As someone who has always been fascinated by the complexities of human personality, I’ve found the Enneagram to be an invaluable tool for self-discovery and personal growth. It offers a framework for understanding our deepest motivations and fears, as well as our unique strengths and challenges. One of the key components of the Enneagram is the concept of “wings.” Wings are the two neighboring Enneagram types that influence and shape our personality.
In this blog post, I’ll be exploring the concept of wings in the Enneagram in depth, including what they are, how they impact personality, and how you can use this knowledge to cultivate greater self-awareness and personal growth. Whether you’re new to the Enneagram or a seasoned practitioner, I hope this post will provide valuable insights into Enneagram wings and how understanding them can deepen our self-awareness and personal growth.
What are Enneagram Wings?
In the Enneagram system, each of the nine types is connected to two neighboring types. These types are called “wings,” and they play a significant role in shaping our personality. While our core type remains the same throughout our lives, our wings can influence and enhance certain aspects of our personality. For example, if you are a type 1, your wings would be either type 9 (refered to as 1w9) or type 2 (refered to as 1w2) .
Our wings are not a separate type, but rather a complementary aspect of our core type. They can influence our behavior, attitudes, and values in specific ways. While our core type determines our basic motivations and fears, our wings can offer different perspectives and approaches to our core type’s issues.
Understanding Your Enneagram Wings:
To understand your wings, it’s important to look at both the positive and negative traits of each neighboring type. For example, if you are a type 3 with a 2 wing, you would want to explore the positive and negative traits of both type 2 and type 4. By understanding the strengths and challenges of these neighboring types, you can gain insight into how they influence and shape your own personality.
It’s also important to note that while we all have wings, the extent to which we are influenced by them can vary. Some individuals may have a strong influence from one wing, while others may have a more balanced influence from both wings. Additionally, our wings can change over time as we develop and grow as individuals.
How Wings Influence Each Enneagram Type:
Each Enneagram type is influenced by its neighboring types in specific ways. Here are some examples of how each type’s wings can influence their behavior and attitudes:
Type 1:
If you are a type 1 with a 9 wing, you may be more focused on maintaining peace and harmony in your environment. You may also have a more relaxed and easy-going nature than other type 1s. On the other hand, if you are a type 1 with a 2 wing, you may be more focused on serving others and seeking validation through helping others.
Type 2:
If you are a type 2 with a 1 wing, you may be more focused on organization and structure in your relationships. You may also have a more disciplined and driven nature than other type 2s. On the other hand, if you are a type 2 with a 3 wing, you may be more focused on achieving success and recognition through your relationships.
Type 3:
If you are a type 3 with a 2 wing, you may be more focused on serving others and seeking validation through your relationships. You may also have a more nurturing and empathetic nature than other type 3s. On the other hand, if you are a type 3 with a 4 wing, you may be more focused on expressing your individuality and creativity through your work.
Type 4:
If you are a type 4 with a 3 wing, you may be more focused on achieving success and recognition through your work. You may also have a more goal-oriented and ambitious nature than other type 4s. On the other hand, if you are a type 4 with a 5 wing, you may be more focused on introspection and intellectual pursuits.
Type 5:
If you are a type 5 with a 4 wing, you may be more focused on expressing your individuality and creativity through your intellectual pursuits. You may also have a more artistic and imaginative nature than other type 5s. On the other hand, if you are a type 5 with a 6 wing, you may be more focused on security and safety, with a more cautious and skeptical nature.
Type 6:
If you are a type 6 with a 5 wing, you may be more focused on intellectual pursuits and introspection. You may also have a more solitary and independent nature than other type 6s. On the other hand, if you are a type 6 with a 7 wing, you may be more focused on seeking adventure and stimulation, with a more outgoing and sociable nature.
Type 7:
If you are a type 7 with a 6 wing, you may be more focused on security and stability, with a more cautious and analytical nature. You may also have a more serious and thoughtful approach to life than other type 7s. On the other hand, if you are a type 7 with an 8 wing, you may be more focused on achievement and success, with a more assertive and confident nature.
Type 8:
If you are a type 8 with a 7 wing, you may be more focused on seeking adventure and stimulation, with a more outgoing and sociable nature. You may also have a more lighthearted and playful approach to life than other type 8s. On the other hand, if you are a type 8 with a 9 wing, you may be more focused on maintaining peace and harmony in your environment, with a more compassionate and diplomatic nature.
Type 9:
If you are a type 9 with an 8 wing, you may be more focused on achievement and success, with a more assertive and confident nature. You may also have a more competitive and driven approach to life than other type 9s. On the other hand, if you are a type 9 with a 1 wing, you may be more focused on organization and structure, with a more detail-oriented and perfectionistic nature.
Using Your Wings for Personal Growth:
Understanding your wings can be a valuable tool for personal growth and self-discovery. By exploring the positive and negative traits of your neighboring types, you can gain insight into how they influence and shape your own personality. This awareness can help you identify areas for growth and development, as well as provide new perspectives on your core motivations and fears.
Some ways to use your wings for personal growth include:
- Developing your weaker wing: If you find that one of your wings is less developed or has a weaker influence on your personality, you may want to focus on cultivating that aspect of yourself. For example, if you are a type 4 with a 3 wing, you may want to focus on developing your goal-oriented and ambitious nature.
- Balancing your wings: If you find that one of your wings has a stronger influence on your personality, you may want to work on balancing it with the other wing. This can help you achieve a more harmonious and integrated sense of self. For example, if you are a type 2 with a 1 wing, you may want to work on balancing your disciplined and driven nature with a more nurturing and empathetic approach.
- Using your wings for problem-solving: Your wings can offer different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. By considering both wings when faced with a challenge, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation and find more effective solutions.
Conclusion:
Wings are a valuable component of the Enneagram system, offering unique insights into our personality and personal growth. Understanding your wings can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, and provide a roadmap for personal growth and self-improvement.
While the Enneagram is a powerful tool for self-discovery, it is important to remember that no two people are exactly alike. Your personality is shaped by a variety of factors, including your upbringing, life experiences, and cultural background. The Enneagram is just one piece of the puzzle, and should be used in conjunction with other methods of self-exploration and personal growth.
If you are interested in exploring your wings further, there are many resources available online and in print. Books such as “The Wisdom of the Enneagram” by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson, and “The Complete Enneagram” by Beatrice Chestnut, offer in-depth explorations of the Enneagram system, including the role of wings in shaping personality.
In addition, there are many Enneagram workshops, retreats, and online courses available for those who want to delve deeper into the system. These can be a valuable way to connect with others who share your Enneagram type, and gain new insights into yourself and your personality.
Ultimately, understanding your wings is just one step in the journey towards self-discovery and personal growth. By using the Enneagram as a tool for self-exploration, and combining it with other methods of personal development, you can cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and others, and live a more fulfilling and authentic life.