what is eneagram?

Answer 1

I will assume you're referring to the personality theory based on the enneagram.

The core of the theory is a nine-pointed diagram in a circle, each point representing a personality type. In Riso's variation (his version is one of the most prominent, as far as I know), here they are:

1. The Reformer
2. The Helper
3. The Achiever
4. The Individualist
5. The Investigator
6. The Loyalist
7. The Enthusiast
8. The Challenger
9. The Peacemaker

What's interesting about the enneagram, versus the Myers-Brigg and others, is that the theory itself incorporates how people mature/decline.... and it's fairly accurate even if a little forced. Based on the ennegram diagram and which lines go from which type to the next, you can see how a type will pick up traits of the connected type as it becomes healthy or unhealthy (Example: Five goes to Eight if maturing; Five goes to Seven, if declining).

The types are broken into triads (Heart, Mind, Gut). You can also lean towards either of the types nearest yours, and these are called wings. (Example: Four can have a Three wing OR a Five wing. And a Four wing Five is different than a Five wing Four.)

For more information and even an online test, check out Riso's site below. You can also find ennegram books on Amazon and in your local Borders.