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What is it?
It is a symbol, a circle with nine points. The points are linked in a combination of triangle and irregular hexagonal shape, as the rainbow logo above shows. There are said to be lots of applications for the enneagram but this site is interested in human nature, the way the enneagram helps us understand the nine main sorts of ego fixation there are that cause suffering.
Who came up with that idea?
There are some that think the enneagram originated with the Sufis, some with orthodox Christianity. Who knows? Perhaps it pre-dates all of that. Gurdjieff introduced the symbol to the western world and Ichazo and Naranjo were the first to develop its links to the formation of ego and personality, the idea of nine types. Recently, the enneagram was validated by a research study (click here for information about this study from the Enneagram Institute).
But you can't put people into boxes like this!
Yes, I agree! Labels and types don't ring true because they are not true at a deeper level. Who we truly are is a mystery that cannot be expressed in words. However, our ego is not our self, and it is our ego fixation that develops in certain habitual ways, and can be seen as nine discrete types.
Perhaps we could see the nine fixations as nine different sorts of sunglasses, which limit our vision of reality. The enneagram is so helpful because it allows us to take off the filters and see the broader perspective of our true selves.
Perhaps we could see the nine fixations as nine different sorts of sunglasses, which limit our vision of reality. The enneagram is so helpful because it allows us to take off the filters and see the broader perspective of our true selves.
These are meant to be sunglasses, not a bra.
What number am I then?
You can find out by taking an Easy Enneagram Type Test, but I would also recommend reading through all the Numbers and Beliefs to learn about each of the enneagram types in more depth. Discussing these descriptions with a partner or close friend will also help as often we are blind to our own fixations. This site is focussed on happiness and fun, and knowing your number is a great help towards less suffering, so if you are looking for Happiness click here. The Playground Gallery is like for fun and to make the essence of the fixations clearer and bolder for everyone (we don't all like reading).
As you get better acquainted with the enneagram, it will become easier and easier to start recognising the energies of the people around you. It's great fun, too. A word of warning though: try to make it a quiet fun. Don't go to a dinner party and start telling everyone what 'type' they are unless you want to cause an argument.
Instead of being boring, stressful or overwhelming, interactions with others become fascinating and fun when you are familiar with the enneagram. Another benefit is that by knowing your fixation and the deluded view of reality it has, a doorway is opened towards liberation from beliefs that have caused us suffering.
As you get better acquainted with the enneagram, it will become easier and easier to start recognising the energies of the people around you. It's great fun, too. A word of warning though: try to make it a quiet fun. Don't go to a dinner party and start telling everyone what 'type' they are unless you want to cause an argument.
Instead of being boring, stressful or overwhelming, interactions with others become fascinating and fun when you are familiar with the enneagram. Another benefit is that by knowing your fixation and the deluded view of reality it has, a doorway is opened towards liberation from beliefs that have caused us suffering.
Click on the Muppets to learn about the numbers and their core beliefs |
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