Enneagram Wings Explained: Your Second Side

What Are Enneagram Wings?

In the Enneagram system, your wing is one of the two types adjacent to your core type on the Enneagram circle. While your core type remains dominant, your wing adds a secondary influence that colors how your type expresses itself. Think of it as a flavor or accent that modifies your primary personality pattern.

For example, if you're a Type 5, your wing is either Type 4 (5w4) or Type 6 (5w6). Most people have a dominant wing, though some feel equally influenced by both.

How Wings Work

Your wing doesn't change your core motivation — a 5w4 is still fundamentally driven by the desire for knowledge and competence. But the Four wing adds an emotional, creative, and individualistic quality that distinguishes them from a 5w6, who combines their analytical nature with the Six's loyalty and security-orientation.

Wings affect:

• How you express your core type externally
• Your interpersonal style and relationship patterns
• Your career preferences and work approach
• Your specific strengths and blind spots

All 18 Wing Combinations

Type 1 Wings

1w9 (The Idealist): More introverted, calm, and philosophical. Combines the One's perfectionism with the Nine's desire for peace. Often found in academia, ethics, and judicial roles.

1w2 (The Advocate): More extroverted, warm, and people-oriented. Combines reforming ideals with a desire to help others. Often found in teaching, social work, and advocacy.

Type 2 Wings

2w1 (The Servant): More principled and self-disciplined. Combines helping with a strong moral compass. Often found in healthcare, ministry, and nonprofit work.

2w3 (The Host): More ambitious and image-conscious. Combines warmth with a drive for recognition. Often found in hospitality, sales, and entertainment.

Type 3 Wings

3w2 (The Charmer): More interpersonal and charismatic. Combines achievement with genuine warmth toward others. Often found in politics, coaching, and leadership.

3w4 (The Professional): More introspective and artistically inclined. Combines drive with a desire for authenticity. Often found in creative industries and entrepreneurship.

Type 4 Wings

4w3 (The Aristocrat): More ambitious and socially aware. Combines emotional depth with a desire to be recognized. Often found in performing arts and fashion.

4w5 (The Bohemian): More intellectual and withdrawn. Combines creativity with analytical depth. Often found in writing, research, and independent art.

Type 5 Wings

5w4 (The Iconoclast): More creative and emotionally intense. Combines analysis with artistic sensitivity. Often found in music, philosophy, and innovative technology.

5w6 (The Problem-Solver): More practical and team-oriented. Combines intellectual depth with loyalty and caution. Often found in engineering, science, and cybersecurity.

Type 6 Wings

6w5 (The Defender): More introverted and analytical. Combines loyalty with intellectual independence. Often found in research, law enforcement, and risk management.

6w7 (The Buddy): More outgoing and optimistic. Combines security-seeking with enthusiasm. Often found in team sports, community organizing, and entertainment.

Type 7 Wings

7w6 (The Entertainer): More relationship-oriented and loyal. Combines adventure with a desire for connection. Often found in comedy, travel, and team leadership.

7w8 (The Realist): More assertive and grounded. Combines enthusiasm with power and directness. Often found in business, entrepreneurship, and extreme sports.

Type 8 Wings

8w7 (The Maverick): More energetic and pleasure-seeking. Combines power with spontaneity. Often found in entrepreneurship, entertainment, and adventure.

8w9 (The Bear): More calm and grounded. Combines strength with a gentle, steady presence. Often found in executive leadership and counseling.

Type 9 Wings

9w8 (The Referee): More assertive and independent. Combines peacemaking with inner strength. Often found in mediation, management, and diplomacy.

9w1 (The Dreamer): More idealistic and principled. Combines harmony-seeking with a desire for improvement. Often found in counseling, teaching, and environmental work.

How to Identify Your Wing

To identify your wing, consider which adjacent type's description resonates more with you. Read about both options for your core type and notice which patterns feel more familiar in your daily life.

Take our free Enneagram test on AIMind360 to discover both your core type and your dominant wing, with personalized AI analysis.