Showing the Connections between the Enneagram and Religion

Christianity and the Enneagram

In Christianity, the Enneagram has been widely adopted as a powerful tool for spiritual growth and self-discovery. Its integration into Christian practice has sparked both enthusiasm and debate within various denominations.

Richard Rohr’s Influence

Richard Rohr, a Franciscan friar, has been instrumental in popularizing the Enneagram within Christian circles. He views it as a means to deepen self-understanding and foster spiritual development. Rohr’s Center for Action and Contemplation offers numerous resources on the Enneagram, including:

• Online courses exploring the Enneagram from a Christian perspective
• Books like “The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective”
• Regular workshops and retreats Here is Rohr giving an intro to the Enneagram.

Biblical Connections

Some Christian scholars draw parallels between Enneagram types and biblical figures:

• Type 1 (Perfectionist) - Moses
• Type 2 (Helper) - Martha
• Type 3 (Achiever) - Solomon
• Type 4 (Individualist) - King David
• Type 5 (Investigator) - Thomas the Apostle
• Type 6 (Loyalist) - Peter
• Type 7 (Enthusiast) - Jacob
• Type 8 (Challenger) - Paul
• Type 9 (Peacemaker) - Abraham

Enneagram Types and the Fruits of the Spirit

In Christian theology, the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) represent virtues that believers should cultivate. Here’s how each Enneagram type might particularly benefit from a specific fruit of the Spirit:

• Type 1 (The Perfectionist) - Patience: Finding grace in the process of growth and imperfection.
• Type 2 (The Helper) - Love: Giving unconditionally without expectation of return.
• Type 3 (The Achiever) - Faithfulness: Valuing authenticity over external validation.
• Type 4 (The Individualist) - Joy: Finding contentment and beauty in the ordinary.
• Type 5 (The Investigator) - Kindness: Connecting more deeply with others to balance detachment.
• Type 6 (The Loyalist) - Peace: Finding security in faith rather than external circumstances.
• Type 7 (The Enthusiast) - Self-control: Discovering depth and meaning in experiences.
• Type 8 (The Challenger) - Gentleness: Balancing strength with vulnerability and softer expressions.
• Type 9 (The Peacemaker) - Goodness: Actively engaging in positive change rather than passive acceptance.

By focusing on these fruits of the Spirit, individuals can address their type-specific challenges while growing in their spiritual journey.

Spiritual Formation

Many Christian leaders use the Enneagram as a tool for spiritual formation:

• Identifying core motivations and fears to address in prayer and meditation
• Recognizing patterns of sin and areas for growth
• Developing compassion for self and others
• Enhancing relationships within church communities

Contemplative Prayer

The Enneagram is often integrated into contemplative prayer practices:

• Using type-specific mantras or scripture verses
• Tailoring meditation techniques to each type’s strengths and challenges
• Incorporating body prayer aligned with each type’s energy centers

Critiques and Controversies

Not all Christian denominations embrace the Enneagram:

• Some argue it lacks biblical foundation
• Concerns about its alleged occult or New Age origins
• Debates over its compatibility with Christian doctrine

Denominational Adoption

Various Christian denominations have incorporated the Enneagram:

• Catholic retreats and spiritual direction programs
• Protestant leadership development workshops
• Evangelical small group studies and personal growth resources

Christian Enneagram Resources

Numerous Christian authors have written on the Enneagram:

• “The Road Back to You” by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
• “Mirror for the Soul” by Alice Fryling
• “The Sacred Enneagram” by Christopher L. Heuertz

The Enneagram’s integration into Christian practice continues to evolve, offering believers a unique lens through which to understand their spiritual journey and relationship with God. While not universally accepted, its impact on Christian spiritual formation is significant and growing.

Sufism and the Enneagram’s Origins

The Enneagram’s connection to Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, is complex. While these links remain largely speculative, they offer intriguing insights into the Enneagram’s possible origins and spiritual dimensions.

• Symbolic Similarities: The nine-pointed Enneagram symbol bears a striking resemblance to certain Sufi diagrams. For instance, the Sufi Naqshbandi order uses a similar nine-pointed star in their spiritual practices, representing the nine levels of consciousness.
• Numerical Significance: In Sufism, numbers hold deep symbolic meaning. The number nine, central to the Enneagram, is particularly significant in Sufi thought, often representing completeness or the qualities of the divine.
• Spiritual Practices: Some Enneagram teachings echo Sufi spiritual practices. For example, the Enneagram’s emphasis on self-observation and the recognition of one’s essential nature aligns with the Sufi concept of ‘fana’ (annihilation of the ego) and ‘baqa’ (subsistence in God).
• Historical Connections: Oscar Ichazo, one of the key figures in popularizing the Enneagram in the West, claimed to have learned aspects of the system from Sufi teachers. While this claim is debated, it highlights the perceived connection between Sufism and the Enneagram.
• Shared Goal of Self-Understanding: Both Sufism and the Enneagram emphasize the importance of self-knowledge as a path to spiritual growth. The Sufi saying “He who knows himself knows his Lord” resonates with the Enneagram’s focus on self-discovery.

While these connections are intriguing, it’s important to note that they remain speculative. The Enneagram as we know it today is a modern synthesis, influenced by various traditions and contemporary psychology. For those interested in exploring these potential links further, “The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective” by Richard Rohr and Andreas Ebert offers a thoughtful examination of the Enneagram’s possible Sufi roots.

The Enneagram and Judaism

While the Enneagram is not a mainstream practice in Judaism, it has found a niche among some Jewish scholars, rabbis, and practitioners who see value in its potential for self-understanding and spiritual growth. The integration of the Enneagram into Jewish thought and practice offers an interesting perspective on how ancient wisdom traditions can intersect with modern psychological tools.

Historical Context

The relationship between Judaism and the Enneagram is relatively recent, emerging primarily in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. This intersection reflects a broader trend in contemporary Judaism of exploring diverse spiritual practices while maintaining traditional Jewish values and beliefs.

Kabbalah and the Enneagram

Some Jewish scholars have drawn parallels between the Enneagram and Kabbalistic teachings:

• Rabbi David Cooper, in his book ”God Is a Verb: Kabbalah and the Practice of Mystical Judaism,” explores potential connections between the Enneagram and Kabbalistic concepts.
• The nine points of the Enneagram are sometimes compared to the ten sefirot (divine emanations) in Kabbalah, with some seeing parallels in how both systems describe aspects of human nature and the divine.

Jewish Values and the Enneagram

Some Jewish practitioners find that the Enneagram aligns with core Jewish values:

• Tikkun Olam (repairing the world): The Enneagram’s focus on personal growth and understanding others is seen as supporting this Jewish principle.
• Mussar (ethical self-improvement): The Enneagram’s emphasis on recognizing and working with one’s personality traits resonates with Mussar practices.

Rabbinical Perspectives

While not universally accepted, some rabbis have incorporated the Enneagram into their work:

• Rabbi Mordecai Gafni has written about the Enneagram in relation to Jewish spirituality, seeing it as a tool for understanding the “unique self.”
• Rabbi Jill Zimmerman offers workshops and teachings that integrate the Enneagram with Jewish wisdom and practices.

Jewish Enneagram Resources

Several resources explore the intersection of Judaism and the Enneagram:

• “The Enneagram and Kabbalah” by Rabbi Howard A. Addison offers a comprehensive look at how these two systems can complement each other.
• “Becoming Soulful: Using the Enneagram for Jewish Spiritual Growth” by Reb Mimi Feigelson provides insights into using the Enneagram within a Jewish context.

Practical Applications in Jewish Communities

Some Jewish communities and organizations have begun to incorporate the Enneagram:

• Synagogues offering Enneagram workshops as part of adult education programs
• Jewish retreat centers including Enneagram-based sessions in their offerings
• Jewish counselors and therapists using the Enneagram as a tool in their practice

Controversies and Debates

The adoption of the Enneagram in Jewish contexts is not without controversy:

• Some argue that it’s unnecessary, given the rich tradition of Jewish spiritual and psychological teachings.
• Others express concern about integrating non-Jewish spiritual practices into Judaism.
• Debates continue about whether the Enneagram complements or conflicts with traditional Jewish thought.

Comparative Studies

Some scholars have undertaken comparative studies:

• Exploring parallels between Enneagram types and biblical figures in the Torah
• Examining how Enneagram insights might inform interpretations of Jewish texts and traditions

While the Enneagram remains a niche interest within Judaism, its growing presence reflects a broader trend of Jewish engagement with diverse spiritual and psychological tools. As with any such integration, it continues to evolve, sparking both interest and debate within Jewish communities.

New Age, Esoteric Groups, and the Enneagram

The Enneagram has found significant popularity within New Age and esoteric circles, where it’s often integrated into a broader framework of spiritual and personal development practices. This adoption reflects the Enneagram’s versatility and its resonance with many core New Age concepts.

Historical Context

The Enneagram’s integration into New Age thought gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, coinciding with the broader New Age movement. Its blend of psychology, spirituality, and self-help appealed to those seeking alternative paths to self-discovery.

Theosophy and the Enneagram

Some New Age practitioners draw connections between the Enneagram and Theosophical teachings:

• The nine-pointed symbol is sometimes linked to the “nine emanations” in Theosophical cosmology.
• Helena Blavatsky’s writings on human nature and spiritual evolution are often compared to Enneagram concepts.

Astrology and the Enneagram

Many New Age practitioners combine Enneagram insights with astrological interpretations:

• Some systems map Enneagram types to astrological signs or houses.
• Practitioners may use both systems to provide a more comprehensive personality analysis.

Read more about the Enneagram and Astrology here

Energy Work and the Enneagram

In New Age and energy healing circles, practitioners often draw connections between the Enneagram types and the seven main chakras of the body.

This synthesis is used to create personalized energy healing practices and to gain deeper insights into each type’s energetic patterns. Here’s a breakdown of how each Enneagram type is commonly associated with specific chakras:

• Type 1 (The Perfectionist) - Root Chakra (Muladhara)

  • Associated with stability, security, and groundedness
  • Healing focus: Balancing perfectionism with self-acceptance

• Type 2 (The Helper) - Heart Chakra (Anahata)

  • Connected to love, compassion, and relationships
  • Healing focus: Nurturing self-love alongside care for others

• Type 3 (The Achiever) - Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

  • Linked to personal power, confidence, and self-esteem
  • Healing focus: Balancing achievement with authentic self-expression

• Type 4 (The Individualist) - Heart Chakra (Anahata)

  • Associated with emotions, creativity, and self-expression
  • Healing focus: Integrating emotions with a sense of inner wholeness

• Type 5 (The Investigator) - Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)

  • Connected to intuition, insight, and mental clarity
  • Healing focus: Balancing intellectual pursuits with emotional connection

• Type 6 (The Loyalist) - Root Chakra (Muladhara)

  • Linked to safety, security, and trust
  • Healing focus: Cultivating inner security and faith in oneself

• Type 7 (The Enthusiast) - Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

  • Associated with spiritual connection, joy, and possibility
  • Healing focus: Grounding excitement in present moment awareness

• Type 8 (The Challenger) - Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

  • Connected to personal power, assertiveness, and vitality
  • Healing focus: Balancing strength with vulnerability and compassion

• Type 9 (The Peacemaker) - Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)

  • Linked to creativity, emotions, and harmonious relationships
  • Healing focus: Awakening personal desires and assertiveness

Energy Healing Practices:

1. Chakra Meditation: Practitioners might guide individuals in meditations focused on their type’s associated chakra(s) to promote balance and growth.

2. Crystal Healing: Specific crystals associated with both the Enneagram type and its corresponding chakra(s) may be used in healing sessions.

3. Sound Therapy: Using specific tones or mantras associated with each chakra to resonate with the energy of different Enneagram types.

4. Yoga: Tailored yoga practices emphasizing poses that activate and balance the chakras associated with each Enneagram type.

5. Reiki: Energy healing sessions focused on the chakras most relevant to each Enneagram type’s growth areas.

6. Aromatherapy: Using essential oils associated with specific chakras to support the energetic balance of each Enneagram type.

It’s important to note that these associations and practices are interpretative and not scientifically validated. They represent one way that some New Age practitioners have integrated the Enneagram with chakra-based energy work. Individual experiences may vary, and it’s always recommended to approach such practices with an open yet discerning mind.

Channeling and the Enneagram

Some New Age teachers claim to have received Enneagram insights through channeling:

• These channeled teachings often add layers of interpretation to the traditional Enneagram system.
• Books like “The Spiritual Enneagram” by Sandra Maitri incorporate such channeled material.

Esoteric Schools and the Enneagram

Various esoteric schools have incorporated the Enneagram into their teachings:

• The Gurdjieff Work, while not strictly New Age, has influenced many New Age interpretations of the Enneagram.
• Some modern mystery schools use the Enneagram as part of their curriculum for spiritual development.

New Age Enneagram Resources

Numerous books and workshops explore the Enneagram from a New Age perspective:

• “The Spiritual Dimension of the Enneagram” by Sandra Maitri offers a New Age interpretation of the system.
• Helen Palmer’s “The Enneagram: Understanding Yourself and the Others in Your Life” has been influential in New Age circles.

Practical Applications in New Age Communities

The Enneagram is used in various ways within New Age and esoteric groups:

• Meditation and visualization practices tailored to each Enneagram type
• Crystal healing sessions designed around Enneagram insights
• Tarot readings that incorporate Enneagram symbolism

Controversies and Criticisms

The New Age adoption of the Enneagram is not without its critics:

• Some argue that New Age interpretations dilute or distort the original system.
• Skeptics question the validity of combining the Enneagram with practices like channeling or energy work.
• Traditional Enneagram teachers sometimes distance themselves from more esoteric interpretations.

Comparative Studies

Some New Age scholars have undertaken comparative studies:

• Exploring parallels between Enneagram types and archetypal figures in various mythologies
• Examining how Enneagram insights might inform interpretations of ancient wisdom traditions

The Enneagram’s popularity in New Age and esoteric circles has led to a rich tapestry of interpretations and applications. While this diversity has expanded the Enneagram’s reach, it has also sparked debates about authenticity and effectiveness. As with many New Age practices, the integration of the Enneagram continues to evolve, reflecting the eclectic and syncretic nature of the New Age movement.

The Enneagram in Jesuit Tradition

The Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits, is a Catholic religious order renowned for its commitment to education, intellectual exploration, and spiritual formation. The Jesuits’ engagement with the Enneagram reflects their long-standing tradition of integrating various forms of knowledge in the pursuit of spiritual growth and understanding.

Historical Context

• The Jesuits’ interest in the Enneagram can be traced back to the mid-20th century, coinciding with the system’s introduction to the Western world.
• This interest aligns with the Jesuit tradition of engaging with diverse intellectual and spiritual traditions, dating back to the order’s founding in the 16th century.

Athanasius Kircher’s Contribution

• Jerome Wagner, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, connects the Enneagram’s origins to Athanasius Kircher, a 17th-century Jesuit mathematician and polymath.
• Kircher’s work on the symbolism of numbers and geometric figures is seen as a precursor to the modern Enneagram symbol.
• While the direct link between Kircher’s work and the contemporary Enneagram is debated, his contributions highlight the Jesuit tradition of synthesizing diverse fields of knowledge.

Spiritual Exercises and the Enneagram

• Many Jesuits have found parallels between the Enneagram and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuit order.
• Both systems emphasize self-awareness, discernment of one’s motivations, and personal transformation.
• Some Jesuit retreat centers incorporate Enneagram teachings into their programs based on the Spiritual Exercises.

Key Jesuit Figures in Enneagram Study

• Fr. Robert Ochs, S.J., was one of the first Jesuits to study and teach the Enneagram in the 1970s.
• Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., while initially supportive, later became a critic of the Enneagram’s use in Catholic contexts.
• Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M. (while not a Jesuit, has worked closely with Jesuit institutions) has been influential in popularizing the Enneagram in Christian circles, including among Jesuits.

Jesuit Educational Institutions and the Enneagram

• Several Jesuit universities and colleges have incorporated Enneagram studies into their curriculum or extracurricular programs.
• For example, Loyola University Chicago has offered workshops and courses on the Enneagram.

The Enneagram in Jesuit Spiritual Direction

• Many Jesuit spiritual directors use the Enneagram as a tool in their practice.
• It’s seen as a means to deepen self-understanding and facilitate spiritual growth in line with Ignatian spirituality.

Controversies and Debates

• The use of the Enneagram in Jesuit and broader Catholic contexts has not been without controversy.
• Some argue that it lacks a solid theological foundation and may introduce non-Christian concepts.
• Others see it as a valuable tool that, when properly understood, can enhance Catholic spiritual practices.

Jesuit Scholarship on the Enneagram

• Several Jesuit scholars have written on the Enneagram, both supportively and critically.
• These works often focus on integrating Enneagram insights with Catholic theology and Ignatian spirituality.

Global Perspective

• The Jesuits’ international presence has contributed to the spread of Enneagram teachings in various cultural contexts.
• Jesuit centers in different countries have adapted Enneagram teachings to local spiritual and cultural traditions.

Future Directions

• Ongoing research and dialogue within Jesuit circles continue to explore the potential benefits and limitations of the Enneagram in spiritual formation.
• There’s a growing interest in developing a more rigorous theological framework for the use of the Enneagram in Catholic and Jesuit contexts.

The Jesuit engagement with the Enneagram exemplifies the order’s characteristic approach of engaging with diverse intellectual and spiritual traditions. While not universally accepted within the order, the Enneagram has found a place in many Jesuit spiritual and educational practices, contributing to the ongoing dialogue between psychology, spirituality, and personal development within the Catholic tradition.