Essence in the Enneagram refers to the sacred frequency at the core of who we are as unconditioned expressions of the Divine. These frequencies exist at the “level” of our shared being of consciousness, beyond our fixated personality. Consciousness has diverse flavors or facets - these are the essences of the Enneagram.
How does Essence relate to Happiness?
Enneagram Type 1
Enneagram Type 2
Enneagram Type 3
Enneagram Type 4
Enneagram Type 5
Enneagram Type 6
Enneagram Type 7
Type 7 - Sexual Subtype
Type 7 Characterization
NICKNAMES: Enthusiast, Epicure, Entertainer, Optimist, Adventurer
ENERGETICS: Externalization and Projection - Project enthusiasm to harness fear
HIDDEN ESSENCE: Serene Bliss
Subjective
People with the Seven pattern fixate on excitement in order to feel safe and avoid missing out. They stay positive at all costs and grab exciting experiences desperately.
They love to be the center of attention. They love to entertain, make people laugh, lift moods. If they can’t lift people’s spirits they get bored and leave.
They can be serious, but if the conversation is serious too long they will interject a joke to lighten the mood. They can stay with a deep conversation if it is not negative. Deep is exciting as long as it doesn’t involve feeling personal pain.
They hold expansive ideas and believe they are living them - e.g. they use mindfulness (being present) to run away from painful experiences. They are rarely really present in the moment, as they are always excitedly looking forward to their next adventure.
They love to plan - while having an experience they are enthusiastically planning the next one - planning is more fun than the doing. They fall into the trap of wanting reality to be more than it is - activities are more idyllic as fantasies.
When reality seems dull they think about the next event, fantasize about how to make it better, and/or tweak their mood or consciousness.
They avoid painful emotions especially sadness and fear. They avoid feeling angry, but get angry when they feel trapped. They look to the positive side to pull themselves out of heaviness.
They fear feeling trapped - anything that limits or commits them. They keep options open and agree to things using open ended language. You may walk away from a conversation not knowing if they agreed or not.
Objective
They are enjoyable, fun and inspiring - filled with big ideas, possibilities, and enthusiasm.
They are wiry, bouncy, and energetic. They have boundless energy, and their bodies vibrate with excitement. They usually enjoy athletic and physical activities.
Their excitement seems to engulf others and uplift them. Their enthusiasm is intoxicating. They are funny, witty, sarcastic, and upbeat. If you are down their main goal will be to lift you up.
Negativity is uncomfortable for the them. Looking at life in practical terms can seem negative. They have no use for heavy emotions and if someone close to them is in a dark mood for too long they leave.
They are generous, sometimes more generous verbally than in deed. They make offers but wiggle out or renegotiate. They are more affluent (financially and energetically) in their minds than in reality.
They rarely know how they affect others. They love to entertain and don’t realize when they are get obnoxious, tiresome, pushy, or monopolizing.
They can be pushy con-artists - trying to talk others into exciting experiences. It is very hard for them to accept not having an experience of desire. They use strategies to get others to agree - promise things they may not fulfill or try to renegotiate later.
Childhood
Children with the Seven pattern feel cut off from the nurturer, causing frustration and anxiety. They feel there was not enough love for them in the family.
Sometimes there is someone needier who requires more attention. Sometimes the nurturer is distracted by emotional pain to give to all the children.
Their role is to be positive, not need much, and help everyone be happier, particularly the nurturer. As adults they often have a close bond with their mothers.
Subtypes
SELF-PRESERVATION, THE GIFTER
They build relationships with people for protection. They are opportunistic people who make good connections for safety. They focus on getting their needs met and they are more energetic and driven.
SOCIAL, THE SACRIFICER
They postpone gluttony for an ideal and they are conscious of this sacrifice. They want others to see them as good and feel pulled in many directions while trying to please everyone. They are more concerned about missing out then the subtypes with the seven pattern. They don’t “look” like other people with the seven pattern.
SEXUAL/ATTRACTION, THE LOVE ADDICT
They are in love with being in love and when the excitement of falling love wears off, they move onto their next love. They often have 2 or 3 lovers at once and one may be primary. They are overly enthusiastic and have a desire for the ideal, not the ordinary.
Wings
6 WING, THE PHILOSOPHER
Manic entertainer, very excited, witty, nervous, skittish, easily confused, more introverted.
8 WING, THE COMPETITOR
Workaholic, materialistic, more realistic in relationships less fantasy oriented, more grounded, can be aggressive, more extroverted.
Continuum
LOWER - Trapped, overwhelmed, manic depressive, explosive, escaping
MIDDLE - Excessive, wasteful, self centered, distracted disoriented, restless, enthusiastic, entertaining, positive
HIGH - Optimistic yet practical, enthusiastic, present, satisfied with this moment, able to commit in relationships, feel all emotions, still ego based
Essence
INTRINSIC BLISS AND SERENE PRESENCE
The essence of each type is the quality of character - a particular expression - that remains when the fixation softens and releases. While these qualities are human they are not personal and cannot be developed.
The essence is revealed when fixation is recognized and freed through awareness and compassion. We all have the potential to realize the essence of our type - our more subtle authentic nature. This authenticity means living from open, free, wholeness.
The essence of the type Seven is serene bliss. When liberated, people with type 7 embody divine bliss, free from mental activity and serene presence.
Each type has a blind spot that creates a unique experience of separation. Each blind spot is directly related to the essential nature of each type. People with the Seven pattern have a blind spot for intrinsic bliss and wisdom.
This blind spot prevents them from perceiving and experiencing authentic beauty and love. All nurturing environments are inadequate to some extent. This inadequacy is experienced personally and interpreted through the enneagram pattern. When this is experienced by the child with the type Seven, they fixate on missing out.
Type 7 - Social Subtype
Type 7 - Sexual Subtype
Type 7 - Social or Self Preservation Subtype
Type 7 - Social Subtype
Enneagram Type 8
Type 8
Type 8 - Social Subtype
NICKNAMES: Leader, Solutions Master, Maverick, Protector, Intimidator
ENERGETICS: Externalization and Projection - Project anger to avoid vulnerability
HIDDEN ESSENCE: Divine Innocence, Sacred Power
Subjective
People with the Eight pattern fixate on protecting in order to avoid vulnerability and feel powerful. They believe their role is to right all wrongs, take care of the weak, and protect others from injustices.
They feel strong, capable, direct, and just. They are always looking outward for the cause of what is wrong and they can’t see their contribution. Their life styles are big with overindulgences - live hard and play hard.
There is a sense of challenge and pleasure in lustfulness, a satisfaction from getting what they desire, and even more so if they have to fight for it.
Anger is the most energetic human emotion, and they are ready to be angry at anytime. It makes them feel powerful and alive.
Their over the top bravado is a protection from feeling vulnerable, weak, powerless, needy, or sensitive. They have an armored shell of protection blocking tender emotions - sadness, sensitivity, vulnerability, and love. To keep this wall up, they constantly push against their own limits, and sometimes the limits of others.
Objective
They have physically strong bodies - muscular and big or heavy. Their physical presence appears to take up more space than their actual size. They often use their arms, in addition to their bodies when they speak.
Their bodies seem to be pulsating with energy as if their muscles are constantly flexing. Even when they are in repose or quietly listening there is an alert dynamic attention as if they are always ready to pounce.
They are usually loud, and their voices command attention. They feel they are right, know the truth, and dare you to contradict or to argue with them.
People are attracted to their dynamic energy. Many find them intimidating. They are often unaware of the affect they have, and lack a sense of their relative size and power.
Childhood
Children with the Eight pattern grow up quickly for a variety of reasons. There is violence in the family or around the family. The protector is missing and they must protect and provide for the family at a young age.
They survive in bad neighborhoods - survival issues are important. It is not safe to be gentle or giving, that seems weak and soft. They feel rejected/betrayed and learn to be tough.
Subtypes
SELF-PRESERVATION, THE SURVIVALIST
They are more armored. When they want, they must have and are intolerant of not having. They don’t need to talk much. They have an exaggerated selfishness. They can survive in the most difficult situations. They are no nonsense, gruff, isolated, and dominate and control their turf.
SOCIAL, THE GODFATHER
They band with others against authority - thunder before injustice. They are the most loyal and intellectual. When they trust, their friendship bonds are like family. They value honor and trust. They can be violent in order to defend someone in their "pack".
SEXUAL/ATTRACTION, THE POSSESSOR
They are more provocative, intense and charismatic. They must be in control in relationship and then they can be vulnerable. They like to argue, compete, and be bad. They can be emotionally hysterical and possessive.
Wings
7 WING, THE RISK TAKER
Impulsive, big plans, enlist others, exaggerate, social, pushy and demanding, more extroverted
9 WING, THE BEAR
Quiet behind the scenes, warm, suddenly aggressive or explosive, more introverted
Continuum
LOWER - Remorseless aggression, attack potential rivals, ruthless outlaws
MIDDLE - Defiant, confrontational, grandiose, big energy, shrewd business people
HIGH - Protective, leaders, strong, active, surrendered heroes, still ego based
Essence
DIVINE INNOCENCE, SACRED POWER
The essence of each type is the quality of character - a particular expression - that remains when the fixation softens and releases. While these qualities are human they are not personal and cannot be developed.
The essence is revealed when fixation is recognized and freed through awareness and compassion. We all have the potential to realize the essence of our type - our more subtle authentic nature. This authenticity means living from open, free, wholeness.
The essence of the type Eight is true power. When liberated, people with type 8 embody an intrinsic power, free from guard, and they deeply know sacred innocence.
Each type has a blind spot that creates a unique experience of separation. Each blind spot is directly related to the essential nature of each type. People with the Eight pattern have a blind spot for intrinsic power.
This blind spot prevents them from perceiving and experiencing authentic beauty and love. All nurturing environments are inadequate to some extent. This inadequacy is experienced personally and interpreted through the enneagram pattern. When this is experienced by the child with the type Eight, they fixate on avoiding vulnerability.
Type 8 - Sexual Subtype
Type 8 - Self Preservation Subtype
Type 8 in childhood
Type 8
Enneagram Type 9
Type 9 - Social or Sexual Subtype
Type 9 - Social Subtype
NICKNAMES: Peacemaker, Mediator, Naturalist, Accommodator, Abdicator
ENERGETICS: Avoidant and Adaptive - Adapt boundaries to seek harmony and avoid anger
HIDDEN ESSENCE: Divine Harmony
Subjective
People with the Nine pattern fixate on being comfortable and avoiding anger.
The urge to be comfortable is so deep they often don’t even know when they are uncomfortable. They self negate to avoid discomfort.
They neutralize - if you are too down they bring you up, too up they bring you down. They tend to be in denial around negative issues - may not perceive the problem at all. They can minimize, or reject a problem if it feels unpleasant.
They lack a sense of self, of separate identity, due avoiding intensity. They believe they have a limited capacity to handle intensity so they numb out.
They feel inferior - “it doesn’t matter” really means "I don’t matter". This makes it difficult to initiate or go against the flow. They disappear if they really don’t want to do something - not respond to phone calls, or become sick.
They dissociate in a daze or day dream and not hear when people are talking to them. They will often not be aware of what they may have been thinking.
Avoiding anger leaves them lacking energy. They are afraid their anger is homicidal. They often use the expressions “that would be too much for me” or “I couldn’t handle that” when it comes to feeling emotional pain or anger.
Objective
They have rock like, solid, and dense bodies. Their pace is slow and methodical, lacking spontaneity. They want to please and go with the flow, but are immovable in ways.
Their avoidance of anger, confrontation, and intensity makes them passive and passive-aggressive. There is a glazed look in their eyes, at times vacant. This happens more when they feel threatened, judged, or anger.
They pleasantly sink into the background. People feel accepted. When they judge it is often of people who are judgmental, demanding, critical or too dramatic intense.
Childhood
Children with the Nine pattern feel overwhelmed by their families. They try to disappear and/or make peace. They dissociate from drama by becoming invisible or mediating.
They are very low maintenance. They learn that having needs, getting angry, or having difficulties is not acceptable. They lose energy and become listless.
Subtypes
SELF-PRESERVATION, THE CONSUMER
They merge with and get sense of self from the material world - I consume therefore I am. They consume many forms of stimuli at the same time. They are very loving people with no sense of being loved. They avoid social interaction and would rather be at home watching TV.
SOCIAL, THE NETWORKERS
They merge with and get sense of self from groups. They are peacemakers and bring people together. They are emotionally disengaged. They need to join groups because they feel like they don’t belong anywhere. They are generous and mindful of satisfying the needs of others.
SEXUAL/ATTRACTION, THE MERGER
They merge with and get sense of self from a partner. They take on the characteristics of their partner - likes, dislikes, passions. They lack their own passion and needs.
Wings
8 WING, THE JOLLY GOOD FELLOW
More out going and social, sensual, energetic, and expressive, can be explosive but quickly become calm, extroverted
9 WING, THE SECRET CRITIC
Create external order to simulate internal order, get caught in nonessential details, less energy, detached, proper, introverted
Continuum
LOWER - Unresponsive to life, dissociated, depressed, and listless
MIDDLE - Ignore problems, get lost in routines and habits, and agree to things they don’t want to do
HIGH - Maintain peace and harmony, easy going, kind, truly peaceful and dynamic, spontaneous, still ego based.
Essence
ALL INCLUSIVE INTRINSIC HARMONY & DIVINE AWARENESS
The essence of each type is the quality of character - a particular expression - that remains when the fixation softens and releases. While these qualities are human they are not personal and cannot be developed.
The essence is revealed when fixation is recognized and freed through awareness and compassion. We all have the potential to realize the essence of our type - our more subtle authentic nature. This authenticity means living from open, free, wholeness.
The essence of the type Nine is true harmony. When liberated from fixation/conditioning, people with this type embody all inclusive, intrinsic harmony and divine awareness.
Each type has a blind spot that creates a unique experience of separation. Each blind spot is directly related to the essential nature of each type. People with the Nine pattern have a blind spot for all inclusive harmony.
This blind spot prevents them from perceiving and experiencing authentic beauty and love. All nurturing environments are inadequate to some extent. This inadequacy is experienced personally and interpreted through the enneagram pattern. When this is experienced by the child with the type Nine, they fixate on avoiding intensity and confrontation.
Type 9 in childhood
Type 9 - Sexual Subtype
Type 9 - Self Preservation Subtype