* Each subtype represents a unique combination of the core type's patterns with one of the three instinctual drives (Self-Preservation, Social, and Sexual/One-to-One). For easier cross-referencing, we have kept the same names as used by Beatrice Chestnut, PhD, in her book "The Complete Enneagram: 27 Paths to Greater Self-Knowledge."
Your Personalized Blueprint: 5 Integrated Assessments
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* Each subtype represents a unique combination of the core type's patterns with one of the three instinctual drives (Self-Preservation, Social, and Sexual/One-to-One). For easier cross-referencing, we have kept the same names as used by Beatrice Chestnut, PhD, in her book "The Complete Enneagram: 27 Paths to Greater Self-Knowledge."
Your Personalized Blueprint: 5 Integrated Assessments
You’ve discovered your Enneagram type, but something feels… incomplete. You read the description for a Type 9, but your Type 9 friend seems focused on completely different things. The reason isn't that one of you is mistyped. The answer lies in a deeper, more fundamental layer of our personality: The Instinctual Drives. These drives are the powerful, unconscious currents that dictate where we focus our core type's energy, and understanding them is the key to the full picture of who you are.
The Instinctual Drives are three primal, hardwired survival strategies every human shares. Think of them as the operating system running in the background of your personality. They determine the arena of life you are most focused on.
Enneagram Instincts are not about having things (like safety or relationships), but about the constant "pursuit to feel a certain way." This pursuit is automatic and relentless, coloring your every thought and action.
Focused on physical safety, health, and material well-being, this is the part of us that scans for resources, comfort, and potential threats. When this instinct is dominant, it channels the core type's energy into ensuring personal security. For example, a SP Type 7 uses their optimism to build a network of opportunities that ensures they will always be provided for.
Focused on belonging, community, and our place within the group. This is the drive to connect, participate, and understand our role in relation to others. When dominant, it channels the core type's energy into maintaining relationships and securing a place in the "tribe." For example, a SO Type 5 uses their knowledge to become an essential, valued resource for their groups.
Focused on intense connection, stimulation, and attraction. This is the drive to merge with an "other"—a person, passion, or experience. When dominant, it channels the core type's energy into seeking that charge of vitality. For example, an SX Type 1 focuses their desire for perfection on intensely improving another person or a specific cause they are passionate about.
When your dominant instinct merges with your core Enneagram type, it creates your Subtype. This is arguably one of the most crucial constructs for understanding core psychology, as it reveals the specific "game" your personality is automatically playing to feel safe, to belong, or to feel alive.
Your Mind is Like a Car.
Which Subtype is Behind the Wheel?
Knowing your dominant instinct is just the beginning. We use all three in a specific, predictable order:
Each Subtype can manifest in two ways: The Saboteur Expression is the unconscious, reactive, and fear-driven side of your instinct. It's when your drive for security (SP), belonging (SO), or intensity (SX) leads to limiting patterns, anxiety, and conflict. The Guardian Expression is the conscious, aware, and Pi9™ Purpose Intelligence® side. It's when you channel that same instinctual energy into your authentic strengths, creating genuine well-being, connection, and vitality.
We are often trapped in our Saboteur patterns without realizing it. The Pi9™ Purpose Intelligence® program is the structured path to move from Saboteur to Guardian energy. Our methodology teaches you how to use mindful awareness to see your Saboteur patterns as they arise. From that place of clarity, you learn to consciously choose the thoughts, feelings, and actions of your Guardian expression, turning your greatest challenges into your most profound strengths.
Guessing your Subtype and Instinctual Sequence can be misleading. The Enneagram Matrix™ Test is the comprehensive tool designed to pinpoint your core type, unique Subtype, and your full Instinctual Sequence (Driver, Passenger, and Backseat) with precision. Stop guessing and start knowing.
Your Personalized Blueprint: 5 Integrated Assessments
