Of all the personality assessment tools, the Enneagram  may be the most mysterious, because it has been around for centuries. “Enne” is the Greek word for nine and “Gram” means writing.  The term Enneagram describes a geometric drawing representing the relationship of the nine personality types with eight other types.  What is The Enneagram?

According to The Enneagram Institute’s account of the history of the Enneagram, the symbol itself has been around for centuries and even appeared in the work of the Greek mathematician Pythagoras. In the late 1960’s principles of the Enneagram were among subjects that Oscar Ichazo taught to students at the Arica School he founded in Chile. A physician named Claudio Naranjo, was among Ichazo’s students. Ichazo’s teachings profoundly affected Naranjo and another physician John C. Lilly and they are credited to introducing information they learned to the United States. 

Each of the numbers one through nine represents a type. The Enneagram itself is a circle with each number equidistant around a circle. Each type is characterized as having a key virtue and fear, and will display characteristics during times of fear or times of development. The fear number and contentment numbers are determined by moving three spaces around the circle. Though it might sound fairly simple—almost like a child’s game—the tool has been studied at length. By using geometry or studying the interconnection of the lines of the Enneagram symbol, many people are able to delve deeply into their psyches and explore their faith and relationships. There are organizations and even international conferences dedicated to exploring the Enneagram as a tool. Many devotees find that it can be a useful and intuitive tool for deep self-evaluation and spiritual development. 

The 9 Enneagram Types:

Type 1 – The Reformer
Type 2 – The Helper
Type 3 – The Achiever
Type 4 – The Individualist
Type 5 – The Investigator
Type 6 – The Loyalist
Type 7 – The Enthusiast
Type 8 – The Challenger
Type 9 – The Peacemaker

There are many books and workbooks that can introduce you to the basics of the Enneagram and reveal your number. There are also free sites where you can take quizzes and how to use the tool for personal growth. 

Illustration by Flash Buddy from Stockvault.
Numbered Enneagram by Curyearth from Wikimedia Commons.