Ah, the Enneagram Test!

This is one of those fascinating personality tests where you have the pleasure of learning more about the deepest aspects of yourself. But what makes it different from other popular personality tests out there?

The important thing to remember about the Enneagram Test is that it revolves around a person’s core belief. So we could say that the Enneagram Test goes deeper than any other personality test, as it represents the very essence of who you are. This test looks at our strengths and puts us in one of based on nine personality types.

Our core beliefs shape our world view and how we view everything around us. It dictates our behavior, our understanding, and our judgments. Core beliefs are essential to understand because they are not set in stone. Our free will grants us the power to alter our core beliefs if they are limiting us in some way – hence why knowing your Enneagram Type can be so useful and rewarding!

Its origins in history are a matter of dispute, but most attribute the theory of Enneagram personalities to the teachings of a Bolivian psycho-spiritual teacher Óscar Ichazo (1950) and Chilean psychiatrist Claudio Naranjo (1970). The modern version of what we know as the test and types can be attributed to contemporary authors who have steered away from the religious side of the theory and focused on the psychological side.

Don’t know your type? Take the Enneagram Test here.

About The Enneagram Symbol

You may have seen the Enneagram personality displayed in a nine-pointed grid - this symbol is a geometric symbol that is numbered clockwise. When drawn out, there is a distinct circle that forms between the evenly spaced out numbers - this is said to represent the unity between all personalities, despite our differences.

The Wings

Each Enneagram type is based in your identifying numbers and connected to two other numbers through two adjoining lines that often create a triangle called a Wing.

The first line (or the Integration line) shows you past growth and what has been left behind to get you where you are now. The second line (or the Disintegration line) shows your stressors or set-backs, this is where you need to go to become an evolved version of yourself. This dynamic element is why this personality test is preferred over others, it shows not only who you are but who you could be.

Each line complements the base personality and adds something important/contradictory to your personality. Some may have a dominant wing depending on what part of your life you are in.

The Centers

There are 3 Centers that can be identified in each personality grid: The Action Center, the Thinking Center, and the Feeling Center. Each Center represents the strengths of the numbers in that part of the grid.

• The Action Center is the top three numbers (8, 9, 1). These numbered personality types are intuitive and often rely on their gut to guide them through life. They are often more physical than other types. This Center can also have emotional ties to difficulties with anger or rage within a person’s life.
• The Feeling Center is on the right bottom side (2, 3, 4). These numbered personality types are in touch with their heart and feelings. They thrive on relationships and often “follow their heart” over logic. This Center often focuses on finding their purpose in life beyond anything else, and can also have emotional ties to struggling with feelings of shame or regret within their life.
• The Thinking Center is on the left bottom side (5, 6, 7). These numbered personality types are the logical group. They rely on facts and stats in order to guide themselves through life. This Center can also have emotional ties to difficulties with fear or loneliness within a person’s life.

What are the Nine Enneagram Types?

There are nine Enneagram Types and you will find out which one you are after asking a series of carefully-selected questions.

Nine is often a magic number; it is also a spiritual number that represents growth and wisdom. It is not surprising there are nine types, as Enneagram is very much about understanding your core values and emotions – and those emotions are very spiritually-linked!

Below is a list of the nine Enneagram types. Which one are you?

Type 1: The Reformer

The Reformer is known as the perfectionist. They are a rational person who values logic and reason. This person has high principles and excellent self-control. They can be too rigid in their thinking.

Type 2: The Helper

The Helper is a compassionate and caring individual who seeks to serve humanity and help others. These people are kind and gentle. They are very people-pleasing. However, they are prone to being treated like doormats and can be taken advantage of.

Type 3: The Achiever

The Achiever wants to succeed in life. They have high ambitions, excel in everything they do, and are driven by success. Self-image is important to them. In their negative state, they can sometimes trample over others to get what they want.

Type 4: The Individualist

The Individualist is highly sensitive, dramatic, and creative. They are very artistic and have powerful ideals. They can be temperamental and exciting to be around, but they can also be self-absorbed and over-dramatic.

Type 5: The Investigator

The Investigator is very cerebral. They also have excellent analytical skills, a fantastic sense of perception, and can take secrets to the grave. They can also be dismissive of emotions and come across as cold at times.

Type 6: The Loyalist

The Loyalist takes their job seriously and once committed to a cause they do not waver. They are very responsible individuals who go out of their way to protect and look after others. They can struggle with anxiety, suspicion, and worrying too much.

Type 7: The Enthusiast

The Enthusiast is the fun-loving type who lives to love life. They are often very busy and spontaneous. Things are never dull when they are around, for they are always on the go with a fresh new idea. These people can also be scatter-brained and irresponsible.

Type 8: The Challenger

The Challenger is a leader. They are powerful and domineering with excellent vision. These people are courageous and not afraid to stand up for what they believe in. They are excellent in positions of leadership. In the negative, they can be tyrannical and behave like bullies.

Type 9: The Peacemaker

The Peacemaker is an easy-going individual who gets along with many. This person is reassuring and agreeable and their presence is liked by many people because they have amazing empathy and compassion. Sometimes, Peacemakers can struggle with escapism and drifting off into a fantasy world.

How Accurate is it?

You will find taking the Enneagram Test that it is startlingly accurate. The questions can be quite deep and they may require some reflection, but what matters is being totally honest with yourself when answering them.

Furthermore, if you take the test over a number of years and your result is still the same as it was ten or fifteen years ago, it gives added insight that your core beliefs have remained the same.

Other Personality Tests That You Can Try

One that is often compared to the Enneagram test is the Meyers-Briggs test, the main difference between the two is that Meyers-Briggs focuses more on the nature of a person and Enneagram focuses more on nurture. Enneagram hits more at the emotional core of a person and takes a more holistic approach.

Meyers-Briggs also has sixteen different personality types, while Enneagram has nine.

Read This Next: Your New Morning Routine Based on Meyers-Briggs Type

Conclusion…

Knowing your Enneagram can be wonderful in helping you understand yourself better and why you react the way you do to things. Knowing your Enneagram can also help you achieve your goals and manifest the life you want because then you can work with your core beliefs and ensure they are working with you, not against you.

Remember – never underestimate the power of personality tests! Their insight into our natures can be truly life-changing!

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