As the last of the Head Triad, Enneagram 7 personalities navigate the world through logic. They are defined by their avoidance of negative feelings and need for stimulation. Known as the “Enthusiast” or “Adventurer,” Type Sevens dive head first into new experiences and constantly seek out adventure and pleasure.
We can get an in-depth understanding of the Enneagram 7 personality type by examining its Tarot archetypes. Tarot cards have been used for centuries as a tool for self-discovery and reflection, and they offer unique insights into the inner workings of our minds. Before we delve deeper into the Tarot and Enneagram 7, it’s crucial to first understand what the Enneagram system is. Let’s get to it!
What are the Enneagram Types?
The Enneagram is a powerful tool for personal and collective transformation. Stemming from the Greek words ‘ennea’ (nine) and ‘grammos’ (a written symbol), the nine-pointed Enneagram symbol represents nine distinct strategies for relating to the self, others, and the World.
Each Enneagram type has a different pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting that comes from a deeper inner motivation or worldview. Understanding our Enneagram type helps us see our particular pattern and allows us to choose whether to continue in that direction or to change course to a healthier approach.
The Enneagram Types are divided into three Triads – Head, Heart, and Gut. Type Sevens belong to the Head Triad, along with Types Five and Six. This Triad is driven by fear, but each type responds differently.
For Type Fives, feeling unsafe or afraid leads to isolation and detachment. For Type Sixes, fear causes them to seek out security and support. Lastly, Type Sevens avoid frightening and painful feelings by seeking out new and exciting experiences. These fears are further reflected in the Tarot cards associated with each type.
What Connects Tarot and the Enneagram?
Much like the Enneagram, the Tarot system is a symbolic language that allows us to explore the spectrum of human experience and consciousness. Both systems dive into the core motivations, fears, and desires that shape our behavior, offering profound insights into our identity and personal growth.
The Enneagram system focuses on the distinct personality types, detailing how we think, feel, and behave. Conversely, the Tarot uses symbolic imagery and traditional archetypes to shed light on our life experiences, personal relationships, and spiritual journey. When used together, these systems provide a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of the human psyche.
To better understand what drives the Enneagram 7, let’s dive into the Tarot cards that represent this type: The Fool, the Devil, and the Four of Wands.
The Fool – A Symbol of Adventure and Freedom
Among the Major Arcana, the Fool is the most fitting embodiment of the Enneagram 7 personality. It is associated with risk-taking, spontaneity, and living in the moment.
The Fool card depicts a carefree figure stepping off a cliff with no worries or concerns, symbolizing the Enneagram 7’s desire for adventure and freedom. However, it also serves as a warning to not blindly chase after excitement without considering the consequences.
At heart, Type Sevens are impulsive, combining their basic desire for stimulation with constant activity. If you’re always busy, you don’t have enough time to experience difficult feelings. Type Sevens understand this well, and they spend their time running from one experience to another, chasing the highs of pure pleasure while simultaneously running from painful emotions.
The Fool is an impulsive character, ready to experience life and take the next step. If the Enneagram 7 is healthy, they implement self-discipline and exercise caution. They are still willing to take the risks of the Fool, but not so they can avoid pain. Instead, they use their agile mind to assess the pros and cons of the path ahead. This way, they can choose quality projects and people to spend their time with.
Once they focus their attention, the Enneagram Type 7 is highly productive, creative, and fun to be around. Their new ideas manifest in the world around them, and they are good at inspiring people they come in contact with. People with this personality type make great entrepreneurs, especially when they have an eight wing. You’ll often find them heading startups and bringing people together for a common cause.
As we have seen, the Fool card provides a richly layered portrayal of the Enneagram 7 personality. However, to fully appreciate the complexity of Type Sevens, it’s essential to also consider their growth and stress points. Let’s now turn our attention to how these dynamics are portrayed in the Tarot universe through the intricacies of another Major Arcana Card – the Devil
The Devil – A Reflection of Addiction and Desires
The Devil is often seen as a negative card. It represents the Enneagram 7’s tendency to indulge in excess and addiction. The card depicts a chained figure being controlled by their materialistic desires. This reflects Enneagram 7’s basic fear of being trapped by negative emotions and their constant search for pleasure and external stimulation to avoid them.
When Enneagram 7s cannot outrun their negative emotions, they will try to drown them out with positive ones instead. This need to avoid suffering can manifest through daredevil behaviors (see what I did there?), and some Sevens end up turning to dangerous activities for an endorphin rush.
Some highs are reached through (relatively) safe outlets like bungee jumping, rollercoasters, or more commonly, exercise. Fun-loving Sevens can also end up with the wrong crowds, willing to see the positive side of anyone. Pair that with their penchant for trying new things, and Type 7s tend to become addicted more easily than other types. Weed, alcohol, cocaine, and other drugs artificially create the positive emotions that Type Seven seeks.
The Fool steps off the ledge and into the Devil’s hell.
The Enneagram 7 is a master of spin. When faced with anxiety or guilt over their choices, they rationalize their way out of it. Terrible decisions twist into positive ideas with minimal consequences, if only in their head. As an analytical type, an Enneagram type 7 person thinks of themselves as an “instant expert”, even when they have very little information to go on. They can make up complex explanations for why their choices were not only correct but also heroic, confident the reasoning is solid.
Type Sevens are also adept at convincing others that they live a good life. When unhealthy, they use this skill to cover up their addictions, hiding behind a facade of happiness and optimism. However, this coping mechanism only perpetuates the cycle of addiction and denial.
Unfortunately, an unhealthy Enneagram Type 7 can be more self-centered than self-aware. Often, they don’t consider that their spontaneous actions will hurt the people they love. The Devil card reminds us that while it is important to seek pleasure and live in the moment, it should not come at the expense of our overall well-being and relationships with others.
The Devil card, therefore, serves as a stark reminder of the pitfalls that Enneagram 7s must guard against. It urges them to temper their desires, stay grounded, and learn to face their negative emotions rather than trying to outrun them.
Once an Enneagram 7 puts their energy toward this growth, they can break free from the chains of the Devil and experience the happiness of their highest self. This is represented by the final card we will explore – the Four of Wands.
The Four of Wands – A Celebration of Joy and Fulfillment
The Four of Wands represents the Enneagram 7 at its best – joyful, energetic, and fulfilled. The card depicts a scene of celebration and harmony. It symbolizes the Enneagram 7’s desire for positive experiences and their ability to bring joy into any situation. It also reflects the Enneagram 7’s basic desire for happiness, a driving force behind their constant search for new ideas and experiences.
When an Enneagram 7 is healthy, they learned to rely on less external stimulation, focusing instead on internal reflection. They recognize that true contentment comes from within, rather than constantly seeking it outside of themselves. As a result, they no longer fall prey to the temporary high of instant gratification. Once the Enneagram 7 stops trying to avoid pain, they can slow down and appreciate the simple, everyday joys in life.
The Four of Wands also highlights the Enneagram Type 7’s ability to build and maintain strong relationships. Through their charisma and infectious energy, they bring people together and foster a sense of community wherever they go. They value connection and use their natural charm to create a welcoming environment for all.
While Type Sevens with a six-wing help those around them feel safe and secure, those with an eight-wing inspire others to take bold action and make their dreams a reality. The Enneagram Type 7 joins hands with those around them and pulls them along for the ride. As the Type 7 rises, so do their loved ones.
Fiery, excited, and full of life, the Four of Wands encapsulates the ultimate potential of Enneagram Type 7. When Sevens embrace their authentic self, they can experience true joy and fulfillment in their lives. So let this card be a beacon for all Enneagram 7s! Stay curious, stay adventurous, but most importantly, stay true to yourself.
Unleashing the Power of Seven Through Tarot
We hope that you gained a deeper understanding of the Enneagram Type 7 and how it is portrayed through the Tarot. The Fool’s carefree spirit describes the core of this type. From the Devil’s temptations and the Four of Wands’ joy, each card offers valuable insights into this complex personality type.
Interested in learning more about the Enneagram personality types? In our next article, we will delve into the intriguing world of the Enneagram Type 8. We’ll explore its unique characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and how the Tarot cards that correspond to this type reflect their journey. Stay tuned and continue this enlightening journey with us!
