Personality tests are a dime a dozen, with the Enneagram being one of the most popular and reliable. The individual Enneagram types each have unique attributes, strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. The Enneagram type 2 is often called “The Helper” or “The Giver.” People classified as type 2 personalities make it their mission in life to be there for others and help them however they can – usually from a place of generosity and compassion. The Tarot often helps us understand ourselves, and the same can be said for this empathetic enneagram type. Here are the three tarot cards that best describe the Enneagram 2.
Core Personality Type of Enneagram 2: The Lovers Card
At their core, the Enneagram type 2 wants to give and receive love. Twos fear being separated or unwanted from those they are attached to. The best way to illustrate this personality type is the Lovers card: two people in love, standing side by side, facing a choice of paths. This card represents both commitment and choice and highlights the need for type twos to make sure they’re not sacrificing their own needs while taking care of others.
Despite its connection with romance, the Lovers card encompasses partnerships of all kinds. While the Enneagram 2 craves love, they also understand the importance of platonic relationships when it comes to emotional fulfillment. They excel at client and people relationships in their workplace, quickly win over their in-laws and neighbors and forge strong bonds with their kids’ friends. They exemplify the perfect companion, which is why this major arcana card suits them so well. After all, the best partner is both a lover and a friend.
The Enneagram is divided into three triads: the gut, the head, and the heart. Enneagram twos are part of the heart triad, meaning that their motivations are driven by their feelings. Although most twos are aware of their stronger sense of emotional energy, they are also moved by an unconscious ulterior motive to alleviate the shame that all heart triad types face. The Lovers tarot card reflects this emotional center, as it encourages us to make decisions with our hearts.
Enneagram type 2 people spend their lives searching for that special person who will care about and understand them, but sometimes the object of their affection plows over the two’s personal boundaries. The Enneagram 2 often loses themselves in their romantic relationships, becoming one with the other person in a way that does not honor their individuality. While people relationships matter, the two must remember that the Lovers card is one of partnership, of equality, and their own needs and feelings should not be overshadowed for the comfort or happiness of their significant other.
The Dark Side of the Enneagram 2 Personality Type: The Reversed Queen of Pentacles
The upright Queen of Pentacles is nurturing, heavily involved mother and caregiver, but when reversed, she represents the domineering nature of unhealthy twos. Like an overbearing parent, unhealthy Enneagram type twos intrusively insert themselves into other people’s lives, offering unwelcome criticism and judgment.
Part of the court cards, the Queen of Pentacles is manipulative, finding passive aggression a more acceptable form of control. She builds her self-worth around the responses of her loved ones, and when they act in a way that conflicts with her self-image, the Queen tightens her iron fist. In this way, she personifies the darkness of the Enneagram type 2.
Type twos ignore their own emotional needs for the sake of others, but then hold their self-sacrifice over the heads of others. “I fed you, I clothed you, I put a roof over your head, and you dare criticize me?” the type two screams. To fight against their basic fear, twos search for reassurance. Take away that reassurance, and the fangs come out, ruining their happy facade.
All the personality types gravitate toward another Enneagram type when in stress or in growth. Stress causes an Enneagram 2 to adopt the problematic traits of Enneagram type 8, the Challenger. When the Giver adopts the attributes of the Challenger, this urge to rule contaminates their relationships because the Challenger powers through life by pure willpower.
Reversed cards often show the negative attributes of their Suit, and unhealthy type twos struggle to stay grounded. When self-despair overwhelms them, they numb their emotions with drugs or food.
Instead of setting personal boundaries, twos tend to let their resentment build until they erupt into emotional outbursts. Once they surpass average levels of unwellness, their rage, and resentment overcome every relationship. Bitterly, they knock others down to lift themselves up. Self-inflation hinders the Enneagram type two’s personal growth, but with deeper insight, they can learn to practice self-care and provide themselves with a confidence boost, instead of looking for validation from other people. When they approach healthy levels, they embody the light side of the Enneagram 2: the Empress.
The Light Side of The Enneagram 2 Personality Type: The Empress Card
The Empress tarot card represents the maternal, nurturing side of Enneagram type 2. She is a generous mother figure and encourages fertility in the physical and emotional realms. The Empress was born to serve others but doesn’t forget to serve herself as well.
If the type 2 can remain mindful, they can embrace their Empress energy and become a secure pillar of strength in the lives of others. The Empress stands firmly on her own two feet and takes ownership of her values without guilt or shame. She prioritizes building relationships for the joy of companionship, not to bolster her self-image. The Empress doesn’t need to rely on external validation from others; she offers support without expecting something in return.
The healthy Enneagram type 2 embodies generosity and compassion for all, including themselves. They build strong foundations for themselves and those close to them because they know that relationships take time, energy, and effort to develop into something more than surface-level connections. They recognize that when we give ourselves away too quickly, it is easy to forget who we are in the process. Healthy twos
When twos learn to practice self-care, live with purpose, and trust their inner guidance, they can become a dependable source of comfort for friends and family. The Empress gives the type two the opportunity to create a safe haven for everyone around them. With love, understanding, and good intentions, they can develop into the compassionate caretaker that they were meant to be.
The Empress tarot card is an excellent reminder for the healthy Enneagram 2 to remain rooted in their own self-worth. They must remember not to give away too much of themselves without also taking time for themselves as well. Learning to set boundaries will create a strong sense of self for the Enneagram 2 and enhance their relationships. When true balance is achieved, compassionate energy radiates from them and inspires those around them to further embrace the light side of life.
The Enneagram Awaits
The Enneagram 2 is represented by the Lovers, the Queen of Pentacles, and the Empress. With a little bit of self-reflection, twos can use these archetypes as guides on their journey toward healthy living. By doing so, the Giver can also become an example for others; a shining beacon that radiates compassion and love while standing firmly rooted in personal boundaries.
To learn more about the Tarot and how its imagery reflects our lives, check out our other articles. Next in our Enneagram series is the Enneagram type 3: The Achiever.
