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The Enneagram symbol is said to represent
every process that maintains itself by self renewal. Including life itself.
The symbol also is said to have its origins in the discovery of the
significance of the zero and the repeating decimal.
The symbol consists of a circle and nine lines and thus is called the
Enneagram.
The following is a list of key terms and definitions in understanding the
Enneagram symbol.
Elements of the Symbol
- Circle
The circle represents the zero.
- Lines
The lines represent the repeating decimals which result from dividing 1,
2 and 3 by 3; and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 by 7.
- Three of the lines (3, 6 and 9) are derived as follows:
- 1/3 = .333333333333
2/3 = .666666666666
3/3 = .999999999999
The remaining six lines (1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8) are derived as follows:
1/7 = .142857142857
2/7 = .285714285714
3/7 = .428571428571
4/7 = .571428571428
5/7 = .714285714285
6/7 = .857142857142
And the 7th part of 7 and the sequence disappears and is replaced by
recurring nines once more:
7/7 = .99999999999
- Points:
- The places along the circle touched by the lines are numbered one through nine and
called "Points".
- The word "Point" is used to mean a certain Enneagram personality type such as
"Point One", or, "Point Five".
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- A type's number is often used to refer to a type rather than a name such as
"Epicure" or "Generalist" (Point Seven) since there is not common
agreement between various authors and teachers as to what name most accurately represents
a type.
- Movement:
- There is said to be movement around the circle and along the lines.
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- By "movement" it is meant that we react to changing
circumstances in our lives by exhibiting or manifesting characteristics of a type other
than our primary or core point. We experience this movement as a shift, or, as a
change in thoughts, mood, feelings, countenance or physical sensations.
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- Movement can be around the circle, or, along the lines. When along the
lines, movement can be in either direction.
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- Arrows often are used in the symbol to indicate movement. Generally they
point toward the direction of action (stress) and away from security (nonstress).
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- Movement toward action follows the sequence produced by 1/7, or, 142857.
Thus, a Point One in stess exhibits the characteristics of a Point Four, and a Point Four
in stress exhibits the characteristics of a Point Two.
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- Likewise, a Point Three in stress will exhibit the characteristics of a
Point Nine, and a Point Nine in stress will exhibit the characteristics of a Point Six,
and a Point Six in stress will exhibit the characteristics of a Point Three.
- Point
- Each of us is a composite of all aspects and characteristics of all of
the Enneagram personality types. But one set of patterns is more dominant and this set of
patterns is said to be our core point, our personality type.
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- Heart Point
- When we experience well-being, safety and security, we tend to exhibit
paterns of thought, feelings and emotion characteristic of our "Heart Point" and
our personaltiy shifts and presents as that type.
- Stress Point
- When we experience stress, pressure and insecurity, we tend to exhibit
patterns of thought, feelings and emotion characteristic of our "Stress Point"
and our personality shifts and presents as that type.
- Wings
- The word "Wings" refers to the personality types on the circle
that are on either side of our core point.
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