The Enneagram: Which of the Nine Types Are You?

The Enneagram is a map of personality that sorts people into nine types. Picture a circle with nine points spaced around its edge, each point standing for one type, and a web of lines connecting them. Those lines aren't decoration. They show how the types feed into and pull on one another, how someone might lean one direction under stress and a different one when they feel safe. People turn to it for a lot of reasons: some want a clearer picture of who they are, others are after something closer to spiritual insight.

Want a rough read on yourself? Work through the questions below. For each section, mark every answer that sounds like you, not just one, and keep a running tally of the numbers your choices point to. The number you land on most often is a decent starting guess at your type.

Question 1. It's your birthday party. Which of these is you? You quietly track down the best planner, the best wine and the best caterer in town, then keep your sources secret (5). You map out exactly what happens and when, print a schedule, and hold everyone to it (1, 6). You let go of any self-consciousness and just enjoy it (7). You build the whole thing around something you're into and expect everyone to join in (8). You spend the night passing around drinks and snacks, collecting coats, and you're still there sweeping up after the last guest leaves (2). You shrug and go with whatever the group wants, and have a fine time anyway (9). You love the planning stage, but the moment the party arrives you'd rather be by yourself (4). You decide to stage the most elaborate event your friends have ever seen and pour real effort into getting every piece right (3, 1). You pitch something so odd and unexpected that people will still be talking about it in a decade (4, 7). You cancel. There's a massive deadline looming and you can't justify the lost hours (3). You fret over every tiny detail until the whole thing starts to feel like a chore (6).

Question 2. The family's booking a holiday. How do you handle it? You comb through travel sites and lock in the best hotel within a price range you set in advance, judging the reviews by your own strict standards (1, 5). You want the 'real' version of the place, so you book a small local guesthouse while everyone else checks into the resort (4). You confirm it's past hurricane season and look up the crime figures before the destination even makes your shortlist (6). You pick the spot you want and make your case to everyone until they come around (8). You line up all the wild things to do first, then sort out the hotel afterward (7). You offer a suggestion, but you're happy to fall in behind someone else's (9). You choose a well-reviewed hotel and sketch a daily plan with a good mix of things to do (1). You book on impulse, no research at all (6). You ask where everyone else wants to go and type up packing lists for the whole family (2). You hunt down a steep discount at a fancy hotel and tell everyone about the rate you scored, then photograph the trip and keep bragging once you're home (3).

Question 3. If any career were open to you, which fits? Career doesn't really matter to you (9). Accountant (1). Life coach (3). Engineer (5). Photographer (7). Politician (8). Secretary (6). Psychotherapist (4). Teacher (2). Computer programmer (1). Astronomer (5). Travel writer (7). Sales director (8). Lawyer (1). Security guard (6). Restaurant owner (8). Writer (4). Entertainer (3). Comedian (7). Firefighter (2). Health and safety officer (6). Musician (9). Artist (4). Stay-at-home parent (2). Animal carer (9). Physicist (5). Salesperson (3).

Add up how often each number came up. Whichever number won is probably your type. Here's what the nine look like.

Type 1, the Reformer. Cares deeply about doing things correctly and holds firm standards about morals and conduct. Can slide into being critical and quick to judge.

Type 2, the Helper. Always reaching out to assist, often to the point of neglecting their own needs. Can end up feeling taken advantage of.

Type 3, the Achiever. Thrives on hard work, big wins and being at their best. Can turn almost everything into a competition.

Type 4, the Individualist. Builds their sense of self around being distinct and unlike anyone else. Prone to sinking into low moods.

Type 5, the Investigator. Driven to study, understand and be the best-informed person in the room. Can disappear so far into ideas that the outside world fades.

Type 6, the Loyalist. Likes structure, planning and heading off risk before it arrives. Carries a lot of worry.

Type 7, the Enthusiast. Chases fresh experiences and wants every drop out of life. Tends toward restlessness and trouble settling.

Type 8, the Challenger. Makes bold calls and stands up for their convictions. Can push so hard they drive people away.

Type 9, the Peacemaker. Easygoing and able to feel content almost anywhere. Can struggle to speak up for themselves.

In the end, the type you settle on is your call. A quiz like this hands you a hypothesis, nothing more. The people who really know you are you, plus the friends and family who've watched you for years. Read up on the types that seem close and see which description actually fits. And finding your type is the beginning, not the finish line. From there the Enneagram becomes a way to pick the kind of self-development that suits the person you actually are. - Iman Mohiki