27 Subtypes
Subtypes Introduction
This body of work was first taught by Claudio Naranjo who was a Chilean psychiatrist. The 27 subtypes are basically 3 versions of the 9 types and what they pay attention to and how they unconsciously behave.
Subtypes are based on behaviours developed as a result of coping strategies which we used to cope with our life circumstances. It is sometimes called the body Instinct/Intuition/Gut Instinct.
We have all 3 instincts. In childhood, one of these instincts was ‘damaged’ or needed attention. So, we focussed on it unconsciously so that these needs got met. And the other is Secondary and the third is quite absent in our lives or least attention was put on it. We do not usually think about them. It’s instinctual.
SELF PRESERVATION
It is the instinct of self-protection. Our body is the source of life and a focus on this helps us cope, sustain and preserve ourselves over the long haul. Survival and safety, financial needs, food, and feeling comfortable, comfort are the focus.
SOCIAL
Focused on creating and maintaining relationships with a group, tribe or community to build a sense of personal value, accomplishment, and community. This happens at a slightly more matured stage of the child. It happens when you went out with peers and friends. If this was affected, the adult will find this to be an area of emphasis.
Sexual /1 to 1/ Intimate
This instinct is focused on attraction and seduction, companionship & reproduction. There is an attraction to finding 1-1 interactions with a single person and maintaining that “sizzle” between another and themselves. A relationship where we depend habitually on a single person for safety and comfort.
Why is it important?
Sometimes, the types are not described succinctly because there are certain nuances within a type that will result in a distinct growth path. Hence, qualities, characteristics and behaviours can look quite different within the same type. We would sometimes think that the wings were what made certain types look different from each other but the subtypes do give a much clearer understanding of why people within a type are quite different.
There are aspects where all 3 subtypes within the type will share and then there are aspects where they won’t at all. The subtype is the fusing/alchemization of your Enneagram type and your Subtype. You will then discover a deeper nuanced version of your type.
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SELF PRESERVATION |
INTIMATE / ONE TO ONE / SEXUAL |
SOCIAL |
|
WORRY Highly self-controlled, structured and organized and good at anticipating risks and problems. Has a strong inner-critic and carries the weight of responsibility on their shoulders A worry-wart, anxious that everything is done to their satisfaction as long as it is done correctly. Can be confused with a 6. |
ZEAL / JEALOUSY (countertype) Intense especially to individuals who are important to them or society in general. They have an idealistic view of how people should be and feel entitled to reform others. They have the ‘right’ answers to living life and can express anger and frustration when there is resistance Can be confused with an 8. |
NON-ADAPTABILITY Perceive themselves as the ideal role-model that others should follow. They focus their attention on being ethical and principled and may focus on social systems and seek to bring a high standard. Can be confused with a 1 or 5. |
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SELF PRESERVATION |
INTIMATE / ONE TO ONE / SEXUAL |
SOCIAL |
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PRIVILEGE (countertype) They can come across as childlike, sweet and shy and may give the impression that they want another’s protection but still resists being dependent and will withdraw from long-term commitments. Can be confused with a 7 or 4. |
SEDUCTION / AGGRESSION This person focusses their ability of seduction and attraction on building close bonds so they can feel trusted, intimate and close with one other person. They are strong-willed, passionate and wild at heart. Can be confused with an 8. |
AMBITION This group uses their seductive prowess in a more intellectual capacity by influencing groups and social systems. They are knowledgeable confident, assertive and like being in a leadership role. Less childlike or soft. Can be confused with a 3. |
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SELF PRESERVATION |
INTIMATE / ONE TO ONE / SEXUAL |
SOCIAL |
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SECURITY (countertype) They dislike showing off their strengths and abilities and are less image conscious. However, they do like recognition and acknowledgment. They are reliable, productive and their pursuit of self-sufficiency makes them prone to workaholism. Can be confused with a 1 or 6. |
CHARISMA (MASCULINE/FEMININE) This type focuses their suave style on helping others with a collaborative and helpful mindset of ‘if you are successful, then I am too. They will compete for the attention of those closest to them. They tend to suppress their own feelings and hence be more attractive. Can be confused with a 2. |
PRESTIGE Social 3s desire influence and attention of larger groups and organizations. Loves being the centre of attention for their success and being around other successful people to reinforce their status. They may cut corners and take short-cuts as long as the/their team reach milestones and look good. Can be confused with a 7. |
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SELF PRESERVATION |
INTIMATE / ONE TO ONE / SEXUAL |
SOCIAL |
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TENACITY/DAUNTLESS/RECKLES (countertype) The SP 4 is less dramatic and non-complaining. They rather live with their pain, internalize and manage it and where possible, support others who may face the same. Though still sensitive, they, they are active and can engage in extreme activities to feel excited and energised. Can be confused with a 7 or 3. |
COMPETITIVE This 4 is more vocal about their needs and challenges. They can be demanding and competitive, escaping suffering by being the best in their field. The constant need for validation about their ability can lead to a cycle of rejection and anger and masks the sadness and inner confusion. Can be confused with an 8. |
SHAME The Social 4 is deeply connected with their suffering and sharing it with others. They are not competitive but want to be understood. They constantly compare themselves to others, hence evoke shame and envy. This triggers doubt and inferiority. |
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SELF PRESERVATION |
INTIMATE / ONE TO ONE / SEXUAL |
SOCIAL |
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CASTLE/REFUGE The SP 5 is comfortable in their own space and removed from most people other than a select few. They are highly introverted, will not reveal much and prefers to observe life, conserve their energy and participate in events from their minds. |
CONFIDANTE (countertype) They one-to-one 5 yearns for a deep connection with one other whom they can trust and share their life and secrets with. Similarly, they would preserve and protect this person with everything they have and somewhat relying on them for comfort and stimulation |
TOTEM The SO 5 searches for meaning and answers to life’s big questions through their passion for knowledge. They will do this with like-minded people until their values are not aligned. They would still be challenged sharing space, time and resources. |
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SELF PRESERVATION |
INTIMATE / ONE TO ONE / SEXUAL |
SOCIAL |
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WARMTH The SP 6 is usually riddled with fear and insecurity and they manage this by building alliances, i.e. family or support group. They can use their warmth and friendliness to feel safe by getting along. They are risk averse and may not share opinions in order to keep safe. Can be confused with a 2 or 9. |
INTIMIDATION (STRENGTH/BEAUTY) (countertype) The one-to-one 6 will deny their own insecurity by pushing against their fear and approaching them head on rather than avoiding it. Hence, they look fearless, confident, bold and direct. Their need to feel strength and safety prevents them from focusing on their vulnerabilities and doubts. Can be confused with an 8. |
DUTY The SO 6 supports social ideals, stands up for the weak or marginalized. They are more black or white and hence, more conscientious, ethical and inflexible and hence relies on rules and procedures. Rational and dutiful, they would ensure everyone stands in line. Can be confused with a 1. |
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SELF PRESERVATION |
INTIMATE / ONE TO ONE / SEXUAL |
SOCIAL |
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NETWORK/EXTENDED FAMILY This is an energetic 7 who gathers close friends and trusted allies. They are great dealmakers and negotiators as well as astute in business. Highly optimistic but realistic. They may come across as self-interested and pleasure seeking and do what suits themselves to fulfil their needs. Can be confused with a 5 or 8. |
FASCINATION/SUGGESTIBILITY The one-to-one 7 is a dreamer, romantic who seems like a child who never wants to grow up. They tend to look at life through rose-tinted glasses and can have unrealistic dreams and expectations in intimate relationships sometimes believing that what they think is always possible. Can be confused with a 9. |
SACRIFICE (countertype) These are generous 7s who dedicate their life to service of the larger community or person they support ahead of their own needs. They can be judgmental about selfishness in general and will not hesitate to confront others greed. Can be confused with a 2. |
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SELF PRESERVATION |
INTIMATE / ONE TO ONE / SEXUAL |
SOCIAL |
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SATISFACTION/SURVIVAL The SP 8 is direct and powerful and taking an effective and no-nonsense approach to life. They usually take on the role of guardian, mother of fatherly figure and have no remorse about their confrontational style. They usually get what they need for survival by ensuring their every move is planned. Can be confused with a 5 or 6. |
POSSESSION This 8 is an intense and rebellious rule breaker. Quite la maverick, they rip into old ways and radically change systems, could provoke and disrupt for influence and control. They would sacrifice for a worthy cause albeit from a leadership position. Can be confused for a 4 or 6. |
SOLIDARITY/FRIENDSHIP (countertype) The SO 8 uses their power in the service of others with a passion to protect people from unfair authorities or unjust influence rather than assert their needs. Even though they prefer not to be vulnerable, they would invite feedback from close allies. Can be confused with a 2. |
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SELF PRESERVATION |
INTIMATE / ONE TO ONE / SEXUAL |
SOCIAL |
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APPETITE The SP 9 is most focussed on physical needs like eating, sleeping, reading, and pleasant activities like watching TV and gardening. They could indulge in collections that have sentimental value. They can use this as an ‘excuse’ to not pay attention to themselves. Can be confused with an 8. |
FUSION/UNION This subtype fuses with a significant other or those very close and makes their needs part of their life, submitting easily to feed their sense of comfort. There is security in with someone else than when on their own. Their passions and desires are secondary so that they don’t have to pay attention to themselves. Can be confused with a 2 or 4. |
PARTICIPATION (countertype) This social 9 can be immersed fully in the service of others, leaning towards mediation and being a peacemaker, as a means to not paying attention to themselves. They put on a happy front, will not burden others preferring to make sacrifices and feel like they are part of the group. Can be confused with a 3 or 7. |
