Astrology Meets Enneagram: Cosmic Personality Insights

Here we are going to explore the connection between astrology and the Enneagram.

While each has its own rich history and methodology, many practitioners, especially in New Age circles, have found intriguing connections between these two systems. This synthesis offers a unique lens through which to view human personality and behavior.

Introduction

Astrology, with its roots in ancient civilizations, looks to the stars and planets for insights into human character and destiny. The Enneagram, a more modern system with disputed ancient origins, presents nine distinct personality types based on core motivations and fears. At first glance, these systems might seem unrelated. However, many enthusiasts and practitioners have found fascinating parallels and complementary insights when combining them.

Mapping Enneagram Types to Astrological Signs

One of the most common ways practitioners blend these systems is by associating each Enneagram type with a zodiac sign. While these associations can vary, here’s a commonly proposed mapping:

1. Type 1 (The Perfectionist) - Virgo: Both are known for their attention to detail and desire for improvement.
2. Type 2 (The Helper) - Cancer: These share a nurturing nature and emotional sensitivity.
3. Type 3 (The Achiever) - Leo: Both are associated with a drive for success and recognition.
4. Type 4 (The Individualist) - Pisces: These types are often seen as deeply emotional and creative.
5. Type 5 (The Investigator) - Aquarius: Both are associated with intellectual pursuits and unique perspectives.
6. Type 6 (The Loyalist) - Capricorn: These share a concern for security and a tendency towards caution.
7. Type 7 (The Enthusiast) - Sagittarius: Both are known for their love of freedom and new experiences.
8. Type 8 (The Challenger) - Aries: These types are often seen as assertive and powerful.
9. Type 9 (The Peacemaker) - Taurus: Both are associated with a desire for harmony and stability.

It’s crucial to note that these associations are not fixed and can vary among different practitioners.

Enneagram and Astrological Houses

Some systems align the nine Enneagram types with the twelve astrological houses, providing another layer of interpretation:

• First House (Self) - Types 8 and 9
• Second House (Values) - Type 5
• Third House (Communication) - Type 3
• Fourth House (Home/Family) - Types 2 and 6
• Fifth House (Creativity) - Type 4
• Sixth House (Service) - Type 1
• Seventh House (Relationships) - Type 7
• Eighth House (Transformation) - Type 8
• Ninth House (Philosophy) - Type 9
• Tenth House (Career) - Types 1 and 3
• Eleventh House (Community) - Type 7
• Twelfth House (Unconscious) - Types 4 and 5

Planetary Influences and Enneagram Types

Some practitioners draw connections between Enneagram types and planetary energies:

• Type 1 - Saturn: Associated with discipline, structure, and responsibility
• Type 2 - Moon: Linked to emotions, nurturing, and intuition
• Type 3 - Sun: Represents ego, self-expression, and vitality
• Type 4 - Neptune: Connected to imagination, sensitivity, and spirituality
• Type 5 - Mercury: Associated with intellect, communication, and analysis
• Type 6 - Mars: Linked to action, assertiveness, and defense mechanisms
• Type 7 - Jupiter: Represents expansion, optimism, and exploration
• Type 8 - Pluto: Associated with power, transformation, and intensity
• Type 9 - Venus: Connected to harmony, balance, and relationships

Comprehensive Personality Analysis

Many practitioners use both Astrology and the Enneagram to create a more nuanced personality profile. For example:

• A person might be an Enneagram Type 4 (Individualist) with a Scorpio sun sign, suggesting a deeply emotional and introspective nature with intense passions.
• An Enneagram Type 7 (Enthusiast) with a Gemini moon might indicate someone who processes emotions through intellectual engagement and seeks variety in their emotional experiences.

Enneagram Wings and Astrological Aspects

Some practitioners draw parallels between Enneagram wings and astrological aspects:

The influence of wing types in the Enneagram might be compared to the effects of planetary aspects in a natal chart.

For instance:

Enneagram Wings and Astrological Aspects: Examples for Each Combination

• Type 1w9 and Sun-Saturn trine:

  • The perfectionism of Type 1 (Saturn) is softened by the peaceful acceptance of Type 9 (Jupiter/Venus trine).

• Type 1w2 and Saturn-Moon conjunction:

  • The structured idealism of Type 1 (Saturn) is warmed by the nurturing energy of Type 2 (Moon).

• Type 2w1 and Venus-Saturn sextile:

  • The helping nature of Type 2 (Venus) is given structure by the orderliness of Type 1 (Saturn).

• Type 2w3 and Venus-Sun conjunction:

  • The supportive Type 2 (Venus) gains a spotlight-seeking quality from Type 3 (Sun).

• Type 3w2 and Sun-Venus conjunction:

  • The achievement-oriented Type 3 (Sun) is softened by the relationally-focused Type 2 (Venus).

• Type 3w4 and Sun-Neptune aspect:

  • The success-driven Type 3 (Sun) is colored by the creative, introspective Type 4 (Neptune).

• Type 4w3 and Neptune-Sun aspect:

  • The individualistic Type 4 (Neptune) gains drive from the ambitious Type 3 (Sun).

• Type 4w5 and Neptune-Mercury conjunction:

  • The emotional depth of Type 4 (Neptune) is intellectualized by the analytical Type 5 (Mercury).

• Type 5w4 and Mercury-Neptune aspect:

  • The scholarly Type 5 (Mercury) is infused with the creativity of Type 4 (Neptune).

• Type 5w6 and Mercury-Saturn sextile:

  • The investigative Type 5 (Mercury) gains caution from the security-seeking Type 6 (Saturn).

• Type 6w5 and Saturn-Mercury aspect:

  • The loyal Type 6 (Saturn) is sharpened by the intellectual Type 5 (Mercury).

• Type 6w7 and Saturn-Jupiter aspect:

  • The cautious Type 6 (Saturn) is balanced by the optimistic Type 7 (Jupiter).

• Type 7w6 and Jupiter-Saturn aspect:

  • The adventurous Type 7 (Jupiter) gains groundedness from the responsible Type 6 (Saturn).

• Type 7w8 and Jupiter-Mars trine:

  • The enthusiastic Type 7 (Jupiter) is energized by the assertive Type 8 (Mars).

• Type 8w7 and Mars-Jupiter aspect:

  • The powerful Type 8 (Mars) is expanded by the visionary Type 7 (Jupiter).

• Type 8w9 and Mars-Venus trine:

  • The assertive Type 8 (Mars) is softened by the harmonizing Type 9 (Venus).

• Type 9w8 and Venus-Mars aspect:

  • The peace-seeking Type 9 (Venus) gains assertiveness from the strong-willed Type 8 (Mars).

• Type 9w1 and Venus-Saturn sextile:

  • The easygoing Type 9 (Venus) is given structure by the orderly Type 1 (Saturn).

Remember, these comparisons are interpretative and not scientifically validated. They serve as a creative way to understand the nuances of personality through the lenses of both the Enneagram and astrology.

Growth and Stress Points

The Enneagram’s arrows of integration and disintegration are sometimes related to astrological transits:

• A challenging transit (like a Saturn square) might correspond to movement towards an Enneagram type’s stress point.
• A supportive transit (like a Jupiter trine) could be seen as facilitating growth towards the integration point.

Practical Applications

Many New Age practitioners offer workshops or personal readings that combine Enneagram and astrological insights:

• These might include analyzing one’s Enneagram type in the context of their birth chart.
• Some offer guidance on personal growth by integrating insights from both systems.
• Relationship compatibility might be explored using both Enneagram dynamics and synastry (astrological compatibility).

Books and Resources

For those interested in exploring this intersection further, several authors have written on the subject:

• “Astrology and the Enneagram” by Liz Greene and Karen Stefano
• “The Enneagram of Astrology” by Elizabeth Spring
• “The Nine Faces of the Soul: An Exploration of the Enneagram and Astrology” by Sandra Valabregue

Criticisms and Considerations

While the synthesis of Astrology and the Enneagram is popular in certain circles, it’s important to approach it with a critical mind:

• Critics argue that combining these systems may lead to oversimplification or confusion.
• There’s a risk of confirmation bias, where individuals might selectively focus on information that confirms their preexisting beliefs.
• Neither system is scientifically validated, and their combination doesn’t increase their empirical standing.

Conclusion

The intersection of Astrology and the Enneagram offers a rich tapestry of insights for those interested in self-discovery and personal growth. While not scientifically validated, many find value in the nuanced perspective this combination provides. As with any tool for self-reflection, it’s essential to approach this synthesis with an open but discerning mind, using it as one of many possible lenses through which to understand the complexities of human personality and behavior.

Whether you’re a seasoned astrologer, an Enneagram enthusiast, or simply curious about personality systems, exploring the connections between these two frameworks can offer fresh insights and perspectives on your journey of self-discovery.