fixes, stems & Trifix
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Scroll down for Stems, all Trifixes, Overlay, and Adjacents.
Fixes
What are Fixes and Trifix?
The enneagram types can be split into three Centres with three types in each centre: The Gut Centre (8, 9, 1), The Heart Centre (2, 3, 4) and the Head Centre (5, 6, 7).
We all have one core type, but we also have a secondary and tertiary type within each of the other two centres that are each called a fix (a short form for the word “fixation;” the original terminology for each type’s problem was “passion” and “fixation”). Those two fixes combined with our core type produce our Trifix.
How do the Fixes manifest?
The 2nd and 3rd fix are strategies that work within the all-encompassing influence of the core type.
2nd fix: The 2nd fix in your trifix is a strong influence. The core fears and strategies of the 2nd fix are used to support the core type. The 2nd fix can come out quite strongly especially in artistic expression. It can be called a "playground area," similar to the 2nd instinct in your instinct stacking. This is an area that is less sensitive than the core type, hence the "play." One well-known example of this can be seen in Donald Trump as 836. Trump does the success drive and image consciousness of 3 without caring too much about the repercussions of it. He uses marketability for the aims of power without properly adjusting himself to external values like a core 3.
3rd fix: The 3rd fix is mostly present in its synergy with the other two.
Stems
Any combination of two fixes is called a Stem.
To help understand the chemistry of different fixes when combined together, we can conceptualize them in pairs. When certain fixes are present together, common elements of each become amplified, and other characteristics become less amplified. When trying to discover your fixes, it's best to think about them in terms of a Venn diagram. When two elements are combined, which aspects of each are amplified or dulled? For example, when you combine 6 with 9, the more phobic qualities of 6 are amplified due to the 9 fix. When you combine 6 with 8, you now have two Reactive types and will likely have more counter-phobic 6 energy.
Trifix
Below you’ll find the stems from above organized into each Trifix combination. This is not meant to be a complete description of Trifix, but general root or “stem” of the combination.
125
1-2: Being good, moral, kind, helpful, proper, right, judgemental, superego, maternal, critical, what's right for all
1-5: Doing things right, accuracy, repressing emotions, surgical, autistic, unaesthetic, logic, not malleable
2-5: Control via knowing what’s best, hiding own needs, giving from a distance, self-erasing
Triads: Superego/compliant, Competency, Rejection
135
1-3: Efficiency, getting the job done, repressing emotions, correct, accurate, responsible, competent, structured
1-5: Doing things right, accuracy, repressing emotions, surgical, autistic, unaesthetic, logic, not malleable
3-5: Accuracy, efficiency, repressing emotions, surgical
Triads: Triple Competency
145
1-4: Judgemental, idealistic, search for perfect circumstances, critical, negative, frustration, unyielding, particular, persnickety, exclusions ex. “I don’t do x”
1-5: Doing things right, accuracy, repressing emotions, surgical, autistic, unaesthetic, logic, not malleable
4-5: Existential, withdrawn, removed from reality, schizoid, an insect among humans, out of touch with the masses, a problem
Triads: Frustration, Competency, Withdrawn
126
1-2: Being good, moral, kind, helpful, proper, right, judgemental, superego, maternal, critical, what's right for all
1-6: Needing to be certain, inflexibility, criticality, friendly, morality, anxious anger, frustrated reactivity, outraged at others’ behaviour, attention goes to what's right and should/shouldn't be happening, accusing, rules, procedure, structure, "real life," comedy of reality, funny hard truths, Seinfeld
2-6: Friendly, helpful, kind, worried about others, “of course I’ll help,” people-oriented, amiable
Triads: Triple Superego/Compliant
136
1-3: Efficiency, getting the job done, repressing emotions, correct, accurate, responsible, competent, structured
1-6: Needing to be certain, inflexibility, criticality, friendly, morality, anxious anger, frustrated reactivity, outraged at others’ behaviour, attention goes to what's right and should/shouldn't be happening, accusing, rules, procedure, structure, "real life," comedy of reality, funny hard truths, Seinfeld
3-6: Tracking others, external orientation, worldly, tribalism, hard worker, adaptable, likeable
Triads: Competency, Superego/Compliant, Attachment/Adaptation
146
1-4: Judgemental, idealistic, search for perfect circumstances, critical, negative, frustration, unyielding, particular, persnickety, exclusions ex. “I don’t do x”
1-6: Needing to be certain, inflexibility, criticality, friendly, morality, anxious anger, frustrated reactivity, outraged at others’ behaviour, attention goes to what's right and should/shouldn't be happening, accusing, rules, procedure, structure, "real life," comedy of reality, funny hard truths, Seinfeld
4-6: Reactive, emotional, over-analyzing, destroying, projection and introjection, they've been "wronged/hurt," Jekyll/Hyde, victim mentality, spiralling
Triads: Frustration, Superego/Compliant, Reactive
127
1-2: Being good, moral, kind, helpful, proper, right, judgemental, superego, maternal, critical, what's right for all
1-7: Standards and vision, exploration with structure, idealism, firm but fun, kite with a tether, playful teacher, future planning of structures, architectural
2-7: Avoiding negativity, positive, playful, shallow, smile, radiant
Triads: Superego/Compliant, Frustration, Positive
137
1-3: Efficiency, getting the job done, repressing emotions, correct, accurate, responsible, competent, structured
1-7: Standards and vision, exploration with structure, idealism, firm but fun, kite with a tether, playful teacher, future planning of structures, architectural
3-7: Aggressive with what they want, fun, exploring, narcissistic, exhibitionistic, extraverted, shallow waters
Triads: Competency, Frustration, Assertive
147
1-4: Judgemental, idealistic, search for perfect circumstances, critical, negative, frustration, unyielding, particular, persnickety, exclusions ex. “I don’t do x”
1-7: Standards and vision, exploration with structure, idealism, firm but fun, kite with a tether, playful teacher, future planning of structures, architectural
4-7: Idealistic, epicurean, flamboyant, novelty, dramatizing both ups and down, war between rawness and sparkle, black vs. rainbow, "brat," overly individualistic, unsettled, critical, restless, frustration, amoral
Triads: Triple Frustration
258
2-5: Control via knowing what’s best, hiding own needs, giving from a distance, self-erasing
2-8: Control, intrusive, taking charge of others’ well being, big mama, overbearing, rejecting own vulnerable needs
5-8: Control, emotionally dry, hard, internal and external detachment from softness and vulnerability
Triads: Triple Rejection
268
2-6: Friendly, helpful, kind, worried about others, “of course I’ll help,” people-oriented, amiable
2-8: Control, intrusive, taking charge of others’ well being, big mama, overbearing, rejecting own vulnerable needs
6-8: Reactive, counterphobic, pushing, fighting for “truth,” honour, skeptical, accusing, outspoken
Triads: Superego/Compliant, Rejection, Reactive
278
2-7: Avoiding negativity, positive, playful, shallow, smile, radiant
2-8: Control, intrusive, taking charge of others’ well being, big mama, overbearing, rejecting own vulnerable needs
7-8: Aggressive, epicurean, “I want, I take,” childish, no impulse control, royalty, narcissistic, colourful beast
Triads: Positive, Rejection, Assertive
259
2-5: Control via knowing what’s best, hiding own needs, giving from a distance, self-erasing
2-9: Receptive, helpful, kind, caring, focused on needs of other, forgets self, “nice,” good samaritan, people-focused
5-9: Withdrawn, invisible, making space for others, conceptual, passive
Triads: Rejection, Positive, Withdrawn
269
2-6: Friendly, helpful, kind, worried about others, “of course I’ll help,” people-oriented, amiable
2-9: Receptive, helpful, kind, caring, focused on needs of other, forgets self, “nice,” good samaritan, people-focused
6-9: Tracking others/socially aware, “folk”, doubt, uncertainty, not pushing buttons but will fight back if necessary, humility, rabbit, glorifying "uniqueness" as something to celebrate, underdog, friendly, adaptable, "real life," humanity, defying labels and categories, seeing pieces of themselves in many types, "it depends on the situation"
Triads: Superego/Compliant, Positive, Attachment
279
2-7: Avoiding negativity, positive, playful, shallow, smile, radiant
2-9: Receptive, helpful, kind, caring, focused on needs of other, forgets self, “nice,” good samaritan, people-focused
7-9: Positive, light, fluid, changing, an amorphous rainbow, fairy-like, surrealism, mixtures and variety, jazz, free-flowing, playful language, distorted imagery, swirls
Triads: Triple Positive
358
3-5: Accuracy, efficiency, repressing emotions, surgical
3-8: Aggressive with what they want, pushing through, not backing down, dominating, narcissistic, emotional wall
5-8: Control, emotionally dry, hard, internal and external detachment from softness and vulnerability
Triads: Competency, Assertive, Rejection
368
3-6: Tracking others, external orientation, worldly, tribalism, hard worker, adaptable, likeable
3-8: Aggressive with what they want, pushing through, not backing down, dominating, narcissistic, emotional wall
6-8: Reactive, counterphobic, pushing, fighting for “truth,” honour, skeptical, accusing, outspoken
Triads: Attachment, Assertive, Reactive
378
3-7: Aggressive with what they want, fun, exploring, narcissistic, exhibitionistic, extraverted, shallow waters
3-8: Aggressive with what they want, pushing through, not backing down, dominating, narcissistic, emotional wall
7-8: Aggressive, epicurean, “I want, I take,” childish, no impulse control, royalty, narcissistic, colourful beast
Triads: Triple Assertive
359
3-5: Accuracy, efficiency, repressing emotions, surgical
3-9: Adapting to ideals, shiny, glossy, smooth, mirroring, a star, tabula rasa
5-9: Withdrawn, invisible, making space for others, conceptual, passive
Triads: Competency, Attachment, Withdrawn
369
3-6: Tracking others, external orientation, worldly, tribalism, hard worker, adaptable, likeable
3-9: Adapting to ideals, shiny, glossy, smooth, mirroring, a star, tabula rasa
6-9: Tracking others/socially aware, “folk”, doubt, uncertainty, not pushing buttons but will fight back if necessary, humility, rabbit, glorifying "uniqueness" as something to celebrate, underdog, friendly, adaptable, "real life," humanity, defying labels and categories, seeing pieces of themselves in many types, "it depends on the situation"
The helpers in each centre: 3 coach, 6 teacher, 9 therapist
Triads: Triple Attachment
379
3-7: Aggressive with what they want, fun, exploring, narcissistic, exhibitionistic, extraverted, shallow waters
3-9: Adapting to ideals, shiny, glossy, smooth, mirroring, a star, tabula rasa
7-9: Positive, light, fluid, changing, an amorphous rainbow, fairy-like, surrealism, mixtures and variety, jazz, free-flowing, playful language, distorted imagery, swirls
Triads: Assertive, Attachment, Positive
458
4-5: Existential, withdrawn, removed from reality, schizoid, an insect among humans, out of touch with the masses, a problem
4-8: Reactive, authentic, novelty, destroying, “real,” amplifies emotions externally, no bullshit, angry, bratty
5-8: Control, emotionally dry, hard, internal and external detachment from softness and vulnerability
Triads: Withdrawn, Reactive, Rejection
468
4-6: Reactive, emotional, over-analyzing, destroying, projection and introjection, they've been "wronged/hurt," Jekyll/Hyde, victim mentality, spiralling
4-8: Reactive, authentic, novelty, destroying, “real,” amplifies emotions externally, no bullshit, angry, bratty
6-8: Reactive, counterphobic, pushing, fighting for “truth,” honour, skeptical, accusing, outspoken
Triads: Triple Reactive
478
4-7: Idealistic, epicurean, flamboyant, novelty, dramatizing both ups and down, war between rawness and sparkle, black vs. rainbow, "brat," overly individualistic, unsettled, critical, restless, frustration, amoral
4-8: Reactive, authentic, novelty, destroying, “real,” amplifies emotions externally, no bullshit, angry, bratty, colourful beast
7-8: Aggressive, epicurean, “I want, I take,” childish, no impulse control, royalty, narcissistic
Triads: Frustration, Reactive, Assertive
459
4-5: Existential, withdrawn, removed from reality, schizoid, an insect among humans, out of touch with the masses, a problem
4-9: Withdrawn, compassionate, feeling invisible or insignificant, “I’m nothing”
5-9: Withdrawn, invisible, making space for others, conceptual, passive
Triads: Triple Withdrawn
469
4-6: Reactive, emotional, over-analyzing, destroying, projection and introjection, they've been "wronged/hurt," Jekyll/Hyde, victim mentality, spiralling
4-9: Withdrawn, compassionate, feeling invisible or insignificant, “I’m nothing”
6-9: Tracking others/socially aware, “folk”, doubt, uncertainty, not pushing buttons but will fight back if necessary, humility, rabbit, glorifying "uniqueness" as something to celebrate, underdog, friendly, adaptable, "real life," humanity, defying labels and categories, seeing pieces of themselves in many types, "it depends on the situation"
Triads: Reactive, Withdrawn, Attachment
479
4-7: Idealistic, epicurean, flamboyant, novelty, dramatizing both ups and down, war between rawness and sparkle, black vs. rainbow, "brat," overly individualistic, unsettled, critical, restless, frustration, amoral
4-9: Withdrawn, compassionate, feeling invisible or insignificant, “I’m nothing”
7-9: Positive, light, fluid, changing, an amorphous rainbow, fairy-like, surrealism, mixtures and variety, jazz, free-flowing, playful language, distorted imagery, swirls
Triads: Frustration, Withdrawn, Positive
Overlay
Read my blog post on Trifix Overlay and Layers.
What is Trifix overlay? Essentially this is just a synergistic way of looking at the fixes on each wing. Up to now, in terms of trifix synergy, we didn’t look at wings together. We were always able to view each fix as having a wing separately. For example, Person A in the examples above is a 963. They have 9w1, 6w7, and 3w4 fixes in that order. But can the wings say something about 963 when they are combined?
In order to determine trifix overlay, use the wings of your fixes together as a unit to determine the energy overlay that this would have on your trifix. Person A above has 1 wing, 7 wing, and 4 wing; so 147 to simplify. They are the Bermuda trifix (triple attachment 369), and their overlay is 147 which just happens to be triple frustration. So this person, in comparison to other Bermudas, is going to have an energy overlay of tritple frustration on their trifix. This energy is far more subtle than the trifix itself, and should only be used after the trifix is thoroughly understood. If person A happened to have the opposite wing on each fix—i.e. 8 wing, 5 wing, and 2, wing; or 258—they would have a trifix overlay of triple rejection. Two 963’s, one with triple frustration overlay and the other with triple rejection, are going to be different. Person A will likely be prone to feelings of frustration, irritation, and could very possibly be more inclined towards the arts. Person B will likely be less in touch with aspects of their own needs and possibly more prone to acts of service.
Adjacent Trifixes
Adjacent trifixes are another way to add nuance to your trifix. You only have an adjacent trifix if your core wing is in the same centre as your core type. For example, if you are 9w1 963, your 1 wing combined with your 6-3 stem creates a 163 trifix. So you would be Bermuda (369) with Middle Manager (136) adjacent. If you are 3w4 378, you’d be Triple Assertive with 478-adjacent