Instinctual Subtypes by EnneatypeClick on the stacking links on the right for descriptions of the six instinctual subtypes of each enneagram type. Basic subtypes and stackings are described below. |
Instincts – Self Preservation, Social, Sexual.These three instincts are built into our bestial nature, which resides at an unconscious level helping to ensure our survival, both of ourselves and our species. From the perspective of the enneagram, we want to know how these drives appear and function, both within personality and as distinct patterns, as defined by each instinct alone or the alignment of two or three (stacking).Sexuals attract others without really trying. They also repel others in the same way, like an anti-pheromone. This works like a screening function in the mating process. People typically have a strong reaction one way or another towards Sx’s, and vice versa.
Self Pres people instinctively avoid certain foods and environments, and are likewise drawn to those things that nourish and sustain them. Sp’s have a strong reaction against things that threaten to harm their comfort or health. Social is driven towards gaining protection and empowerment within larger entities. The instinct is always trying to work for our survival, whether we know it or not. Personality can only get in the way. Animals, as more or less fully instinctual beings, don’t have this problem. But integrating our personality with instinct requires that each side of ourselves is fully aware of the other side. Otherwise we are automated, automatic, and on autopilot. |
Basic Instinctual Subtype Stackings The Sexual Stackingssx/sp This is perhaps the most internally conflicted of the stackings, and potentially the most inconsistent in behavior. This may occur as a blockage of the sexual instinct which can be redirected as a more generally brooding and troubled personality. They may isolate themselves for long periods of time before reemerging. They live according to a strictly personal outlook and are not particularly concerned with the approval of others outside of their immediate concern. They seem to be searching for something, the missing piece. If they find a soulmate they will unite without fanfare, forming a secret bond, dealing with formalities as an afterthought. Powerful sexual impulses facing inner resistance may manifest symbolically in the psyche, giving way to soulful interpretations of the unconscious. Under periods of stress severe sexual tensions may manifest as erratic, impulsively destructive behavior. Can seem restless, torn between the comforts of a stable home life and the urge to wander. May be prone to self-medicating. Motivation: to know the heart, reconcile inner conflict, form a secure union. Familiar roles: the devotee, the seeker, the wanderer Examples of sx/sp: Prince, Carl Jung, Johnny Depp, Ozzy Osbourne, Johnny Cash, Joan Crawford, Princess Di, Marilyn Monroe, Janis Joplin, Frollo from “Hunchback of Notre Dame” sx/so The Self-pres Stackings sp/soc Motivation: to attain a position of material and societal security. Familiar Roles: the businessperson, the responsible citizen, the pillar of society. Examples: Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Martha Stewart, Harrison Ford sp/sx Motivation: to live in a secure, comfortable environment where they can pursue their private interests in depth. Familiar Roles: the mate, the mystic, the quiet supporter. Examples: George Harrison, Jackie Onassis, Eric Clapton, Emily Dickinson The Social Stackings soc/sp Examples of soc/sp: Hillary Clinton, Bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ted Nugent soc/sx Examples of soc/sx: Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, Howard Stern, Margaret Cho, Jack McFarland from “Will & Grace” |