enneagram wings

 

Sometimes it's easier to determine what enneagram type you are by looking at the different subtypes, groups, and wings. I gave an intro to the enneagram in this post a few weeks ago so go read it to see the basic characteristics of each type before you read this post. I'm sharing what wings are and the characteristic of each type with both of the possible wings. 

What are Wings 

Each type can take on some of the characteristics of one, both, or neither of the types on either side of it. For example, a type 5 could have either a 4 or a 6 wing, both a 4 and a 6 wing, or no wing at all and just have straight type 5 tendencies. If that person had both a 4 and a 6 wing they could be of equal strength, or one wing could be more prominent than the other. I'm a type 9, and I would say I have both wings, but my 1 wing is a lot stronger and is always present. My 8 wing only comes out in times when I'm passionate about something, but it takes a lot for it to overpower my peace-keeping Nine nature. 

So now that you know what the wings are, let's get into the descriptions of each type and wing combo. 

Types with their Wings

1w9- Ones with a Nine wing tend to be more relaxed, introverted, and detached than Ones with a Two wing. They tend to be more circumspect, thinking before they speak, because of their tendency to be more idealistic and objective and because they don't want to say something wrong or erroneous. They are outwardly more calm and mull over their decisions for a long time, and tend to procrastinate a lot. The Nine wing helps these Ones form better relationships and maintain them more easily; Ones tend to have too many expectations for the people in their lives, so when they are let down they hold resentments. 

1w2- Ones with a Two wing are more extroverted, warm, helpful, and empathetic. They can also take on some of the more negative qualities of a Two, though, like being critical and controlling. They tend to talk too much and try to accomplish more than they are capable of in a day. They tend to have a more rapid pace of speech and can quickly come across as preaching instead of teaching. They will more readily sense other people's needs, but won't feel the strong need to meet those needs themselves like Twos do. 

2w1- Twos with a One wing are concerned about doing things properly, and want to be seen as dependable and responsible. They're more critical of themselves, more controlling, and more prone to guilt. They have clearer boundaries and are more aware of their emotional needs, but have more trouble expressing their emotions. They are less trusting than a 2w3, and expect more in return for their efforts. 

2w3- Twos with a Three wing are more ambitious, image-conscious and competitive than a normal Two or a 2w1. They are extroverted and know how to portray themselves as successful and how to draw people in just like a Three does. They are more confident, so they achieve more, and in their eyes being seen as successful is a close second to being known as loving and generous. They are able to change into whatever is called for to achieve their desired results. 

3w2- Threes with a Two wing are charming and intimate, making great entertainers, politicians, salespeople, and pastors. But they can become angry and hostile when their lust for attention and recognition overtakes them. Threes in general put on a loving, generous, and kind image, but they actually have those qualities when a Two wing is present. They still have a strong desire to be recognized for their achievements, though, but they use some of that competitive energy to help others succeed as well, not just using it all for themselves. 

3w4- Threes with a Four wing tend to be very confused and suffer with interior dissonance because Fours value depth and authenticity, while Threes tend to morph themselves into the person they want to be in the current situation which is rarely their true selves. While they are portraying a false self image, their Four wing is screaming at them to be more authentic and to stop being a fraud. They are more introspective and in touch with their feelings than 3w2s. They tend to be sensitive, artistic, emotionally intense, and work carefully on "crafting" the right image for themselves. They aren't as driven to be stars as 3w2s are, but they can be more pretentious. 

4w3- Fours with a Three wing want to be both authentic and the best. They have a very competitive energy and are aware that their emotional intensity and quirkiness needs to be toned down sometimes in order to be socially acceptable. They will be more outgoing, but this also means they may be overly dramatic. They are usually more productive, actually accomplishing their dreams, but they also tend to have more mood swings than a 4w5. 

4w5- Fours with a Five wing are likely more introverted and unconventional. They don't have as strong of a need to be noticed as 4w3s, but they are very concerned with being unique. They are quietly different, spend more time alone, and find it easier to leave their emotions alone rather than talk about them with someone or take action on them. 

5w4- Fives with a Four wing are more creative, sensitive, empathetic, and self-absorbed than 5w6s. They have the big feelings that comes with the Four wing, but they aren't sure what to do with them and would much rather process them on their own than with others. They are more likely to experience melancholy. Fives tend to be emotionally guarded, but because of the Four's tendency to express their emotions in big ways, 5w4s are more tender with themselves and less emotionally guarded with others. 

5w6- Fives with a Six wing are more fearful than 5w4s because of the Six's worst-case-scenario thinking. They are more anxious, cautious, and skeptical, but also more social and loyal. They live more in their minds, and are more relational. They're more aware of their own fear thanks to the Six, which increases their interest in forming a community. They can be socially awkward and remain skeptical of others, but getting to know people is more comforting than disconcerting. 

6w5- Sixes with a Five wing are more introverted, intellectual, cautious, self-controlled, and apt to seek security through allegiance to an authority figure. They gravitate towards a belief system and a group of people that share those beliefs. They can be perceived as distant or aloof, but that is because they like to protect their privacy, engage in solitary activities and pursue hobbies. They have a greater need for alone time than 6w7s, which helps them gain a better understanding of what is causing their anxiety, but dwelling on those thoughts can also cause them to be more anxious. They tend to suffer from analysis paralysis because they think and overanalyze things for too long without taking any action. 

6w7- Sixes with a Seven wing are delightful, reflecting the playfulness of the Seven. They're entertaining, animated, and adventurous. They take more risks than a 6w5, but still set up a lot of boundaries because of the Six's need for comfort and security, and they always have a back up plan just in case things go badly. These Sixes are far more extroverted and more willing to sacrifice themselves for their loved ones. 

7w6- Sevens with a Six wing are more settled than other sevens. They are fueled by the conscientiousness of the Six, and give both projects and people more time before moving on to the next new and exciting thing. They are more sensitive and anxious than 7w8s, and once they commit to a relationship they have a good chance of staying connected and working out challenges because of the Six's loyalty. They are dutiful and loyal to family and friends, while still being funny, entertaining, and accepting of others. 

7w8- Sevens with an Eight wing are competitive, bold, and aggressive. They are persuasive and assertive in relation to their ideas and agendas thanks to the Eight's strong opinions, though they are still playful, and having a good time is more important to them than gaining power. They are easily bored, so they tend to start things and never finish them. They enjoy being in a relationship as long as they can contribute to their partner's happiness. They are frustrated by being in an unhappy relationship, but are devastated by endings. 

8w7- Eights with a Seven wing are outgoing, energetic, and fun, while also being ambitious, impulsive, and sometimes reckless. They live life to the fullest, and are the most energetic and entrepreneurial of the types. The Seven's tendency to be more adventurous and brave masks the Eight's tendency to be more wary, so 7w8s are more social and gregarious than other Eights. 

8w9- Eights with a Nine wing have a more measured approach to life. The Nine's tendency to strive for peace makes this type play the peacemaker role and be more approachable and more open to cooperation over competition. They are supportive, modest and less blustery, and others are happy to follow their lead. Because of the Nine's ability to see both sides of a situation, they become successful negotiators.

9w8- Nines with an Eight wing have the most complex combination on the Enneagram, since the Eights tend to go against power and the Nines do anything to avoid conflict. Eights are energized by anger, but Nines avoid anger at all costs. They are more energized, confident, stubborn, outgoing and inner-directed than 9w1s, so they have more access to anger and express it more openly if they or others are threatened. They also find it much easier to be clear and direct about things that are important to them, and are more confrontational than other Nines, but are still quick to be conciliatory. 

9w1- Nines with a One wing have a strong sense of the difference between right and wrong. The One's ability to stay focused helps these Nines accomplish more, which enhances their confidence. They are more critical, orderly, introverted, and passive-aggressive than other Nines. It's common for them to be involved in peacemaking efforts or other social justice causes because of their concern about matters of right and wrong. They are principled and modest as leaders, and people want to follow them because of their integrity and steadfastness.