Enneagram Trifix Illustrations
Other than having a core Enneagram type, an individual has two other types residing in their neglected centers, resulting in a trifix consisting of three interacting types. The order of the trifix can add different flavors to the character, but essentially each trifix takes on its own energy. I've decided to capture this energy as an archetypal figure. These drawings will eventually be transferred to paintings.
125
Having a very rigid, intellectual, and eerily ‘nice’ demeanor places this triple-hexad into an alchemists’ chair. They know a lot about very particular things (1 & 5), and will make you really feel that (2). Alchemy tinkers with a long, particular process to transform and transcend basic/bland substances into something more profound or eternal. 125 could be tinkering with that potential themselves, but may just seem misunderstood or unwanted by others. The sun has a very penetrating feel to it, which I associate a lot towards the 2-5 stem. With this trifix being a bit more personal and ‘in-your-face’, I made the big, burning ball its actual face.
126
Triple super-ego definitely calls for a megaphone. This is the three types that are keen on catching and upholding morals, and making sure everyone knows it and follows them. This figure is modeled after an Olympian statue, accompanied by an eagle head crowned with laurel leaves to show ideals of staying victorious, strong, and proud. Olympia (and the Olympics) was founded with the values of fairness and truth, so people or ideas that linger outside these standards will most definitely be addressed by this figure. Along with projecting their criticisms (1), this trifix protects and guides (6) their little eaglets (2).
127
A funky Jester clothes this trifix, showing its positive (2 & 7) outlook on life or themselves. Although Jester’s worked for the monarchs (1), they were able to be as offensive and silly as they wanted to be, sneaking by through being a sort-of cringy yet inspirational version of the public. Through their criticisms of the courts, they tried to bring laughter during times where things were fairly dull or serious. Dogs can especially bring joy through their loyalty, but are often rather clueless and clumsy. This trifix can bring knowledge to give to others as well (Jesters were normally very educated), and maybe to more malleable or eager minds noted by the puppy (2).
135
Mirroring ‘Saint Francis in Meditation’ by Francisco de Zurbarán, 135 is the trifix paying attention to detail and productivity. Saint Francis wasted no time in his life and encouraged people to convert to the Catholic faith, reminding them of their own mortality while urging the religious conversation. Having a divine influence and standard (1), while pushing a plan of action (3), and going within to the point of obscurity (5), lands this trifix as a figure unreachable and yet mesmerizing. The head of an armadillo gives more of a distant, armored approach to 135. The animals are also technically asexual in a super productive way of reproducing, being able to break just one fertilized egg into four identical zygotes.
136
Justice will be served by this trifix, but not without having an internal dilemma, first. This piece was modeled after ‘Allegory of Justice’ by Gaetano Gandolfi, depicting Justice bearing the sword to slice through truth and the scales to weigh fairness (1 & 6). Bees throw in a bit of work for this trifix (3), as they battle within themselves and the collective – are they sabotaging their own character or just trying to find and do what’s right for the hive? This dilemma can constantly weigh on them, causing anxiousness and stress as they carry the workload needed to be done while fighting to meet their own standards.
137
What better way to depict perfection and innovation than with the Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci. The proportions of man within this piece reflect God’s creation of the human body (1), and human being’s own production of sustaining architecture (3). This study also shows a person constantly in movement, never giving up on its own design (7). Within the original drawing are notes and references combining artistic and scientific objectives, much like the 137 will seek to accomplish in life. This trifix will insure the most powerful and unique ideas, but will also guard them closely like a dragon and its gold.
145
Being one of the rarest trifixes, 145 isn’t being depicted with as many elements or figure references. Huntsman spiders were believed to have evolved about 400 million years ago, making this trifix a lot less likely to adapt to anything. The precision (1) of this person causes a dissection (5) of themselves (4). No other symbols can surround the artist and its work. The discoveries will seem strange and maybe even terrifying to the public, but we will most likely never see the results.
146
This extremely judgmental trifix is mirrored after the painting ‘Nemesis’ by Alfred Rethel. Nemesis was a goddess who enacted retribution against the arrogant, feeling much like the chilling stare you may get from 146. This type is particular (1), morally upholding (6) and yet constantly suffering (4). The head of a vulture puts an emphasis on an extreme focus, stalking and preparing to pick apart the dead. Its feathered collar refers to Queen Elizabeth I, whom often set particular fashion trends at the time. The same feathers are then plucked and used to write the judgments and lamentations of 146.
147
Just like Icarus fell from flying too close to the sun, this trifix may ‘fall’ from having three frustration types. This piece reflects the work of ‘Icarus’ by Hendrick Goltzius. As his father and him were escaping from Crete, Icarus was warned not to fly too low to the water or too high near the sun with his newly made wings constructed from feathers and wax. This trifix is a mix of very low lows (4) and very high highs (7), with a sharp, critical, and refined approach the whole way through (1). A hare’s head represents positive aspects of the animal such as ambition and virtue, but also balancing the negative aspects like greed and selfishness. A hare can be associated as a trickster, which 147 can inhabit rather quickly as they swing from vastly different energies and intensities.
258
This trifix consists of the three rejection types, creating quite a distance between others. Standing atop a Mayan temple ensures a power dynamic (8) and closeness to divinity (5), but still offers up something to the culture below (2). Mayan sacrifices were often believed to be performed atop the stairs of their monuments, allowing blood, organs, or humans to tumble down to the ground below. This was a sacrifice to the gods to ensure that the collective stay alive and healthy each year. 258 has the head of a fish to further distance the understanding and relation one might have of them, and calling the primordial waters their true home.
259
The saintly characteristics of 259 give a warm, kind, but slightly distant character. Wanting to still offer some sort of service (2-5), this trifix will establish some kind of boundary between them and the collective or other individual. This imagery was inspired off of the painting ‘The Good Shepherd’ by Bernhard Plockhorst. The universal principle (9) herded and cared for (2) with a particular focus or direction (5) assigns a personal sense of responsibility to this figure. An extremely kind and likeable animal such as the capybara is represented to give this trifix their gentle nature.
268
Compared to the original piece ‘Aesculapius holding a staff encircled by a snake’ by G.B. Cipriani, this piece gives a bit more power and aggression to 268. Asclepius was the god of medicine (2), but combined with a protective mother bear (8), this trifix will forcefully stand up for what is right and what needs to be done (6). Asclepius was eventually killed and made as a constellation after enhancing his ability to heal to the point where he succeeded in bringing people back from the dead. This trifix can sometimes overreach in their demands to help and do what’s right, but a balance may need to be forced at some point.
269
Lending a helpful hand could make this trifix carry a heavier load than they intended to take on. ‘The Good Samaritan’ by Eugène Delacroix is the inspiration for this piece, depicting a man helping someone in need up onto his horse. The helpful and warm characteristics (2) of a loyal figure (6) leads them to neglect their own needs for those of another (9). A lamb, therefore, may find themselves trying to help or deal with a wolf, even when it goes against their own nature.
278
This feisty combination gives a demanding presence, especially in the style of ‘The Birth of Venus’ by William-Adolphe Bouguereau. A figure of this kind can be loud and self-interested (8) with a fun energy (7) that also wants to be helpful and charming (2). Venus/Aphrodite is most famous for representing love and beauty, but negative aspects such as jealousy and unwanted meddling with humans took over her character as well. This trifix can tend to be explosive, but protective nonetheless when defending the things they care about.
279
As triple positive outlook, this trifix can dance and smile even if the whole world was burning down. Giving care to others (2) while searching for the sweeter things in life (7) can keep a person like this avoiding the negativities that may arise all around them (9). Even if 279 were to acknowledge the destruction happening, the dance and flow of life might take on a larger priority to them. I chose to depict this trifix as more fairy-like, alluding to the idea of a fantastical separateness they may give off to others.
358
This trifix may seem as unsettling and cold as this image. Based on a portrait of Elizabeth Bathory, 358 may also have secret ways of maintaining their beauty and youthfulness through bathing in the blood of those that they’ve killed. The penetrating gaze and involvement (5) accompanied with distant emotions (3) gives a more forceful call to action (8). Bathory allegedly killed over 600 victims, and although 358 are most likely not a serial killer, they most certainly have the energy and productivity to create some kind of external expression. Crocodiles can seem fitting to this description, keeping them at a distance from most people, but also representing primordial wisdom and efficiency.
359
I chose to base this style off of traditional Japanese watercolor paintings. This trifix may have an external stoic approach to them (3-5), but their internal ability to expand their thinking creates worlds of their own (9). Similar to Zen Buddhism, 359 will seem to bring great concentration and focus to certain tasks at hand. This may mean keeping their emotional expression to a minimum. Deer are also known to look fairly expressionless most of the time, even when facing death. They still hold a mystical quality to them, standing on the edge of forests between the fantasy of nature and the reality of society.
368
Riding in on a chariot of rage, we are introduced to the trifix ready for battle. Without confronting too much of their own emotions (3), this trifix reacts (6) to anything without shame or question (8). You can find the painting this was inspired by on the ceiling of the Salon de Mars at the Château de Versailles, painted by Claude Audran. The original intention of the room was for the palace guards, but it basically ended up turning into a party room of music and dance, maybe not unlike how this trifix might end up. Ares/Mars is the god of war and the spirit of battle. Appropriately linked to the Zodiac Aries, a ram’s head suits a more aggressive and pushier dynamic that 368 will take on.
369
This piece is one of the only figures not depicted with an animal head with fixed symbolism, showing the adaptable state of a triple attachment type. The choice of mirrors could represent allowing their identity to shift (3) to different experiences, perceptions and interests (6) while keeping themselves open to change and understanding within themselves (9). This could also mean that 369 will be more able to reflect society back to themselves, pointing out inconsistencies, contradictions, or injustices. I chose a Hindu deity to base this idea off of, making the image more universal and accepting. 369 makes up the triangle within the Enneagram symbol, and so therefore one foot is immersed in the ‘unknown’, keeping this trifix connected with the unconscious and yet never allows it to be fully grounded.
378
Only Zeus could be attributed to a triple assertive type. He was definitely a powerful god, but did he always do the right thing? This trifix can be very action-oriented (3) with a visionary (7) and confident thrust (8). Like Zeus throwing lightening down to the earth, 378 might feel striking and unavoidable. This particular power stance was modeled after ‘Minerva and the Triumph of Jupiter’ by Rene Antoine Houasse. Cockatoos can be obnoxious and arrogant, but they do form very strong and protective bonds with their owners.
379
Apollo is rolling in for this trifix, inspired off of the piece ‘Apollo’ by Hendrick Goltzius. 379 takes a powerful and energetic approach to life (3-7), while remaining very likeable and insightful (9). Apollo was the god of a lot of subjects such as music, poetry, prophecy, healing, art, etc. This sets this trifix as an all-around kind of figure, taking interest in all kinds of concepts and experiences. He was a very cherished god, as he warned off evil and ruled the sun and light. Having a lion head adds that extra element of being regal, but assertive when it serves their community.
458
As one of the other rarest types, 458 may seem obscure and distant. This trifix is inspired off of the myth of Xingtian, a Chinese deity who never stops fighting, even when decapitated. The image of 458 remains unreachable by others (4) while finding ways to obliterate themselves (8) in nonexistent forms (5). Xingtian was killed and decapitated in battle, but ended up regenerating himself in a different form to continue his defiance in the movement of a martial dance. This trifix may not make sense to many, but their internal and unknowable determination will continue trying to fight within them.
459
Another rare type, 459 is inspired by the art of the Yōkai in Japanese folklore. This trifix is triple withdrawn, so only a ghostly reference would be appropriate to represent the energy. With rejecting their own image and personal concept (4-5), a confusion of autonomy and needs (9) can also cause this figure to retreat and disform themselves. Yōkai are supernatural spirits that can cause mischief or assistance, depending on whatever they prefer. Oftentimes you can’t pin a Yōkai down either, as they can shapeshift or mutate into anything from an inanimate object to not even having a discernible shape. Normally, natural spirits that reside in all things would evolve into a Yōkai from neglect or lack of worship, but stripping them away from their divinity puts them in a more obscure place like that of 459.
468
The triple reactive trifix deserves to be represented with a true god of fire, Agni. Agni was a Hindu god not only ruler of the fires in each realm (8), but also internalized as transformational energy (4) and the messenger between human beings and the deities (6). This trifix has a lot of energy, like that of fire, lightening, and the sun. As much as it’s internalized, it is also externalized, causing more conflicts and explosive behavior to reflect the process. For being a very dangerous and destructive force, this trifix, like Agni, can also create strong movements as they deliver a sense of individualized rawness that others are drawn to. A gorilla can take on extreme strength and force, but also sharp intelligence and dignity.
469
Inspired off of Albrecht Dürer’s ‘Melencolia I’, this trifix brings about it a dark and moody atmosphere wherever it goes. The suffering (4) and feelings of isolation and not mattering (9) create a heavy self-deprecation (6) that won’t be silenced in this figure. Melancholia was one of the four humors that could dominate an individual. It was the least desirable of the four, much like how 469 might associate themselves, and therefore most likely to fall into insanity. It was also linked to creative genius, but having a great gift comes with horrible risks. A porcupine head symbolizes the sharp and untouchable nature of this trifix, even if there is a gentler nature to its face – the survival tactics keep everyone else afraid and distant from them.
478
This trifix takes on the form of Kali, the Hindu goddess of ultimate power, transformation, and time. This particular piece mirrors ‘Samhara Kali’ by Raja Ravi Varma. 478 pushes for extremely personal (7) expansion (8) that can be obscure and self-interested (4). Kali was a ferocious goddess, destroying evil to protect the innocent and bestowing liberation. Kali is born out of anger and wrath, immediately killing two demons once created. 478 mirrors the symbolic, strange actions and appearances of the goddess, such as sucking demons’ blood, appearing in the dreams of soldiers, and embodying the darkness in which everything was born. Having a hippopotamus for a head gives a more loud, pushy, and aggressive character.
479
Combined with a few references in this piece, 479 might dance right by you like smoke and confusion. This trifix is partly based on the god Dionysus to symbolize the natural movement towards ecstasy and pleasure (7), but with a hint of Daphne turning into the laurel tree to signify the undesirability they want to take on (4). This could cause this trifix to mainly expand within themselves (9) and see what kind of form that energy would take instead. A goat head symbolizes a free spirit, lust and solitude, but also referencing a devilish and distant nature.
