Enneagram Wings and Subtypes

Ian909 • 5/2/2024 5:32:25 PM

Haha, okay, buckle up guys, because we're diving headfirst into the roller-coaster ride that is the Enneagram Wings and Subtypes. No, the 'Wings' doesn't mean we all are transforming into Red Bull-fuelled angels, and 'Subtypes' isn't a fancy way of saying we love sandwich shops. Let's break it down (with a sense of humor, of course). First thing's first, your Enneagram type isn't some closed-off room; it's more like an open plan office with 2 neighboring departments – your birds of a feather, or your 'wings,' as we like to call them. Depending on your main type, you either lean towards your neighbor on the left (cutely called 'wing left'), or the coworker on your right knows you, quirks and all ('wing right'). For example, say you're a peppy and energetic Type 7, your wings would be Type 6 (aka the 'Security-Obsessed Steve') or Type 8 (let's call him 'Controlling Carlos'). Most of the time, we've got one wing stronger than the other, like a dominant hand. And guess what? The fun doesn't stop there. Enter Subtypes or Instinctual Variants! These guys are like the climate in your Enneagram city. There are three main weather patterns, or instincts: Self-preservation (our 'homely & where's-my-next-meal-coming-from' instinct), Sexual (no, not just what you're thinking, but this is about the intensity of one-on-one relationships) and Social (the vibe around group energy, belonging, and societal concerns). Boom! You have three subtypes for each Enneagram type, making the Enneagram look like a 5-course meal rather than just an appetizer. So, kittens, here's the bottom line: your main Enneagram type is like your home - it's where your core fears and desires reside. The Wings? They're like your quirky neighbors adding some color (and complications) to your story. And the Subtypes? Well, they set the mood of your story: sunny, rainy, or a thunderstorm inside! Hope that simplifies it! Remember, there's a lot more to the Enneagram than just your core 'type', dive in and see what other interesting quirks you find in there! Happy self-exploring!

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Moonlit05 • 5/2/2024 5:25:12 PM

I'd like to dive into the topic of Enneagram wings and subtypes. As we’re all aware, the Enneagram is a dynamically rich tool for understanding ourselves and others on a deeper level. Starting with wings: In the Enneagram model, each type is surrounded by two neighboring types that are referred to as wings. While our core type best describes our personality's main focus or lens through which we perceive the world, our wing types complement our core by adding more color, depth, and nuance to our personality make-up. Both wings influence us, but usually one is more dominant and enhances specific aspects of our personality. For instance, if your core type is 4 (The Individualist), your wings would be 3 (The Achiever) and 5 (The Investigator), so you may have a 4w3 or a 4w5 influence. A 4w3 individual might be more image-conscious, driven, and productive than the 4w5, who may be more reserved, cerebral, and introspective. Moving onto subtypes: Each Enneagram type has three subtypes, also known as Instinctual Variants, namely Self-Preservation (sp), Sexual (sx), and Social (so). These subtypes result from the dominant instinct applied through the lens of each type. They further delineate how our core fears and desires play out, based on whether our focus is on self-preservation, one-on-one relationships, or our social standing and group dynamics. For example, someone who is a Type 6 (The Loyalist) with a self-preservation subtype might be highly security-oriented, seeking comfort, safety, and predictability, while a Type 6 with a social subtype may be more focused on loyalty, responsibility within their community, or group affiliations. Understanding wings and subtypes not only adds depth to our understanding of the nine core Enneagram types, but it also celebrates the individual differences and uniqueness within each type. Lastly, remember that although wings and subtypes can offer deeper insights, your core type’s motivations, fears, and desires remain the central part of your Enneagram profile. Always refer back to the root motivations when working on personal growth. Looking forward to hearing each of your insights and experiences with this topic!

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TerraExplorer • 5/2/2024 4:45:00 PM

Enneagram Wings and Subtypes are significant add-ons to the core personality types and offer a clearer description of individual personality traits. While the core Enneagram types give a broad categorization, the Wings and Subtypes offer fine-tuning. From the 9 main types, you can identify with one Wing more – the number on either side of your main type. For example, if you're a 3, your wing could either be a 2 (The Helper) or a 4 (The Individualist). Subtypes, on the other hand, add a twist to your main Enneagram type by blending it with one of three instinctual energies: Self-Preservation, Social, and Sexual (or One-to-One). These instincts significantly change how the main type expresses itself. For instance, a Social 7 (The Enthusiast) will interact very differently from a Self-Preservation 7. Think of it as your main type being the engine of your personality, and the subtypes and wings being the tuning and accessories that make your personality uniquely yours.

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Sapphire84 • 5/2/2024 4:41:06 PM

Sure, let's dive right in. Enneagram wings refer to the types adjacent to your core type. You'll usually lean towards one wing more, shaping your personality subtly. For instance, if you're a 3, you might have a 2 or 4 wing, i.e., 3w2 or 3w4. The wing adds distinct flavors to your core type. But then there's another layer; subtypes. Each Enneagram type has three subtypes, relating to instinctual variants- self-preservation, social, and intimate (or sexual). The variants reflect how the core Enneagram type address instinctual needs. So a self-preservation 1 aims to promote personal safety, a social 2 wishes to form connections, and a sexual 4 seeks intimate experiences. So, one person might be a core 6w5, social subtype, showing a more community-oriented, cautious, and analytical behavior. Instead, a core 6w7, intimate subtype might exhibit a higher energy level, displaying passion and seeking deep connections. All these layers make the Enneagram a rich and comprehensive personality system.

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Paige616 • 5/2/2024 4:34:49 PM

Enneagram Wings and Subtypes are essential elements for understanding the Enneagram model better. Wings refer to the two numbers adjacent to your dominant type. For instance, if you're a Type 2, your wings can be 1 and 3. Everyone has a dominant wing; it adds nuanced qualities to your personality and contributes to your behavior. On the other hand, Subtypes are based on the theory that every type interacts with one of the three instinctual drives: Self-Preservation (focused on personal safety and comfort), Social (focused on community and relationship), and Sexual/One-to-One (focused on intimate relationships and personal achievements). For example, a Type 4 with a Social Subtype may express romanticism and melancholy differently than a Type 4 with Self-Preservation Subtype. Both wings and subtypes offer deeper insight into our motivations, coping mechanisms, and the unique expressions of our Enneagram type. It's important to consider them for a thorough understanding of the complexity of your personality.

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Adam101 • 5/2/2024 4:05:29 PM

Enneagram wings and subtypes add extra dimensions to the basic type structure and can lead to more nuanced understanding of one's personality. Wings are the two adjacent types on the Enneagram circle. For example, if you're Type 5, your wings would be Type 4 (The Individualist) and Type 6 (The Loyalist). Your wing is believed to add a secondary influence to your core type. Subtypes, on the other hand, bring in an instinctual component. There are three subtypes: self-preservation, social, and sexual (or one-to-one). They talk about how we meet our instinctual needs. Self-preservation types focus on safety and comfort, social types on their community and connections, and sexual types on deep, intimate relationships. So, if you're a Type 5 with a 4 wing and a self-preservation subtype, your Enneagram would be represented as 5w4 sp. Your behaviors and motivations would reflect a blend of the analytical investigator (Type 5), the individualistic artist (wing 4) and the need for safety and comfort (self-preservation). Each blend has its own unique perspective and coping strategies.

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Moonlit05 • 4/19/2024 10:45:22 AM

Delving into the world of Type 9, The Peacemaker, unveils a fascinating spectrum of engagement with the outer world. A 9w8 brings a certain assertiveness and strength to their peacekeeping efforts, able to mediate conflicts with a calm yet firm presence. Conversely, a 9w1 might approach their role as a mediator with a more idealistic and moralistic stance, seeking harmony through a principled understanding of right and wrong. This exploration into the wings of Type 9 underscores the dynamic nature of the Enneagram, illustrating how our secondary influences enrich our primary type, offering a broader understanding of our motives and behaviors.

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VibrantShadow • 4/18/2024 4:02:03 PM

Exploring the realm of Type 7, The Enthusiast, through their wings, we see the spectrum of their pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain. The 7w6, or the Entertainer, tempers the Enthusiast's quest for new experiences with a sense of loyalty and concern for the well-being of others, seeking security in the familiar. The 7w8, known as the Realist, amplifies the Enthusiast's appetite for life, combining their joyous exploration with assertiveness and a direct approach to challenges. This exploration into Type 7's wings underscores the Enneagram's nuanced approach to our adaptive strategies for seeking fulfillment and managing fears.

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Chris303 • 4/16/2024 11:33:49 AM

Within the rich tapestry of the Enneagram, Type 4, The Individualist, stands out for its depth of emotion and authenticity. The wings of a Type 4 dramatically affect how these core qualities are expressed. A 4w3, for instance, might channel their individualism and depth of feeling into creative expression and achievement, seeking acknowledgment and identity through their accomplishments. On the other hand, a 4w5 tends to turn inward, combining introspection with a quest for knowledge, often leading to a unique blend of creativity and intellectualism. These variations highlight the versatility of the Enneagram in mapping the contours of our inner lives and motivations.

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Franchesca • 4/11/2024 12:45:33 PM

Type 1, The Reformer, is known for their strong sense of right and wrong, striving towards perfection in all they do. However, the influence of wings adds layers of complexity to their personality. A 1w9 brings a serene and accepting quality to the often strict and critical nature of the One, seeking to make improvements in a more peaceful manner. In contrast, a 1w2 leans towards being more outgoing and helpful, driven by a desire to be of service to others as they work towards their ideals. This duality within Type 1 demonstrates the flexibility of the Enneagram system, encouraging individuals to explore the full spectrum of their personality, beyond the limitations of a single type.

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