The nine types are both distinct and relational as the diagram below shows.
Figure 1: The Enneagram Diagram
Schlegel believes the real power of the Enneagram is the relational aspect. âYou can see the diagram has these lines in it. So, for instance, I m a six and I have a line connected to type nine and a line connected to type three. Those lines are called the paths of integration and disintegration or security and insecurity.
âSo when I m feeling secure, then I start to move towards the dynamic of a type nine. Now, remember, I m a type six, that s my starting point. But the issue for the thinking types is anxiety. As my anxiety goes down, I start to look like this nine, which is the peacemaker, the harmonizer. On the other hand, when my anxiety starts to go up, then I moved toward the highly productive three,â explained Schlegel.