Enneagram and Tarot, Transdisciplinarity

ancient connections

Photo by Dstudio Bcn on Unsplash

Before I reengaged with tarot a few years ago I studied the enneagram quite intensely. I led a study group for six months while I read every book I could get my hands on, and took classes with the Art of Growth, as well as Beatrice Chestnutt. Enneagram makes so much sense to me, is integrated into my interactions with others, and serves as a tool to help me understand peoples’ motivations and core fears. As a tool enneagram stands well on its own. But when I delved into tarot study it became apparent to me that enneagram and tarot can work together as modalities which enhance each other.

Putting this idea into practice, I began giving enneagram informed tarot readings. Knowing a person’s enneagram type gives me a kind of heads up as I look at the cards in a spread. This path is as of yet uncharted but I know the connections deserve to be explored. We have nine types, and seventy eight cards and the combinations of spreads is endless. Think of the possibilities!!

Combining enneagram with ancient traditions is not new or unique. Susan Piver recently published The Buddhist Enneagram and Lynn Roulo, who I interviewed here a few months ago, combines enneagram with kundalini yoga.

Drawing a Daily Card With Enneagram Guidance

If I draw a daily card, as a type eight I know when I draw the Strength card that I can lean comfortably into my dominant nature, whereas if I draw the Three of Pentacles (collaboration), I might want to channel my efforts toward making sure I am working well with the people around me, perhaps not taking too much power in the situation.

Enneagram Ones and Twos and the Cups Suit

Thinking about type ones and the Ace of Cups, as described by Carrie Mallon, another amazing resource. Ones tend to be perfectionists, seeing black and white, right and wrong, and consider an A- a complete failure. This can put pressure on them in the Cups department, as love and emotion can’t be easily categorized and judged so cleanly. Kim Krans describes this card with the direction “just go with it…” This is supremely hard for the Type One.

The Type Two however speaks the language of love and thrives when they can be helpful, but not give themselves away to others. The Ace of Cups, with its promise of love ahead, and allowing the cup of possible love to overflow, speaks directly to the Two’s primary nature.

In 2023 I’ll continue to explore the connections between enneagram and tarot here. I hope you find these connections useful in your own life and how you connect to others and yourself.

xxoo Hanna