When it comes to understanding ourselves, there will always be more to learn. And once we feel safe enough to explore the ins and outs of our personality, we soon stumble on some not-so-great characteristics. The Personality Theory of the Enneagram gives people a clear framework for all 9 types, including traits of health, mid-health and unhealth. In our life we can go between these depending on our level of awareness, our choice to change, and our current emotional state.
We have covered all nine types and their levels of health here. But when it comes to the lower end of the spectrum – namely unhealth, we see the Shadow Self emerge. In a term used by Carl Jung, the Shadow Self is every human’s sub conscious needs and desires. And if we are not aware of them, they control our actions. In many ways, it is like we wear a mask portraying who we think we are, and what we want people to perceive. Our Shadow Self appears when we take the mask off.
To be clear – the Shadow Self is not bad. Your unconscious struggles and needs come from a mixture of nature, nurture and your personality. They have the power to drive us to do great things. So instead of being afraid of it, we can learn to understand it. Then, we can work towards health.
What does the Shadow Self typically look like in all 9 Enneagram Types? Here’s a snapshot. Take a look at your Enneagram Type and explore if these characteristics have appeared in your life.
Type 1 (The Reformer): Also known as the Perfectionist, a Type 1 will try to supress their need for freedom and spontaneity. They are dedicated to establishing and keeping order, and will overlook their pain or resentment to do so. These may be outworked in bursts of rage, a hyper need to control details, or severe intolerance. And most of the time, this comes from a hatred of self. When a Type 1 learns to befriend their Shadow Self, they have compassion on themselves. They learn to understand what motivates their emotional responses (rather than supressing them) and can pave the way for others to experience the same freedom.
Type 2 (The Helper): A Type 2 walks the line between desperately wanting to be loved and wanting to show this same love to others. Their Shadow Self will try to supress their needs to experience this love, potentially resulting in vanity, resentment and manipulative behaviour. The Shadow Self of may also experience rage but feel unable to express this. A Type 2 can befriend their Shadow Self by recognising the courage it takes to belove themselves. As they work on their self-worth and attachments, they will better navigate self-care and set healthier boundaries in relationships. This makes them a dedicated and authentic friend.
Type 3 (The Achiever): With the need to succeed and to look good doing it, Type 3’s are extremely driven individuals. Their Shadow Self is seen when they believe the self-deception they project to the world. Ultimately, hiding any vulnerability, fear, or failure they are truly feeling. A deeply unhealthy Type 3 may see their Shadow Self develop into malice and jealousy. However, when they pause, give themselves grace, and dig deeper, they uncover new
Type 4 (The Romantic): Also known as the individualist, a Type 4 is afraid they are not unique or special. Their Shadow Self can be envious, greedy and fearful. In deep unhealth, a Type 4 may have a victim hood mentality, where they believe the world is against them. This may cloak, or deter, happiness, action and their quality of life. By having grace and taking accountability for their Shadow Self, a Type 4 can become self-aware and altruistic. Ultimately, helping them to create from a healthy and unique place to enhance the world around them.
Type 5 (The Investigator): Priding themselves on their knowledge, awareness is not something Type 5’s lack. However, their Shadow Self shifts the focus from sharing and understanding knowledge, to hoarding or isolating oneself. When a Type 5 is unaware of their deep need for human connection, they can miss their desire for acceptance. A fear of rejection and a greed for more knowledge can drive them to self-sabotaging behaviour. They may also experience paranoia. When a Type 5 opens up to their Shadow Self, they become experts in themselves. Masters of personal development and eager teachers, Type 5’s need time and space to come to their own conclusions. It means they don’t do anything half-heartedly.
Type 6 (The Loyalist): A Type 6 longs for security and connection to something greater than themselves. A lack of awareness means this can manifest as erratic behaviour, the inhability to make decisions, and becoming suspicious of everyone. By embracing their Shadow Side, a Type 6 can learn to understand their anxiety, fear of rejection and pain, and then step into a deeper, more authentic connection with the world around them.
Type 7 (The Adventurer): Always looking for new experiences, an unaware Type 7 will avoid pain at all costs. Their Shadow Self covers this fear by intensifying emotions and experiences, allowing them to deny their problems and insecurities. While the Shadow Self of a 7 can be erratic, non-committal and show addictive behaviours, they may also try to hide their ability to dedicate themselves to tasks they are passionate about. By befriending their Shadow Self, a Type 7 can learn to process pain and experience joy. Instead of being driven by fear, they are driven by a knowledge of self which lifts up the people around them.
Type 8 (The Challenger): Known for their harsh or hard demeanour, a Type 8’s Shadow Self holds their vulnerability. They are intensely driven and not afraid to express what they believe (or share an alternate point of view depending on the situation). If they are disconnected from their Shadow Self, they may lack self-awareness about their behaviour failing to understand they can be aggressive and enjoy power. A Type 8 who accepts all the sides of themselves is a dynamic champion of people. They are fierce friends to those who have proven themselves worthy, and realise their vulnerability makes them more powerful.
Type 9 (The Peacemaker): A Type 9 never wants to cause a fuss and will do almost anything to keep the peace. Their Shadow Self appears when they numb, dismiss or deny their true feelings and instead withdraw inward. They can become detached and experience depression. By acknowledging the Shadow Self, a Type 9 can give learn that all their feeling is valid. Identifying this, and then acting to make a change show a Type 9 is on a path to health. A well-rounded Type 9 is clear, works great in a team, is able to express a rich inner life, and has much conviction.
Do you want to better understand your shadow self? Contact Colleen on 0434 337 245, Duncan on 0434 331 243 or Rachel on 0442177193 for a FREE 10-minute phone consultation on how we can best help you, or press book now and make an appointment.
Today’s blog was created using these sources:
https://enneagrampaths.com/2020/04/29/what-is-concealed-in-each-enneagram-types-shadow/
https://www.soulshepherding.org/your-shadow-self-and-the-enneagram/
