The Enneagram: Harry potter and The Enneagram

The Enneagram and Harry Potter?

"Harry Potter and the Enneagram"
by Dr. Belinda Gore

The Enneagram is an ancient and sophisticated system that teaches self-knowledge and practical tools for understanding the dynamics of personality and spiritual growth. It describes—with uncanny accuracy—nine distinct patterns of attitude and behavior, and reveals the reasons why people think and behave the ways they do. While it has its roots in ancient systems, the modern form of the Enneagram is derived from the teachings of Oscar Ichazo, Georg Gurdjieff,and psychiatrist Claudio Naranjo, as well as the contributions of contemporary teachers such as Don Riso, Russ Hudson, Helen Palmer and others.

Based on the a 3x3 model, the nine Enneagram types reflect a balancing of head, heart and belly, or thinking, feeling, and acting. There are many layers of teaching within the Enneagram system that unveil mysteries of human behavior and the steps we can take to transmute self-defeating behavior and find the path to liberation.

Popular literary characters like Harry Potter offer wonderful insights into Enneagram types. Harry has a Type Nine personality, and along with his pals Ron, a classic anxious but loyal Six, and Hermione, a Three, they show us great examples of the inner triad of primary types.

Harry grew up an orphan, living in an emotionally deprived home, resented and rejected by his aunt and uncle. Nevertheless, like many Nines, he finds a way to withdraw into an inner life and survive. He is typically easy-going and an appealing young man, an adolescent Everyman, who faces challenges with equanimity and courage. Rather than being vindictive, his goal is often to bring harmony to the lives of the people he cares about. His determination in the face of injustice suggests a One wing.

Ron, on the other hand, is a worrier yet never abandons his friends or his family in even the most terrifying situations and sometimes surprises even himself by coming to the rescue in a crisis. His easiness with a joke or a prank, and his sense of adventure suggest a Seven wing. Hermione, typical Three, prides herself on being the best in her class and is disdainful her friends’ boyish immaturity. Their warm acceptance of her, understanding that she is really a good person beneath her sometimes pompous airs, helps her to use her talents for everyone’s benefit. Her studious commitment to work suggests a Four wing.

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For information about The Enneagram Institute of Central Ohio and upcoming workshops, visit www.enneagram-ohio.com or write to Dr. Belinda Gore at mailto:bgore@enneagram-ohio.com

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