The enneagram is an analytic system that not only permits us to explore the core drives that help shape our personalities as we walk, struggle or stumble through life, it also helps us recognize our own most important qualities and challenges building on a set of nine (=ennea in Greek) main personality types, that each allow for numerous variations by combining with the others.
We will be soon expanding on this topic and may even start up some short courses when interest is shown, but for starters we give you a list of some of our most valuable books in this area, followed by a short resumé of the nine main personality types. We do not in any way wish to pretend that this is the perfect people categorizing system that will explain and help resolve all issues, but rather see it as a well workable tool for those mainly concerned will self evaluation and progress on a spiritual scale - which may in fact come as a surprise to many, but is really welcome in this age where old religious values seem to have lost their appeal, whilst the need to connect with one another at our deepest level, in full respect and recognition of our diversity, remains - all too often - unserved.
Sandra Maitri: site
The spiritual dimension of the Enneagram
The enneagram of passions and virtues
Kathy Hurley & Theodorre Donson:
Discover your soul potential
Richard Rohr:
The Enneagram, a path to self knowledge (co-author: Andreas Ebert)
A happier life with the Enneagram - growing into spiritual insight
Klausbernd Vollmar:
The Enneagram workbook (also available in German and Dutch)
The nine main personality types in the Enneagram working model:
Enneagram Personality Type One
People who are principled, orderly, self-controlled, perfectionistic, and self-righteous. “They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid to make a mistake.”
Enneagram Personality Type Two
People who are caring, interpersonal, empathic, sincere, and warm-hearted. “They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing.”
Enneagram Personality Type Three
People who are adaptable, success-oriented, self assured, attractive, and charming. “Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement.”
Enneagram Personality Type Four
People who are introspective, romantic, self-aware, sensitive, and reserved. “They are emotionally honest, creative, and personal, but can also be moody and self-conscious.”
Enneagram Personality Type Five
People who are perceptive, intellectually alert, insightful, and curious. “They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills… they can also become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs.”
Enneagram Personality Type Six
People who are committed, security oriented, reliable, hard-working, responsible and trustworthy. “Excellent ‘troubleshooters,’ they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious - running on stress while complaining about it.”
Enneagram Personality Type Seven
People who are busy, productive, playful, high-spirited, and practical. “They can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined.”
Enneagram Personality Type Eight
People who are powerful, aggressive, self-confident, strong and assertive. “Protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be ego-centric and domineering.”
Enneagram Personality Type Nine
People who are easy-going, self-effacing, accepting, trusting, and stable. “They are usually creative, optimistic, and supportive, but can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace.”
more books and info on these sites:
english sites: knownolimits heall
