Welcome to the Enneagram
The Enneagram is a framework of nine personality types, each with distinct patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. It helps us understand our core motivations and improve our growth, relationships, and self-awareness.
What is the Enneagram?
The Enneagram is an ancient personality framework that has been passed down and refined over centuries, drawing from spiritual traditions, modern psychology, and the lived experience of countless seekers. At its core, it identifies nine basic personality types, each with a distinct way of seeing the world and navigating life. More than a set of labels, the Enneagram is a tool for self-discovery and growth. It helps us recognize the patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that keep us stuck, while pointing us toward the healthier, more authentic versions of ourselves. People use the Enneagram to deepen self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and cultivate greater compassion—for themselves and for others.
It can be tough to "type yourself". When you read the descriptions of each Type, there may not be one that immediately sticks out. It's best to take a reliable Enneagram Assessment to understand what Type you are.
Learn about each Type
Type One: The Perfectionist
Type Ones are a part of the "Gut Triad".
- Basic Fear: Of being corrupt/evil, defective
- Basic Desire: To be good, to have integrity, to be balanced
- Enneagram One with a Nine-Wing: “The Idealist”
- Enneagram One with a Two-Wing: “The Advocate”
Ones are principled, purposeful, and deeply concerned with doing what is right. They live with an inner critic that points out what is broken, imperfect, or unjust, and they feel a responsibility to make things better. This drive for improvement can make them inspiring reformers, but it can also weigh heavily on their own sense of worth. At their healthiest, Ones embody integrity, discernment, and moral clarity. They remind us of the beauty of excellence pursued with grace rather than rigidity.
Type Two: The Helper
Type Twos are a part of the "Heart Triad".
- Basic Fear: Of being unwanted, unworthy of being loved
- Basic Desire: To feel loved
- Enneagram Two with a One-Wing: “Servant”
- Enneagram Two with a Three-Wing: “The Host/Hostess”
Twos are warm, caring, and attentive to the needs of others. They have a remarkable ability to sense how people are feeling and what they might need, often before it is spoken. Their desire to be loved and appreciated drives them to give generously of their time and energy. At their best, Twos model true compassion—love that is free of agenda—and they remind us of the joy that comes from serving others without losing ourselves in the process.
Type Three: The Performer
Type Threes are a part of the "Heart Triad".
- Basic Fear: Of being worthless
- Basic Desire: To feel valuable and worthwhile
- Enneagram Three with a Two-Wing: “The Charmer”
- Enneagram Three with a Four-Wing: “The Professional”
Threes are ambitious, adaptable, and focused on achievement. They excel at setting goals, motivating others, and presenting themselves in ways that earn respect and admiration. Yet beneath their polished image lies a longing to be valued simply for who they are, apart from success or performance. At their best, Threes embody authenticity, energy, and hope. They remind us that true success flows from being rather than doing, and that their gift of motivation can lift up everyone around them.
Type Four: The Romantic
Type Fours are a part of the "Heart Triad".
- Basic Fear: That they have no identity or personal significance
- Basic Desire: To find themselves and their significance (to create an
identity) - Enneagram Four with a Three-Wing: “The Aristocrat”
- Enneagram Four with a Five-Wing: “The Bohemian”
Fours are sensitive, creative, and deeply attuned to the inner world of emotions. They long for authenticity and meaning in every aspect of life, and they often feel set apart from others—different, or somehow missing what others seem to have. Their gift is the ability to express beauty from places of sorrow and joy alike, turning pain into creativity and presence. At their best, Fours embody depth, imagination, and emotional honesty. They remind us to embrace the full spectrum of our humanity.
Type Five: The Investigator
Type Fives are a part of the "Head Triad".
- Basic Fear: Being useless, helpless, or incapable
- Basic Desire: To be capable and competent
- Enneagram Five with a Four-Wing: “The Iconoclast”
- Enneagram Five with a Six-Wing: “The Problem Solver”
Fives are perceptive, independent, and curious observers of the world. They conserve their energy and resources carefully, often retreating into their minds to analyze, understand, and prepare. While they may sometimes seem withdrawn, their inner world is rich with ideas and insights. At their best, Fives embody wisdom, clarity, and objectivity. They remind us of the power of knowledge in service to others, and of the beauty of a mind that sees what others overlook.
Type Six: The Loyalist
Type Sixes are a part of the "Head Triad".
- Basic Fear: Of being without support and guidance
- Basic Desire: To have security and support
- Enneagram Six with a Five-Wing: “The Defender”
- Enneagram Six with a Seven-Wing: “The Buddy”
Sixes are reliable, responsible, and deeply concerned with safety and trust. They anticipate problems and prepare for challenges, sometimes to the point of overanalyzing or doubting themselves. Their vigilance comes from a desire to protect themselves and those they love. At their best, Sixes embody courage, loyalty, and steadfast faith. They remind us that true security is not found in controlling circumstances but in trusting, persevering, and standing shoulder to shoulder with others.
Type Seven: The Enthusiast
Type Sevens are a part of the "Head Triad".
- Basic Fear: Of being deprived and in pain
- Basic Desire: To be satisfied and content—to have their needs fulfilled
- Enneagram Seven with a Six-Wing: “The Entertainer”
- Enneagram Seven with an Eight-Wing: “The Realist”
Sevens are energetic, optimistic, and always scanning the horizon for the next adventure. They seek variety and stimulation, often moving quickly to avoid pain or discomfort. Their love of possibility brings joy and creativity into every room, but it can also make them restless or scattered. At their best, Sevens embody freedom, joy, and resilience. They remind us that life is to be savored in the present moment—not endlessly chased in the next one.
Type Eight: The Challenger
Type Eights are a part of the "Gut Triad".
- Basic Fear: Of being harmed or controlled by others
- Basic Desire: To protect themselves (to be in control of their own life
and destiny) - Enneagram Eight with a Seven-Wing: “The Maverick”
- Enneagram Eight with a Nine-Wing: “The Bear”
Eights are strong, decisive, and unwilling to be controlled. They are natural leaders who protect the vulnerable and confront injustice head-on. Their intensity can sometimes overwhelm others, but it also fuels their passion for truth and fairness. At their best, Eights embody courage, vitality, and magnanimity. They remind us that strength is a gift when used to empower others, and that true leadership combines both power and compassion.
Type Nine: The Peacemaker
Type Nines are a part of the "Gut Triad".
- Basic Fear: Of loss and separation
- Basic Desire: To have inner stability “peace of mind”
- Enneagram Nine with an Eight-Wing: “The Referee”
- Enneagram Nine with a One-Wing: “The Dreamer”
Nines are accepting, adaptable, and seek harmony in a world full of conflict. They avoid tension by merging with the desires of others, sometimes losing sight of their own voice in the process. Their calming presence makes them natural mediators, bringing people together with ease. At their best, Nines embody peace, steadiness, and the ability to see all perspectives without judgment. They remind us that true harmony is not avoiding conflict but engaging it with gentleness and presence.