Enneagram Type Descriptions

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Type One

Type one people care more than most about whether things are as they should be. They can become trapped by compulsive judgment and correction, of themselves or of others. One of their talents is an intuitive ability to sense what is true, good, and right.

Ego fixation: resentment
Holy idea: perfection
Passion: anger
Virtue: serenity

Health Levels

wise acceptance
discerning rationality
self-disciplined ethics

preachy idealism
rigid logic
perfectionistic judgment

vitriolic self-righteousness
hypocritical obsession
sadistic condemnation


one with a two wing

general description

Average 1/2 combines the dry, rational, practical concerns of type one with the wet, other-directedness of two. The emotional repression of one is somewhat balanced by the self-defined goodness and desire-to-please of two. 1/2s typically care more about appearance than 1/9, and because of their oneish perfectionism they often dress immaculately. The pride from their two-wing makes them more visibly sensitive to criticism than 1/9, although both subtypes are internally very hard on themselves. Unlike 2/1, they would usually rather do the right thing than please someone else, although they want to do both if possible.

balanced and transcendent states

Healthy 1/2s begin to loosen up somewhat, becoming able to let go of their righteous judgements. They begin to allow for the possibility that their views might not be entirely accurate. Their other-directed corrections soften up and actually become helpful rather than intrusive. They become able to see the difference between proud perfectionism and healthy tolerance of differences.

When 1/2s attain spiritual opening, they can become teachers of the highest order. One integrates to seven, bringing in joy and enthusiasm, while two integrates to four, replacing selfish manipulation with genuine compassionate concern for others. Deep oneish wisdom combines with twoish loving generosity for an intensely personal kind of guidance, even when they are addressing large groups. Somehow advanced 1/2s seem to know exactly what is needed for maximum teaching value in any situation. They teach by asking the right questions, gently guiding the student to deeper insights.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Unhealthy 1/2s run into problems when twoish pride interacts with oneish perfectionism. A tremendous inner conflict rages between the two-wing that says "I am a good, generous person" and the oneish view that sees every tiny error as a sign of fundamental worthlessness. One disintegrates to four, where self-critical introspection creates a spiral of hopelessness, while two disintegrates to eight, so that when the heavily repressed anger erupts it does so in sudden (but usually very short) fits of hyper-critical rage, sometimes accompanied by overt violence. Naturally these violent fits then become more food for the self-judgment spiral, as the 1/2 falls into guilty remorse.

In the worst cases, repressed oneish anger and hostile twoish pride combine, creating intense sessions of wrenching, hand-wringing despair. If my anger is not expressed towards others, then it is directed at myself. I am not good enough if I cannot meet my own standards. I must work harder and harder, or I will fail my own increasingly difficult self-tests. Self-punishment is necessary, in the form of grueling work days, endless tormented repetitions of not-quite perfect tasks, and every kind of refusal to experience any sort of pleasure. Suicide is possible.

physical appearance

Most 1/2s take care to appear neat, clean, and orderly. Hair is carefully clipped, especially facial hair (if any) and clothing is just so. Beards are almost always partial, shaved in places for a distinguished effect. Physically they are usually on the thin side, although of course there are exceptions. They hold their heads high. Sometimes it seems as if they are looking down their noses at the world. When they smile there might be a condescending feel. Maybe the eyebrows are lifted perpetually into points, showing a judgmental quality.

callings

Some 1/2s find work that expresses an urge to help other people become perfect. Teachers of all kinds, but particularly languages, humanities, science, and medicine. Doctors, dentists, physicians, surgeons, health counsellors. Dieticians, tour guides, advice columnists. Another common direction is towards discriminating legal wisdom. Court judges, prosecuting attorneys, criminal analysts, and legislators. A 1/2 might find a way to champion a cause. Environmental crusaders, public safety specialists, regulators of morals and ethics, religious leaders, charismatic preachers. There are 1/2 ship captains, superheroes, actors, and mathematicians. Of course, 1/2s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


one with nine wing

general description

Average 1/9 combines the perfectionism and judgment of type one with the withdrawal-from-stress of nine. Of all the subtypes, 1/9 is the driest. The emotions are generally the least available on the surface. The usual overall feeling is strict, rational, quiet practicality. The nine-wing makes them less likely to voice their critical views, unlike the more outspoken 1/2. 1/9 would rather act oneishly, from principled judgment, than withdraw into uncaring, nineish apathy like the softer 9/1, but both tendencies are present.

balanced and transcendent states

Healthy 1/9 overcomes emotional repression, discovering an inner warmth. Although they still have a tendency to judge, they do not take their judgements quite so seriously, allowing for the possibility that they may be wrong. The nineish tendency to withdraw from stress comes under conscious control, allowing them to take a more active role in life, although there is still a gentle, quiet feeling. The compulsive workaholic turns into a responsible but fun-loving person who allows time for just letting go and relaxing.

In extreme integration, the joy of seven comes in strongly, adding a sense of enthusiastic involvement in life. This combines with threeish charisma and accomplishment to build a powerful sense of self-creation and self-esteem. 1/9 saints are gentle but persistent teachers. The selfless union of nine combines with the deep wisdom of one, opening a special kind of access to reality. Spiritually advanced 1/9s seem to be effortlessly in touch with the unfolding Work of the world.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Unhealthy 1/9s often overcontrol their emotions, resulting in a kind of physical rigidity accompanied by an undercurrent of vaguely explosive energy. The repressed emotions, particularly anger, build up unnoticed and leak out in the form of tics and nervous gestures. One disintegrates to four, resulting in hostility, introspective withdrawal, and deep self-hatred, while nine disintegrates to six, bringing in suspicion, blaming, and passive-aggressive behavior. But the fearful blaming and suspicion are kept inside, where they become bottled up ever more tightly.

As the repressed emotionality becomes more and more tightly bound, behaviors begin to resemble robotic, automatic rituals. All of life becomes a lockstep repetition of extremely stylized routines. In deep imbalance, 1/9 can become extremely anxious about getting everything precisely right. Every tiny move is subject to intense, painful scrutiny, and past behaviors are examined in agonizing detail. (Did I leave the oven on? Did I lock the door? Did I run over somebody on the way to work?) Eventually, psychotic 1/9 might become completely paralyzed into inaction, stabbed through the heart by the endless need to repeat behaviors until they feel precisely correct.

physical appearance

Most 1/9s physically tend to reflect their inner dryness. They tend to have a linear sort of feel. They are often thin and bony, sometimes to extremes. Male 1/9's in our society seldom have beards or mustaches. Although there are obese 1/9s, they are quite rare. They stand up straight and tall, and they use few gestures. There is a spare, rigid feeling. Smiles, if any, are restrained but genuine. These are usually quiet, conservative, repressed people.

callings

Some 1/9s find work that allows them to express their talents for quietly performing precisely detailed tasks. Accountants, bank executives, tax advisers, computer programmers, technical analysts. Others feel best when they can further a cause, maybe even in a public position. Politicians, economists, political analysts, linguists, or clergy. 1/9s are also found among teachers (usually of dry subjects, like math, history, or finance), administrators, account executives, and in the media as political reporters and columnists. There are 1/9 inventors, psychologists, and research scientists. Of course, 1/9s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


one with a two wing

general description

Average 1/2 combines the dry, rational, practical concerns of type one with the wet, other-directedness of two. The emotional repression of one is somewhat balanced by the self-defined goodness and desire-to-please of two. 1/2s typically care more about appearance than 1/9, and because of their oneish perfectionism they often dress immaculately. The pride from their two-wing makes them more visibly sensitive to criticism than 1/9, although both subtypes are internally very hard on themselves. Unlike 2/1, they would usually rather do the right thing than please someone else, although they want to do both if possible.

balanced and transcendent states

Healthy 1/2s begin to loosen up somewhat, becoming able to let go of their righteous judgements. They begin to allow for the possibility that their views might not be entirely accurate. Their other-directed corrections soften up and actually become helpful rather than intrusive. They become able to see the difference between proud perfectionism and healthy tolerance of differences.

When 1/2s attain spiritual opening, they can become teachers of the highest order. One integrates to seven, bringing in joy and enthusiasm, while two integrates to four, replacing selfish manipulation with genuine compassionate concern for others. Deep oneish wisdom combines with twoish loving generosity for an intensely personal kind of guidance, even when they are addressing large groups. Somehow advanced 1/2s seem to know exactly what is needed for maximum teaching value in any situation. They teach by asking the right questions, gently guiding the student to deeper insights.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Unhealthy 1/2s run into problems when twoish pride interacts with oneish perfectionism. A tremendous inner conflict rages between the two-wing that says "I am a good, generous person" and the oneish view that sees every tiny error as a sign of fundamental worthlessness. One disintegrates to four, where self-critical introspection creates a spiral of hopelessness, while two disintegrates to eight, so that when the heavily repressed anger erupts it does so in sudden (but usually very short) fits of hyper-critical rage, sometimes accompanied by overt violence. Naturally these violent fits then become more food for the self-judgment spiral, as the 1/2 falls into guilty remorse.

In the worst cases, repressed oneish anger and hostile twoish pride combine, creating intense sessions of wrenching, hand-wringing despair. If my anger is not expressed towards others, then it is directed at myself. I am not good enough if I cannot meet my own standards. I must work harder and harder, or I will fail my own increasingly difficult self-tests. Self-punishment is necessary, in the form of grueling work days, endless tormented repetitions of not-quite perfect tasks, and every kind of refusal to experience any sort of pleasure. Suicide is possible.

physical appearance

Most 1/2s take care to appear neat, clean, and orderly. Hair is carefully clipped, especially facial hair (if any) and clothing is just so. Beards are almost always partial, shaved in places for a distinguished effect. Physically they are usually on the thin side, although of course there are exceptions. They hold their heads high. Sometimes it seems as if they are looking down their noses at the world. When they smile there might be a condescending feel. Maybe the eyebrows are lifted perpetually into points, showing a judgmental quality.

callings

Some 1/2s find work that expresses an urge to help other people become perfect. Teachers of all kinds, but particularly languages, humanities, science, and medicine. Doctors, dentists, physicians, surgeons, health counsellors. Dieticians, tour guides, advice columnists. Another common direction is towards discriminating legal wisdom. Court judges, prosecuting attorneys, criminal analysts, and legislators. A 1/2 might find a way to champion a cause. Environmental crusaders, public safety specialists, regulators of morals and ethics, religious leaders, charismatic preachers. There are 1/2 ship captains, superheroes, actors, and mathematicians. Of course, 1/2s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


Type Two

Type two people care more than most about goodness and kindness. They can become trapped by compulsive goodness, either by giving too much or by demanding too much of others. One of their talents is an intuitive ability to sense what is needed, and lovingly supply it.

Ego fixation: flattery
Holy idea: freedom
Passion: pride
Virtue: humility

Health Levels

radiant altruism
selfless empathy
appreciative nurturance

demonstrative sentiment
intrusive intimacy
sanctimonious vainglory

manipulative blame
coercive hysteria
parasitic victimization


two with a three wing

general description

Average 2/3 is more outward than 2/1. The ambitious vanity of three combines with two's desire to be loved, and the result is someone who is not afraid to step into the spotlight. 2/3s usually have a seductive, playful side, unlike the more serious 2/1s. The three-wing gives them a showy, mainstream kind of appearance-consciousness. The twoish desire to please others is stronger than the threeish desire to be admired, although both desires are present.

balanced and transcendent states

Healthy 2/3s get beyond the immediate desire to please. Image-consciousness and pride drop away and they become able to experience real, heartfelt love. They no longer need the constant reassurance of someone else's admiring gratitude. Two integrates to four, opening up new realms of creative expression, while the three goes to six, bringing in a deeper appreciation of the value of belonging to a real community of friends. They become genuine, loving companions.

An extremely awake 2/3 is someone whose generosity is so continuous and so genuine that it seems to be an inseparable part of the personality. Never is there even the tiniest hint that anything is expected in return -- in fact, extremely advanced 2/3 sometimes becomes so good at giving that the recipient never finds out where the help came from (or even that it has happened). 2/3 saints somehow encourage the universe to shower gifts on others. Generosity comes through them, not from them.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Unhealthy 2/3 becomes less able to restrain repressed desires. In a misguided attempt to get others to meet their (unspoken) needs, they manufacture more and more imaginary needs to fill for others. Their intrusive, self-satisfied help causes others to move away. 2/3 may hide the resulting loneliness and anger behind an outwardly carefree appearance, but others can usually see that there is hypocrisy involved.

In the end, very unbalanced 2/3 may break down under the stress. Suddenly the truth will pop out from under the increasingly strained wrappings of self-delusion, and in a desperate effort to paste over the uncomfortable vision, they may fly into an eightish homicidal hysteria or sink into nineish psychotic withdrawal. The repressed feelings of a lifetime might spew out in days or weeks. Relationships that have lasted for years might be discarded like used tissue, leaving others desolate and grief-stricken.

physical appearance

2/3s put a lot of energy into looking good. Many American females wear makeup in almost every public situation, and the males take care to be well-dressed and groomed. Their clothing is usually quite attractive, but not necessarily unique. They like a well-dressed, socially approved kind of sexiness. Some of the most attractive people are young 2/3s, of both sexes. Many 2/3 females, and a good many of the men as well, seem to become rather heavy as they get into their thirties, and some become large well before that time. It is common to see older 2/3 women whose weight is concentrated below their waist. Maybe it has to do with the way twos like to feed others (and thus, themselves as well).

callings

Some 2/3s find work that puts them in the spotlight while allowing them to help others. Restaurant headwaiters, hotel managers, executive secretaries, clothing designers. Others build families of close friends and cater to their needs. Massage therapists, cosmetologists, florists, prostitutes, and thousands of career housewives. They might become media stars. Singers, dancers, sex-stars. There are 2/3 retail managers, business leaders, physical therapists, celebrity interviewers, and spouses of powerful people. Of course, 2/3s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


two with a one wing

general description

Average 2/1 combines oneish judgment with twoish people-pleasing. 2/1s are tighter and more rigid than 2/3s, but less exacting than 1/2s. They regulate their behavior carefully, in order to stay polite and proper. Overall, they want to put on a happy face, but because of repressed anger (from the one-wing) and repressed personal needs (from the two), their happy face is sometimes pinched with tension. They are less interested in appearing sexy and glamorous than 2/3, and they are more interested in becoming indispensible than 1/2.

balanced and transcendent states

Healthy 2/1s almost always find that their true calling involves helping others grow, often children. They become able to help themselves as wisely and lovingly as they help others. They enjoy watching people find their own calling, accepting the delightful differences among us. Sevenish joy from one's integration combines with fourish depth and empathy from the integration of two. The result is tolerant, patient celebration of growth and diversity.

Advanced 2/1s are in contact at the same time with deep love and inspired wisdom. They are especially good at helping those who are in the most desperate possible situations. They plunge boldy into terrifying scenes and bring glorious hope, love, and healing with them. Usually it is the least self-sufficient who benefit the most from their endless charity.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Unhealthy 2/1s lose the ability to sense their own needs, and become more likely to actually speak their negative judgments of others. Their increasing self-criticism usually gets repressed, because the vainglory of the two is more powerful in them than the guilt of the one. Their inner conflict is as dangerous and powerful as that of the 1/2, but less visible because it is heavily repressed by self-deception. The most obvious sign of the escalating inner struggle might be increasing facial tension.

Eventually, the breaking point is reached. When two goes to eight, violence erupts. In the name of love, manipulation turns into physical coercion. Self-deception reaches amazing levels as destructive acts are rationalized into hard love. Fourish guilt is submerged and converted into further denial. I am doing this for your own good, and it hurts me more than it hurts you. In the end, "loving confrontations" may generate such hatred and fear in others that psychotic 2/1 may become the target of violence, as well as the origin.

physical appearance

Most 2/1s prefer to dress conservatively, but stylishly. Neatness is important. Nothing too bold or outrageous. Elegance and poise, quietly distinctive with maybe a sparkle of jewelry or a colorful tie. Like 1/2, they hold themselves carefully erect, and sometimes seem to be looking down their nose. They might have a tendency to be a little more formal than is really necessary.

callings

Some 2/1s find work that helps them take care of other people while also teaching. Hosts of children's TV shows, TV chefs, kindergarten teachers, professional nannies, museum guides, school principals, authors of children's books. Disciplined helpers like nurses, dental aides, secretaries, telephone operators. Others find fulfillment by being helpful wives or husbands, managing their homes with firm correctness. There are 2/1 actors, doctors, flight attendants, and comedians. Of course, 2/1s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


Type Three

Type three people care more than most about appearances and effectiveness. They can become trapped by compulsive deceit, of themselves or others. One of their talents is an intuitive ability to instantly adapt to rapidly shifting situations.

Ego fixation: vanity
Holy idea: hope
Passion: deceit
Virtue: truthfulness

Health Levels

genuine acceptance
poised assurance
motivated confidence

competitive diplomacy
efficient expedience
self-promoting narcissism

opportunistic scheming
deceptive sabotage
relentless monomania


three with a four wing

general description

Average 3/4 wants to be admired for unique presentation, not mass-marketed stereotypes. Unlike the 3/2s, who want everybody to admire them, 3/4s are more interested in securing the attention of a select following. The introspection of the four-wing makes them less comfortable than 3/2 in social situations, although the powerful threeish social grace usually hides it. Because threeish vanity is stronger than fourish emotionality, they usually manage to stay cool in times of stress, unlike the more emotionally volatile 4/3s.

balanced and transcendent states

Balanced 3/4 is gentle, compassionate, and smoothly effective. When three integrates to six and four integrates to one, a new sense of social responsibility combines with the wisdom that comes from emotional equanimity. Healthy 3/4s are effective at accomplishing real-world goals and intuitive enough to be good advisers. They make excellent business mentors or career counselors. They might be good at rescuing a failing company, or seeing that what is really needed is to break it up and sell the parts.

Extremely advanced 3/4 combines quiet self-assurance with deep emotional insight into other people's experiences. They may appear at the tops of large organizations devoted to improving life for everyone on the planet, or they may work quietly behind the scenes, spreading a sense of confidence and optimism among the members of their team. Wherever they go they leave behind a feeling of deep connection and belonging. They are subtle teachers who set an example of compassionate action.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Unbalanced 3/4 hides loss of self-worth behind a veneer of artificial coolness. If the success-orientation of the three becomes too compulsive, and the fourish introspection gets out of hand, 3/4s lose their genuineness. They become less socially adept, and somewhat manipulative, as their fourish self-dislike leads to a twoish desire to reinforce self-image by "helping" others. The self-deceptive pride that results is hidden behind emotional deadening as three pulls in the worst of nine. Such people can be difficult to like, because of the way they constantly remind themselves and others of their own accomplishments.

In the worst case, 3/4 is capable of atrocities, just like 3/2, except that because of the greater self-examination of the four-wing, such crimes are more likely to be isolated cases. 3/4 can be rather self-destructive as all the normal rules of social conduct are abandoned in an attempt to generate attention of any kind from others. In the deepest psychosis, mass-murder-suicides are possible. Everyone else gets to be famous, but not me. But watch! I'll get my fifteen minutes, when they see what I have done. Just wait. I'll show them.

physical appearance

3/4s are interested in appearing attractive and sexy, because they are threes, but the four-wing makes them also want to be unique. Their overall appearance usually includes elements that set them apart from the crowd. 3/4s usually want to set the next fashion, rather than following the current one. Fourish sensitivity to aesthetics and form gives them a subtlety and flair that 3/2s usually seem to lack. Like 4/3s, they want to inject a bit of drama into their presentation.

callings

Some 3/4s find work that shows them to the world in a unique but culturally acceptable way. Leading-edge pop singers, actors, politicians, and talk-show hosts. Others succeed by mastering the corporate world, becoming CEOs, entrepeneurs, fashion consultants. They might be in retail sales, insurance, real estate, or commodities. There are 3/4 computer technicians, auto mechanics, novelists, and artists. Of course, 3/4s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


three with a two wing

general description

Average 3/2 is the prototypical sales personality. The threeish desire to be admired is stronger than the twoish desire to please others, so it is more important to them that they look good than that they make others feel good, although they will do both if they can. Unlike the more withdrawn 3/4, they want to reach the largest possible audience. Threeish, mainstream attractiveness is flavored by twoish seductiveness, rather than fourish uniqueness.

balanced and transcendent states

Healthy 3/2 loses the false polish and becomes more real. The vanity of three turns into genuine self-observation, and the seductive pride of two turns into appropriate humility. Balanced 3/2s are friendly and personable people whose natural social skills help others feel comfortable. They find a new kind of pleasure at playing without always having to win, although of course they can still choose to be competitive when it's appropriate. Genuine feelings emerge and are given expression as two integrates to four, while three going to six provides a sense of belonging that builds powerful bonds of friendship.

Further 3/2 integration leads to an astonishing ability to generate enthusiastic optimism and self-confidence in others. Highly evolved 3/2 is usually an expert motivational speaker, and often takes advantage of that skill. The uplifting message is delivered with style and power, zooming right to the heart of the listener, where the magic of positive thinking can begin. These are the teachers who bring us to our feet shouting and jumping for joy, eager to take the reins of our life and charge onward into the future.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Unbalanced 3/2s become trapped by the vain desire to be admired and attractive. They begin to hide more and more behind their false emotional facade. Trying ever harder to show the emotional states they think others think they should show, they get further out of touch with whatever real emotions are being ignored. The anger and pushiness from the two-wing's disintegration to eight combine with the three's nineish emotional deadening, for a kind of hostile self-promotion than can be most annoying.

If 3/2s lose touch still further, eightish anger at the world is the only emotion that is strong enough to penetrate the cotton wall of nineish deadness. In a peculiar, zombielike state, the most horrible atrocities might be committed. Sometimes extremely unbalanced 3/2s are nice-seeming, quiet people who just happen to be mass-murderers or serial rapists. See who brought you to ruin! I am the one.

physical appearance

3/2s usually want to be well-dressed, according to the top fashion of whatever social group they belong to. Their clothing is well-chosen and reflects the mainstream, not the fringes of fashion. They seldom let themselves become overweight. Makeup and jewelery are always well within the norms of their largest audience. Note, however, that some audiences like excess, and threes who are addressing such groups will meet their expectations. 3/2s possess a calm, cheerful social manner, always trying to show the best side. They want you to feel that they are emotionally together even if they aren't.

callings

Some 3/2s find work that puts them on display in a glamorous way. Actors, singers, football players. Others follow their ambition into the business world, becoming executives, salespeople, managers, or advertising agents. They might be motivational speakers, models, game show hosts, or newscasters. There are 3/2 DJs, politicians, and image consultants. Of course, 3/2s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


Type Four

Type four people care more than most about the emotional significance of events. They can become trapped by a sense of the meaninglessness of their own life, and of the world. One of their talents is an intuitive connection to the source of beauty.

Ego fixation: melancholy
Holy idea: originality
Passion: envy
Virtue: equanimity

Health Levels

inspired originality
self-aware intuition
subtle humanity

symbolic drama
withdrawn melancholy
self-indulgent disdain

desolate confusion
guilt-ridden torment
suicidal despair


four with a five wing

general description

Average 4/5 is emotionally heavy. Powerful, passionate feelings and aesthetic appreciations swell within and then get bottled up inside. 4/5s generally avoid expressing their feelings because they feel that no one could possibly understand them. Like 4/3, they feel special and different, but 4/5 is more likely to withdraw into sullen silence than to make a big public scene. 4/5 and 5/4 both have strong feelings which they repress, but because their feelings are stronger than their repression, 4/5s are more aware than 5/4 of their inner emotional state. Consequently, they are more likely to become depressed. There is a kind of delicacy to 4/5 that is not usually present in 4/3.

balanced and transcendent states

Balanced 4/5 lightens up. The five-wing's integration to eight adds a kind of solidity and strength to the healthy 4/5, while the integration of four to one provides clear judgment and rationality. Healthy 4/5s begin to escape from the obsessive, dark, inner view, looking more outward into the world. There they find new connections with other people, possibly to their great surprise. They finally begin to discover that they have been loving people all along, although they may not have known it.

With spiritual growth, the realization that love has been present all along strengthens into an unquenchable thirst for deeper inner connections with an inner source of meaning. These connections are strengthened by loving compassion for other humans. Extremely advanced 4/5 is a gentle, strong, deeply passionate teacher. Keen observations of the subtle states of others provide a miraculous ability to elicit powerful, transforming feelings. They may teach in person, through their writings, or in more subtle ways such as various forms of artistic expression.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Unbalanced 4/5 can move into the extreme withdrawal of depression, then, with still further disintegration, into a sort of dark impulsiveness. Deeply troubled by feelings of utter worthlessness and extreme isolation, unhealthy 4/5 may look for opportunities to perform degrading, menial tasks, rationalizing that such a fate is deserved. Servility and self-abasement provide a kind of barely-adequate, very temporary relief from the constant torment of self-hatred.

As life becomes less and less tolerable, suicide becomes increasingly likely, and if it happens it may be done in some unusually gruesome way. Extremely dark, horrifying inner imaginings are welcomed and encouraged. The whole world, both inner and outer, is seen as grotesquely diseased and utterly without redeeming qualities. 4/5 Hell is a place of unimaginable ugliness, populated by those deformed, psychotic monsters, the human race. Psychotic 4/5 revels in hopelessness and despair.

physical appearance

Some 4/5s place little attention on appearance, beyond a kind of casual style. Black clothing is common, loosely worn and maybe not very well-fitted. By contrast, there are other 4/5s who are careful to dress well whenever possible. Well-dressed 4/5s seem to have a way of looking elegant but understated. Whether or not they dress and groom themselves carefully, average to unbalanced 4/5s often feel they are unattractive in some way.

callings

Some 4/5s find work that lets them express their deep feelings while withdrawing from direct contact. Writers, painters, sculptors, philosophers, fabric designers. Others like to make deep contact with a few, carefully selected people. Psychologists, butlers, personal aides. They might overcome the desire to withdraw, coming out as popular musicians or character actors. Often they settle for relatively unglamorous work, living a rich fantasy life instead. There are 4/5 accountants, technical writers, and night clerks. Of course, 4/5s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


four with a three wing

general description

Average 4/3 is emotionally spicy. Because of the conflict between the three-wing's desire to be in the spotlight and the four's self-conscious fear of exposure, they may alternate between extremes of extroversion and introversion. Unlike the cooler 3/4s, 4/3s may find it difficult (if not impossible) to stay calm when emotions come up. They are more likely to talk about their overwhelming feelings than the much more rational, analytical, withdrawn 4/5s.

balanced and transcendent states

Balanced 4/3 finds the peace of equanimity. When four integrates to one and three integrates to six, deep compassionate wisdom is augmented by a feeling of brotherhood and belonging. Finally, the 4/3 reaches a point where comfort is possible without being tormented by a desire that others recognize that special uniqueness. Others who are feeling emotional difficulty can find sensitive, unselfish understanding in a balanced 4/3.

When 4/3 becomes deeply self-aware, there is a feeling of tremendous emotional integrity. Others feel that they are genuinely being heard, but not judged in any way. Somehow the advanced 4/3 manages to be both an equal and a teacher, both a sympathetic listener and a disciplined advisor. Real transformations happen in the lives of those who tell their stories to such people. People become powerfully motivated to find the real meaning in their lives.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Unbalanced 4/3 swings through wild emotional cycles. As fourish emotionality gets more out of control, bringing in the selfish expectations of special treatment of the unhealthy two, the three-wing's nineish tendencies cause a kind of split within the psyche. The more intensely the dramatized pseudo-emotions are felt, the less in touch the 4/3 becomes with the real, honest feelings that lie underneath. The dramatic emotions become more and more staged and false.

In the unhealthy extreme, there is little actual contact with real feelings, despite the possibly awe-inspiring intensity of the outward expression. All the theatrical emotionality is a fearful cover for an inner emptiness that will not go away. Extremely unbalanced 4/3 has become so attached to the outward expression of the false emotions that the real feelings are overwhelmed and drowned out. The conviction of being hopelessly flawed may lead to desperate attempts to end it all with suicide, almost always in some dramatic, attention-grabbing way. I'm a hopeless romantic, unable to live a normal life. I might as well end it all right now, because no one will ever understand my torment. At least then, others might see the depth of my pain.

physical appearance

4/3 is the type most interested in a really artful, tastefully unique presentation. They often like to combine black and bright colors. 4/3s are usually thin to medium in build, although there are some exceptions. The females often wear their hair in some way that gives it a lot of body, such as shoulder-length (or longer) curls. Both sexes like to dress up. Some of the most outrageous costumes ever seen in ordinary public places are on 4/3s (the rest are on sevens).

callings

Some 4/3s find work that brings out their interest in aesthetics and artistic expression. Novelists, musicians, painters, poets, actors, dancers. Graphic designers, fashion consultants, interior designers, restaurant managers. Others express themselves more privately, outside of work, becoming secretaries, middle-managers, retail salespeople. There are 4/3 career advisors, guidance counsellors and psychologists. Of course, 4/3s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


Type Five

Type five people care more than most about the inner workings of things. They can become trapped by a compulsion to figure things out. One of their talents is an intuitive ability to directly perceive the structure of reality.

Ego fixation: stinginess
Holy idea: omniscience
Passion: avarice
Virtue: detachment

Health Levels

profound vision
objective insight
innovative exploration

comprehensive knowledge
intense preoccupation
cynical argumentation

eccentric nihilism
phobic delirium
psychotic paralysis


five with a six wing

general description

Suspicion combines with analytical detachment in average 5/6. The fiveish desire to know the reasons for everything combines with sixish skepticism to create a dry, sometimes intolerant personality. Because the six-wing wants to be liked, they want to be sociable and have friends. But the interaction of the sixish mistrust and the fiveish analysis makes it difficult for them to get close to very many people. They may have more trouble approaching others than the more sociable 6/5. Unlike 5/4, 5/6 may be more interested in politics than nature, more interested in conspiracy theories than physics theories.

balanced and transcendent states

Balanced 5/6 gains social ease. Deep perception and serene faith combine for a kind of knowing that focuses on the truth of human interactions. Healthy 5/6 overcomes the fear of intimacy and finds satisfaction in genuine relationships. A balance is struck between the urge to withdraw to sort things out and the desire to feel safe among trusted friends. The need diminishes to protect against deceit by constantly analyzing people, leading to greater comfort and depth in friendships.

The best of 5/6 brings together the powerful insight of five, the stamina and leadership of eight, the deep faith and genuineness of six, and the inner peace of nine. Extremely advanced 5/6 is a leader, using a magical level of perception to help others see themselves more clearly. Inspiring trust and respect, they explain human interactions in a way that teaches people to see the wholeness in the parts, demonstrating through their actions that society is one body.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Unbalanced 5/6 becomes afraid of people. Mistrust interacts with reductionistic analysis, and the world begins to seem more and more threatening. Threeish competitive urges might emerge, combining with sevenish mania to create a kind of intense, argumentative combativeness that hides a deep sense of inadequacy. This unbalanced state turns people away, leading to a greater sense of isolation. Unhealthy 5/6 tends to rationalize that most people are not honest anyway, and since other people fail to recognize the value of their brilliant ideas, they are not worth knowing at all.

In the worst cases, paranoia and anxiety lead 5/6 into a terrifying spiral in which increasingly bizarre fabrications may be used to explain hallucinated meanings into even the most mundane events. Numbers, names, and shapes can take on enormous significance. Vast, intricate, imaginary conspiracies are clearly seen as Truth. The whole world is warped into a shape that supports an increasingly baroque inner model. There is a time during which violent acts are possible, just before the inner system collapses. In the end, the house of cards can fall suddenly, leaving 5/6 in a trembling fugue of total withdrawal.

physical appearance

5/6 is interested in fitting in, but not standing out, unless there is extreme identification with ideas, in which case there can be a tortured kind of threeish social aggression. Clothing is usually conservative and often quite understated. Sometimes there is a coarse, gritty sort of appearance. Hair might be a bit messy, glasses askew. The six wing (and its threeish stress) sometimes brings in a desire to look sharp and professional, but it is not usually accomplished as smoothly as a real three would do it. Healthy 5/6 often likes to dress well, although there usually must be a conscious effort.

callings

Some 5/6es find work that combines non-threatening social interaction with rigorous intellectual exercise. Technical test engineers, chess players, historians, museum curators. Others use their social perceptions more directly, becoming psychologists, social commentators, novelists, social theoreticians, science popularizers. Many become scientists of different kinds, from embryologists to materials specialists. There are 5/6 magicians, psychic debunkers, computer engineers, interpreters, and math teachers. Of course, 5/6es can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


five with a four wing

general description

Average 5/4 is the prototype personality for research scientists. Analytical and detached from their emotions, but passionate about beauty and truth, they want to find the ultimate, simple explanation for everything. Their intellectual fiveness makes them likely to engage in long, professorial monologues, while their four-wing gives them a shy self-consciousness. Unlike the more depressive 4/5, they are likely to have a generally optimistic view, although they can get depressed if they become overwhelmed by the world's demands. 5/4s are usually less interested in social interactions than the more other-dependent 5/6.

balanced and transcendent states

Balanced 5/4 is more able to participate in life. When the fiveish desire to withdraw and sort things out is no longer compulsive, then the consciously chosen time alone becomes a tool for understanding the world, rather than an entrapping habit. The fourish passion for beauty emerges as the conscious result of harnessing the emotions rather than being their slave. Healthy 5/4s begin to deeply understand the simple, elegant way that the awesome complexity of the world emerges from fundamental principles. They find great joy in watching and learning.

When the perception of five and the passion of four are augmented by eight's power and leadership, plus one's intuitive wisdom, clear comprehensions can be transmitted to others. Very balanced 5/4s can be tremendously creative teachers of How The World Works, who explain things with clean, elegant sentences. Yet for all its simple clarity, their teaching carries with it a profound appreciation for the subtle beauty of Creation. Come with me on a journey of discovery. Let's look together at the awesome profundity of Nature and Consciousness.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Unbalanced 5/4 gets lost in the details. The compulsive analysis of five can lead to elaborate pseudo-logical constructions designed to explain everything. The four-wing's emotionality adds a flavor of dramatic hopelessness. Others Simply Do Not Understand. No one could understand. So 5/4 retreats to a place of safety, hoping to escape from view, continuing to uncover the truth. There is little to no social involvement.

In the extreme, the panic and scattered mania of seven combine with twoish self-congratulatory hysteria. In a seeming reversal, 5/4 can come back into the world, awkward and excitable, ready to bolt but equally ready to passionately defend a bizarre, baroque fantasy world. As inner tension builds, schizoid withdrawal becomes more and more likely. The end result is a kind of terrified fugue, completely cut off from reality. The only escape from the constant overwhelming chaos is inward.

physical appearance

5/4 is generally not much into appearance. Reasonable, ordinary clothing, not too bold. Comfort is quite important. Glasses are common Ñ maybe a result of a great deal of careful examination of tiny objects during childhood? There is often a rumpled, dissheveled quality. The exceptions are those well-dressed 5/4's whose four-wings impel them towards an aesthetically appealing appearance. Also, note that sometimes unhealthy 5/4s can dress and act in sevenishly colorful ways.

callings

Some 5/4s find work that combines intellect and aesthetics. Cosmologists, futurists, science fiction authors. Others dive deeply into some highly specialized discipline, becoming computer programmers, nuclear physicists, theoretical scientists, molecular biologists, surface scientists, or any of a thousand other highly technical jobs. There are 5/4 science reporters, poets, painters, and photographers. Of course, 5/4s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


Type Six

Type six people care more than most about safety and security. They can become trapped by compulsive anxiety, or by compulsive counterphobia. One of their talents is an intuitive ability to sense whether someone is telling the truth.

Ego fixation: cowardice
Holy idea: faith
Passion: fear
Virtue: courage

Health Levels

self-affirming courage
faithful affection
responsible discipline

dutiful loyalty
anxious ambivalence
belligerent scapegoating

needy conformism
paranoid obsession
self-destructive panic


six with a seven wing

general description

When an average 6/7 feels anxious, the reaction is likely to be immediate and colorful. Unlike the more subdued 6/5, 6/7 is likely to react impulsively to stress. Instead of analyzing, 6/7 is more likely to sevenishly jump into action, sometimes in inappropriate ways. However, because the cautious sixness is more powerful than the flamboyant seven-wing, 6/7 usually pulls back from extremes before they become too threatening, unlike the even less predictable 7/6. This inner conflict between flamboyance and caution can produce a person who is emotionally rather volatile, similar in some ways to 4/3.

balanced and transcendent states

Balanced 6/7 has a feeling of firm steadiness, sure-footed and quiet. As sevenish impulsivity and sixish anxiety diminish, they are replaced by a calm deliberateness. Although fun and companionship are still highly valued, the desperate longing for security has been converted into inner strength. This is someone who can become a true brother or sister, or a genuinely loving parent.

With further development, 6/7 finds a deep sense of belonging to the universe, and to mankind. Nineish calm and sixish faith combine with sevenish joy and fiveish perception. This is a person who values the relationship with the One Greatest Authority over all others. Through gentle, tolerant brotherhood, extremely balanced 6/7 shares with others a sense of eternal companionship and security.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Unbalanced 6/7 is usually visibly desperate. Anxiety and insecurity become powerful controlling influences. Jumping from one colorful emotional state to another, trying to find any way to quell the increasing sense of uncertainty and vulnerability, stressed 6/7 looks for someone out there who will help, but finds no one who can be trusted.

As tension mounts, highly stressed 6/7 will try anything to escape from the increasingly intolerable situations that arise. Others move away from a person whose impulsive grabbiness and dependent gestures become unpleasantly intrusive. Physical illness, car troubles, boyfriends, girlfriends, landlords, all become scapegoats for the real problem of inner helpless dependence. You are either all-good or all-bad, and whether I like you or not can change from moment to moment. My very identity splits into fragments as I desperately cut myself into pieces to escape the horrible sense of impending catastrophe.

physical appearance

6/7s can be quite physically attractive. The sixish desire to be liked combines with sevenish sensuality and vanity, and the result could be someone who can dress and act in a remarkably appealing way. There is sometimes a shy sort of cuteness, even in the males, or perhaps a macho sort of masculine charm or a coyly innocent feminine sexuality. 6/7 likes to be clearly of one sex or the other, unlike the more gender-neutral sevens.

callings

Some 6/7s find work that lets them have fun while feeling safe. Cartoonists, actors, comedians, magicians, social satirists, talk show hosts. Movie reviewers, baseball players, singers and performers. Others deliberately dive into adventure, becoming explorers, test pilots, tour guides, or travel reporters. There are 6/7 security guards, police officers, airline pilots, secretaries, bus drivers, and sports announcers. Of course, 6/7s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


six with a five wing

general description

In average 6/5, the sixish need to feel safe among friends is colored by a fiveish desire to pick things apart into their components. As a result, 6/5 is more likely than 6/7 to join groups whose memberships are highly homogeneous, and thus easier to understand. Unlike the more analytic 5/6, 6/5 is more interested in being liked than in understanding the situation, although both are important. 6/5 is typically a traditional, conservative person who wants to fit into a safe, trustworthy group.

balanced and transcendent states

As balanced 6/5 becomes free of anxiety and reductionistic analysis, an endearing kind of gentility and good humor begins to emerge. Here is someone who laughs easily, with almost a sense of relief. Can it really be so simple to live and enjoy life? There is a feeling of relaxed good nature and certainty. This is a person you can trust, someone to rely on for true friendship.

With still further depth of understanding, 6/5 turns into a warm and deeply loving brother or sister, someone who is in touch with a real universal authority, internally and eternally available. 6/5 acts with quiet confidence, coming from a place of peaceful faith. Essential sixness brings deep interpersonal bonding, essential fiveness builds penetrating perception, and nineish tranquility combines with eightish personal power.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Unbalanced 6/5 begins to feel anxious and wants to run away to some protected place. Unable to trust inner or outer authority, a search begins for some explanation for the constant tension. Others are easy to blame, and by projecting the causes of anxiety outward, 6/5 can find a temporary kind of release.

But with increased stress, 6/5 loses faith in the blaming. No explanation for the anxiety satisfies, and the world begins to seem like a horrible, frightening game. Paranoia escalates. Very unbalanced 6/5 bounces rapidly from fearful withdrawal to tense, overconfident pretense. Everyone is out to get me, and there is no place to run. I'm frightened out of my wits, and I know I am headed for a complete breakdown, but maybe if I can get myself into enough trouble someone will come and rescue me.

physical appearance

6/5 has the sixish desire to be attractive and likable, but the five wing's withdrawing, analytical nature sometimes makes it hard to know what it takes to be appealing. 6/5 can be extremely attractive, or somewhat scruffy, depending on level of balance and the strength of the wing. Sometimes 6/5 puts on a show of false toughness, dressing in utilitarian, unattractive clothes and assuming defensive, accusatory postures. Others prefer nonthreatening but stylish attire. It is rare to see a 6/5 who stands out because of exceptionally colorful clothing.

callings

Some 6/5s find work that combines belonging to a group with being alone. Janitors, forest rangers, taxi drivers, bus drivers. They might like to be involved in serious, dangerous protection activities, as police officers, fire fighters, spies, private investigators, paramedics, or ambulance drivers. Others pursue risky hobbies like hang-gliding, rock climbing, skydiving, or scuba while working as architects, train conductors, or electrical engineers. Some find ways to protect underprivileged people, becoming defense attorneys, politicians, or other sorts of advocates. There are 6/5 construction engineers, sanitary engineers, and evangelical ministers. Of course, 6/5s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


Type Seven

Type seven people care more than most about having fun. They can become trapped by a compulsion to have intense experiences. One of their talents is an intuitive ability to generate and sustain healthy optimism, in themselves and others.

Ego fixation: planning
Holy idea: work
Passion: gluttony
Virtue: sobriety

Health Levels

ecstatic gratitude
spontaneous enthusiasm
passionate accomplishment

active materialism
restless superficiality
addictive excess

irresponsible debauchery
manic hysteria
burnt-out debilitation


seven with an eight wing

general description

Average 7/8s are often aggressive and flamboyant. Seven's talkativeness and charisma combine with eight's outgoing power to create a personality that may be well-suited for starting big projects, but ill-suited for continuing them. Unlike the gentler 7/6, 7/8s are not afraid to make themselves unpopular. In fact, sometimes they seem to delight in generating shocked antipathy. 7/8 is not as careless of image as the rougher 8/7. 7/8 usually wants to be fun to look at, sometimes to colorful, elaborate extremes.

balanced and transcendent states

With balance, 7/8 settles down. Becoming aware of the compulsive nature of the desire for excess and learning how to moderate the constant power-trip, healthy 7/8 finds that other people are much easier to get along with when they are not being pushed or receiving a hard-sell on some wild idea. Love and appreciation for subtlety become important aspects of a life that includes increasing amounts of silent, peaceful contemplation.

Highly integrated 7/8 discovers that by letting the mind's chatter come to its own end, a new level of perception emerges, with a much greater understanding of how the world fits together. Instead of exploding outward into wildly impulsive activity, 7/8 harnesses enthusiasm for practical uses. Life becomes a joyful, loving celebration. Look how much we have been given! Jump into the beautiful universe with both feet! Find your power and become what you were meant to be!

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Under stress, 7/8 gets ever-wilder. When others fail to respond with enough enthusiasm to the high-pressure sales tactics, and the high of the latest exciting trip begins to wear off, it's time for the next wild ride. Maybe just a little bigger dose will do it. New ideas seem to erase old problems, and each one is bigger and better than the last one. If it doesn't work, forget it and move to the next grand scheme. You've got to try this, it's totally fantastic!

As the highs get higher, the lows scrape lower. But the miserable mornings are soon forgotten, because there's an even better high coming. What a fabulous idea I've got! All I need is a thousand bucks and you'll get it all back next week! But first, lets have an all-night party to celebrate! Very unbalanced 7/8 heads into ever-deeper entrapments, promising ever-greater rewards to those who will finance (or otherwise support) rapidly exploding levels of excessive indulgence. It all leads inevitably to the great crash, and utter dissipation. Fearfully, psychotic 7/8 withdraws into a shell of total escapist fantasy, depressed and lost in exhaustion. Possibly, the law is hot on the trail by now, and jail is not far away.

physical appearance

Average to unhealthy 7/8s definitely like to dress on the wild side. With little apparent sense of taste or aesthetics, they boldly combine colors and patterns in an effort to be as showy as possible. Could anyone else feel comfortable dressing like this? Other 7/8s are more eightish, and might dress rather sloppily. Physically, 7/8 is almost always either fat or thin, but seldom anywhere in between. Either they eat so much that their metabolism can't possibly keep up, or their metabolism is so high they couldn't possibly get fat.

callings

Some 7/8s find work that combines excitement and aggression. Wrestlers, high-tech entrepeneurs, lion tamers, drug dealers, con artists, loud and wild rock stars, screaming DJs. Others are more moderate, becoming TV weather forecasters, comedians, clowns, actors, or dancers. There are 7/8 physicists, doctors, tax advisors, race car drivers, and sex therapists. Of course, 7/8s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


seven with a six wing

general description

Many average 7/6es are natural comedians. The sevenish desire to entertain others is enhanced by the sixish desire to be liked. Driven by sixish anxiety into wild, sevenish schemes, they can at times become panic-stricken if their impulsive plans lead them into difficulty. Sevenish gaiety is more powerful than sixish mistrust, so they might not choose their friends wisely. Unlike the power-oriented 7/8, 7/6 would rather move away from conflict than into it.

balanced and transcendent states

Balanced 7/6 finds a new kind of centered calmness, as impulsivity and the desire to entertain begin to fall away. Instead of shifting to another mood, there is a willingness to wait and see where this one leads. The slippery, happy-go-lucky quality is replaced by a smooth feeling of attentive watchfulness. There is a kind of directed, joyful intelligence to the healthy 7/6, like a sure presence, with an unlimited attention span.

Extremely integrated 7/6 becomes the master of many talents because of fiveish perceptivity, combined with deep fulfillment and pleasure from the experience of being fully present. 7/6 is profoundly grateful for the continuing opportunity to take part in the unfolding drama of life. What a gorgeous, unpredictably fantastic world! What incredible beauty there is in even the smallest details of this universe! How excitingly alive I feel, and how at-one with the world! Let's celebrate together the deep abundance of life and love.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

When 7/6 stresses, the search for ever-increasing levels of excitement and stimulation seems at first like a way out of the apparent trap of boredom and unease, but it brings only temporary relief. Maybe another kind of fun will help me avoid this increasing sense of hopeless ambivalence. Maybe I should start a new company, or have a great big party! Unbalanced 7/6 tries to find the answer in increasingly grand plans for great, exciting events.

But the ever-growing fear and boredom keep coming back, as excessive stimulation approaches dangerous levels. Without increasing awakeness, this course of exciting overload leads to extreme exhaustion, and a kind of despairing depression that totally incapacitates. At the bottom of the scale of health, 7/6 becomes a worn-out husk, utterly debilitated by drugs, sexual excess, and general overstimulation, and totally incapable of self-care. At every opportunity, every means available is used to provide some escape. Without some kind of external help, such a person may ultimately die of excess.

physical appearance

7/6 wants to be colorful and noticeable, but also entertainingly different. Like 4/3s, they want to be distinctive, but they usually lack the aesthetic finesse of the four, so they might combine patterns and colors in ways that could cause fours to cringe. Because of the six-wing, they want to be liked, so they are not as far-out as 7/8, but they can still radiate color and excitement. The healthier 7/6es do not always dress so loudly, and in fact can be quite subdued.

callings

Some 7/6es find work that is fun and visible. Comedians, clowns, singers, actors, travel reporters. Entertainers of many kinds. Others live more private lives as technical writers, computer engineers, event planners, PR specialists, salespeople, or various kinds of creative designers. There are 7/6 advertising consultants, pianists, chefs, talk show hosts and stage directors. Of course, 7/6es can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


Type Eight

Type eight people care more than most about who is in charge. They can become trapped by compulsive domination of others. One of their talents is an intuitive sense of strategy and tactics.

Ego fixation: vengeance
Holy idea: truth
Passion: excess (lust)
Virtue: innocence

Health Levels

heroic mercy
resourceful action
decisive honor

rugged pragmatism
expansive domination
belligerent aggression

ruthless brutality
megalomaniacal rage
murderous cruelty


eight with a nine wing

general description

Most average 8/9s are socially unpolished and physically powerful. When eightish dominance combines with nineish passivity, but the eight is stronger, the personality is quiet but aggressive, usually slow-moving but capable of sudden violence. 8/9 is more likely to ignore a challenge than 8/7, but also more likely to erupt into overt anger than the more passive 9/8. While 8/9 would prefer to sit back and relax, it is important that the situation be under control first. There is a heavy, slow quality to most 8/9s.

balanced and transcendent states

Balanced 8/9 uses gentle strength with kindness. As 8/9 becomes more in touch with the inner self, the drive to dominate becomes less compulsive, and the seemingly contradictory desire to withdraw and be settled is also less overwhelming. This frees the will, allowing 8/9 to see the value of choosing carefully when to be powerful and when to pull back, rather than being enslaved by alternating sleepiness and angry outbursts. Others benefit from the well-timed use of personal power.

In extreme integration we have someone whose healthy, unselfconscious threeish ambition (from integrated nine) is augmented by a twoish benevolence (from integrated eight). Here are some of the greatest leaders and mystical teachers, who sometimes gather enormous followings of devoted seekers. Advanced 8/9 teachers are able to be tough when toughness is needed, and gentle and loving at other times.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Average to unhealthy 8/9 carries within a deep conflict between self-forgetting and combativeness. As these contradictory urges intensify, 8/9 becomes less predictable and more dangerous. Times of quiet are deceptive, because there is anger simmering beneath the surface. Sudden explosions of rage become more intense and frequent.

In extreme imbalance the influences of nine stressing to six and eight stressing to five add two different flavors of paranoid anxiety, which combines with the withdrawal of the nine to bring 8/9 into a state of self-protective isolation. Those who intrude into the inner sanctum may be violently attacked or even killed. Psychotic 8/9 is the archetypical antisocial personality, totally lacking conscience and compassion.

physical appearance

Although there are some notable exceptions, for the most part 8/9 simply doesn't care much about looking good. With rough, usually large features and a slow, simple way of being, these are people whose lifestyle is practical and unpresumptuous. Most 8/9s are more interested in relaxing than going out to some social or cultural event, and their wardrobe and appearance usually reflect this preference. If an 8/9 is attractive and charismatic, it is usually because of an inborn talent at natural leadership more than any particular appearance element.

callings

Some 8/9s find work that lets them run their own show without being bothered much by other people. Sanitary engineers, night guards, factory workers, construction workers, truck drivers, heavy equipment operators. Others are more exposed to the public as diplomats, politicians, actors, or military leaders. There are 8/9 airline pilots, ranchers, country music stars, and bodyguards. Of course, 8/9s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


eight with a seven wing

general description

Here's the roughest, toughest personality in the enneagram. Average 8/7 is full of pushy, powerful energy. The eight's desire to dominate overpowers the seven's desire to entertain, so being in charge is more important than being the life of the party. Eights in general do not bother much with appearances, but 8/7's seven-wing brings in some desire to look good, or at least interesting, unlike 8/9, who is often utterly oblivious to appearance.

balanced and transcendent states

Balanced 8/7 softens up and gains charm and tact. With increased awareness, 8/7 loses some of the compulsive combativeness and the tendency to go to extremes is moderated. Real personal power, from essence, becomes more available in place of artifical bravado. 8/7 realizes that sometimes the most powerful thing to do is to wait, rather than charging in blindly.

Highly integrated 8/7 finds that when dominance is a choice (and eight integrates to two), one can choose to be kind and gentle, using power constructively instead of combatively. Seven integrates to five, and impulsive action is replaced by considered, perceptive understanding, making rash actions unnecessary. A person who may have been unpolished, rude, and rough becomes a sophisticated judge of situations, intuitively in touch with the flow of human interaction. This new perception makes options available that were previously inconceivable.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Unhealthy 8/7 can become physically dangerous. With little or no concern for the rules, almost no emotional sensitivity, and an unsociable, highly belligerent nature, this person can become a rough character. Here is the schoolyard bully, the street thug, and the uncultured slob. If you don't like it, tough. Why bother to be careful when I can get what I want through brute force?

With further stress, 8/7 becomes violent, rude, and deadly, lashing out at whatever gets in the way. But as the violence increases, so does the need to defend against counterattacks. Eight pulls in the worst of five, creating the need for walls and protection, while seven's stress to one brings increasingly intolerant, judgemental thoughts. The world becomes a crazy battlefield, where one must kill or be killed, and every moment requires constant defensive and offensive maneuvering.

physical appearance

When it comes to appearance, 8/7 can be slick and sharply well-dressed, or remarkably careless. It all depends on mood and circumstances. When things are good, and 8/7 feels empowered, the hair might be well-styled, the clothes neat and classy, and the manner dapper and maybe even elegant. But if trouble comes, appearances may suffer. It's hard to look good when you are fighting. Most 8/7s have large features and a thick, rough complexion. Some are physically enormous, and much of that mass may be muscle.

callings

Some 8/7s find work that puts them in charge of something they can really get their teeth into. Construction foremen, dictators, explorers, army generals, organized crime bosses, boxers, corporate CEOs. Others have smaller territories as middle managers, sports coaches, drill sergeants, or simply the head of their own family. There are 8/7 long-haul truck drivers, factory workers, small business owners, and muggers. Of course, 8/7s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


Type Nine

Type nine people care more than most about maintaining a comfortable, undisturbed life. They can become trapped by compulsive avoidance of upsetting circumstances. One of their talents is an intuitive ability to melt into another person's being.

Ego fixation: indolence
Holy idea: love
Passion: laziness (sloth)
Virtue: action

Health Levels

serene exuberance
receptive sensuality
imaginative synthesis

conventional compliance
habitual complacence
indolent resignation

obstinate neglect
helpless amnesia
catatonic vacancy


nine with a one wing

general description

Average 9/1 has a sort of cloudlike softness. The one-wing adds a flavor of intellectuality, but nine is more powerful, so the 9/1's thoughts are not likely to receive much reality-testing. As a result, 9/1 often has a set of beliefs about the world that may seem superstitious or magical to others. For 9/1, this is no problem, because, strange as it may seem, these magical beliefs often seem to actually work for them. Unlike 9/8, 9/1 has a kind of refinement and poise, because of the one-wing's desire to be perfect. But 9/1 is more likely to lie down and take a nap than the more workaholic 1/9.

balanced and transcendent states

Balanced 9/1 somehow becomes more present. Now there is really somebody home, a genuine being with actual goals and self-interest who happily starts creating results in the world. Nine begins to show some threeish ambition and the one-wing begins to loosen up its perfectionism. While such a person is still probably involved in activities that are non-threatening and not particularly visible in the world at large, the results often affect others in ways that are surprisingly useful and subtle.

Advanced 9/1 finds deep sevenish joy in the accomplishment of personal goals. Usually the goals involve teaching or otherwise empowering others. Oneish intellectual rigor assumes real importance when the desire for withdrawal diminishes, allowing 9/1 to risk genuine involvement. Thoughts and internal images finally correspond to actual reality and 9/1 is able to transmit to others a special and powerful kind of integrated self-actualization.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Under stress, nineish withdrawal increases, accompanied by oneish judgment of self and others. 9/1 retreats into a fantasy world inhabited by comfortably fuzzy generalities and stereotyped images of other people. These are the people 9/1 wishes could inhabit the real world -- wishful, perfect images of real people. Unfortunately, because 9/1 is convinced of the reality of these internally generated images, real-life interactions suffer when people do not live up to their idealized images. But the 9/1 tries very hard not to notice.

In the extreme, it becomes nearly impossible not to see the discrepancies between the perfect inner images and the outward reality. Total isolation becomes the only way to avoid seeing that the world is populated by disturbingly imperfect, unpredictable, demanding, untrustworthy beings. Life falls apart at the seams and psychotic 9/1 eventually may reach a state of catatonic pseudo-coma. Even eating and drinking can become too much work. No one is home in the body, and the body itself is allowed to fall into ruins.

physical appearance

Because they usually do not want to be noticed, average 9/1s almost always dress as inconspicuously as possible. They wear the most normal, culturally unremarkable clothing they can find. They really want to be as invisible as possible. Physically, the 9/1s with the strongest one-wings tend to be thin, while those with less one energy can sometimes become soft and pudgy. Most 9/1s are of an intermediate build.

callings

Some 9/1s find work that lets them use their mind, but in a soft, fuzzy sort of way. Astrologers, palm-readers, crystal healers, puppeteers, storytellers, dressmakers. Others want more intellectual rigor, becoming accountants, naturalists, politicians, librarians, animators, artists, or technical writers. There are 9/1 postal workers (scads of them), literature professors, actors, painters, and a million jobs that nobody ever notices. Of course, 9/1s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.


nine with an eight wing

general description

Average 9/8s are gentle, simple, unsophisticated people. They tend to be a bit impulsive because of their lusty eight-wing, and they have the ability to push hard enough to get their way, but they back down easily in most cases if others resist their impulses. 9/8 is more likely to ignore a challenge than the more power-oriented 8/9. Unlike the more refined 9/1, 9/8 feels rough around the edges. There is often almost a clumsy feel to their childlike ways. They are like puppydogs, eager to be happy and eager to forget unpleasantness.

balanced and transcendent states

When they begin to wake up, 9/8s almost always use their lusty eight-wing to pull themselves out of the dream. For them, the expansiveness and energy of eight is a direct antidote to nineish apathy and resignation. When eight begins to pull in the benevolence of two and nine finds the ambition of three, there is no stopping these powerful, generous people.

Highly integrated 9/8 carries both the goodness and generosity of two and the deep self-actualization of three, without any trace of pride or vanity. People feel positively uplifted in the presence of such completely humble, giving, magnificent, fully self-created beings. Somehow just being in the presence of such a person can generate tremendous confidence and healthy self-regard. It is not what they do, it's how they are. They simply are Ñ without trying to be anything in particular. The utter naturalness is astounding.

unbalanced and unhealthy states

Stressed 9/8 tends to fall into an unselfed dream state. If the dream deepens, apathy leads to sixish suspicion, while eightish defensiveness leads to fiveish paranoia. Nine's primary defense of withdrawal is enhanced by both tendencies, and 9/8 becomes a reclusive, lazy, mistrustful, hermit.

In the worst cases, the tendency to escape by going to sleep leads to total avoidance of any kind of real interaction. Bills go unpaid, the phone rings without being answered, and the lawn goes unmowed. Somnolence leads 9/8 deeper and deeper into self-negation, resulting in a paranoid sort of comatose sloth. No one is home in the body, and the body is powered down. Can there be any life at all in such a dead state?

physical appearance

9/8 has a tendency to be physically big. Many 9/8s have long, solid bones, and they are often remarkably strong. If they are healthy, they move with a powerful, fluid grace. If unhealthy, they can be quite clumsy and uncoordinated. Because they would rather not be the subject of much attention, and they feel no need to be different, they usually dress in traditional, acceptable clothing, seldom flashy or odd. Like 9/1s, 1/9s, and 6/5s, their particular brand of utter normality may be one of their most distinguishing features.

callings

Some 9/8s find work that combines quiet time and occasional aggressive outwardness. Middle managers, airline pilots, grant writers, behavioral therapists, talent scouts, casting directors. Others stay well out of the front lines, becoming postmasters, gardeners, bookkeepers, beekeepers, housekeepers. There are 9/8 newscasters, actors, singers, recruiters, executive secretaries, and many unremarkable jobs out of the public eye. Of course, 9/8s can also be found doing many other kinds of work.