Enneagram and Jungian Archetypes: Exploring the Connection

Enneagram and Jungian archetypes are connected, as the former draws its wisdom from many different influences, and the latter is one of them. So, by exploring Jungian archetypes and understanding their connection with Enneagram typology, we delve deeper into the inner psychological landscape of each personality type.

In this article, we’ll explain the basics of the Enneagram theory and Jungian archetypes and explore their correlations.

Let’s get started!

What Is the Enneagram, and How Does It Work?

Enneagram is a personality system that blends influences from ancient wisdom, modern philosophy, and personality psychology. It divides people into nine personality types based on their core motivations, fears, desires, strengths, and weaknesses.

In contrast to many other personality classifications, Enneagram isn’t based on behavioral differences. In fact, it focuses on the inner psychological forces that drive each type’s behavior, thus allowing for a lot more flexibility.

The founding concepts of the Enneagram include:

• Enneagram wings, which explain the concept of Enneagram subtypes
• Enneagram arrows, which describe how each type changes depending on their developmental stages
• Enneagram motivations, which provide insight into how each type constructs their life strategy

So, by taking an Enneagram test and determining your personality type, you get a complete overview of your key strengths, weaknesses, talents, and motivation. Thanks to this, the Enneagram theory is a great tool for personal development and self-discovery.

What Are Jungian Archetypes?

Jungian archetypes are one of the core concepts of the work of Carl Jung, the well-known Swiss psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and pioneer in exploring the human psyche. His scientific breakthroughs have profoundly shaped modern psychology, and his influence remains strong in contemporary psychological thought.

Jung was a contemporary of Sigmund Freud, with whom he developed a meaningful friendship based on their professional curiosity and shared knowledge. However, though Freud's explorations often influenced Jung’s insights, he took a completely different direction in understanding the human psyche.

Moreover, Jung introduced the concept of the “collective unconscious,” describing it as a universal layer of the unconscious mind that contains memories and experiences of humanity as a whole.

Archetypes are central to this concept, and they are described as symbols that repeatedly show up in slightly different forms in human cultures all across the world. These include specific sets of patterns and meanings embodied in the form of a personality type, which are embedded in our unconscious minds.

So, in the context of the Enneagram and personality archetypes, we can look at each Enneagram personality type through the Jungian lens and try to understand them as archetypes.

Here’s what this parallel looks like:

• Enneagram Type One as the Hero archetype
• Enneagram Type Two as the Giver archetype
• Enneagram Type Three as the Warrior archetype
• Enneagram Type Four as the Artist archetype
• Enneagram Type Five as the Sage archetype
• Enneagram Type Six as the Orphan archetype
• Enneagram Type Seven as the Jester archetype
• Enneagram Type Eight as the Ruler archetype
• Enneagram Type Nine as the Everyman archetype

Enneagram and Jungian Archetypes Overlap

Enneagram and Jungian archetypes’ characteristics overlap in many ways. By exploring these similarities, we can understand what makes Enneagram so flexible compared to other personality classifications. We will also gain profound insight into each type’s primary challenges and strengths.

Enneagram 1 - The Hero Archetype

The Hero archetype has been widely popularized, mostly thanks to Joseph Campbell’s book “Hero With a Thousand Faces.” This book explains how anyone can be seen as a hero of their own story, given the proper narrative context.

In the context of the Enneagram, Type One displays all the essential aspects of the Hero archetype. They strive to become moral heroes and leave their mark by making the world better, which aligns with archetypal Hero’s drive to prove their worth through altruistic acts.

Moreover, Ones see their lives as a mission dedicated to their chosen cause, which is typically highly idealistic. In conveying their mission, they rely on their competence and courage, facing one challenge after another, just like the Hero archetype is described.

Enneagram 2 - The Caregiver Archetype

The Caregiver archetype is described as driven by the need to protect and care for others. Unselfish and compassionate Caregivers generously give their love to everyone who crosses their path. This description perfectly aligns with the outgoing, warm-hearted, and thoughtful Enneagram Two personality.

Another important overlap between the Caregiver archetype and Type Two is that both share the weakness of playing the martyr, as more egocentric types easily exploit their giving nature.

This can easily be seen when analyzing Enneagram 2 fictional characters like Peeta Mellark from The Hunger Games, who sacrificed his own well-being for the sake of his love interest, Katniss Everdeen.

Enneagram 3 - The Warrior Archetype

The ambitious, success-driven Threes overlap significantly with the Jungian Warrior archetype. Both are described as willing to do whatever it takes to win and excel, investing plenty of effort into honing their skills, aiming not only to win their battles but to be recognized for their victories.

The archetypical connection highlights the Three’s proactive, result-oriented, pragmatic nature and leadership abilities. Just like the Warrior needs allies for their battles, Threes need followers or a reliable team to achieve what they set their minds on.

Comparing the Warrior and Type Three, it also becomes obvious that these personality types are motivated both intrinsically and externally. On the one hand, they want to show off the talents and strengths they feel they possess, and on the other, they want others to admire them for their qualities and achievements.

Enneagram 4 - The Artist Archetype

The Artist archetype is defined by their need to create things of lasting value. They are visionaries whose motto is “If you can imagine it, you can do it,” which aligns with Enneagram Type Four’s inner motivation.

Plus, just like Fours are deeply afraid of blending in and losing themselves in a mediocre life, the Artist archetype is deeply repulsed by mediocrity in any form. This archetype, also known as the Creator, underlines the originality, authenticity, and visionary nature of Enneagram Type Four.

Though Fours can sometimes be unstable, unpredictable, and impulsive, they are essentially motivated by the need for self-expression. The Artist archetype also shows how Fours can find their way through the labyrinths of their inner world and emerge with creative ideas for self-realization.

Enneagram 5 - The Sage Archetype

The Sage archetype embodies the need for a deep understanding of the world and human nature. They are the uncompromising truth seekers, ready to face and confront it. The Sage embodies the human quest for knowledge and is often represented as the person we turn to when in need of objective advice and wise counsel.

Obviously, Type Five overlaps with the Sage archetype in many ways. Fives are just as introspective, intellectually oriented, and endlessly curious when it comes to learning about the world, reality, and human nature.

However, unlike the Artist archetype, which is also curious and introspective, the Sage seeks to remain objective in their understanding, which also aligns perfectly with Type Five key traits.

Enneagram 6 - The Innocent Archetype

The Innocent or the Orphan archetype revolves around the story of abandonment. Orphans are left to deal with the reality of the world on their own and, therefore, often struggle to believe that life will work out in their favor. For this reason, they tend to seek security in joining different communities and ideologies, as groups give them a sense of belonging.

This dynamic aligns closely with Enneagram Type Six’s needs and struggles, explaining their distrust toward others and the world, as well as their need for security in life. Just like Orphans, Sixes like to stick to well-established traditions, seeking security and protection as part of a larger system.

Moreover, Orphans believe they have to work harder than everyone else to deserve everything in life, which corresponds with the Six’s diligent and hardworking nature.

Enneagram 7 - The Jester Archetype

The Jester archetype embodies the often repressed or downplayed human capacity for play, joy, and humor. Jester’s motto is “You only live once,” and they live in the moment, never looking behind on the past or dwelling on the future.

The playful Sevens, with their childlike curiosity, charm, charisma, and eagerness for new experiences, align perfectly with the Jester archetype. Moreover, this archetypal reference highlights their ability to lighten up the world, inspire others with their enthusiasm for life, and bring joy with their sense of humor or talent.

There’s also an aspect of trickery connected with the Jester archetype, which is represented as a knack for practical jokes and different kinds of pranks in Sevens.

Enneagram 8 - The Ruler Archetype

Enneagram Type Eight, also known as the Challenger, is characterized by their hunger for power and desire to be in control of their destiny. Their core motivation matches the Ruler archetype’s motto, which can be defined as “Power isn’t everything. It’s the only thing.”

The archetypal connection between bold, domineering Eights and the Ruler accentuates Eights’ sense of responsibility, leadership abilities, charisma, and aristocratic flair. Determined to rise above mediocrity and assert their will over their environment, Eights bravely take risks and confront obstacles with the maturity and stamina of a true ruler.

In addition, there’s also a strong patriarchal note to this archetype, embodied in Type Eight through their prominently masculine nature.

Enneagram 9 - The Everyman Archetype

Enneagram Type Nine, also known as the Peacemaker, closely aligns with the Everyman archetype that embodies the need for connection and belonging. Nines’ deepest fear is of being left out and abandoned. The Everyman is described as someone who’s afraid to stand out from the crowd, which is just one facet of the core fear of being left out.

The kind, mellow Nines tend to lose themselves to please others, which is a strategy characteristic of the Everyman, who sacrifices their authenticity to fit in.

Regarding the collective unconscious, Everyman also embodies the silent majority, the obedient citizen, and an exemplary neighbor. In the context of the Enneagram, this archetype is translated into Nine’s life strategy, which revolves around pleasing others to preserve peace and protect their place in the community.

Enneagram vs. Jungian Archetypes: Key Similarities & Differences

As you can see, the Enneagram and Jungian archetypes obviously share many similarities, which is why the Enneagram may be wrongly perceived as just one variation of Jung’s theory. However, that’s only because the differences aren’t strikingly obvious but complex and refined.

So, here’s a brief overview of the key similarities and differences between Enneagram and Jungian archetypes:

Enneagram and Jungian Archetypes: Similarities

• Focus on core motivations: Both concepts highlight the inner psychological drives, not specific behaviors and traits.
• Universal relevance: The archetypes are relevant and applicable worldwide regardless of cultural and other differences.
• Purpose and applicability: Both Enneagram and Jungian archetypes can be used as tools for personal growth and self-discovery.

Enneagram and Jungian Archetypes: Differences

• Jungian archetypes and personalities concentrate on broader psychological themes, and their purpose isn’t personality classification. Enneagram is primarily a personality classification system.
• Jungian archetypes include the concept of ‘the shadow,’ which is not covered in the Enneagram.
• Archetypes describe phases of human experience, while Enneagram types are fixed and clearly defined.

Using Enneagram and Jungian Archetypes for Personal Growth

Using the Enneagram and Jungian archetypes for personal development and growth can be done in many ways, depending on your specific needs.

By taking the Enneagram test and determining your type, you get the tools you need to develop your emotional intelligence and build resilience in the face of challenges.

The Enneagram can help you map your essential strengths and weaknesses and provide you with the insights you need to find a way to overcome your fears and live the life you desire. After all, the Enneagram in psychology is already widely used as a support in diagnostics and therapy, and you can surely benefit from it if you use it as a tool for self-discovery.

Meanwhile, Jungian archetypes can help you understand what stage of life you’re going through and what kind of human experience you’re dealing with.

In addition, it is important to understand that every Enneagram type can experience any Jungian archetype depending on the life stage and situation they are dealing with. Therefore, by understanding Enneagram and Jungian archetypes, you get a more well-rounded and precise insight into your life and reality.

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Key Takeaways

The bottom line is that both Enneagram and Jungian archetypes can be viewed as an attempt to understand the most dominant and pervasive roles people play in life.

We can think of every Enneagram type or an archetype as a member of a team, understanding that each one of them is equally important for the development of human civilization and society. The value of both approaches lies in their potential to inspire personal growth and support you on your journey of self-discovery.

Enneagram and Jungian Archetypes FAQ