By Deborah Ooten and Beth O’Hara – August 2010

First published in The Enneagram Journal, Vol. 2, 2010, a peer-reviewed publication of the International Enneagram Association.

“What Gurdjieff calls ‘Objective science’ uses the musical analogy to depict a
universe composed of a chain of energies that stretches from the lowest octave to
the highest: each energy is transformed as it rises and falls, taking on a coarser or
finer nature according to its place in the scale. At each specific level, an energy
corresponds to a degree of intelligence, and it is consciousness itself, fluctuating
within a wide range of vibrations, that determines human experience…Gurdjieff
also affirms the reality of an absolute level of pure quality (always evolving).
From this source, energies descend to meet and interact with the energies we
know. When this intermingling of pure with gross takes place, it can change the
meaning of our actions and the influence they bear on the world.”
Peter Brook (Gurdjieff, 2008)

Abstract
Our experience has shown that if the Enneagram is used as an isolated
personality system, people can become more identified with their type
rather than evolving. In Integral Psychology, Ken Wilber (2000) states
that typology systems such as Meyers-Briggs, the Enneagram, and
Jungian types are horizontal systems. While useful for self awareness,
these systems do not describe the whole picture of human development.
However, pairing a horizontal system like the Enneagram with a
vertical system of the stages and waves of the unfolding of human
consciousness like Spiral Dynamics®, “you can start to see what a truly
multidimensional psychology might look like” (Wilber, p. 54).
In order to bring about true evolutionary change in an individual and humanity,
we believe that systems can help us understand and define the personality and
the different levels of human consciousness. There are a number of systems that
describe these two areas in the human being. The Enneagram of Personality is
a dynamic and powerful personality typing system that assists individuals in
elucidating their unique and particular personality structure; it is magnificent
in its description of the psychological defense mechanisms that each and
every one of us uses (Palmer, 1998). As we become more aware through self observation
by understanding our patterns and habits, we are better able to make
empowering conscious choices. Spiral Dynamics® is a system that offers a view
of the evolution of human consciousness over the last 100,000 years (Graves,
2005). It is a superior tool for helping humanity to shift cultures. As we become
more aware of the spectrum of human values and worldviews, we are capable of
developing deeper insight into the core issues that are responsible for conflict or
cohesion among people, groups, and cultures. When combined, each of these
systems informs the other, allowing individuals to have a multi-dimensional
understanding of their inner workings over their lifetimes and a broader view of
the always evolving levels of consciousness operating within and without (Ooten,
Unpublished).
The first phase of the study was completed in 2005 at the International
Enneagram Association Conference in California with 38 individuals who
were very familiar with their Enneagram types and who are widely known
Enneagram teachers. Participants were taught the Spiral Dynamics system and
then divided into nine groups based on Enneagram type. Each of the groups
was asked to: “Give a one-word name that describes your Enneagram type at
each level of consciousness,” (Figure 1) and to “Give a descriptive phrase that
describes your type at each level of consciousness” (Figure 2). A consensus was
reached among recognized Enneagram teachers and researchers of 63 archetypal
titles and descriptions for each of the Enneagram types at each of the levels of
consciousness.
The second phase of the research has been ongoing for the past five years.
Deborah Ooten, Ph.D. has administered the Values Test to 230 individuals
who were already familiar with their Enneagram type through training with
Dr. Ooten or with other recognized Enneagram teachers and have taken Spiral
Dynamics training with Dr. Ooten through outreach programs and the School
of Conscious Living, a two-year IEA Accredited Enneagram Certification School.
“The Values Test: Priorities for Life Choices, An Analysis of Seven vMemes,
Worldviews and Belief Systems in People, Organizations, and Cultures” (Beck,
2002) is a scientific and validated analysis of an individual’s acceptance and
rejection of the worldviews and values of the seven developmental levels of the
Spiral Dynamics® system and tabulates the levels of consciousness operating in
an individual and whether these levels are operating consciously (acceptance)
or unconsciously (rejection). There have been 74 men (32%) and 156 women
(68%), ranging in age from 21 to 65 years, who have participated in the study to
date. The mean age is 47. The levels of consciousness develop sequentially, each
level encompassing the levels before. While not all participants have developed
to the highest levels, all levels of consciousness have been represented. Twentyone
participants had developed to the Blue Level, 52 participants had developed
to the Orange Level, 73 participants had developed to the Green Level, 65 had
developed to the Yellow level and 19 had developed to the Turquoise level.
Participants were then presented with the 63 archetypal titles and descriptions
of the Enneagram types at each of the levels of consciousness. Participants
were asked for their feedback on how well each of the titles and descriptive
phrases described their type at each of the levels of consciousness. The original
descriptions from 2005 have expanded based on the most frequent responses.
This study is still continuing through students of the School of ConsciousLiving
and will be published in more depth in Deborah Ooten’s upcoming book
(Ooten, Unpublished).
This paper presents the Levels of Consciousness of the Enneagram through these
63 archetypal titles and descriptions.
This look at the Enneagram personality types within each of the levels of
consciousness elucidates the vast variety of characteristics of the Enneagram
types beyond wings, dynamic movements and subtypes as well as bringing an
added dimension to the lifetime work of conscious evolution.
 

Spiral Dynamics®

Spiral Dynamics® was developed in 1970 by Dr. Clare Graves and has been
elucidated since then by Drs. Don Beck, Chris Cowan and Natasha Todorovic,
among others. This system describes a bio-psycho-social, double-helix, openended
emergent model of human consciousness that provides a new way of
framing and understanding the forces of human interactions and behavior
through stages of human development (Graves, 2002; Graves, 2005; Beck, 2006).
These stages can be applied to individual, organizational and geo-political
nation-state levels (Beck, 2006). The expression of the level of consciousness is
a product of interaction between external conditions of existence and internal
complex adaptive systems.
Nine basic levels or waves of human consciousness have been observed at this
point, alternating “I” expressive and “We” sacrificing levels, divided into two
tiers. In the first tier focus, there is conflict within levels and between levels.
The second tier levels promote alternative, highly adaptive means of problem
resolution. Each emergent level transcends the level before while also including
the values, methods, and perspectives of the previous stages (Graves, 2002).
Levels of Consciousness
Spiral Dynamics® is an open-ended system, meaning that levels continue to
emerge as humanity evolves. To date, eight levels of development have been
clearly observed, studied, and documented (Graves, 2002; Graves, 2005; Beck,
2006). The ninth level of development is just now emerging, but not enough
individuals have reached this level to accurately describe it yet. The image of
the spiral is used because each level includes the values, skills, and mechanisms
of the levels below it while becoming more adaptive, complex, and expansive
(Beck, 2006). As we evolve through each of these stages, all previous levels
of consciousness are still operating and can be expressed appropriately or
inappropriately given the life conditions of the time, place, problems, and
circumstances we face (Beck, 2006).
While Clare Graves assigned letters to the levels during his double blind
studies,the levels are now often referred to by the colors assigned by Beck and
Cowan for simplicity, and we will adhere to their color naming scheme for this
paper (2006).These levels apply across different types of development, including the span
of time of human evolution, the continued maturation of the individual from
infancy through adulthood, the progression of societies, and the stages of
corporate culture (Wilber, 2000).

Beige

The first level is the Beige level of existence. The Beige level of consciousness
is concerned with instinctual drives of survival of the species and immediate
gratification of the very basic needs of food, water, safety, and sex. This level is
sensory-driven and has no concept of individuated self, no temporal concept
beyond immediate needs, nor spatial concept beyond the occupied space.
Individuals can decreasingly still be found existing primarily at this level in
remote areas, living off the land in loose, small bands with no leadership. It is
also expressed as the primary level of operation in newborn infants, late stage
Alzheimer’s patients, and after extreme trauma and shock (Graves, 2002; Graves,
2005; Beck, 2006). Managing survival is completely integrated into the genetic
code and social operations for most individuals today. Survival is rarely an issue
and if so, then usually for only brief amounts of time. However, when survival
is again an issue, this level rises to the forefront as during extreme events like
the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Since the
Beige level is inherent and fully integrated in 99.9 percent of all humans, it is not
separately evaluated in the Values Test (Ooten, Unpublished).
As additional energy becomes available to humans, observation of cause
and effect emerges, and when competition and threats endanger satisfactory
survival, the Beige level shifts to the next level. At this point, new neurological
connections create an awareness of a distinct self as well as awareness that group
efforts are needed to ensure continued existence (Beck, 2006).

Purple

The Purple level is magical and animistic, and the core motivations are about
keeping the spirits happy, the tribe safe, and ensuring continued gratification
of basic needs. In this stage, the core belief is that the world is mysterious and
frightening, and in order to survive, the tribe must band together to placate or
appease the gods, spirits, deities, and authorities. The needs of the individual are
subsumed in the group. In an animistic worldview, everything has meaning and
is living, including the rocks, trees, and earth (Graves, 2005; Beck, 2006). This
level is highly motivated by assurance of safety and survival, which is achieved
through traditionalism and adherence to the tribal order (Graves, 1974).
If and when the rituals, taboos, and tribal order become too constrictive or do
not assure survival, some individuals will evolve to the next level, which focuses
on expression of self for self-gratification (Ooten, Unpublished).

Red

The Red level of consciousness is impulsive and egocentric. The core
motivation is about doing what you want and being who you are, regardless
of the consequences (Ooten, Unpublished). Neurotransmitters related to guilt
are not physiologically present in individuals at this level, thus guilt is not
expressed (Graves, 2005). The world is seen as rough and harsh; the mentality
is about fighting to survive. At this level of consciousness, the needs of the
individual outweigh the needs of the group. The individual expresses himself
in an egocentric, exploitive, impulsive, control-driven manner. There are two
categories of individuals at this level: the victim and the perpetrator, or a few
“haves” and many “have nots” (Beck, 2006). Hedonism, immediate sensory
gratification, power impulses and displays, and spontaneous guilt-free actions
drive the individual. Individuals at this level are most motivated by survival
fears, using any means of exploitation to attain power (Graves, 1974). When
individuals begin to question why they must die and impulsive living takes its
toll, some people will shift into the next wave of development (Graves, 1974).

Blue

From the chaotic and usually short-lived lifestyle of the Red level, arises the Blue
level of consciousness, wherein the individual becomes concerned with the world
being divine, controlled and purposeful. There is obedience to authority and, for
the first time in the developmental stages of humanity, the sense of guilt becomes
present, thereby creating a desire at this level to do right, to do good, and to
sacrifice now in order to obtain rewards in the afterlife (Ooten, Unpublished).
At this level of consciousness, individuals are likely to find purpose in causes
and to dedicate themselves to crusades or jihad. Fundamentalism predominates
(Graves, 2002; Beck, 2006). “At this level man accepts his position in life.
Inequality is a fact of life. He believes that the task of living is to strive for
perfection in his assigned role—absolute perfection, regardless of how high or
low his assigned station” (Graves, 2005, p. 254). Individuals operating at this
level seek security of salvation through sacrifice. Tired of sacrificing for future
gains, the Orange level arises, seeking immediate rewards (Graves, 1974).

Orange

The ego becomes fully individuated at the Orange level of consciousness in a
world view where independence, logic, competition, success, optimism and
progress are highly valued (Ooten, Unpublished). Orange level thinking
rationalizes the means to reach the ends. The scientific method is highly valued,
yet learning is often through self-experimentation and observing what has
worked for select others. Authority, however, is not highly respected. At this level,
individuals are capable of seeing many ways to solve a problem; yet, they also
believe there is always one best way. They are highly self-motivated and often
shrewdly, subtly and strategically manipulate others to reach their goals (Graves,
2002). Paradoxically, individuals at the Orange level see themselves as highly
objective, yet the ego is most subjective at this stage (Ooten, Unpublished).
This level of consciousness is instrumental in raising quality of life through
technological advances for the entire world and is also responsible for heavy
depletion of natural resources (Graves, 2005; Beck, 2006). From the Orange
level, people are motivated by independence and use scientism to achieve
materialism (Graves, 1974).

Green

From recognizing the intense pain that arises from ego individuation,
independence and competition in the Orange level of thinking, the individual
may realize that he or she has separated from fellow humans (Ooten,
Unpublished). A need to connect and join in community with others develops
in the transition into the Green level of consciousness where the valued group,
inner peace and unity are valued over materialism. Thinking at the Green level is
more expanded and open to more solutions than previous levels. Individuals at
this level turn their attention to their fellow man and creating equality of rights,
opportunities and resources (Graves, 2005). Yet paradoxically, this level becomes
lost in self-contemplation and uses massive resources with little production.
Acceptance and harmony within the valued group are key to the individual
at this stage. Feelings and spirituality become more important than rational
thought and materialism (Graves, 2005). This level of consciousness is highly
idealistic and believes that all humans are equal and, as such, equal opportunity
will allow all individuals to flourish. There is discrepancy when both freedom
of expression and adherence to the group are equally valued. Consensus rules
while change and action occur slowly in an attempt to maintain group harmony,
consider all options, and maintain the status quo. This level also naively believes
that all humans are loving, good, and can learn to appreciate one another
(Graves, 2005; Beck, 2006). Individuals are motivated by affiliation and use
sociocentricity to achieve a sense of community (Graves, 1974).

Yellow

The transition from the First Tier of Consciousness to the Yellow level of the
Second Tier is a “momentous leap” according to Clare Graves (1974, 2005), when
the individual realizes that equally distributing resources among all people and
expecting that all humans are equally good and loving creates more problems
than it solves. This leap may occur when life conditions change to seriously
threaten survival, and the individual/species has to relearn survival (Graves,2002).
There are currently a small number of individuals who operate from the
Second Tier of existence, but the species as a whole has not yet evolved to this
level (Ooten, 2010).
Adherence to the favored group in the Green level is transformed into acceptance
of all people for who they are, where they are in the Second Tier. This acceptance
allows individuals at the Yellow level of consciousness to speak to the listening
of others, regardless of their level. Chaos is seen as part of the natural order
and imperative for change (Graves, 2005). These individuals are highly flexible
in their thinking and are able to see from a perspective that is larger than all
the levels of the First Tier combined (Graves, 2005). The reality of existence is
emphasized and interconnected with spirituality. The individual transcends
self-centered, instinctual and emotional drives to a way of being that expresses
self to the benefit of self and others (Ooten, Unpublished). Individuals at this
level live from the knowing of the interconnectivity of all of humanity, and that
what affects the individual, affects the whole. The focus becomes the continued
existence of all of life (not just humanity), using whatever means are appropriate
given place and time (Beck, 2006). Methods and thinking are fluid, adapting
to conditions. If democracy is appropriate, democracy is used. If consensus
is appropriate, consensus is used. Technology is highly utilized for self and all
of humanity to rapidly network and interconnect with others at all levels of
development, as well as to quickly produce solutions and resources for existential
problems. People at this level can also express a level of arrogance about their
broader perspectives and understandings (Graves, 2005; Beck, 2006). Individuals
at the Yellow level of consciousness are motivated by the continuation of
existence and use acceptance to ensure the continuation of life (Graves, 1974).

Turquoise

The Turquoise level arises when the interconnecting technology of the Yellow
level creates chaos and new global problems. In the Turquoise level, a sense of
order is understood within the chaos of the universe, and spirituality and physics
are combined for a deeper understanding of how the universe and multiverses
operate (Graves, 2005). The idea of the holon is embodied (that the microcosm
reflects the macrocosm and the macrocosm reflects the microcosm; or as above,
below and as below, above). The individual is seen as a part of the larger cosmos,
a conscious collective, which serves the whole and the one as the same, because
they are not separate (Ooten, Unpublished). In the understanding of that
Oneness, individuals at the Turquoise level are aware that all actions and nonactions
impact all beings, all planetary bodies, the entire cosmos (Graves, 2005;
Graves, 2002; Beck, 2006). Individuals at this level see the earth and all living
beings that inhabit the earth as one organism and understand that sacrifices
are necessary by all for life to continue. These individuals learn intuitively and
experientially, are deeply grounded in the metaphysical, and live minimalistically
to create more for all (Graves, 2005). With such a broad awareness, there may
be difficulty with creating direct and focused action. Paradox is embraced and
known as essential (Graves, 2005; Beck, 2006). Individuals who operate from
the Turquoise level value experience and through experiencing, they create
communion with all that is (Graves, 1974).
Enneagram Archetypes within Levels of Consciousness
Spiral Dynamics is a model that describes phylogenetics, the evolution of the
species. The Enneagram of Personality is a tool that details the fixated aspects
of the individual and describes ontogentics, the development of the individual
of the species. Pairing these two systems provides a map for the evolution of
individuals through levels of consciousness. Through properly comprehending
and applying these two systems, we can develop deep compassion and
understanding for our fellow human beings and can be more effective in all
endeavors (Ooten, Unpublished).

Purple Level of Consciousness

Type One: The Judge/The Magistrate. Enneagram Type One, the Judge, at
the Purple level functions as the Magistrate. The Judge at the earliest stage
of evolution is consumed with keeping the rules of the group and providing
indoctrination for the group members. The primary focus of the Magistrate
is to ensure the group maintains cohesive structure that ensures the safety of
all. The Judge at this level of awareness is the keeper of the tribal rituals,
handing these rituals down through the narrative traditions (Ooten, Unpublished;
Ooten, 2010).

Type Two: The Provider/The Martyr. At this level of consciousness, Type Two,
the Provider, shows up as a Martyr who makes the home/hearth safe for all.
The Martyr will sacrifice self on many levels in order to ensure the safety and
continuation of the group (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Three: The Doer/ The Magician.
 At the Purple level, Type Three, the
Doer, shows up as the Magician, ready to defend the group through any magical
means required. The Magician works by interfacing tirelessly with the spirits in
an effort to maintain a bridge between harsh reality and the magic of the natural
world, the universe (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Four: The Idealist/The Keeper of Mysteries. Type 4, The Idealist at this
level becomes the Keeper of Mysteries and communes with the magic of nature
to solidify the safety of the group. The Keeper of the Mysteries holds the oral or
narrative traditions of the properties of healing and the secrets of nature. Type
Four communes with the mysterious aspects of nature, which brings about the
information needed to protect the group (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Five: The Sage/The Ascetic. In the Purple level, Type Five, the Sage,
becomes the Ascetic and serves as the shaman, the holder of the wisdom that the
universe imparts in nature’s mystery. The Ascetic is the seer of the group, tapping
into universal wisdom (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Six: The Questioner/The Vizier. In the Purple level of awareness, Type
Six, the Questioner, takes on the role of the Vizier, becoming an advisor to the
authorities of the group. The Vizier rigidly obeys the magical beliefs in order to
keep the group safe, secure, clothed, and fed. The Vizier uses her intuitive powers
to forestall or forewarn of dangers that may compromise the group, advising the
authorities how to remain in power (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Seven: The Adventurer/The Pixie or Jester. Type Seven, the Adventurer,
acts as the Pixie or Jester in the Purple Level. His role in the group is the bearer
of levity and has a chauvinistic flavor. He brings fun, laughter, and spontaneity
to keep the group together and soften the harshness of reality. The sprite-like
nature of Type Seven ensures that humor is injected into daily life, bringing an
ability to make fun of ourselves (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Eight: The Defender/Priest or Priestess. At this level, Type Eight, the
Defender, operates as the Priest or Priestess, interacting directly with the deities
to defend, control, and represent the needs of the group. The Priest or Priestess
uses him/herself as a protective force between members of the group and the
forces of nature (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Nine: The Moderator/The Dreamer. In the Purple level, Type Nine, the
Moderator, functions as the Dreamer. She lives in a dream-like state, maintaining
the trance that bridges the gap between the magical world and the “real” world.
Type Nine holds the group rituals and daily life repetitions in place as the
Dreamer, bringing the physical and spiritual worlds into alignment (Ooten,
Unpublished).

Red Level of Consciousness

Type One: The Judge/The Vindicator. Type One, the Judge, at this stage of
evolution is the Vindicator, concerned with black or white, right or wrong,
justice or injustice as proscribed by their own internal values. At this level the
Vindicator manages to maintain a predatory position held in place by a belief
structure that says those who criticize, question or doubt my authority or power,
deserve to die (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Two: The Provider/The Profane Prostitute. Type Two, the Provider, at this
level performs as the Profane Prostitute and controls through indispensability,
operating from either a position of power or as the liaison to the power gods
or as the lieutenant in the gang. The Profane Prostitute is not about sex, but is
about offering self to obtain a position of power. At this level of consciousness,
power is obtained by being the liaison to power brokers, gang leaders or the gods.
The Profane Prostitute is represented in the masculine form by being the second
in command to the most powerful leader (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Three: The Doer/The Warrior. At this level, Type Three, the Doer,
shows up as the Warrior, ready to fight for whatever she believes will make her
successful and gain her recognition. She will not give up her freedom to meet
another’s expectations. At this level Type Three is likely to be in the perpetrator,
not the victim, role, because it is still imperative that she be viewed as the leader,
the one in control. The Doer at this level tends to move against others in an
effort to position herself on top. Her run for success is at all costs, because there
is no conscience to hold her back. Power brings acclaim (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Four: The Idealist/The Hysteric. Type Four, the Idealist, operates as the
Hysteric at this level of awareness from the position of being extremely rebellious
and “pissed off”. He finds himself more often in the role of victim than
perpetrator, because he is controlled by his emotions and sees things happening
to him, rather than taking responsibility for creating his own life. The Hysteric
allows his emotions to spontaneously run free, creating that fine line between
genius and insanity. The Hysteric either finds himself leading from a position of
passion or following from a position of suffering (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Five: The Sage/The Wizard. For Type 5, the Sage, or the Wizard at this
level, it is good to be close to the king but not the king. This allows for a position
of power from a safe distance. At this level, the Wizard maintains a foothold in
the previous level of consciousness and brings forth the elements of the magical
in a way that represents artful genius. From a Wizard platform, they maintain
a position of intellectual power and distance from the perpetrators. Depending
on their intellectual prowess they can either move into the perpetrator or prey
position (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Six: The Questioner/The Conniver. Type Six, the Questioner, is the
Conniver at the Red level. The Conniver has the ability to move into the phobic
prey space or the counterphobic perpetrator space. The paranoia is in full
swing with the mentality that “I’ll get them before they get me” and “better
you than me”. The phobic Conniver uses her intellectual faculties to move
towards those more powerful to be protected. The counterphobic moves into a
position of perpetrator, defending their hedonistic desires intellectually (Ooten,
Unpublished).

Type Seven: The Adventurer/The Addict. At this level, Type Seven, the
Adventurer, functions as the Addict. The Addict lives for today, indulging all
hedonistic sensual and sexual pleasures, because tomorrow may not come. For
the Addict, planning is engaged in day by day by day, having the most pleasure
possible each moment. The Addict soothes the pain by whatever means possible.
Type Seven at this level holds a position of power through the illusion of “smoke
and mirrors” (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Eight: The Defender/The Amazon/The War Lord. At this level of adult
psycho-social behavior, Type Eight, the Defender, is the perpetrator, excessively
controlling and dominating from a position of totality and fear as the Amazon
or War Lord. The Red Type Eight holds the “power” and provides protection to
those who bend totally to his/her will. The Eight operates as a protector for a
price. Since guilt is not present at this level of development, nothing reigns in
Type Eight’s insatiable proclivities for power and control (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Nine: The Moderator/The Imploder. At this stage of development, Type
Nine, the Moderator, is the Imploder and has a greater capacity for being in
touch with his own needs, rather than the needs of others, than at other levels in
the first tier. He is driven by the internalized or imploded anger that gives him
permission to indulge narcissistically in his own desires and pleasures. At this
level of development, the Nine’s desire to avoid conflict recedes, giving way to
a sense of power over others that is not dampened by guilt or conscience. The
imploding of anger is likely to move the Nine into a position of isolation (Ooten,
Unpublished).

Blue Level of Consciousness

Type One: The Judge/The Crusader. At this level, Type One, the Judge,
manifests as the Crusader for “the right and the good”, and judging self and
others from a place of nonadaptability and adherence to his chosen authority’s
fundamental rules and laws. The Crusader uses the belief in “the one right way”
to bring order to the chaos experienced at the Red level when the individual
supersedes the group (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Two: The Provider/The Servant. At this level of awareness Type Two, the
Provider, places herself in the Servant role to the authority, the organization, or
the cause, dedicating herself to a life of service and sacrifice for all. At this level
Type Two uses guilt as a primary source to motivate self and manipulate others
to obey the group authorities and rules for future gains (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Three: The Doer/The King/The Queen. Type Three, the Doer, takes on
the role of the leader or the King/Queen of the group, organization or family, the
authority to be obeyed at this level of awareness. The Three sets the ideals and
values which they believe will maximize everyone’s potential and bring about
success for the group. The Three believes that a strict adherence to the game plan
will win great rewards in the future. Hard work, dedication and perseverance are
expected and are reward enough for the present moment. Guilt can creep in if
the Three allows for slacking of self or others in the group (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Four: The Idealist/The Living Sacrifice. The Four, the Idealist, at this
level is concerned with an inner code of conduct that inflicts internal suffering.
The Four serves as the Living Sacrifice for the good of all. S/he can become the
monk/nun/monastic, taking on a solitary life to observe the guilt rooted in the
preoccupation with self, rather than the group. This introspection can be used to
create, condemn or destroy, depending on the attentional focus of the individual
Four (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Five: The Sage/The Gnostic. Type Five, the Sage, operates as the Gnostic
at this level by being the keeper of the knowledge. There is a certain safety in
knowing that they “know.” This knowledge is used to keep the group adhering
to the values that will ensure a place of good standing with the perceived divine
powers (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Six: The Questioner/The Obligationist. Type Six, the Questioner becomes
the Obligationist at the Blue level, as duty calls the righteous to battle for the
good of all. Type Six understands that sacrifice is necessary to ensure safety
and security for the group. The Six sacrifices self and is subsumed in the group,
believing that this is the only way to attain salvation. Doubt and questions are
permitted to recede in the mind of a true believer, and this allows the Questioner
to have the desired certainty of “the authority”, sacrificing the “inner authority”
(Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Seven: The Adventurer/The Imaginer. Type Seven, the Adventurer,
performs as the Imaginer at the Blue level. The Adventurer is willing to do
whatever is necessary inside his/her own mind to bend to the “beliefs” of the
authority in charge. Since “reality” is subjective, the Seven is able to live within
the constriction of the values that are present, always able to create an alternative
imagined reality to avoid the limitations that sacrifice requires. The cause is
what is important, truth is relative (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Eight: The Defender/The Enforcer. Type Eight, the Defender, appears
at the Blue level as the Enforcer. Someone must lead the Crusade/Jihad, and
the Eight is capable of defending and enforcing the group’s beliefs and values,
providing the security that the group believes will lead to ultimate salvation.
Type Eight at this level of consciousness is prepared to die for the group and
the cause, knowing that this alone brings about absolute salvation, the ultimate
power (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Nine: The Moderator/The Compliant. For Type Nine, the Moderator,
achieving everlasting peace of mind is easy when one adheres to the “one true
way” as the Compliant. Harmony is assured if one accepts his/her position in
life and maintains comfort and stability through current relational patterns.
There is no need for guilt when inequality is a given, and disharmony comes only
when one does not accept the truth. Type Nine at this level finds safety in not
rocking the boat; compliance is easy when everything is prescriptive and choice
is virtually eliminated (Ooten, Unpublished).

Orange Level of Consciousness

Type One: The Judge/The Auditor. At the Orange Level, Type One, the Judge,
pursues self-perfection. Type One believes that his way is the right way; he
applies high standards of integrity and attention to detail to succeed through
continual self-improvement. Ones at this level are concerned with rules,
codification, how things are being allotted, and who is right and who is wrong.
The Auditor audits himself more than anyone else (Ooten, Unpublished;
Ooten, 2010).

Type Two: The Provider/The Executive Assistant. Indispensability in
organizations as the Executive Assistant, whether business, familial or social, is
the key means of maintaining and achieving success for Type Two, the Executive
Assistant at the Orange level. Type Two at this level often appears as the “power
behind the throne”, giving to those in power as a means to attain power and
material success for self. Executive Assistants often put themselves into the
position of “gatekeeper” to the highest executive, controlling who has access to
what and whom. The Provider wants his giving to be recognized, appreciated
and rewarded (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Three: The Doer/The CEO. Type Three, the Doer, develops and maintains
a pristine image of competency and efficiency in the climb to the top. Operating
as the CEO role in the Orange level, achievement is more important than
anything else. The chameleon-like abilities of Type Three are applied to creating
a waterproof image that instills trust and confidence in those with whom they
relate. At the Orange level, the CEO wants others to think that she knows what
she is doing, and that she will lead others where they want to go. The sky is
the limit, the mountaintop is the requirement, and failure is not an option.
Every person and every event is an opportunity to achieve success (Ooten,
Unpublished).

Type Four: The Idealist/The Manipulator. Envy drives competition and
an emphasis on having material possessions for Type Four, the Idealist, who
operates at the Orange level as the Manipulator. Individualism emphasizes the
uniqueness and elitism of Type Four, who manipulates the system for what is
“deserved.” Entitlement is the rationalization for doing whatever he wants, in
the quest to quench the thirst of envy and desire. Image is applied to “dressing
for success” or creating the “look.” Presentation of self and the surrounding
environment is highly emphasized to create a feeling of material luxury and
wealth (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Five: The Sage/The Investigator. Type Five, the Sage, works at the Orange
level as the Investigator, containing and preserving energy to direct it into
seeking rational answers and best results. Intellectual learning, analyzing, and
thinking drive the pursuit of knowledge for scientific and personal gain. Deep
level, niche knowledge and research are applied to create material wealth and/or
gains. Rationality is elevated as the best philosophic and scientific approach
to life. Type Five at the Orange level attempts to be devoid of feelings, which
cannot be quantified and qualitatively measured and lives from a state of superrationality
(Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Six: The Questioner/The Frenetic. The independent mindset at the
Orange level reduces the ability to trust in an outside authority and Type Six,
The Questioner, must look inward for authority. Yet, Type Six still questions and
doubts her inner authority. Questioning the inner authority, combined with
needing external scientific proof, leads Type Six to become the Frenetic. Faith
in an external authority is mistrusted. There is also a drive for material security,
which can be procured only through one’s own actions. This drive can create
courageous action through risk taking to seek ways to advance, forcing through
fears and questions (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Seven: The Adventurer/The Innovator. At this level, Type Seven, the
Adventurer, sees the world as full of opportunity. As the Innovator, he or she is
resourceful, using patterns of possibility-seeking and interconnecting ideas to
envision and create, charming others to get for self. Type Seven has an inferior/
superior dichotomy, and to avoid the painful feelings of inferiority, will “level the
playing field” with authority in his mind. This leads to an indirect challenge of
authority, which is also used to “climb the ladder” (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten,
2010).

Type Eight: The Defender/The Boss. Type Eight, the Defender, shows up as
the Boss at the Orange level, motivated by materialism and avoiding the fear of
being controlled at all costs. At this level, the Boss works to ensure that he or she
maintains positions of authority, imposing his own version of truth on situations
and others. Intensity and lust are channeled into empire building. The Boss can
only follow a very strong leader, and if one is not present, will quickly take over
the group consciously or unconsciously. Type Eight at the Orange level believes
that being an island is a protection from vulnerability (Ooten, Unpublished;
Ooten, 2010).

Type Nine: The Moderator/The Consistent Self. Type Nine, the Moderator, will
go along with others to attain the fulfillment of her own desires—it is beneficial
to go along with the group when the group is going in the same direction. The
Consistent Self operates at a slow, steady, plodding, consistent pace of progress
for material gain and advancement. Passive aggressiveness aids in maintaining
her autonomy to reach her own goals when her goals are different from the
group, partner, family or workplace. (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Green Level of Consciousness

Type One: The Judge/The Objector. Type One, the Judge, acts as the Objector
in the Green level and objects to the “normal way” of being because he or she
believes in a more idealistic “right way.” Ones become the chaos engine—they
shake things up at the Green level. The Objector looks to uphold a cause that
reflects Green level values like diversity, justice, and preserving the environment.
Conflict within the chosen community must be avoided to maintain group
harmony, and the internal anger of Type One is turned to those outside the
group’s acceptable range of differences of opinions and ways of being (Ooten,
Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Two: The Provider/The Earth Mother/Father. Type Two, the Provider,
expresses the “need to be needed” in the Green level as sympathizing and giving
self away to take care of the needs of all, serving as the Earth Mother/Father.
The belief is that everyone needs care and sympathy, the Earth Mother/Father’s
version of compassion. The Earth Mother/Father believes that he or she has
a big enough heart to give the love he or she perceives the world needs. This
sacrifice of self is exhausting and diminishes the impact the Provider could make
on the world (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Three: The Doer/The Politician. The exploration of feelings becomes
acceptable at the Green level, and for Type Three doing is combined with an
image of caring. As Type Three, the Doer turns her interest into serving the
“common good” with her work as the Politician. Energy is applied to make the
world a better place through serving groups and populations that match her
ideas of a better world. Consensus-seeking often mires down progress (Ooten,
Unpublished).

Type Four: The Idealist/The Connector. Type 4, The Idealist, at the Green
Level, acts as the Connector, connecting to the community and other individuals.
He values the need to connect and serve the community over connecting with
self, which perpetuates an illusion of abandonment. Much time and energy is
spent processing the range of feelings of others and sometimes of self. He shares
what is in his heart that he perceives will be valued by the community, while
keeping the darkness still locked inside (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Five: The Sage/The Professor. As Type Five, the Sage, becomes more
aware of others and develops a need for community, he becomes more accepting
of different ways of operating and being in the world, developing a “live and
let live” attitude and acting as the Professor. At this level, Type Five can begin
to recognize the presence of emotions and needs. The heart is considered,
pondered, and reflected upon (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Six: The Questioner/The Champion. As Type Six, the Questioner
becomes aware that “going it alone” doesn’t bring security, she turns to trusting
others. In allowing herself to trust others, she begins to learn to trust herself. She
finds connection with others through serving as the Champion for underdog
causes, the downtrodden, and the disenfranchised. In the egalitarian mindset of
Type Six in the Green level, she still does not trust authority figures, and she does
not trust herself as an authority (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Seven: The Adventurer/The Conceptualizer. Type Seven, the Adventurer,
in the Green level is the Conceptualizer who sees that pain not only limits self
but others as well. He envisions an egalitarian society where limitations in life
are eliminated for all. The Conceptualizer turns attention about limitations
outward and sympathizes with others, to avoid his own pain. There is a high
tolerance for many ways of being as long as those ways don’t enforce limitations
on the Adventurer’s way of life (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Eight: The Defender/The Protector. Recognizing that a solitary existence
doesn’t bring happiness, feelings of needing connection with others arise for
Type 8, the Defender. Connecting with others requires vulnerability. Energy
to avoid this inner vulnerability is channeled into being the Protector by
leading causes, protecting the weak and fighting for the disadvantaged (Ooten,
Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Nine: The Moderator/The Communalist. The Green level for Type Nine,
the Moderator, becomes a spiritual bypass where time is wasted in spiritual-like
pursuits that bring no real change. The Communalist will look like a part of the
community to avoid conflict yet doesn’t really connect or become involved. She
will appear to be moving along in life but is merely “narced out” on the spiritual
message of the day. Type Nine can become very comfortable in the consensusseeking
and status quo of the Green meme. The ego for Type Nine most wants
a communal existence with others that is conflict-free and easy to maintain,
yet avoidance of conflict can never bring true harmony (Ooten, Unpublished;
Ooten, 2010).

Yellow Level of Consciousness

Type One: The Judge/The Idealistic Self. In the momentous shift into the
Second Tier, Type One, the Judge, finds connection with her heart and embodies
compassion. Instead of projecting the ideal, the Idealist Self becomes the ideal.
From the acceptance of the Yellow level, the Judge is able to relax judgment and
criticism of self and others. Judgment is transformed as the boundaries of good
and bad dissolve into grays, and the Idealist Self can allow herself to be who
she is, visioning from the understanding that all is good (Ooten, Unpublished;
Ooten, 2010).

Type Two: The Provider/The Facilitator. Type Two, the Provider, recognizes
in the Second Tier that because he is part of the whole of existence, his own
needs are equally important as the needs of others. Manipulation turns into
resourcefulness as Type Two operates as the Facilitator, able to match needs and
resources for the benefit of all, including himself. “Giving to get” is transformed
into true altruism, and knowledge is as valued as feelings (Ooten, Unpublished;
Ooten, 2010).

Type Three: The Doer/The Teacher. By seeing the value of all the ways of being
in the world, Type Three, the Doer, can allow herself to be authentic. When
energy is no longer spent in creating different images for different audiences,
it can instead be effectively channeled into what she has to offer the world as
she spreads hope as the Teacher. Rather than losing time in frenetic doing to
compensate for a deep sense of valuelessness, the illusion of having to do to be
loved is transformed into being able to make the best use of her time for serving
the world (Ooten, Unpublished).

Type Four: The Idealist/The Intuitive Self. Realizing that everything
is interwoven, Type Four, the Idealist, relies on intuition and knows that
nothing can be missing from the interconnected whole, and that everything
is love. Loosening his image of uniqueness, he experiences the simultaneous
individuality and homogeneity of existence, which allows him to tap into his
Intuitive Self. From accessing intuition, his deep sense of abandonment becomes
transformed into the knowing that he is love and a lightness of heart emerges.
Knowing who he is empowers him to make intense change in the world (Ooten,
Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Five: The Sage/The Quantum Healer. Through the awareness that energy
is never created nor destroyed, Type Five, the Sage, no longer has to conserve, and
through non-attachment, can step forward energetically into interactions and
interconnections with others. Through accessing her heart, knowledge becomes
understanding, and she is empowered as the Quantum Healer to bring healing to
the world (Esposito, 2008; Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Six: The Questioner/The Trusting Self. In the Yellow level of
consciousness, Type Six, the Questioner, is able to trust himself for the first time.
The Trusting Self transforms rigidity and inconsistency into solidity as faith is
embodied. From an understanding of the need for adaptive, flexible systems, the
Trusting Self can operate under external authority when needed, or can serve as
the authority. “Authority can be authorities because I’m the authority too, and I
trust myself” (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Seven: The Adventurer/The Unified Self. At this stage of evolution, Type
Seven, the Unified Self, recognizes that pain is an integral aspect of existence, and
that pleasure is possible only when contrasted with the pain. This realization
brings freedom of heart, and the Unified Self can turn his mental abilities to
integrating complex concepts that address existential issues and world problems
(Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Eight: The Defender/The Coach. Seeing that true strength lies in softness
and openness, Type Eight, the Defender, can relax into her vulnerability and
innocence, which gives her true power. From the empowerment that comes
in accepting her own vulnerability, the Coach empowers others and facilitates
change in organizations and systems (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Nine: The Moderator/The Ambassador Self. In the interconnected web
of life, everything has importance and value. This recognition allows Type 9, the
Moderator, to be clear in expressing his own priorities while also collaborating
with others to create change in the world. In loosening the illusion of separation,
he sees the importance of himself and his work in the world where he serves as
the Ambassador Self for all people (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Turquoise Level of Consciousness

Type One: The Judge/The Unifier. Evolving to the Turquoise level, Type One,
the Judge, understands that everything that occurs is perfect “as it is because it is”
and lives from a positionof unity consciousness and serenity. There is no right
or wrong, no good or bad. From this non-dual perspective, Type One serves the
universe as the Unifier, and this wisdom is applied to defining ways of life that
benefit the whole and ensure the continuation of existence (Ooten, Unpublished;
Ooten, 2010).

Type Two: The Provider/The Social Servant. Type Two, the Provider, emerges
in the Turquoise level recognizing that we all have needs, are all loveable, and
are all free. There is no separation between the needs of an individual and the
collective needs of the whole. At this level Type Two serves with true humility in
the role of Social Servant, working within the universe to provide for the whole.
She is truly free because she operates with surrender to the flow of the universal
direction and will. She doesn’t need anyone, and doesn’t need to be anything for
anyone (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Three: The Doer/The Benefactor. At this level, Type Three, the Doer, no
longer sees himself as a separate entity, competing for accolades as “the high
note.” The Benefactor knows that we are all precious notes in the complex
symphony of life and that the Universe acts “through us, as us.” Each note is
required to create life, and Type Three works to accomplish for the benefit of all
beings (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Four: The Idealist/The Inclusive Self. Type Four, the Idealist, understands
that we can never be separate because there is no time and space. We are one
with all as an integral aspect of the unfolding of reality and never apart from the
Source, Origin. Embodying this oneness, Type Four serves as the Inclusive Self,
knowing that all are part of the overwhelming beauty of existence, and fiercely
defends the continued existence of life (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).
Type Four knows that “we are waves in the Ocean of Being” (Esposito, 2008).

Type Five: The Sage/The Integrative Self. In seeing the individual reflection of
the whole and the whole reflecting the individual, Type Five, the Sage, lives from
omniscience as the Integrative Self, knowing that even the unknown is part of
the whole. Knowledge is combined with action to become true understanding
for the collective consciousness of all beings (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).
“The Universe knows Itself through us” (Esposito, 2008). Enlightenment comes
through the experience of direct knowing and intuitive direct connection to
consciousness. In listening directly to unity consciousness through mindfulness
and meditation, doubts and fear dissolve (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Six: The Questioner/The Faithful Self. Type Six, the Questioner,
understands at the Turquoise level that fear is simply one aspect of the multitude
of experiences, and it has no more meaning than any other experience (Ooten,
Unpublished). Realizing that life and death are merely energy states, the Faithful
Self understands that security is always present and trusts in reality as it unfolds.
Faith and trust in the unknowing brings courage to act spontaneously and allows
Type Six to lead the continuation of life (Esposito, 2008; Ooten, 2010).

Type Seven: The Adventurer/The Renaissance Self. Knowing that nothing
exists outside the eternal now, including the self, Type Seven, the Adventurer,
allows the universe to reveal itself while playing a part in its unfolding.
Understanding how all the intricate parts are merely representations of
the whole, the Renaissance Self envisions new ways of being for all, and by
transcending illusions of limitations of space and time, has constancy to lead
others right here, right now (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten, 2010).

Type Eight: The Defender/The Way Shower. All ways of being are components
of the greater whole. Able to see the truth in all perspectives, the energy,
intensity and drive of Type Eight, the Defender, is used magnanimously as the
Way Shower to evolve the collective consciousness for the benefit of all. Relaxing
into vulnerability allows innocence to be expressed (Ooten, Unpublished; Ooten,
2010). When innocence emerges, desires, fear, separation, alienation and anger
dissolve into “the peace that surpasses understanding” (Esposito, 2008). Leading
from innocence, the Way Showers are wisdom teachers and empowerers of
others who embody the understanding that “All is One” (Ooten, 2010).

Type Nine: The Moderator/The Psychic. The entirety of existence cannot be
without each requisite part, and the parts cannot exist outside the whole. Type
Nine, the Moderator, knows at this level that All is Love, and nothing can be
separate from love. There is no separation of self and the Divine, and he knows
he is worthy of being seen (Ooten, Unpublished). He remembers that he is “one
with the Divine Love that creates and sustains the Universe” (Esposito, 2008),
and from this direct knowing, he serves as the Psychic, understanding all things
from the embodiment of love (Ooten, Unpublished).

 

Descriptive Phrases of Enneagram Types and Levels of Consciousness

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

It is essential to remember that Spiral Dynamics is an open-ended system, and
that as long as human beings continue to exist, new levels will always emerge as
new problems are created by the prior level. It is also important to remember
that all levels are necessary for the development of humanity. All levels have
advantages and all create problems; no level is better than another (Graves, 2005).
We must learn how to apply an understanding of these levels appropriately for
the benefit of all people. Our responsibility as shepherds of consciousness is to
guide ourselves and others only as and when they are ready to shift, and allow for
all the variations of humanity. We must remember that neither individuals nor
the whole of humanity can be forced to skip levels; we must all follow through
the steps and stages of evolution. Multiple levels operate within us at different
times and in different circumstances (Graves, 2005). Individual evolution is a
life-long process. The journey has no ending. If we want to evolve, whether on
an individual or global scale, we must always start with ourselves and be honest
about the levels from which we are operating. From this awareness, we can
challenge ourselves to expand and evolve to find adaptive, creative solutions for
our personal lives, our intimate and work relationships, and for world problems.
In creating personal change, we change the world.

 

Originally Published in The Enneagram Journal, Vol. 3, Num. 1, pg (33-58)

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