the instincts
in this program
- going under water
- what are the instincts or subtypes?
- why is it important?
- what do they look like?
- keeping your tritype in mind
if we want to understand ourselves and others on the deepest levels, we have to grapple with the unconscious. the unconscious is not a place in your brain, or a little dark man with a dark plan, it is simply that which you don’t know about yourself, directly. you cannot see it, or think about it, or decide about it, until it has been made visible, or conscious. we’re lucky to have a tool which, through research, makes it possible for us to know what to look for. the Enneagram is a map of the unconscious of each type.
going under water
you may remember from previous programs that the human brain can be thought of as consisting of three basic substructures (brainstem, paleo-mammalian cortex, and neocortex) which are correlated with the three intelligences (body, feeling, thought). in the Enneagram, these intelligences are further subdivided into the nine personality types.
and we can create even more nuance by adding the instincts. there are three primary instincts, namely self-preservation, sexual (one-on-one) and social. these are our most basic orientations in terms of impulse and reaction. an instinct is a preverbal and preconceptual (unconscious) stance towards reality. it is the very tool through which we engage with or influence reality. when we become conscious of these processes, we can bring self-regulation to them, and act in ways that are chosen, rather than unconscious. we tame our mind so that it can act on our behalf, rather than against us or others.
visible (conscious)
- characteristics
- preferences
- emotional patterns
- thought patterns
- visible behavior
- motivation
invisible (unconscious)
- overcompensation
- blind spots
- instincts
- passion and fixed attention
- psychological defenses
- coping mechanisms
27 subtypes
when we add the layer of instincts to the nine personality types, 27 subtypes emerge. the self-preservation (SP) instinct stems from the brain stem, the sexual (SX) instinct from the mammalian brain, and the social orientation (SO) instinct from the neocortex. as we grow through childhood, we typically develop one of them more fully, and the other two in lesser forms. just as all nine personality types are active in every personality, all three instincts are active in every person, and as with the types, one instinct tends to be dominant.
the SP instinct provides us with the strategies to preserve life and functioning. the SX instinct provides different strategies based on extending ourselves to others as a survival mechanism. the SO instinct fixates its attention on forming social bonds and understanding social dynamics. the most active of the three is regarded as your type instinct, and provides most of the unconscious dynamics to ensure survival or flourishing. our personality type flavors the instinct, and provides us with a much clearer view of the functioning of our instinct. the choice of strategy resulting from the dominant instinct follows the personality characteristics of our personality.
three instincts for each type
self-preservation instinct (SP)
individuals with SP dominant will be preoccupied with safety, comfort, health, energy, and well-being of the physical body. the SP instinct does not necessarily make the person selfish. the non-selfish SP would show equal concern for the self-preservation of others. the SP tends to be more grounded, pragmatic, and introverted than the other instincts. maintaining resources is prioritized. in close relationships, SP’s seek safety, comfort, tranquility, and a reliable partner.
sexual instinct (SX)
SX’s use stimulation and chemistry with others as a way of creating security. they gravitate towards people who they feel most stimulated by. they’re the most energetic of the instincts, and can be intense in their pursuits. they may view losing themselves in merging with another as ideal. at the same time, they constantly seek novel stimulation from others and the world.
social orientation instinct (SO)
having a dominant SO instinct does not mean that the person loves socializing or networking, but rather that they adapt themselves to the needs of their society or situation. they are highly aware of self and others, and of how their actions impact those around them. whereas SX seeks intimacy (chemistry), SO seeks personal connection. of the three instincts, they are most concerned with bettering their world.
expressing the type’s passion and fixed attention
self-preservation (SP)
material security • resources • avoiding danger • maintaining ease • safety • comfort • health • energy and well-being • family.
sexual (SX)
quality and status of relationship • intimate connection (one-on-one) • attraction and bonding • chemistry • competitive • charged and intense • vitality.
social orientation (SO)
belonging • recognition • rank • adapting • connection (group) • other-awareness • environmental awareness.
stay aware of your instinctual patterns, and expand your capacity to be more flexible.
why is it important?
our instinct tells us about our type’s main passion, and main point of focus. in this program we’re looking particularly into the instinct’s underlying emotional pattern (passion), and later we’ll focus on the attention (mental) fixation. what is a passion? as we’ve seen before, each type has particular fears, and the passion is the way in which we compensate for this fear. instead of dealing with the fear directly, we lose ourselves in our passion. it is our pattern for going to sleep (making unconscious). each personality type has a passion, and the dominant instinct will influence the way that this passion manifests. the table underneath points out the passion for each type, and the invitation that we can give to ourselves when recognizing that we’re caught in our “passion” pattern. when this invitation is used deliberately and with reflection or introspection, we can discover much more about ourselves and our instinctual reactions.
| core fear | passion through which fear is avoided (how to go to sleep — unconscious) |
invitation to fullness (how to wake up — making conscious) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | fear of being harmed, controlled, or vulnerable | lust: excess, intensity, stimulation, to make up for sense of inner emptiness | stand up for yourself and clearly communicate your beliefs, see your capacity to affect the world. |
| 9 | fear separation, being controlled and having discord with others | slothfulness (inactivity): resistance to change, aversion to effort, inattention to self and internal world (especially own emotions) | bring peace and healing by discovering your innate serenity, acceptance, and kindness. |
| 1 | being bad, something intrinsically wrong with self | anger: passive form of resentment that seeks resolution in perfection and virtue, hostility towards imperfection, conforming to ideals | develop discernment and wisdom, live for a higher purpose. |
| 2 | being unwanted, rejected, deemed unworthy | pride: need for self-inflation and false generosity in service of seduction and self-elevation, self-idealizing | nurture self and others, learn to attend to the moment’s needs. |
| 3 | sense of valuelessness, which leads to extreme fear of failure | vanity: “living in the eyes of others,” presenting a false image, shape-shifting into image based on contextual needs | develop self, rather than outcomes, into fullness, make being your doing. |
| 4 | fear of being fundamentally defective and disconnected | envy: painful sense of lack and craving for what is lacking, good is outside and deficiency is inside | learn to forgive, let go and be renewed in experience. |
| 5 | fear being helpless, incapable, depleted, and overwhelmed | avarice: holding back and holding in – hoarding of time, space, and resources, retentiveness | see self and others without judgment and expectation, engage with reality, contemplate the richness of experience. |
| 6 | fear of having no support, meaning, and not being able to survive | fear: more or less conscious anxiety, apprehension, tension, or unease, anticipatory anxiety | learn to trust the goodness of self and life, notice that good/bad are ideas arising in mind and not reality. |
| 7 | fear of pain, discomfort, deprivation, and not feeling whole | gluttony: passion for pleasure and a desire for more, excessive indulgence in whatever brings pleasure | joyously celebrate existence and share your happiness, add to the richness of all experience. |
these patterns and habits are one of the primary ways in which we remain unaware. they are instinctive, meaning there is no need for attention or conscious effort, and so we simply replay an old habitual pattern. it is mostly only when others make us aware that we become interested in working with them. like any self-regulatory work, it takes mindfulness to notice the passion in action, and then some deliberate and focused action in order to get ourselves back into consciousness. if i’m a type seven, i notice the formation of the form of gluttony (e.g., overplanning) and then begin building the ways in which i can bring myself the waking up invitation, and follow through on it.
type 8 instincts
expressing lust/passion
SP type 8
the self-preserving type eight needs their independence, and will create it through power, position, or possessions. they make shrewd politicians and businesspeople, approaching life with pragmatism. often private, their home is important to them, and they’re likely to control resources. the less mature eight SP will find it difficult to empathize with others, and may have a wheeler-dealer attitude.
SX type 8
sexual type eights are emotionally intense and charismatic. they seek intensity through relationship, and seek to leave their mark. like the counter-phobic six, they can become addicted to “rushes,” and “highs.” they often adore those close to them, but may also try to make a close person into a project, secretly wanting them to be highly functional so that they can relax. in the more immature form, they may resort to arguments or verbal sparring as a way of stimulating the relationship.
SO type 8
social type eights live large and engage fully. they seek friendship and loyalty, and will make great sacrifices for the people they care about. they enjoy conversation and even disagreement, and may find it difficult to understand when others feel intimidated by them. they seek friends who are reliable, strong, and independent. less healthy forms of this subtype often make promises but rarely fulfil them, and can be prone to exaggeration or embellishment.
lust is to the other passions what nervous fluid is to life; it supports them all, lends strength to them all, ambition, cruelty, avarice, revenge are all based on lust.
Marquis de Sade
self-preserving
- go for what they want, full of lust
- can be ruthless in their impatience
- pragmatic
- like to get the upper hand.
sexual
- need to protect others against injustices
- can ignore norms
- drive for loyalty even as they are rebelling
- can turn other into a project.
social orientation
- passionate, charismatic and unconventional
- love power and can intimidate
- can be excessive and intolerant of vulnerability, which they see as weakness.
stay aware of the feeling of having to push to make things happen — and allow others to make the decision.
type 9 instincts
expressing merging/slothfulness
SP type 9
unlike the other subtypes, the self-preserving type nine often needs time alone, untroubled by others. they seek well-being or peace through comfort and routines. the nine SP can be very stubborn around their ideas and their philosophy of life. to their friends, they present as grounded, patient, and having common sense. in the more immature form, they tend to have problems with overindulgence, or conversely, rigorously dieting.
SX type 9
the sexual type nine is the merger or fuser of the subtypes. they feel unable to stand on their own, and seek to merge with a partner or other in order to survive. on the other hand, they also seek greater autonomy, leading to doubt and internal tension. their overall effect is one of gentleness, ease, and flow. they tend to be more imaginative than the other subtypes, and often see their world with awe and in magical terms.
SO type 9
social type nines seek well-being through social connection and friendship, and often act as the “social glue” in their groups and society. however, even when in social groups, they have the capacity to remain disengaged. they are drawn to situations where they feel belonging, so that they can be cheerful and enjoy a variety of experiences. like the three, they can be task-oriented, but unlike the three, they easily get side-tracked by social interaction.
i choose a lazy person to do a difficult job, because i know he will find an easy way.
Bill Gates
self-preserving
- lose themselves in routine to avoid showing up fully
- merge with comforts as oriented to sense experience
- need time alone
- can be stubborn.
sexual
- merge with significant other
- relationship with another is “being”
- lack own identity and structure
- kind, and tender.
social orientation
- merge with group
- work hard, prioritizing group
- powerful mediators and leaders
- more lighthearted.
stay aware of always saying “yes,” and notice when you are resisting being affected by the experience — express your experience and needs fully.
type 1 instincts
expressing perfectionism/resentful anger
SP type 1
SP type ones are very responsible, self-sacrificing, and prone to worrying. they are true perfectionists, expecting perfecting from themselves and those around them. like the other ones, they repress their own emotions. they like to be organized, having their life structured: a well-ordered life is the best defense against being “wrong.” in the immature form, their order and correctness are so extreme that it can make those around them fearful.
SX type 1
SX type ones may act self-righteously with deep conviction. they can be evangelistic, freely expressing their anger when things are not “right,” in their view. once they find a partner with whom they share values, they tend to become highly protective of the relationship. in their more immature form, they can cause difficulties in relationship by being overly critical or “getting the other on track.”
SO type 1
this subtype is most self-controlled and disciplined in their actions. doing the right thing is their most important driver. they’re interested in societal affairs, and seek to take action, not being content with merely debating or thinking about these issues. this is the most driven and zealous subtype, and often feel that they can only take care of their own needs when bigger societal issues have been addressed.
anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.
Mark Twain
self-preserving
- heroic effort, gentle supportive, good intent, compulsive
- true perfectionist and always working on self, fretting
- can explode in self-righteous anger.
sexual
- reformers of others
- impatient, invasive, and entitled
- “i have the right to”
- can feel they’re drawing from higher calling.
social orientation
- demonstrating the “right” way, superior
- repress emotion, teacher-like
- can feel alienated, but self-sufficient
- deeply aware of more pressing societal needs.
stay aware of feeling of having to fix everything yourself — and practice letting go of the need for perfection.
type 2 instincts
expressing pride and winning over
SP type 2
like all type twos, the self-preserving type two loves to anticipate others’ needs, and being able to fulfil them. however, this subtype will get most upset if the act is not reciprocated. fearful of speaking their resentment, they tend to drop hints, and after a while may feel entitled to the care that they’ve been providing. the self-preserving two also feels shame for their physical needs, and may overindulge in comfort foods or medications, compensating for feelings of loneliness or rejection.
SX type 2
SX type twos believe that they will be fulfilled by attaining profound intimacy with another, and strive to win a place in the other’s heart by being as attentive and helpful as they can be. they are seductive in the sense that they will lavish the other with attention or adoration. they also enjoy physical connection, and will often initiate physical contact. in less mature forms they may become obsessively jealous, or have great difficulty in letting go of a relationship.
SO type 2
social type twos want to feel loved by those around them, and often act as advisors in their group of family or friends. They are keenly perceptive in terms of need for support in others, and may be deeply empathic. they are often the power behind the throne, but find it more challenging to work towards their own achievement. the social two has a fear of being left out of important social events, and so strive to always make themselves available. when less mature, the two SO takes on too much social responsibility, to the detriment of self and primary others.
pride erects a little kingdom of its own, and acts as sovereign in it.
William Hazzlit
self-preserving
- child-like in gaining affection
- want to be seen without showing self
- able to empathically sense another’s need
- anxious and fearful or dependent.
sexual
- need to be desired by the other
- generous, flexible, free (hard to limit)
- lavish with attention and adoration
- not afraid to use sexuality.
social orientation
- most obviously proud
- skillful at working behind scenes, competitive
- more competent and introverted
- may take on too much responsibility.
stay aware of believing that you have to do to win others over — look for what you need from them, and ask you how to give that to yourself.
type 3 instincts
expressing vanity
SP type 3
self-preserving type threes feel their value to be dependent on their ability to take care of physical needs. they strive to provide resources for themselves and their family. they easily become workaholics, as they believe that time off will result in fewer resources. this subtype has the most difficulty being in contact with their own feelings, and in the immature form, others may feel that they are just a resource to the three.
SX type 3
sexual type threes feel that their value comes from their desirability, and focus on enhancing their attractiveness. they often possess charm and charisma, yet they fear being dismissed by others for not being enough. they may long to be appreciated for qualities other than their attractiveness, especially their depth and intelligence. in their immature form, this subtype lives in the eyes of others.
SO type 3
this subtype is the typical picture of the type three, focusing on achievement, looking good, and completing their to-do lists. prone to vanity, they may garner attention and seek admiration. they can be competitive and aggressive, seeking the limelight. they are usually skilled at shapeshifting to suit the environment or person, but quite unaware of their inauthenticity.
none are as empty as those who are full of themselves.
Benjamin Whichcote
self-preserving
- self-reliant and self-sufficient, workaholic
- least vain, emphasis on quality
- difficulty with intimate connection.
sexual
- use personal attractiveness as leverage
- mental connection, may try to change partner
- achieve through others.
social orientation
- strives to be influential, needs admiration
- most aggressive subtype
- create teams that succeed at all costs.
stay aware of driving for adoration — and ask yourself what you really feel and think. be authentic.
type 4 instincts
expressing envy-suffering
SP type 4
SP type fours have all the darker feelings of the four, but they are tenacious, and will seldom share. they are long-suffering and stoic about their suffering. as a result, they have a toughness not seen in the other four subtypes. self-preservation fours are particularly sensitive to comfort, and any discomfort will produce emotional reaction.
SX type 4
probably the most intense type of personality in the Enneagram, deriving deep insight from the ups and downs of their lives. sexual type fours pour their energy and attention into their partner, sometimes to the point of obsession. the sexual four goes through immense dips and peaks in their feelings for partners, blowing hot and cold towards the other. in the more immature forms, there is deep awareness of their feelings, including the dark ones, and they may not hesitate to express them angrily.
SO type 4
the social type four has a very deep need to belong, but often fears that they’re not capable of belonging. they enjoy expressing their individuality and sense of style, or aesthetic. the four SO is acutely aware of its own persona, but uses it to find a place in their world. social fours also have a very deep sense of shame, and can become isolated or reclusive to evade social humiliation.
love looks through a telescope; envy, through a microscope.
Josh Billings
self-preserving
- long-suffering, stoic, deny envy and endure suffering
- connection with social pain and suffering of others
- least melodramatic
- tenacity, or toughness.
sexual
- angry, assertive – own pain angrily expressed
- quite elitist, criticism felt as an affront
- more shameless than shameful, highly competitive
- most angry subtype.
social orientation
- emotionally sensitive, suffering rationalized rather than faced
- most self-sabotaging
- non-competitive and hidden, may feel guilty for every wish/want
- deep need to belong.
stay aware of intensifying emotion through fantasy — be aware of what is good, or right.
type 5 instincts
expressing avarice (holding back, or onto)
SP type 5
the self-preserving type five is the most introverted of the subtypes, and most likely to need long periods of solitude. they attempt to reduce their needs to the absolute minimum. to some extent, this subtype enjoys sharing their knowledge with people, and can be counted on for their humor. they tend to keep their relationships few and simple, so that they can focus on what is interesting to them.
SX type 5
the sexual type five can easily be mistaken for a type four, since they show more feelings than most type fives. they feel deeply and suffer as a result, like the four. they desire to find someone who represents absolute love and trust, and will be open to their often eccentric view of reality. they hope that their partner will enable them to have greater confidence in navigating the external world. when disappointed in love, the sexual five can withdraw and remain unattached for long periods, even years.
SO type 5
social type fives connect through their particular area of expertise. they enjoy sharing their sometimes exotic interests, and feel that they need to bring expertise into society. they find their place in the world, because it is their task to learn what kind of expertise others may need. of the subtypes, the social five is most comfortable with interaction, but still prefer their interactions to revolve around the fulfilment of a particular function.
avarice is especially, i suppose, a disease of the imagination.
Sara Coleridge
self-preserving
- erect walls to protect what they have, don’t receive easily
- most withdrawn and secretive subtype
- avoid conflict and dependency, strong attachment to places and one or two people.
sexual
- search for perfect partner or mystical union
- most emotional and sensitive of the subtypes
- elaborate interior, easily disappointed
- easily infatuated.
social orientation
- avarice around knowledge and time
- find nourishment in knowledge systems, rather than people
- passion for essential, sublime, and extraordinary, often eccentric.
stay aware of losing self and emotion in knowledge — and ask yourself what you feel and the other may be feeling.
type 6 instincts
expressing fear and anxiety
SP type 6
the self-preserving type six is the most phobic of the three subtypes. they are prone to worry and self-doubt. safety and security are their primary priorities, and they may join a group or family or find a partner in order to feel safe. their warmth and friendliness draw in friends, who then become part of their safety net. they love to be involved and engaged, but can find it difficult to relax, and are more introverted than the other six subtypes. when immature, they may want to dominate resources like the immature type eight.
SX type 6
this is the counter-phobic six subtype. they push against fear verbally and physically. they are drawn to extreme sports and challenges as these build their esteem in overcoming fear. the sexual six may manifest their deepest doubt in the area of their desirability. like the four, the SX type six is emotionally intense. when more immature they tend to test their partner in terms of their commitment to the relationship.
SO type 6
social type sixes love accuracy and precision, and tend to stick to the rules. they are legalistic, efficient, and dutiful. they often involve themselves in volunteer work, because they feel it is necessary to contribute to society. they want others to back up their ideas, and look for consensus before making decisions. when more immature they are often suspicious, and may create in-and-out groups within their circle.
too many of us are not living our dreams because we’re living our fears.
Les Brown
self-preserving
- seek friendly connection and alliances, need support
- dependent on other(s) and hesitant in decision-making
- warm, needs to find support in uncertainty.
sexual
- counterphobic, can be aggressive and intimidating
- most contrarian and in need of control
- still doubtful of self and can be paranoid interiorly
- most aggressive subtype.
social orientation
- drawn to abstract reason or ideology as safety, sometimes fanatical
- no tolerance for ambiguity, dutiful
- anticipatory anxiety, mix of phobic and counterphobic.
stay aware becoming dependent on external sources — choose to trust yourself and listen rather than react.
type 7 instincts
expressing gluttony
SP type 7
the self-preserving type seven is the most materialistic of the subtypes, not necessarily in terms of having, but enjoying. for the 7 SP, exploring the different pleasures the world offers is what life is about. they are experts on entertainment, and where to get the best deal. they may be quite unaware of their unrealistic expectations, or their entitlement.
SX type 7
sexual type sevens seek stimulation, especially in terms of what is new and exotic. they’re often drawn to “peak experiences” and try to have a life of successive amazing experiences. they can be charismatic, having no trouble capturing attention with their wit, energy, and deeply felt need to connect with people. when less healthy they may indiscriminately pursue relationships simply for the excitement of doing something new.
SO type 7
the social type seven is highly people-oriented, sometimes idealistic, and enjoys being involved in projects. even so, they may overcommit, because they do not want to lose out on options or possibilities. the social seven also tends to feel anxious about not having something to be involved with, and may do a lot of planning to ensure that they have enough plans to fill their time. they feel they have much to offer the world, and so often initiate creative projects.
gluttony is an emotional escape, a sign that something is eating us.
Peter De Vries
self-preserving
- gluttony expressed as alliances and connections, networking
- excessive concern with a good deal (transactional)
- pragmatic and most strategic subtype.
sexual
- seek merger with magical other or reality (often embellished)
- fall in love deeply – fantastical other, restless
- view of reality shaped by suggestion, fantasy, and narrative.
social orientation
- consciously avoids exploitation of others
- pursue ideals, responsible to family
- indulgent, hungry for love, recognition, and admiration.
stay aware of planning the next experience — connect more deeply with the current experience.
keep your tritype in mind
we also need to keep our tritype in mind. if we really want to do the deeper work, or shadow work, it is useful to consider our instinctual patterns based on all three types that make up our tritype. for example, johann is a tritype 451, and his most active instinct is the social orientation instinct. it is then interesting to note that in his behavior/reasoning/speech, all three types (from the tritype, or archetype) are active. it will therefore be useful for him to look at the type 4 SO, type 5 SO, and type 1 SO.
different naming conventions illuminate the subtypes
there are different sets of names for the subtypes, created by different people and institutions. they’re not exact, but provide a flavor or sense of the subtype’s behavior. we have to remember that instincts are not wrong. they are very powerful dynamics that aim to preserve what is important to the person, or strategies to get the needed outcome. however, when they’re unconscious, we don’t even really know what we’re doing, or why we’re doing it that way. making these processes conscious means that we’re able to change them, or at least understand why we do as we do. the following table of instinct names and descriptions have been adapted from the work of Peter O’Hanrahan.
| self-preservation (SP) | social (SO) | intimacy (SX) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
anxiety/worry energy of anger diverted into anxiety about personal security • getting things right • having what is needed • may look like fear, but actually more permanent resentful worrying • need to work hard. |
non-adaptability/rigidity wanting to be allied with the worthy group or support the correct cause • can experience confusion, frustration, or outright anger aimed at self or group • criticizing others for not being right and self for not being able to adapt. |
jealousy/zeal idealizing the perfect connection, and fearing that others will be seen as more attractive or intelligent • anger turns to jealousy in scanning to make sure that they are still wanted • perceived rejection is met with unthinking anger or heat. |
| 2 |
privilege/me first warm and personable • expression of pride leads to wanting to be ahead of others and not sharing • pride, not asking for help • insecurity about meeting own needs sublimated into meeting the needs of others. |
ambition warm and personable • expression of pride leads to wanting to be ahead of others and not sharing • pride, not asking for help • insecurity about meeting own needs sublimated into meeting the needs of others. |
aggression/seduction takes pride in making another be their friend or lover. selective and seductive process • aggressive in the sense that won’t give up until they have won • use of body language and feeling tones can be experienced as seductive. |
| 3 |
security attending to material security • success means having enough, and there is never enough • the ultimate success is always in the future, with the achievement of another goal. |
status/prestige concerned with status in peer group • goals are chosen on the basis of potential gains in prestige • membership to a certain club may be as important a goal as success at work. |
masculine/feminine constant focus on image and the augmentation of this image. success means to be seen as ultimate male or female within their cultural environment, and much effort is spent on creating the right look. |
| 4 |
dauntless envy is kept at bay by taking risks and living recklessly • to be really alive means to live the extraordinary • to be safe in a predictable world is life-denying. |
shame envy expresses itself as shame at not being good enough, fearing that people will notice this and reject • creativity is used to create an image and uniqueness • tension between social expectation and individual authenticity. |
competition/hate becoming competitive in intimate relationship • envy becomes hatred of whatever may show up the four’s shortcomings. this sometimes takes the form of competing with an inner ideal, knowing that they are set up to lose. |
| 5 |
castle/home avarice is experienced in terms of survival • “my home is my castle” • attention is focused on creating a home or safe place where little is needed. this may be solitary living, or being the dedicated home-maker of a couple. |
totems hunger for knowledge of sacred symbols or societal totems. feel they have access to key information or people • may also manifest as feeling that they need to understand essential concepts that govern social interactions. |
confidences exchange of confidences in their intimate relationships enables them to feel safe • personal relationships carefully chosen • can be a tension between need for contact and need to preserve autonomy • confidentiality of the physical expression of love or friendship may feel safer than verbal expression. |
| 6 |
warmth/affection need of survival front of mind, disarming potential hostility is used as a strategy to secure survival • being warm, giving, affectionate, and loyal • risk-averse and stick to well defined boundaries. |
duty loyalty to chosen group • desire to ally with a worthy group, partly for protection • family ties prioritised • there may be a deep focus on under-privileged or deserving groups to whom the six will be dutiful. |
strength/beauty the intimate six strives to affect others so as not to be affected • strength may be manifested as an unswerving service to a cause, or may take a more personal form of courageous behaviour • can also have the form of channelling idealism into creating beauty, stability, and control. |
| 7 |
family/like-minded defenders gluttony expressed by forming a “family” of like-minded people, who provide varied and exciting input, and can be trusted to back up the seven if their safety is threatened • emphasis on sharing. |
sacrifice/martyr often appear more serious and anxious than other seven subtypes • their attention goes to the happiness of the group, and they are able to sacrifice their own immediate happiness for the group’s well-being • limits on personal expansion • planning future outcomes. |
fascination/suggestibility gluttony manifests as intense and immediate fascinations with new people and the possibilities they represent • easily influenced, but equally influential • attention focuses minutely on the new person or idea, to the exclusion of everything else • tend to glamorize people. |
| 8 |
satisfactory survival eights will ensure that they have what they need to survive with satisfaction • they may be financially powerful, hoard, or be compulsive about having enough of the right kind of food at the right time • fiercely protective of friends and family. |
friendship lust manifests as having many friends, often a network who work and/or play together • they like to introduce friends to one another, make sure everyone enjoys life, and provide mutual support and protection in times of need • needs of group harnessed to common agenda. |
possession/commanding the eight SX has special friends, felt to be lifetime relationships • possessiveness may not be obvious, but they need to know they are central to a person’s life • they look for someone they can trust enough to surrender to and let go of control, and with surrender they become very vulnerable to betrayal. |
| 9 |
appetite compulsively immerse themselves in some form of numbing behaviour to avoid having to take action • keep the world at bay, minimising dual risks of separation (through having to take a stance) and of losing identity (by having to merge with people). |
participation channel self-forgetting and physical energy into merging with the group • participation may mean joining teams, setting up activity groups for others to participate in, or networking • act on behalf of the group to the extent that they lose themselves. |
union passionate drive to find another with whom they can merge completely, feeling they will thereby find themselves • drive can also be channelled into religion, the desire to be one with Nature or God • may look for the divine in the other, and merge with that • difficulty maintaining boundaries and focus, because so easily pulled out of themselves. |
