Answering Enneagram FAQs
While experts still debate concerning the origins from the Enneagram, we’ve Claudio Naranjo by way of thanking for getting it west within the 1960s. Since that time, the Enneagram only has elevated in recognition. Within the last couple of years, it’s become much more mainstream-from Instagram meme accounts to weekend workshops and typing workshops. But as with something that transcends some time and continents, the Enneagram continues to be shrouded in the great amount of myths and misconceptions.
If you are confused through the sometimes contradictory information, listed here are nine common misunderstandings to look out for. While in doubt, you may also use the most popular experts and teachers to assist demystify claims.
And when you’re a new comer to the Enneagram, this informative guide will help you find your number.
1. MYTH: THE ENNEAGRAM Is Really A PERSONALITY TOOL
We have all seen the memes and also the t-shirts that correlate with specific Enneagram figures. Ones are organized, Fours are artistic, and Sevens are optimists always looking for adventure. These stereotypes-while possibly true for many people-are mainly misconceptions. The character traits allotted to each number only provide simple facts of the items the Enneagram is really about. The Enneagram isn’t a free online personality test it’s a nine-point number system created for self-understanding and internal growth.
“The Enneagram isn’t a free online personality test it’s a nine-point number system created for self-understanding and internal growth.”
2. MYTH: An Evaluation Will Easily Notice YOUR ENNEAGRAM NUMBER
Despite exactly what the internet will explain, online tests should not be relied upon for finding your number. Tests from certified Enneagram organizations are fantastic sources to help you and point you within the right direction, however it comes lower to self-reflection and researching all figures (we advise these teachers and sources for more learning).
3. MYTH: You Could Have Several ENNEAGRAM NUMBER
When first researching the Enneagram, you might find yourself identifying using more than one number. This really is entirely normal. By remembering the Enneagram is not a free online personality test which our type is dependent upon our core fear and need, we are able to easier neglect the habits as well as stereotypes connected using the nine figures.
“Our type is dependent upon our core fear and need.”
For instance, I might recognize the business habits of the, and that i might be self-sufficient and determined as an Eight. This doesn’t mean I’m either of individuals figures or that I’m a mix of the 2. It just means I’ve characteristics these figures sometimes exemplify.
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4. MYTH: YOUR ENNEAGRAM NUMBER CHANGES With Time
The Enneagram doesn’t change, nor does our core number (sometimes known as our fundamental type). Neither are we able to choose our number. Based on Enneagram teachers, we obtain our number during childhood, and our core fear and need originate from our earliest encounters.
Many teachers also discuss the significance of spanning the Enneagram all the figures are connected. But our number doesn’t change. It’s the same today as whenever we were children, and it’ll stay throughout our way of life.
5. MYTH: YOUR WINGS Could Be A Variety Around The ENNEAGRAM
So what can change is our wing figures. Fundamental essentials figures on each side in our core type. For instance, if you are a 5, you may either possess a wing Four or perhaps a wing Six (written such as this: 5w4 or 5w6). Unlike our core number, our wings can fluctuate throughout our way of life. Some teachers even believe starting existence with one wing after which swing to another before finding balance in the centre.
“Some teachers believe starting existence with one wing after which swing to another before finding balance in the centre.”
The misperception is the fact that our wing number could be every other number around the Enneagram. For instance, I would attempt to type myself like a 4w8. But this can be a misunderstanding, which theory isn’t based on Enneagram teachings. Our wing number are only able to be among the figures either to side in our core type.
6. MYTH: THE ENNEAGRAM IS Associated With A Particular RELIGION OR BELIEF SYSTEM
Previously couple of years, the Enneagram has been utilized more often by various religious traditions. Many current authors and Enneagram teachers recognize different beliefs and employ it as part of their spiritual practice.
“The Enneagram concerns itself with one element that’s important all spiritual pathways: self-understanding.”
– DON RICHARD RISO
As the Enneagram may be used along with spirituality, it isn’t founded on or associated with any sort of tradition or spiritual beliefs. Don Richard Riso, among the world’s leading Enneagram teachers and experts, covers this within the Knowledge from the Enneagram.
“The Enneagram isn’t a religion, however nor will it hinder an individual’s religious orientation. It doesn’t pretend to become a complete spiritual path. Nonetheless, it concerns itself with one element that’s important all spiritual pathways: self-understanding.”
7. MYTH: You Realize Your Loved Ones AND FRIENDS’ ENNEAGRAM Figures
Enneagram teacher and author Abi Robins states that typing others “may be the most crucial and many overlooked rule within the Enneagram community.” You shouldn’t get it done. Sure, it’s fun to consider which Enneagram number our friend, member of the family, or partner might be. However, nobody truly knows anybody else’s type.
Remember, this journey is deeply personal and needs searching inward and reflecting on one’s core fears and needs. While it is true that those who know us best offer insight (and the other way around), it’s essential to not type others in order to let other people type you.
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8. MYTH: ALL ENNEAGRAM Figures LOOK Exactly The Same
It’s very easy to visualize that a couple with similar number are identical. However the Enneagram is really a nuanced tool with lots of layers. For instance, outdoors from the core Enneagram number, each individual has wings, subtypes, integration lines, and much more. The purpose being, it’s impossible for just about any a couple to become the identical. When they share a typical fear and need, they’re still individuals formed by different interests and environments.
I love to consider each number just like a primary color with lots of shades which exist underneath the umbrella. You will find numerous shades of blue, much like you will find variants to every Enneagram number. Nobody person looks exactly the same, and therefore it’s essential we don’t generalize or assume we all know someone according to their number.
9. MYTH: You’re The Amount Of YOUR ENNEAGRAM NUMBER
Last about this list, and perhaps the most crucial myth to demystifying concerning the Enneagram: we’re not the sum of the our type or number. This is correct with any system or test, and it is particularly true as it requires it.
Humans are nuanced, out of the box the Enneagram. Make use of the tool for growth and additional self-discovery, but don’t allow it to box you in or limit what you are.
“Use the tool for growth and additional self-discovery, but don’t allow it to box you in or limit what you are.”
Are you currently unclear about something Enneagram-related? We’d like to hear your ideas within the comments below!
As well as for more Enneagram content-like how you can thrive in relationships or funnel productivity according to your number, take a look at our library of Enneagram curations with articles and roundups of sources.