Tuesday, April 15, 2008

The Enneagram: Part Deux

As I've continued reading that book about Christianity and the Enneagram, I've been thinking about Christian symbols, and how they correspond to the 9 faces of the soul. So, I made this.

(And I promise to shut up about the freaking Enneagram for a few more months!)




TRIAD I: Children of the Father
(Eight, Nine, One)

Eight -- STRENGTH -- The instruments of the Eucharistic feast, the Power of God Incarnate. Blessed are the merciful, for you will obtain mercy.

Nine -- PEACE -- The chi rho, Greek symbolism for "Jesus Christ," the Prince of Peace, also shorthand for the Latin PAX, "peace." Blessed are the peacemakers, for you will be called children of God.

One -- PERFECTION -- The Trinity, at once both dogmatic and beautiful, the essence of Perfection - Three in One. Blessed are the pure of heart, for you will see God.


TRIAD II: Children of the Son
(Two, Three, Four)

Two -- LOVE -- The Marian crest, symbol of the Virgin Mary, the Mother who adopted all of humanity, and eternally shares the pains of her only begotten son. Blessed are the meek, for you will inherit the earth. Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice, for great is your reward in Heaven.

Three -- VICTORY -- The keys of Apostolic authority and a symbol of the Church Triumphant. True victory is obtained only through God. Blessed are the meek, for you will inherit the earth.

Four -- PASSION -- The Sacred Heart of Jesus. Redemption of self and others through penance and self-examination. Blessed are you who mourn, for you will be comforted.


TRIAD III: Children of the Spirit
(Five, Six, Seven)

Five -- WISDOM -- The Ichthys, an ancient Christian symbol of hidden knowledge and secret wisdom. Blessed are you who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for you will be filled.

Six -- LOYALTY -- St. Peter, who at first denied Christ three times, in the end chose to be martyred for Christ by means of upside-down crucifixion - the ultimate loyalty. Blessed are you who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.

Seven -- JOY -- The Celtic cross, a symbol of Resurrection and new life, as the sun rises behind an empty cross. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.



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4 comments:

Episcopollyanna said...

Hmmm, interesting. According to a test I took a while back, I'm a six.

Eric said...

My dad is a Six :)

Jim Strader said...

Do you claim a number? I identify with the "2" with a really strong "1" wing. My "companion is a "5" with a "4" wing (I think)

Eric said...

I'm a Four, with a Five wing - your partner and I would probably get along very well! :)