Based on the work started in the 1960s and 70s by South American human potential psychiatrists Oscar Ichazo and Claudio Naranjo, the Enneagram of Personality (Enneagram) is a typology of nine interconnected personality types. It’s said to date back to knowledge from 4th century Alexandria.

By being aware of what enneagram personality type we are, we can understand the patterns of behaviour we repeat and the things that we find rewarding and that trigger us in negative ways. These things influence everything in our lives, including our relationships, often on subconscious levels.

We all encompass all the points on the Enneagram personality chart, although we’ll strongly identify with some more than others. But the Enneagram isn’t meant to put you in a box. It’s fluid, and we move between lines and points on the chart as our lives ebb and flow.

When we’re children, we tend to find safety in sticking closely to one personality type, but as we grow older and more confident, we also grow more complex and interesting.

Dominance and submission is a journey into finding our core. It’s a tool for getting to know ourselves, and hopefully aligning our lives with what our soul knows is right. In that process, we often need to unlearn things we’ve been conditioned to believe. That can include nonsense about who we are, or who we “should” be.

For helpful results, put your ego away and try to answer the questions honestly. Perhaps the Enneagram will show you parts of yourself you’ve been denying or rejecting, perhaps it will affirm things you thought you already knew about yourself. After all, if we’re not in touch with who we are, then others will never be able to see the real us either.

Take the shorter Enneagram quiz
Take the longer Enneagram quiz

There are comprehensive Enneagram personality descriptions here, but in brief, they are:

1. The Reformer
Reformers are idealistic advocates for change, always looking to improve, reform and perfect things to achieve what they perceive to be the highest level of standards.
Traits: Ambitious, conscientious, dedicated, discerning, idealistic, independent, intelligent, high morals and values, noble, principled, perfectionist, problem-solver, purposeful, rational, realistic, self-controlled, wise.

2. The Helper
As Helper’s are heart based types the main focus is on sincerity in both friendships and relationships.
Traits: Altruistic, caring, demonstrative, emotional, generous, high expectations, interpersonal, irrational, loving, nurturers, people-pleasing, possessive, practical, selfless, sensitive, sentimental.

3. The Performer
Performers are achievers and they set out goals and targets for themselves and believe that when they meet these they will gain affection, approval and validation from others.
Traits: Adaptable, achievers, ambitious, attention seeker, charismatic, driven, energetic, excelling, fast learners, hard workers, image conscious, pragmatic, self-confident, successful, vain.


4. The Artist
Artists are individualists, and see themselves as being different than everyone around them. They are often uniquely talented, highly skilled and gifted in the arts and they express themselves through their creative world and this is a main focus of their lives.
Traits: Artistic, creative, empathetic, expressive, dramatic, feeling unworthy, imaginative, individualists, introverts, intuitive, perceptive, self-absorbed, sensitive, temperamental, unique, withdrawn.

5. The Thinker
Thinkers are able to see the world from new eyes and are often the visionaries and philosophers who open the world up to a new way of seeing things. They are curious and are constantly asking questions to be able to gain a new and unique understanding of how the world, everything in it, and beyond, works.
Traits: Alert, analytical, calm, cerebral, curious, devoted, independent, innovative, insightful, intense, investigator, isolated, minimalist, objective, perceptive, secretive, thinkers, withdrawn.

6. The Loyalist
They are loyal to friends, relationships, family and their beliefs. There is nothing a loyalist wouldn’t do to support whatever it is they believe in. The main reason for their loyalty is their fear of abandonment. This fear ensures they make attachments to everything around them so that they have something to hold on to.
Traits: Appealing, anxious, assertive, committed, compassionate, compliant, dependable, faithful fearful, hardworking, intelligent, loyal, obedient, outspoken, reactive, responsible, security-orientated, suspicious, trustworthy, worrier.

7. The Visionary
The Visionaries are also enthusiasts as everything is looked at through the eyes of adventure. They are fascinated with the world and see it as one giant adventure playground waiting to be explored.
Traits: Adventurous, acquisitive, busy, creative, distractible, dreamer, energetic, enthusiastic, entrepreneurs, extroverted, fun-loving, free-spirited, lively, optimistic, playful, scattered, spontaneous, versatile.

8. The Challenger
Challengers are straight-talkers, although this can often come across as being blunt, abrasive and aggressive. Without realizing it they can be confrontational and intimidating when trying to put their point across.
Traits: Aggressive, assertive, blunt, confrontational, courageous, decisive, demanding, direct, dominating, independent, powerful, protective, self-confident, straightforward, strong willed.

9. The Harmonizer
Harmonizers are peacemakers and they work to maintain both inner and external peace.
Traits: Accepting, agreeable, approachable, calm, creative, easygoing, optimistic, peaceful, non-judgmental, likeable, reassuring, receptive, resigned, supportive, tolerant, trusting, unassuming.

OTHER FUN BDSM QUIZZES

• What’s Your MBTI Personality Type?
• What type of Dominant are you?
• What is the psychology of your sexuality?
• What is Your Safeword?
• What’s Your BDSM Role?
• The Submissive Test – What’s Kind of Submissive Are You?
• Map Your Kinks
• What kind of Sexual Deviant Are You?