Enneagram Wings and Arrows Explained

What Are Enneagram Wings?

Wings are the two types adjacent to your core Enneagram type. Each type has the potential to be influenced by the characteristics of its neighboring types, and these wings can shape the way you express your core type. For example, a Type 3 (The Achiever) might have a wing of Type 2 (The Helper) or Type 4 (The Individualist). Your wing adds a unique flavor to your personality, giving you access to traits from both your core type and its adjacent types.

It’s important to note that everyone has one primary wing, but some people may be influenced by both wings. The dominant wing shapes your behavior and motivations more strongly, but you may also exhibit traits from your secondary wing depending on the circumstances.

How Wings Influence Your Personality

Each wing adds new characteristics to your type, enriching your personality and influencing the way you interact with the world. Here’s how different wings may impact each core type:

• Type 1: The Reformer
  - Wing 9: Brings a more relaxed and peaceful demeanor, allowing Type 1s to be more tolerant and accepting. - Wing 2: Adds a more empathetic and caring quality, helping Type 1s express their ideals with warmth and support.
• Type 2: The Helper
  - Wing 1: Adds a sense of responsibility and structure, making Type 2s more organized and goal-oriented in their efforts to help. - Wing 3: Introduces a drive for success and recognition, making Type 2s more assertive in seeking validation for their helpfulness.
• Type 3: The Achiever
  - Wing 2: Makes Type 3s more people-oriented and empathetic, focusing on the success of others and helping them achieve their goals. - Wing 4: Adds depth and emotional awareness, bringing a creative and introspective side to the ambitious Type 3s.
• Type 4: The Individualist
  - Wing 3: Adds a competitive edge, pushing Type 4s to be more ambitious and success-oriented while maintaining their individuality. - Wing 5: Brings a more analytical and withdrawn nature, encouraging Type 4s to explore their emotions in a more detached and thoughtful way.
• Type 5: The Investigator
  - Wing 4: Makes Type 5s more emotionally expressive and introspective, encouraging them to connect their knowledge with deeper feelings. - Wing 6: Adds a more loyal and security-seeking element, making Type 5s more concerned about safety and stability in their environment.
• Type 6: The Loyalist
  - Wing 5: Encourages independent thinking and analysis, making Type 6s more self-reliant and introspective when navigating uncertainty. - Wing 7: Brings a more optimistic and adventurous side, making Type 6s more playful and seeking enjoyment in the face of anxiety.
• Type 7: The Enthusiast
  - Wing 6: Adds a sense of responsibility and caution, helping Type 7s take a more grounded and practical approach to their pursuits. - Wing 8: Brings a more assertive and decisive nature, encouraging Type 7s to take control of situations and assert their desires.
• Type 8: The Challenger
  - Wing 7: Introduces a more spontaneous and fun-loving aspect, encouraging Type 8s to enjoy life more fully and take risks. - Wing 9: Brings a calm and conciliatory quality, helping Type 8s to be more peaceful and less confrontational in their leadership.
• Type 9: The Peacemaker
  - Wing 8: Makes Type 9s more assertive and decisive, encouraging them to take charge and address conflicts more directly. - Wing 1: Adds a more structured and idealistic element, pushing Type 9s to be more responsible and focused on making the world a better place.

What Are Enneagram Arrows?

Arrows represent the lines of connection between each Enneagram type and two other types. These lines symbolize how we behave under conditions of stress (disintegration) and security (integration). When we’re feeling threatened or under pressure, we may exhibit behaviors associated with the type connected to us by our stress arrow. Conversely, when we’re in a place of growth or security, we tend to express the positive traits of the type connected to us by our security arrow.

For example, a Type 1 (The Reformer) connects to Type 7 (The Enthusiast) in stress, and to Type 4 (The Individualist) in security. This means that when Type 1s feel stressed, they may take on characteristics of Type 7, such as becoming more impulsive or overly optimistic. In contrast, when they are growing and feeling secure, they may adopt traits of Type 4, becoming more introspective and creative.

How Arrows Affect Your Personality

The arrows reveal the potential for growth and stress in every Enneagram type. Here’s a closer look at how each type connects to its arrows:

• Type 1 connects to Type 7 in stress and Type 4 in security.
• Type 2 connects to Type 8 in stress and Type 4 in security.
• Type 3 connects to Type 9 in stress and Type 6 in security.
• Type 4 connects to Type 2 in stress and Type 1 in security.
• Type 5 connects to Type 7 in stress and Type 8 in security.
• Type 6 connects to Type 3 in stress and Type 9 in security.
• Type 7 connects to Type 1 in stress and Type 5 in security.
• Type 8 connects to Type 5 in stress and Type 2 in security.
• Type 9 connects to Type 6 in stress and Type 3 in security.

By understanding these arrows, you can gain a deeper understanding of your behavioral patterns under different emotional states and begin to work towards healthier expressions of your type in all circumstances.

Conclusion: The Power of Wings and Arrows

Wings and arrows add complexity and depth to the Enneagram system. Understanding how wings influence your core type can provide a more nuanced view of your personality, while the arrows give insight into how you react under stress and growth. By recognizing the interplay between your core type, wings, and arrows, you can better navigate your personal growth and work towards greater self-awareness and balance.