virus scan logo

In addition to the two theory-related papers, Walter Geldart, in a piece called 'What's New in Type and Temperament' reviews a number of recently published works. A very informative summary, presented by someone who is sensitive to subtle shifts in the theoretical winds. A nice way to quickly catch up on what's new in the field.

Two new papers also appear in the 'Empirical Studies' section of the Journal. The first paper is a contribution by psychotherapist Michael Huber. He offers details about the MBTI and Enneagram types of forty Enneagram Type-Six alcohol and drug dependent clients that he has studied. Michael makes some interesting observations about the distribution of MBTI Type in this special-population E6 group with whom he has worked. In a brief commentary on this paper John compares the distribution in Michael's group with the similarly-sized E6 group in the Enneagram Monthly survey, and makes some suggestions about what such a comparison might reveal. Walter, who is also very interested in Mike's study, intends to discuss related matters with him via letter. The results of that correspondence may one day show up in the 'Conversations' section of this Journal.

The second contribution to the 'Empirical Studies' section of the Journal is a detailed analysis of the Enneagram and MBTI scores of one individual performed by Walter Geldart using his Enneagram of Consciousness model. From a variety of meaningful combinations in which he meticulously groups the Enneagram scores, Walter makes a number of interesting inferences about the subject of his study and demonstrates to the reader how the Enneagram can be used to discern complex processes, related to all of the Enneagram Points, that take place within a single individual.

In addition to the papers on theory and empirical study are articles appearing in the 'features' section. As these papers can be directly accessed by clicking on the graphic labels that announce their presence, they will no longer be separately listed amongst the articles

The 'Conversations' page this time includes a dialogue with Pat Wyman, a psychotherapist who employs both the Enneagram and the MBTI in her work. As her model has ramifications for an understanding of the relationship between the two systems, it has received much attention in this Journal and elsewhere. Pat's remarks go a long way toward correcting questionable inferences that have been mistakenly drawn from her work.

Roslyn Kopel Gross, in her 'Type Writer' column, reviews the guesses that readers made about the Enneagram and MBTI types of the authors whose poems appeared in the last issue, and presents four new works for your consideration. The material that appears in this column and in the 'Art and Personality' section, which has a similar format, is absolutely fascinating. Real works are presented by real people, who embody a variety of Enneagram and MBTI combinations. Charming, intriguing, sometimes funny pieces, they are not only invested by their creators with a great deal of time, effort, and talent, but also imbued with the interests characteristic of specific Enneagram and MBTI personality types. Those who have bravely stepped forward to venture educated guesses on the Type of the creators of these works also embody a variety of combinations, and bring to the discussion distinctly different kinds of energy. [More about those guesses here.]

Ros, like Pat, is an INFP who is happy to facilitate the ensuing discussion from the quiet place that she voluntarily assumes in the background. Her presence nevertheless infuses the proceedings with charm, tact, and an open-minded attitude.

As it synchronistically turned out, Ros presented a piece by a writer whom one might have expected to be an 'S' type, but is in fact an 'N', while Pat presented a piece by an artist whom one might have expected to have prominent 'N', but is in fact an 'S'!

By observing real people involved in presenting themselves and their cherished work, we see how individuals with statistically infrequent Enneagram and MBTI combinations manifest their presence in the world, as well as how this is done by persons with more common combinations. And all of this is accomplished in an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared interest in personality type.

Sometimes the going can get a bit rougher when sharp intellects spar over differences in theory and data. But as Walter, who facilitates the Community Forum, has demonstrated - these matters can also be discussed in a manner that is genuine and open, yet civilized and respectful. In his brief overview of what's been happening at the Message Board, which can also be accessed from the front page by clicking directly beneath the button that takes you to the Forum, Walter does an artful job of summarizing some rather complex discussions that have been taking place there.

In the Letters to the Editor column a number of interesting comments and questions appear this time, along with some general statistics regarding who uses the site, how frequently it is accessed, and the kinds and quantity of communications that actually take place. Previous issues of the Journal, including Letters to the Editor, continue to be accessible now via the archive.

Please check out the two new art pieces. About one, called 'The Smoker', the artist says, '..the intensity of the colors are generally the

Take a peek

first thing that strikes people'. This is a modest understatement - as the piece in question, despite being a scanned piece that is further filtered through comparatively low-resolution web-site technology, is absolutely startling. One can only imagine what kind of impact the 3 foot tall by 2 foot wide original has on the first time viewer!

The second piece in this issue, entitled 'Circle-Nude', is the product of another artist's attempt to see what she could do using minimalist tools - the 'circle-making' device in a child's computer art program, with a reduced palette of colors (grays).

Similarly, the new literary works presented in the Type Writer section are strikingly different from each other. But they have in common one important feature - they are fascinating works in their own right, well worth your while reading even if you should have no interest in making guesses about the authors' personality types.

Thanks to all of the authors and artists who permitted us to present their work in this issue, and who went out of their way to write statements about themselves and their work, and provide us with graphics files and other forms of assistance.

A special thanks goes out this time to Michael Huber, for his thorough and insightful study, and to Pat Wyman, not only for the insights she has shared with us, but also for modeling an open and respectful approach to dialogue. And to Walter and Ros, who have put in a tremendous amount of time and effort in making this site a more interesting place to visit and who have helped us to take the first step toward building a real community.

And last but not least - thanks to all who sent in letters, comments, and survey returns, and to those who posted messages at the board. Your input is invaluable, and it is treasured!