Wings for Enneagram Type 9
Enneagram Type 9
Summary
As a Type 9 (The Peaceful Accommodator or Mediator), you are a natural mediator who can bring harmony to unlikely situations. You are understanding of all perspectives and make space for everyone to have a voice and feel heard. However you focus too much on others and lose your own identity by merging with others' thoughts, feelings, and agendas. Internally, you struggle to believe your voice and opinions matter and fall asleep to yourself.
You are connected to the two numbers on the right and left of the Enneagram diagram. We call these numbers wings. As a Type 9, your wings are Type 1 (The Principled Reformer or Perfectionist) and Type 8 (The Passionate Protector or Challenger).
Just as wings are connected to the body of a bird, your Enneagram wings are always the numbers directly beside your main type.
These wings bring balance and nuance to your main type, offering you unique traits from both connections. However, the way we use our wings mirrors our level of health. When we are healthy and mindful, our wings can be strong and supportive, helping us navigate life with greater agility and balance. But if we are unhealthy or unaware, our wings—like a bird’s damaged wings—may hinder rather than help us.
Understanding your Enneagram wings provides a deeper and more nuanced understanding of yourself, especially when it comes to internal conflicts. It explains why you may exhibit traits seemingly contradictory to your main type. This awareness allows for greater self-compassion and the ability to leverage the strengths of both your main type and wings.
Both wings are always present, and you use them in varying degrees depending on your current circumstances and needs, much like a bird adjusts its use of each wing based on navigational requirements. By cultivating mindfulness and understanding how to use them effectively, you can allow your wings to benefit you when you need them most, enabling you to respond intentionally and with greater flexibility. This awareness lets you soar rather than struggle.
Enneagram Type 9 Wing 8:
The Dreamer (9w8)
The 9w8, also known as The Mediator, combines the Type 9's desire for inner stability and peace of mind with the Type 8's desire to protect themselves and those in their inner circle. This combination creates an individual who is resourceful, driven, decisive, and a natural leader. The 9w8 may feel an inner tension between their desire for peace and their desire to protect.
✅ Healthy 9w8
⚠️ Average 9w8
❌ Unhealthy 9w8
💡Expert Insight: Mistyped as Type 8, although this is not a common mistype. Eights are openly assertive and do not mind getting into conflicts to make their point, while 9s want inner stability and peace.
Enneagram Type 8 Wing 9
The Dreamer (9w1)
The 9w1, also known as The Peacemaker, combines the Type 9's desire for inner stability and peace of mind with the Type 1's desire to improve the world and the lives of others. This combination creates an individual who is more motivated to pursue their calling because it is the right thing to do. The 9w1 may feel an inner tension between their desire for peace and their desire for improvement.
✅ Healthy 9w1
⚠️ Average 9w1
❌ Unhealthy 9w1
💡Expert Insight: Mistyped as Type 1 - It’s common for a Type 9 to think they are a Type 1. They might have a strong Type 1 Wing and loud inner critic. However, a Type 9’s inner critic is upset with them for not making people happy, while a Type 1’s is solely focused on right and wrong.
Remember, both wings are always present:
Both wings are always part of you, influencing your actions to varying degrees depending on the situation.
The key is to recognize which wing is at play and intentionally choose your response.
By aligning your wings with truth and embracing all aspects of yourself, you allow them to support your journey toward growth and transformation.
Next Steps in Learning for Enneagram Type 9:
Enneagram Internal Profile (EIP)
As you explore how your wings influence your Type 9 personality, you might be curious to understand even more about the different parts that make up who you are. At Your Enneagram Coach, we've developed a unique approach called the Enneagram Internal Profile (EIP), which goes beyond just your main type and wings.
EIP reveals the distinct "parts" within you, like the Wounded Child and Beloved Child, as well as how your wings and paths (Enneagram arrows) interact to create your unique inner world. This can be a powerful tool for self-understanding and growth. If you're intrigued to discover more about how EIP can help you, we invite you to:
