The Enneagram Symbol

What is this satanic-looking symbol about, anyway??

The Enneagram follows a few laws and rules, and the symbol represents those rules and laws.

There are many levels and meanings wrapped up in this, and I'll provide a brief overview of the symbol as I understand it.

First, the circle.

The circle represents the "Law of One", or unity and wholeness.

In other words, everything belongs, and everything is one.

Our egos (which usually run the show) tend to think of ourselves as separate from everything else.  That we need to work hard to get somewhere, or to belong.

The truth is, we already belong. We are all one.

Uncovering and believing this truth is part of the work that the Enneagram can help us with.

Once we understand this concept, we can relax and stop competing with and worrying about others.  What a relief this is!

Another thing the circle reminds us of is that we are not just our type. While we lead with one type (and don't change type throughout our lifetime), we also have the other 8 energies within us, and have access to those energies at any time.

Second part of the symbol:  The triangle.

If you study the symbol above, you will see that the numbers 3,6, and 9 are connected and form a neat equilateral triangle. 

This triangle represents the "Law of Three".

If you think about politics as an example, there are usually two sides.  It's very polarizing, very black-and-white, very either/or.

The Law of Three invites us to consider that there is a third way that considers both sides.

This third way can also be thought of as a reconciling or joining force, which brings the two sides to a higher level.

Sidebar: 

Type 3 (on the right side of the triangle) energy is very forward-moving. Type 3's say, "Let's go, let's do this!"

Type 6 (on the left side of the triangle) energy is cautious.  Type 6's say, "Wait, what if this happens? What about this?"

Type 9 (which is at the top of the triangle) has harmonizing energy.  This type has the potential to see both sides of a situation.

Since we have all 9 energies within us, we all have the potential to be polarized or to be reconciling - this doesn't just apply to Types 3, 6, and 9.

Ok, that's enough about the triangle. Isn't geometry fun??

The third part of the symbol is the six-pointed figure created by the remaining numbers:

The remaining shape contains the sequence of Types:  1,4,2,8,5,7, and then back to 1.

This represents the "Law of Seven".

This law has a lot of meanings, and it can be one big rabbit hole, which I'll try not to go down here!

When it comes to the Enneagram, the idea is to use this law/sequence consciously, not unconsciously.

Here's what it might look like in action:

Say something has happened that has upset you.  Every time this happens, you could react consciously (or unconsciously).

Regardless of which way we react, there's a flow to our response.  Each step along the way relates to how that Enneagram type's energy might respond in a healthy (or unhealthy) manner (remember we have all 9 energies within us):

1 - regardless of whatever has happened, be flexible (or stay rigid and become resentful)

4 - fully feel what has happened (or want another experience instead of the one that's happening)

2 - honor and care for yourself (or ignore your needs and focus on someone else)

8 - let go of the need for retaliation (or respond with anger)

5 - engage with others to move forward (or retreat and shut out the world)

7 - be fully present and open to what the situation may bring, even if it's challenging (or dismiss the situation and distract oneself with positive things)

1 - regardless of whatever has happened, be flexible (or stay rigid and become resentful) 

.... etc.
 

We can get stuck along the way, and the lesson of the Law of Seven is to keep moving. To keep flowing through life.

Wash, rinse, and repeat with the Law of Seven.

*** 

Whew!  That was a lot.

I'm curious, what are your thoughts and feelings about the Enneagram symbol?

Do you feel like you belong - or do are you always competing or looking outside of yourself to be whole?

Are you flowing through life - or do you get stuck?

and:

Are you interested in learning more?

Do you want to run away screaming...?

... or is there a third possibility?  

Until next time!

PS - The Enneagram is a beautiful tool for self-growth and understanding, and the first step in using this tool is to find your Type.  If you are curious, I invite you to schedule a Typing Interview with me;  Learn more here.