Topics ~ Enneagram
The Evolutionary Enneagram: Using Your Personality
Type to Access Your Higher Self
Websites
Enneagram Institute (Riso-Hudson) Type descriptions, workshops, information
Authentic Enneagram (Helen Palmer) Type descriptions, subtypes information
Enneagram Explorations Enneagram types and subtypes information and test
Energy and the Enneagram Two Enneagram tests, information connecting the types with chakras, good general information on the nine types
9 Types Diagrams and descriptions of the nine types
Enneastrology Information on the integration of astrology with the Enneagram
Ennea.com Good general information on the nine Enneagram types
When you think of personality typology, what do you think of? A way to understand why you act the way you do? Insight into the behavior of others? A curiosity of which letter or number you are? Maybe even if you’re a bit further along the self-improvement path, a way to change bad habits and thinking. But, have you ever considered personality typology as a way to access a higher level of being, to transcend everyday concerns in favor of a higher purpose, to connect with Spirit?
The Enneagram is a personality typology system with nine paths (“ennea” is the Greek prefix for “nine”, “grammos”, the Greek word for “points”) of self-actualization. Based on internal motivations (as opposed to the external behavior preferences of the Myers-Briggs system), the Enneagram deals with inner urges and the vices we must deal with to become whole and therefore more in touch with our spiritual nature.
The Enneagram originated with Georges Gurdjieff, a Georgian mystic, who brought the teachings of Sufi mystics to the Americas. Then Claudio Naranjo, a Chilean psychiatrist, and Oscar Ichazo, founder of the Arica Institute, began using the system for psychological growth work. The next stage of development came with Helen Palmer and Don Richard Riso who added their perspectives to the system from personal development and Jesuit religious backgrounds, respectively.
Through all of these stages, what has remained central to the Enneagram is the spiritual context with which personality is examined. Whether from the perspective of Sufi mystics, Catholic psychologists, or Christian theologists, the inner drive to transcend self to something greater remains. It is this theme that we can use, regardless of our spiritual/religious beliefs, to be the best we can be by connecting with our Higher Self, or our personal representation of Spirit. Read more...