Answered: Here’s what you think Asheville’s Enneagram is

Last month, we told you all about the Enneagram personality system and today, we’re sharing results of Asheville’s reader-anointed Enneagram type.

As voted by a majority of our readers, Asheville’s Enneagram is Type 7, the Enthusiast. But we also had a lot of folks suggest Type 4, the Individualist. Here’s what some of you had to say:

“Type 7. It’s all about variety, fun, play, diversity. A live and let live place, Asheville is about beauty in nature, whimsical art, music festivals and parties.” — Phillipe C.
“7 - the variety of restaurants, bars and beers surrounded by a Byzantine road system.” — Cathy N.
“7 - Asheville is excited about who it is - but it's still figuring major parts of itself out.... Sometimes I feel like Asheville is that cool, fun, funny friend who is up for anything - but there's still a lot of immaturity...a lot of growing up to do.” — Matt L.
“3, wing 7 - Asheville is quirky, yet romantic with exciting and beautiful experiences waiting for everyone who approaches!” — Sara S.
“4. It’s an artsy expressive city, that’s a bit sensitive, dramatic and absorbed in itself, not worried about what other cities think.” — Melanie B.

“4 - Individualism and creativity are two of Asheville's cornerstones of identity!” — Tasha G.

“Asheville is definitely a 4. Very individualistic, expressive, and comfortable being connected to a lot of different communities. Also a little bit “no one understands me” vibe as people try to gatekeep a lot of Asheville things.” — Mariah R.

“9 - peace and good vibes dude.” — Luke R.
“I am thinking that our enneagram can change as we evolve with inner wisdom.” — Maggie P.

Asked: What is Ashevilles Enneagram type?

We know many Ashevillians love discussing and understanding themselves through Astrology signs + horoscopes — but have you ever heard of the Enneagram?

This dynamic personality system, which is composed of 9 types (more on that below), is a popular topic amongst local therapists, coaches, influencers + creatives such as Elaine Bailey-Anderson, Sarajane Case, Sandra Smith, and former AVLtoday Editor Ali McGhee. What’s more, for more than 5 years, Asheville has been home to its own accredited school where folks can get more in-depth with their practice: the Enneagram School of Awakening.

So, how does it work?

The Enneagram system aims to identify our core motivations, patterns + fixations at a deeper level in order to understand how they affect our approaches to life, work, relationships, and beyond. Practitioners also believe that it can be a great tool for developing empathy, strengthening communication, and enabling personal growth (aka getting to our essential nature or essence).

To uncover your type, coaches typically recommend reading through a hefty description and choosing the type that you resonate with most. Cool, right?

What are the types?

Type 1 – The Reformer: Rational, idealistic, principled + perfectionistic.

Essence: Purity

Type 2 – The Helper: Caring, interpersonal, generous + people-pleasing.

Essence: Compassion

Type 3 – The Achiever: Success-oriented, pragmatic, adaptable, driven + image-conscious.

Essence: Love, Acceptance

Type 4 – The Individualist: Sensitive, introspective, expressive, dramatic + self-absorbed.

Essence: Radiance, Beauty

Type 5 – The Investigator: Intense, cerebral, perceptive, innovative, secretive + isolated.

Essence: Omniscience, Peace

Type 6 – The Loyalist: Committed, security-oriented, engaging, responsible, anxious + suspicious.

Essence: Wisdom

Type 7 – The Enthusiast: Busy, variety-seeking, spontaneous, versatile, acquisitive + scattered.

Essence: Serene Bliss

Type 8 – The Challenger: Powerful, dominating, self-confident, decisive, willful + confrontational.

Essence: Power, Innocence

Type 9 – The Peacemaker: Easygoing, self-effacing, receptive, reassuring, agreeable + complacent.

Essence: Harmony

Want to dive deeper? The Enneagram School of Awakening kicks off its Level One Certification, a virtual 14-month training for therapists, coaches, creatives + more, on Sept. 17. Registration is open through the start date. They’ll also host a 1-day basics workshop later this fall.

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