i am fascinated with the enneagram right now. it’s amazing. my best friend gina introduced it to me, and now i’m hooked. essentially the enneagram is a tool to help give us a better understanding of ourselves. you can learn more about it here and you can take the short version of the test and find out where you stand on the enneagram symbol here.
Taken from the website: “For thousands of years, spiritual teachers from many different traditions have reminded us of the richness of the human soul and its spiritual gifts. But without real self-knowledge, it is not possible to awaken to the deeper truths of the soul or to sustain whatever degree of realization we have attained.
One of the most powerful tools for understanding ourselves is the Enneagram, an ancient symbol of unity and diversity, change and transformation.”
how cool is it that this exists? it’s quite complex, if you really delve into layers of of the symbol, what your wings are, etc. there are books and studies and research done on this. who knew?
i took the free online test and i came out a “type 7” aka “the enthusiast” which gina predicted i’d be (she knows me well). and it’s dead on. at my best i: “assimilate experiences in depth, making them deeply grateful and appreciative for what they have. become awed by the simple wonders of life: joyous and ecstatic. intimations of spiritual reality, of the boundless goodness of life.” and if you want to know what i am at my worst you can read the whole thing here.
i’d be really curious to know what you are. if you’re interested, take the free online test and leave a comment with the result. this could be fun. and interesting. and insightful.
About 10 years ago I read a book called What Really Matters:Searching for Wisdom in America by Tony Schwartz
There is a large section on the enneagram and I was really into it at the time. but I don’t remember my type.
I took the quiz and I am a 7. When I was taking the quiz I was feeling very skeptical, but now I see that is me.
Interesting.
Thanks for the links!
This is my first time here, coming from Alexandra’s site. Your artwork is beautiful.
I’ve always been wary of the enneagram, thinking it one notch above astrology, but then again, I don’t know much about it. I know many people say it is very accurate, so I look forward to taking the test you linked to.
My highest score was a tie between 5, 6 and 9. I see parts of myself in all three. Thank you for sharing.
Type Five
The Investigator
The perceptive, cerebral type. Fives are alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent, innovative, and inventive, they can also become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-strung and intense. They typically have problems with eccentricity, nihilism, and isolation. At their Best: visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time, and able to see the world in an entirely new way.
Type Six
The Loyalist
The committed, security-oriented type. Sixes are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. Excellent “troubleshooters,” they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while complaining about it. They can be cautious and indecisive, but also reactive, defiant and rebellious. They typically have problems with self-doubt and suspicion. At their Best: internally stable and self-reliant, courageously championing themselves and others.
Type Nine
The Peacemaker
The easy-going, self-effacing type. Nines are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually creative, optimistic, and supportive, but can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace. They want everything to go smoothly and be without conflict, but they can also tend to be complacent, simplifying problems and minimizing anything upsetting. They typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness. At their Best: indomitable and all-embracing, they are able to bring people together and heal conflicts.
I remember reading about the enneagram before… very intriguing. i am a 4, The Individualist, and the description is right on. I liked reading through the other descriptions as well, guessing along the way as to what types my friends and family would be.
Type 7 also. Thanks.
This looks like fun. I’m a sucker for any kind of personality tests. I’ve been curious about the enneagram for years – guess it’s time to find out more.
I am a Type 2 Helper.
That was interesting, thanks for posting it!
I am a tie between 2 and 7
I am Type 2 the helper
I’m a little surprised by this. I wonder if it would help to take the long version.
Type Two
The Helper
The caring, interpersonal type. Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing. They are well-meaning and driven to be close to others, but can slip into doing things for others in order to be needed. They typically have problems with possessiveness and with acknowledging their own needs. At their Best: unselfish and altruistic, they have unconditional love for others.
Hmmm…I didn’t come out as any one type. When I read the questions to my husband to ask what he thought I should answer, he kept saying “You’re both” or “you’re neither” and that’s how I felt. I have 6 points under type 2 and 5 points each under 1,5,6,7. My lowest were under types 4 and 9. If I had to pick the two best traits overall, they’d be trust-worthy and creative; the two worst would be disdainful and distracted.
I am a 7 too:)
Hi kelly,
This is interesting. I also have a few books along these lines, and they always kind of come out the same. I took this one twice, and both times tied between a 2 an da 7, with 8 comming in next. Pretty right on.
I really love your art!
🙂
Well your mommy is type 2 (go figure), but scored almost as high and equal on 7 and 9….
So looking forward to Christmas.
xo
I’m a 9. I’ve been called the Peacemaker since I was a child. I avoid conflict like it’s the Plague, to be sure, although I am showing improvement in standing up when I must (kids do that to us).
I think it certainly describes you as I know you from the blog and I have a hunch that your blog is very true to who you are..and of course, your art kind of says it all.
This was fun. I’ve taken lots of personality tests but I hadn’t heard of this one.
Hi Kelly!
This was very interesting and i was bit surprised at the result.I tied between Type 2 (Helper), Type 3 (The achiever) and Type 9 (Peacemaker). what are the odds of tie-ing on 3 of them lol… i guess i am very much like the self sacrificing trait of the helper and i believe so much in unconditional love, and it’s nice to know that i can be in the achiever category while loving peace ( i think those 2 cancel out lol).
P.S love your recent collages! :o)
love
Sulea
I have just discovered your blog – and website – and your work is beautiful. I love the quiet, thoughtful energy in your art.
I am also interested to see this post on the enneagram. I, sort of, read a book about it recently, but couldnt decide what type I was from the descriptions. This test has confirmed me as a type 4: The Individualist
“Profoundly creative, expressing the personal and the universal, possibly in a work of art. Inspired, self-renewing and regenerating: able to transform all their experiences into something valuable: self-creative.” Thats me at my best, and I love that description, so the best is where I am going to focus!
Hi kelly!
Mine is just below-that was fun! And I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR NEW ART!!! you go woman-
Type Seven
The Enthusiast
The busy, productive type. Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.
katie, my husband is a 9 too. peacemaker, yes. and like you, i love the idea that the enneagram doesn’t put us in any boxes, but rather provides some insight as to why we may be the way we are and how to make positive changes with that knowledge. sooo interesting. i need to get a book on the subject.
Hi Kelly,
I’m back from my trip to Minneapolis and trying to catch up with emails and blogging. Thank you for coming by my blog and commenting. It was such a pleasure to meet you – you’re such a sweetheart!! And your paintings shine with beauty and your kindness.
I’ve studied the enneagram quite a lot for the past 5 years; I was working with a teacher who uses it as a tool in working to excavate the authentic self. I’ve probably got 5 books on the subject, very interesting! I’ve taken the long on-line enneagram institute test and a few shorter ones – I’ve always come out a 9…very accurate. I’ve found knowing about enneatypes has helped me understand why people tend to respond the way they do, and by understanding I can feel more compassion.
Thank you for the flattering mention of me in an earlier post – i hope we have an opportunity to visit again one day.