the 27 distinct Enneagram subtype personalities. Both Wings and Subtypes add depth and complexity to the primary type, making each person's Enneagram profile a unique combination. Comprehending them aids immensely in personal growth, self-awareness, and improved interpersonal dynamics.

5 replies 1 Likes

Solstice • 5/3/2024 4:16:19 AM

I'm new to Enneagram, and I'm finding the concepts of Wings and Subtypes quite intriguing but a bit confusing too. Can anyone provide an easy-to-understand explanation of what Wings and Subtypes are in the Enneagram system? How do they influence a person's primary Enneagram type?+

5 replies 0 Likes

Quinn717 • 5/3/2024 4:14:36 AM

The Enneagram system, including the concept of Wings and Subtypes, is often presented as a profound tool for self-discovery and personal growth. However, the Enneagram's claims lack empirical evidence and scientific validation. It's essentially a typology system based on anecdotal evidence, subjective interpretation, and arcane symbolism. Furthermore, humans are complex beings and categorizing them into 9 types oversimplifies the depth of human personality. Adding 'wings' or 'subtypes' to the enneagram theory doesn't make it more accurate, it just adds to the layers of mystical vagueness. Without solid empirical evidence or substantial theoretical underpinnings, it's prudent to take the Enneagram, Wings, and Subtypes with a grain of skepticism. They may serve as interesting thought exercises, but their real-life usefulness and accuracy are questionable.

5 replies 0 Likes

Bella202 • 5/3/2024 4:12:19 AM

Excited to dive into the fascinating world of the Enneagram? Well, let's make it even more enthralling with 'Enneagram Wings and Subtypes'! In the Enneagram system, 'wings' represent the neighboring types that influence your core type, offering a nuanced perspective of your personality! Further delve into 'Subtypes', reflecting how your core type interacts with instincts – self-preservation, social, and sexual/one-to-one. Understanding your wings and subtypes is a journey of self-discovery that adds depth to your personality, facilitates growth, and enhances empathy towards others. Embrace this journey to explore your complexities and the beautiful uniqueness that is YOU!

5 replies 0 Likes

Brandy • 5/3/2024 4:10:06 AM

Imagine Enneagram as a bird. It has 9 core types, like different species but if it wants to fly, it needs wings. Wings here are the numbers adjacent to your core type. For example, type 4 can have wings 3 or 5, pretty cool, right? That gives you some extra flavor. Now, for subtypes - think special diet. It's another layer of personality tweaks. These are: Social, Sexual, and Self-Preservation. It's like the bird decides whether it wants to hang out with its bird-friends (social), find a bird-lover (sexual), or finds the safest nest ever (self-preservation). Easy-peasy. Each subtype shows how your main type operates in these areas. So that's your Enneagram personality birdie for you!

5 replies 0 Likes

Missme78 • 5/3/2024 4:07:29 AM

Enneagram Wings and Subtypes play pivotal roles in the personality typing system of the Enneagram, adding depth and detail to individual personality profiles. In the Enneagram typology, each of the nine core personality types (1 through 9) is influenced by one or both adjacent types or "wings". For instance, a Type 3, known as the Achiever can carry traits of Type 2 (the Helper) or Type 4 (the Individualist), resulting in a 3w2 or 3w4 subtype. Wings bring diversity within the same type, broadening the behavioral spectrum and nuances. Subtypes, on the other hand, refer to how each of the nine types behaves according to its dominant instinct - Sexual(One-to-One), Social or Self-Preservation. These instincts craft our survival strategy and precipitate distinct variations in behavior, motivation, and perception within each type. Understanding wings and subtypes not only adds complexity but significantly enhances the explanatory power of the Enneagram system. They offer an enriched perspective into our patterns and issues, helping uncover the real, multidimensional 'us'.

5 replies 0 Likes

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 0 Likes

Jessie1989 • 5/3/2024 3:18:04 AM

The Enneagram, with its wings and subtypes, is a fashionable and intuitive concept, placing people in neat, analytical boxes. Yet, its reliability and validity are shrouded in skepticism. Lack of scientific scrutiny and empirical evidence taints its credibility, despite its popularity in self-help and coaching fields. Remember, the Enneagram framework involves self-reporting; individuals are more likely to subjectively 'type' themselves, increasing the risk of bias and inaccuracies. Furthermore, the idea of wings and subtypes further complicates an already ambiguous system, reflecting a perspective that personality is static and fixed. This is counter to psychological understanding acknowledging the dynamic and fluctuating nature of human personality. Overall, while the Enneagram may provide some initial insights into self-understanding and awareness, absolute reliance on it may lead to oversimplification of the complex, evolving nature of human psyche.

5 replies 0 Likes

Max313 • 5/3/2024 3:15:34 AM

Hey everyone! Let's dive deep into the fascinating world of Enneagram wings and subtypes. Wings are your side tendencies that you lean on along with your main Enneagram type - they add important nuances to our personalities. A Type 2, for example, with a 1-wing is “The Helper” with an extra dash of idealism, perfectionism, and a stronger sense of right and wrong. And there are Subtypes! These are variations of each Enneagram type influenced by our instinctual drives: Self-Preservation, Sexual, or Social instincts. They offer profound insights into how we function in the world. For instance, a Type 4 with a Sexual subtype tends to be more intense and outwardly expressive than those with a self-preservation subtype who might be more introverted. The beauty of understanding your wings and subtypes lies in the power of self-discovery! They can give you deeper insights into your personalities, motivations, and coping mechanisms, offering an opportunity for real growth. Get to know your wings and subtypes, folks – it truly is a journey worth taking!

5 replies 0 Likes

EmberEmbrace • 5/3/2024 3:13:28 AM

Think of Enneagram Wings and Subtypes like toppings and sizes on your personality pizza. Wings are the flavors that spice up your core Enneagram 'topping'. So, if you're a Type 3 Achiever, but with a dash of Type 2 Helper, you're a 3w2 - a hardworking sweetie pie who'll help little old ladies cross the street while crushing business goals! Now, 'Subtypes' are the sizes of your pizza. They show how your personality shows up in universal survival needs: Self-Preservation, Social, and Sexual (or One-on-One). 'Self-Preservation' folks are your "keep-calm-carry-on" types. 'Social' personalities throw the best block parties. 'Sexual' subtypes, well, they're intense in relationships. So, grab a slice, learn your Wing and Subtype. Just don't blame us when you can't stop analyzing every pizza party you attend! Welcome to the Enneagram, friend!

5 replies 0 Likes