Enneagram

Enneagram is a form of popular psychology that categorizes people to 9 core personalities. Its main symbol is enneagon[?], a circle enclosing an equilateral triangle and two incomplete triangles that meet in nine points along the circle's circumference.

Enneagram supporters claim that the system is based on ancient principles, especially Sufi mysticism. Its first form was created (or brought to Europe) by a Russian-born mystic G. I. Gurdjieff. The symbol (variant of Chaldean seal[?]) is allegedly from the times of Pythagoras.

First personality typing is the work of Oscar Ichazo from his "Protoanalysis". Ichazo's students in Arica[?], Chile created his so-called Arica tradition. The psychological version was originally from psychologist Claudio Naranjo, Ichazo's student. The current pop psychology form is from Helen Palmer.

Main core types have many different monikers. Types are:

• 1 – Perfectionist, Reformer, Critic
• 2 – Helper, Caregiver, Advisor
• 3 – Achiever, Performer, Motivator
• 4 – Romantic, Individualist
• 5 – Observer, Thinker, Investigator
• 6 – Loyalist, Trooper, Devil's Advocate
• 7 – Adventurer, Epicure, Optimist
• 8 – Challenger, Leader, Advocate
• 9 – Mediator, Abdicator, Peacemaker

Various analysts, writers and relevant web pages have slightly different interpretations of what all this means.

These types overlap each other both in the circle of the enneagon (type 1s may have personality traits from types 9 and 2, for example), forming "wings" and also following the lines of enneagon to stress points and security points. Every type has three main variants based on Sexual, Social, and Self Preservational instincts.

Ichazo also compares the alleged flaws of personality types to Seven Mortal sins[?], except that he adds deceit and fear to the list.

Enneagram's pop psychology nature has brought criticism from various quarters, including comparisons to astrology. Its occult origins has both brought out ideas of spiritual growth and spread both popularity and alarm in religious, especially Catholic circles.