Harry Potter and the Enneagram

Spoilers: Harry Potter references, but nothing monumental will be spoiled.

Last week we took a look at the 9 sacred pathways of Gary Thomas, and learned how we best connect and worship God. The Enneagram is a helpful (and somewhat upsetting) ancient tool to discover how you worship others. Each of the 9 Enneagram types are defined by ones driving desire and subsequent fear. To keep things interesting and child-accessible, we’ll take a look at the 9 Enneagram types using J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series as an illustrative devise.

We will examine these 9 desires/fears primarily through bogarts. For those who haven’t read their Defense Against the Dark Arts notes in awhile, a bogart is a magical creature that shape-shifts into whatever it believes will frighten you most. At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, many of the students face the bogart and initially see mummies, giant spiders, and bully professors. But as they grow up and become more in-tuned with themselves and the evils of this world, their fears become more refined.

Note: As we take a look at these personalities, I encourage you to not dwell too much on whether or not your favorite characters are listed. Personally, I identify with and aspire towards certain characters who are most certainly NOT my Enneagram type. For example, Luna Lovegood is one of my favorite characters, and people have described me as a lot like her. But she and I sort differently in the Enneagram, and it would be easy to get hung up on this. Instead, remember, we’re looking at motivation and how we try to prove our worth in this world. As a general rule of thumb, the type that strikes a chord the most, and offends your inner soul, that's probably your type.

If you are interested in taking a free Enneagram test before (or after) we begin, here’s a link:

https://assessment.yourenneagramcoach.com

Ready? Let's begin.

The 9 Types

Type 1: The Perfectionist/ Achiever

Desire: “You are good.”

Fear: Being wrong, bad, corruptible.

The 1 Perfectionist is pretty much what you would expect. The person in the office who insists on spellchecking everything (and is personally affronted when “to” and “too” are used incorrectly). The Perfectionist may be described as nit-picky. And their outer voice is nothing compared to their inner voice which describes themself as not good enough. When healthy, they see the brokenness in the world and seek to right the wrongs. When unhealthy, they become a condemner.

Hermione Granger is a prime example of the Perfectionist: As a child her classmates describe her as a nightmare, always correcting their spell pronunciation, and constantly seeming to one-up everyone with her history knowledge. As she grows more into herself and finds acceptance for who she is rather than what she does, she continues to right wrongs, but in a caring way. Sick of the twisted government, Hermione is the one who encourages Harry to form a secret crime-fighting organization. She is the one who makes sure battle strategies are clean and precise with plan A, B, C and D, ready to go at a moments notice. She learns there is slavery (house elves) and is up all night making a club designed to free the elves. When faced with the boggart, Hermione sees a professor telling her she’s failed all her exams.

Type 2: The Helper

Desire: “You are wanted and loved”

Fear: Being rejected or unwanted.

The 2 Helper is fairly easy to spot, because they’re always helping. If you want to see a Helper lose their mind, invite them to a potluck and tell them to NOT bring a plate. After the party, offer them a cup of tea while YOU do the dishes. The 2 Helper will implode. If there is a task to be done, the Helper feels a deep compulsion to fulfill the need. Most Enneagram books describe the 2 Helper as one of the most likable: They are naturally friendly and have an uncanny knack for intuitively figuring out the needs of others. When healthy, the Helper is able to assist out of joy, to serve a story greater than their own loneliness. When unhealthy, the 2 helps as a means to force others to want them around, believing they wouldn’t have been invited otherwise.

Molly Weasley is our resident 2 Helper in the series. She is always bustling about, casting spells to help her with chores and hospitality, even making magical sweaters because she’s vowed to make more than she can reasonably make herself. She sends her children and their friends gifts for the smaller holidays, she never forgets a birthday… The moment she finds an abandoned child (Harry) she takes him in as if he were her own… And gets very threatened when someone else reminds her Harry isn’t actually her son! So long as Molly’s around, every child will know they are wanted. When faced with a boggart, Molly sees her family (and adopted children) dead before her, having been unable to take care of them.

Type 3: The Performer/Achiever

Desire: “You are loved for simply being you.”

Fear: Failing.

The 3 Performer may not aways take to the stage… but being in some sort of spotlight is their greatest indicator things are going well. They need to be seen as successful. Hearing any variation of “That’s not good enough” will break their heart. They can’t just be “enough” they need to be the best! Though driven by feelings, they are not always in touch with what they want and can be emotionally inarticulate. So oftentimes they don’t really try. A healthy 3 can find peace in a job done “fine,” and won’t be devastated if they are assigned the understudy role. An unhealthy Performer will hog the spotlight, and likely crawl into a hole if they get a poor review.

Draco Malfoy is a prime example of an unhealthy 3 Performer. Nearly every word out of his mouth in some way or another seeks to place himself above others. He can’t just be on the Quidditch team, he needs to be a Seeker and be better than Potter! It’s not enough to be Pure-Blood, he needs to cement this by emphasizing who is Muggle-born. If Draco had managed to cultivate his 3 Performer in healthy ways, he likely would have excelled in the arts: We are to understand Draco crafted the “Potter Stinks” badges, and composed the school song “Weasley is our King” so he’s certainly got a creative side… Such things would have certainly fallen below family expectation. We routinely see Draco loose himself in the battle to prove himself as “better than.” Many have speculated if Draco had come face to face with a bogart, it would have turned into his father: The one who constantly reminds him he isn’t measuring up to the family name.

Note: Ron Weasley could also be interpreted as a 3 Performer.

As he looks into the Mirror of Erised, (“Desire”) he sees himself standing alone, set apart from his many brothers, winning awards and being praised.

Type 4: The Individualist/Romantic

Desire: “You are seen and loved for being your exactly unique self.”

Fear: Being emotionally cut off, or stuck in a mundane life.

Type 4 Individualists are some of the most creative persons you’ll ever meet. They are musicians, poets, cinematographers, storytellers. But they do often drive a wedge between themselves and others. The Individualist must be seen as unique. They have a streak of romanticism: not in a lovey-dovey way but old fashioned specialness. There is a dramatic soundtrack playing in their mind at all times (probably self composed), and if they had things their way it would always be raining and they would have a window on standby to gaze out of, to show just how tortured they are. When healthy, a 4 will use their creative powers for good and bring us emotional and creative connection to bridge people together. When unhealthy, the Individualist will distance themselves from others, raising the pedestal, and bemoaning that no one understands them.

When Tom Marvolo Riddle is told he’s a wizard, he declares he always knew he was special. He hates that his name is so common and quickly changes it to something far more dramatic. He is certain he inherited his magic from his father- certainly not his simple mother who did the most human thing ever in dying. As an adult he monologues often, telling his story in vivid and dramatic detail. Based on his actions as an adult, we can see more than anything he fears dying. As he describes the ways he’s cheated death, he does so in a way to suggest the spotlight should be on his brilliance and creativity, which is a very 4 thing to do.

Note: Most online charts list Luna Lovegood as the ultimate 4 Individualist.

She most certainly is one of the most unique characters! But talking about her would have been far too easy.

Type 5: The Thinker/Observer

Desire: “Your needs are not a problem.”

Fear: Being annihilated or seen as unintelligent.

The 5 Thinker is one of the quieter types, usually because they’re lost in their own head. If you’re willing to listen, the 5 will proudly describe in detail everything they learned on Wikipedia when they were browsing it at 4 in the morning. Introverted, the Thinker will often keep their needs to themselves to avoid being in the way. Despite their silence, 5s are observant, intuitive, and wickedly clever. A healthy 5 will have much to bring to the table, if they know they can speak in an un-rushed environment that will value what they have to contribute. An unhealthy 5 will dig deeper into themselves, hoarding their knowledge like dragon-goblins (and they would low-key love that description).

Though we know her by legend alone, Rowena Ravenclaw comes across as a 5 Thinker. Ravenclaw’s name as synonymous with “wisdom” and “cleverness.” Many Ravenclaws are drawn to this house for creative purposes, but Rowena’s motto “Wit beyond measure is man’s greatest treasure” indicates her belief that the mind and ability to hone it is top priority. We learn she had a diadem which would magnify her intelligence whenever she wore it, and after it was lost, Rowena pretended she still had it, lest others discover she had less-than stellar wisdom. An unhealthy 5, Ravenclaw reportedly died alone, unwilling for any of her best friends to know the secret of her loss. We don’t need a boggart to know what her greatest fear was.

Type 6: The Loyalist/Guardian

Desire: “You are safe and secure.”

Fear: Being abandoned.

The 6 Loyalist is another subtle type. Having been abandoned and lonely in the past, once the Loyalist finds their people, they will stop at nothing to keep the relationship. Once the 6 has decided you are one of their own, that’s the end of it. Picture a protective German Shepherd. This is fantastic!… So long as the dog doesn’t make a big mess in their attempt to remain yours, or blindly follow the master. In an unhealthy way, the 6 may give their loyalty to those who don’t deserve it, and they will feel unable to break the bond. A healthy Loyalist however will be able to be their fiercely protective selves without sacrificing their morals.

Remus Lupin, (though many have placed him as a 9 Peacemaker due to his mellow exterior) shows classic signs of a Loyalist. He tells a story of being ostracized due to an illness, and eventually finding three really great friends. We see his unhealthy 6 being loyal to a fault: Even after a best friend is convicted of a horrible crime, Remus refuses to expose secrets that could prove vital to the investigation. Healthy, we see Remus refuse to abandon the ones he loves who need his protection, even when (and especially when) he knows it may cost him everything. He becomes the professor who teaches Harry how to protect himself, and ultimately inspires Harry to become a teacher. The professor who introduces bogarts to the students, when the creature sees Lupin it transforms into a seemingly innocent object that has become a symbol of the loneliest times of Lupin's life.

Type 7: The Enthusiast/Dreamer

Desire: “Everything will be fine.”

Fear: Emotional pain, or boredom.

The 7 Enthusiast is likely the one who will cut tension with a joke. Great for a laugh, when times get tough, the energetic 7 is a wonderful person to have on your team…If they’re healthy. The unhealthy doesn’t know when to stop cracking jokes, and can become cruel, making fun of people rather than having fun with. Their ultimate goals in life is to avoid emotional pain, and boredom. Silence is the enemy because not only is it no fun, but those pesky thoughts start to creep in and the 7 is ill-equipped to face the dark recesses of their mind. Anyone or anything that forces them to face the music must be removed. When healthy, the Enthusiast will brighten the spirits of the entire boat. Unhealthy, the 7 will stand on the heads of others to avoid getting wet.

The Weasley twins, Fred and George, show the ultimate type 7 dynamic duo. As children, they cause mayhem in the hopes of getting a laugh. As they grow up however, they become more refined and use their comedic powers of chaos for good. The twins set boundaries to not bother students during breaks, or when they know people will be studying for finals. If they sense a child would be frightened they stop (or give ample warning for innocent bystanders to find cover). As the world around them grows darker, the two open a joke shop because they instinctively know people will need laughter. They acknowledge there’s little chance they and their entire family will survive this war, so they hone their joking skills, determined to make the world as bright as they can, for as long as they can. In an alarming twist, Fred and George are able to do what most 7s cannot: Face their greatest fear by accepting everything might not be ok.

Type 8: The Confronter/Challenger

Desire: “I am safe when you’re here.”

Fear: Being taken advantage of.

The advocate. The person who tells the school bully to leave the little kids alone. That person on Facebook who routinely obliterates others in online debates. This is the 8 Confronter. Some see it as a sport, others an obligation, few don’t even think about it, all they know is when someone is being taken advantage of or needs protection (or there’s just a fight to be had…) they are ON IT! A healthy 8 will be able to pick their battles, and fight with honor. An unhealthy 8 will be unable to resist even the slightest provocation, and may get so carried away they jump into things beyond them, or come out having done things they later regret.

Harry Potter is likely an 8 Confronter. Ready to jump into action anytime someone may be defenseless, Hermione accurately tells Harry he has a “Saving Peoples Thing” that often gets him into trouble. When asked why he must take on the series villain Lord Voldemort, Harry has to pause because he never really thought about it: He just always had to, didn’t he? Harry and Lupin have a conversation about bogarts, and Lupin suggests the creature would turn into Lord Voldemort if it saw Harry. Harry honestly responds that he instead thought of Dementors, a dark creature that force people to relive the worst moments of their life. Ordinarily the one who is able to leap into action, Dementors cause Harry to pass out, trapped in an endless montage of times he failed to protect those around him. Lupin speculates therefore that Harry’s greatest fear is fear itself. I would interpret this as helplessness and vulnerability.

Type 9: The Peacemaker/Mediator

Desire: “Everything is fine (because of you).”

Fear: Conflict.

The 9 Peacemaker is a strange, mystical creature. They have the uncanny ability to make everyone think that they’re on your side. This isn’t necessarily manipulative- they’re a chameleon by default. Where the 2 Helper conforms to whatever is needed to be useful, the Peacemaker changes to keep the peace. You need someone to talk to? Talk away! You need someone to come alongside your cause? Great! Everything’s great!… A healthy Peacemaker can assess the situation and put out fires in an honest way. The unhealthy 9 will avoid conflict at ALL cost, no matter who will have to pay in the end.

Albus Dumbledore is a 9 Peacemaker. He is often mellow, unassuming, and when he speaks, everyone listens. We hear stories of when he was a young man and wouldn’t get involved in wizard battles until people begged him… THEN he put an end to things! A highly capable dueler, Albus seeks to handle things quietly through conversation, and usually succeeds! As a child we learn of a time when his unhealthy 9 allowed himself to be swept away by the whims of others, at the cost of people very dear to him. As an old man we see his ability to stand his ground, and still seek genuine diplomacy before resorting to force. We witness a potion force Dumbledore into a boggart/dementor-like situation and Harry later speculates Dumbledore remembered a time when he let his complacency get the better of him, at the cost of someone he loved. Later in a conversation Dumbledore confesses he ran from politics and became a teacher, eluding a desire to avoid situations where he would be forced to draw hard lines in the sand.

Wings

Wings are the two numbers sandwiching your type, one of which will serve as an extra-feature.

<---8 Confronter <--------> 9 Peacemaker<---------> 1 Perfectionist <---------> 2 Helper <---->

If you are a Four Individualist, your Wings would be either a 3 Performer, OR 5 Thinker.

3 Performer <-------- 4 Individualist --------> 5 Thinker

If you were a 7, your Wing would be a 6 OR an 8.

6 Loyalist <-------- 7 Enthusiast/Dreamer --------> 8 Confronter

Let’s take a closer look at Hermione…

9 Peacemaker <-------- 1 Perfectionist --------> 2 Helper

Though her 1 Perfectionist offers the extra possibility of a 9 Peacemaker OR 2 Helper, we can see by her servant’s heart that Hermione has a special leaning towards the 2: She tutors her friends, helps with chores, is always prepared for anything and everything…

Let's see if she has any "9 Peacemaker" in her: She set a teacher on fire, formed a secret organization to combat the evils of her government, cursed a classmate with eternal acne…

So certainly NOT a Peacemaker! If only be default, Hermione is a Wing 2. When unhealthy, Hermione is neurotically compelled to fix/save Harry and Ron because they’re idiots. When healthy, she will correct/assist with grace.

My Turn!

1 Perfectionist <-------- 2 Helper --------> 3 Performer

I myself am a reverse of Hermione: 2 Helper, Wing 1 Perfectionist. If I’m healthy, I can see the needs of others, serve them in joy (if I want to, or say no without punishing myself), and use my Wing 1 Perfectionist to do so with accuracy and class.

When unhealthy and seeking to gain the approval of others, I become obsessive, even stifling in my attempt to care for others. My 1 Wing Perfectionism becomes a magnifying glass to nit-pick all the ways I am failing. Huzzah! What fun!

Origins

Our Types don't spring up from nowhere. So where do they come from?

In the Harry Potter books, Boggarts aren't figments of the imagination or wisps of smoke, they're real monsters. They really do frighten the characters because they expose that which is most vulnerable, not unlike the Enneagram. When Neville says his greatest fear is Professor Snape, he is initially embarrassed to admit it. The class laughs, but at the same time everyone present is well aware his fear has validation- Snape was a slimy hateful creep who ruthlessly bullied this child every day!

Similarly with the Enneagram, these fears are not unfounded... Growing up, I was a pretty shy and lonely kid. I loved being Homeschooled, but there was a certain amount of awkwardness when trying to interact with other kids my age, so I naturally gravitated towards the adults by being the "helpful" child. I was rarely invited to just hang out with people, but if there was an event to volunteer for, suddenly people were happy to see me! If I cleaned up after the event, I could stay even longer! Even in college I met most of my friends through volunteer organizations, so by the time I graduated my natural 2 Helper (which was a GOOD thing) had morphed into a bit of a monster (BAD) who believed I wouldn't be wanted at all if I wasn't useful.

It's easy to see where I got the idea, because as a child that was in part true. I know others, 3 Performers for example, who as children only received affection or praise from their parents if their performances were top par. 7 Enthusiasts who used comedy as defense mechanisms to survive abuse or depression. When we were very small children it was doubtful we had healthy coping mechanisms much less a community with strong friendships, so the fears of abandonment or whatever else were likely very real and safety. As children we were wholly dependent on keeping the adults in our lives happy, whatever it took. To that end, the fears and desires of our Enneagram types were originally based on reality. But as adults, we have a higher level of agency and can seek a better way.

Neville was completely justified in being terrified of Snape. But as he grows up, Neville is able to eventually find a place of confidence where he can face not only this bully professor, but even greater threats. And it started when he openly admitted to his Defense Against the Dark Arts class that Snape was his greatest fear. Lupin’s response? Let’s make Snape look utterly Riddikulus!

Riddikulus!

When Remus Lupin teaches his students how to combat these monsters that take on the form of that which frightens you most, he says one should do so in a very specific way:

First, he says, never face a boggart alone. It is better to bring friends with you both to confuse the monster and to protect yourself from being overwhelmed.

Second, you must force the boggart into something amusing. The bogart’s greatest weakness is laughter.

So how are we to face a bogart that says if we’re not helpful we’re unwanted? Or we’ll never measure up to our family’s expectations? Or we’re stupid? Or we'll fail? Or or or…?

First, we should not face these things alone. Take a friend, family member, counselor, someone you trust, to take a look at the fear.

Second, we counter the Bogart with something Amusing, True, Life-giving.

So in our lives, how are we to dress up a Boggart? How do we dress up the fear of being Flawed, Alone, Failing, Demeaned, Disregarded, Abandoned, In Pain, Defenseless, or Upheaved, and make it Riddikulus?

Personally, I like the magic spell "And even if He doesn't..."

The heck am I talking about? Story time!!!!

"Even if He doesn't..."

In the Bible in the book of Daniel, Chapter 3, there were three friends: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. (Pronounced Shad-rack, Me-shack, Abed-Neh-Go.) Long story short, they were three Jewish boys who were taken to Babylon when Israel was taken over. They and many other intelligent boys were educated in Babylon, and were soon noticed to be particularly successful. Despite living in a foreign land, they continued to worship the One True God. After a time, King Nebuchadnezzar (Nebby-Kay-Nezzer) erected a great statue, telling everyone to bow down before it. His reign was 605-562 B.C..

When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego heard the news, they refused to bow down to the statue. King Nebby threatened them, saying that if they didn't, they would be thrown into a great fiery furnace and burned to death as an example.

"...Then what god can rescue you from my hand?!" The king demanded.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (1863) by Simeon Solomon

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Furious with them, the king had them bound, the furnace turned up to 7x the ordinary heat, and ordered the three men thrown in. The fire was so hot the guards who threw them also died. But when he looked inside, King Nebuchadnezzar was shocked to see the three boys alive, walking about, singing and praising God AND a fourth person inside with them, one who looked like "a son of the gods."

The king called the three to come out, and they stepped out, unscathed. The king was astounded, the three friends were promoted, and many people were told of the One True God as a result.

The End.

The Voice of Truth

... What does this have to do with the Enneagram?

The great fears of our types are very much a fiery furnace. They threaten to burn us, to destroy us, if we do not conform to the whims of this beast. As a 2 Helper, I hear the threatening inner voice shouting "If you don't volunteer for THAT event too, no one will ever love you! Go big or go home! If you leave the house it had BETTER be to help others, and if YOU need help then you should have stayed home!!! Your worth as a human being who breathes oxygen is directly proportional to how much use you can be to others!!!!!!" My inner voice can be a jerk sometimes.

But when you take care of it, the Voice of Truth can be even louder.

In the Bible, the Apostle Paul wrote two letters to the people in Corinth. In the second letter to the Corinthians, he describes something that plagued him. There have been endless speculations as to what Paul was talking about (An old injury? Diabetes? Depression?), it was likely intentionally left ambiguous so we could insert whatever plagues us. In our case, let's take our driving fears and weaknesses, and speak the Word of God into it:

"... a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

To be clear, the Enneagram is NOT an evil thing!!!! Notice at the beginning I described healthy AND unhealthy ways a type might manifest. Hermione's 1 Perfectionist saved Harry and Ron on multiple occasions... but when unhealthy she became high-strung and a "nightmare." Molly Weasley's 2 Helper heart gave Harry a home... but unhealthy was possessive. Draco's 3 Performer was creative... but drove him to the ground. Tom Riddle's 4 Individualist was one of the most gifted persons in wizarding history... he believed he was better than everyone. Ravenclaw's 5 Thinker founded an entire house of creative brainiacs (caw caw, my fellow nerds)... and self alienated herself from others. Lupin's 6 Loyalist encouraged Harry... whose favoritism was a liability. Fred and George's 7 Dreamer encouraged an entire school and country to smile... and could go too far, hurting people in the name of a "joke." Harry's 8 Confronter defended others... believing no one else could help. Dumbledore's 9 Peacemaker inspired nations... and cost lives if he couldn't commit. These are extremes of course. But the point is, the Enneagram shouldn't be seen as a black spot of death, or a be-all and end-all to our identity. At the end of the day, our Enneagram Types should lead us to Jesus.

Despite the good, the bad, and the ugly of our types, we can all take heart... There is a God who knows our weaknesses, and His grace is sufficient for us.

The 1 Perfectionist: You don't have to get it completely right to be accepted by God, He was perfect so your flaws wouldn't separate you from Him. His death and resurrection has made you good and worthy to be with Him.

The 2 Helper: You don't need to work yourself to the ground to be worth the space in God's eyes- Christ has already deemed you loved. His death on the cross confirms His resolve, and His resurrection confirms His power.

The 3 Performer: God sees your less-than stellar performance, and He doesn't condemn. He sees the hidden failures, and whispers that you can come home without the perfect report card, and the bad day.

The 4 Individual: God made you special, He delights in your creativity. And the perfection you are looking for can only be found in Him. Seek Him, and you will never have a mundane life.

The 5 Thinker: Even when your thoughts may overrun you, God sees your heart and loves you. You can dive into the Bible and meet Him in the scriptures. He doesn't put much stock in how smart you are, He just loves you.

The 6 Loyalist: Others may have left you, but God will never leave you or forsake you. He is there in the darkest of hours, He sees you when you're lonely. He intimately knows you and deeply loves you.

The 7 Dreamer: Things may hurt from time to time, but you can trust that whatever troubles befall, Christ is there with you. The ending may not be the picture perfect happy ending, but you will be loved by the creator of the world. If not this side of glory, the other side will be a wonderful party.

The 8 Confronter: God is the defender of the weak, the marginalized, and you are seen by Him. Lean into Him, and He will reveal the next step. You may be hurt, but your dignity and identity as a child of God will remain untarnished.

The 9 Peacemaker: True peace can always be found in God. When the world is out of control, cling to God who will teach you where to find the peace that passes all understanding.

Even in a fiery furnace, God walks with us, protecting our hearts and souls. But the "catch" is like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, we need to be prepared to risk everything, even our sense of security, for this bigger and better truth: That God gives you worth, that God says you have purpose, that you have a dignity and identity through Him that surpasses all other titles. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were willing to be thrown into a fiery furnace rather than give God up. If they had backed out last minute, they surely would have been burned to death with the guards who threw them in. If we repeatedly give our lives (and type tendencies) to Jesus, like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego we can walk amidst the fire (of our fears) and sing praises to God, unscathed.

Dear Jesus,

Thank you that we need not be confined and defined by the weaknesses and fears of the 9 Types of the Enneagram. Thank you that these types are at the core good, that they can reveal ways we are naturally wired to love and serve. We ask that You give us the strength and courage to give you everything tied to our Type so we can live in the fullness of life in You, as healthy 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s, 7s, 8s, and 9s. Let us not be run by the fears and desires of our numbers, but each and every day find our desire and comfort in You.

Amen.

The Road Back To You

The first Enneagram book I had read was The Road Back To You, by Ian Morgan Crom and Suzanne Stabile. It's a great book to first wet your pallet, and it's easy to read for tweens and up.

I’ll admit, when I first started reading, I became increasingly nervous as we neared the chapter dedicated to the 2 Helpers. I had taken the above online test months before, and all I knew was I was definitely a 2. Everyone who had ever studied the Enneagram agreed. But Morgan Cron and Stabile didn’t begin at 1 and work their way up to 9 (like any REASONABLE person would!), instead they began at 5, and worked their way around. 2 Helper was near the end, and by the time they reached my type I was freaking out. Their book pulled no punches describing the good, the bad, uncomfortable, and ugly about each type.

At the very beginning of the 2 Helper chapter, Morgan Cron cautions the 2 to read the chapter in its entirely, have tissues and a scented candle ready, and to take everything in love, because 2 Helpers are by far the most sensitive of the bunch. Did I have to take it in pieces, to dilute the devastating waves of personal attack I was undergoing as they dared suggest my motives for helping others wasn’t fully pure but an unconscious attempt to trick people into loving me? Did I cry several times during the reading of the Helper chapter? Why yes, yes I did. Was it spot on and showed me parts of myself I didn’t want to know about but ultimately led to freedom in naming the beast? Also yes. For those interested gaining a better idea of the Enneagram, I strongly recommend The Road Back to You.

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For an awesome laugh, enjoy this song by Rivers Crossing!

Stay safe, my Lovelies.