The Soul Triads
Introduction: The Enneagram as a Tool for Transformation
Since its emergence as a tool for deep understanding of personality, the Enneagram has been used as a map for psychological, emotional, and spiritual exploration.
Through the study of its nine types, we have been able to identify patterns and mechanisms that define how we face the world, based on specific internal motivators. By recognizing them, we can begin a journey of discovery, working on contemplating both our light and our shadow.
In this life, at birth, we perceive no separation. We come into the world in pure essence, unable to recognize where I end and where the other begins. The boundaries are not clear. As we grow and have experiences, the most basic form of our ego begins to develop in order to interact with the world. This process starts the moment we are born and lasts until approximately nine months of age.
From this stage on, we start to understand that "I" and the world are separate. It is at this point where the ego begins to build the mask, where we focus on ourselves, where we become survivors of the essential and pure state. We start taking things personally, begin to understand transactional relationships for survival, and develop the first strategies to avoid the suffering that this perceived separation causes us.
Some people call it evolution or growth, but from our perspective, it is called disconnection.
When we disconnect from our essence and give power to our ego to make certain decisions to survive, the process of mask creation begins. We start to understand the rules of this world, creating narratives, beliefs, and judgments about what is right and wrong, what I can and cannot do, and what should happen if I take a certain action. This reinforces the preconceived idea built on rejection, fear or frustration.
From this psycho-spiritual perspective, the Enneagram is a tool and system that allows us to deeply understand the nine expressions of that mask, personality, or ego, which are, in themselves, nine distortions of essence—a logical and necessary conclusion in the human experience driven by avoidance or the fear of not surviving.
The study of the Enneagram of personality, and its constant evolution through its modern history, passing through various masters, authors, and schools, allows us to know the patterns that manifest that egoic structure, enabling personal development and expanding our consciousness through various practices.
Through a process of introspection, contemplation, analysis, and deep dialogue, we have visualized and developed what we now call the Soul Triads, a novel approach based on the Enneagram that seeks to explore, from the archetypal and spiritual dimension inherent in each Enneatype (and continuing the triadic tradition characteristic of the system), a model that encompasses three contemplative schemes. These schemes allow the expansion of our conscious state by enabling us to understand how our psyche works in relation to what we interpret as real.
This vision is based on the premise that beyond individual psychology, there is a movement of seeking, a longing, for reconnection with the essential authenticity of the self. The soul, in its journey through life’s challenges, faces illusions, judgments, and dramas, three dynamics present in the human experience that, when worked through, can lead us to a deeper awakening.
The Soul Triads: Definition and Fundamentals
The Soul Triads arise from observing how the Enneatypes not only reflect isolated psychological and behavioral patterns, but also reveal a spiritual structure that enables the individual's connection with their deepest essence. This approach seeks to go beyond personality and enter the realm of the soul, understood as the spiritual core that drives our growth and evolution.
In discussing the Enneagram as a system representing a complete map of the human experience, we find that the interaction between the nine Enneatypes and their archetypal energies is also a living expression of everything related to the cosmovison of our species. This is clearly seen in the various triadic groups found and transmitted in the classical teachings of this system. We also believe this is what makes the Enneagram unique compared to other tools that define personality, the way it enables understanding that, if desired, can be increasingly deep and revealing.
In this context, we present the Soul Triads , which we understand reflect the great spiritual challenges the soul faces throughout life, and which are recognizable in various mystical traditions such as Buddhism, Sufism, Vedanta, Christian Mysticism, and Kabbalah: Illusion, Judgment, and Drama.
- The Triad of Illusion (9, 3, 6) represents disconnection from authenticity, the tendency to live in narratives and self-deceits that, out of fear, distance us from our essence. This creates the notion of separation (loss of unity).
- The Triad of Judgment (1, 5, 7) reflects the rational impulse to evaluate, label, and control, often from a fragmented and distorted perspective that generates rigidity and polarization (duality).
- The Triad of Drama (8, 2, 4) shows how excessive emotionality leads us to take on roles in conflict situations, entangling the soul in a perception that distorts and hinders spiritual growth, perpetuating the cycle of violence (perceptual position in drama).
By observing these dynamics from the perspective of the soul, we not only identify areas for personal work, but also opportunities to transcend limiting patterns and awaken to a deeper inner truth. Each triad is essentially a path back to authenticity, wisdom, and inner peace.
It is important to note that the triads aim to show an underlying energy in the symbol, not from only from the Enneatypes, but from a broader archetypal perspective, which stems from the interaction that each Enneatype represents in the whole of the human experience.
From this perspective, and recognizing that all human processes occur in the present moment, we have found that it is the Body Intelligence Center, through anger in its three manifestations (positive, negative and neutral), that sustains and triggers the dynamics in each of the triads. Therefore, Enneatypes 8, 9, and 1 act as the triggers and, at the same time, the sustainers of perceptual biases.
The body is the final frontier; it cannot travel to the past or the future yet. It is where everything becomes concrete and cannot escape the here and now (Present). On the contrary, our mind and emotions travel from the past to the future, creating identity (Past), and from there, building the belief of what we are capable of doing based on past experiences and the identity we believe we have (Future).
It is through the body that we manifest our behavior, which is ultimately our most tangible and indelible intervention in reality. It is also where we experience what we fear the most: pain, illness, and death.
We have named these three triads the Soul Triads because we believe they are processes that affect all human beings and show us the evolutionary states of consciousness in each person. They should not be used for diagnosis but rather to understand how the ego traps us and builds the narrative to sustain illusion, drama, and judgment.
The Soul Triads resonate deeply with various spiritual traditions, philosophical systems, and religious approaches that share a similar view of reality and the human being. Although each has its own language and context, they share the idea that the perception of the world is influenced by layers of illusion, judgment, and emotional drama. The spiritual process involves transcending these layers to connect with a deeper truth.
Buddhism: Illusion as the Root of Suffering
In Buddhism, the concept of maya (illusion) and the conditioned nature of the human mind are fundamental. Suffering (dukkha) arises from ignorance and attachment to illusory perceptions of the self and the world. In this sense, the Triad of Illusion (Enneatypes 3, 6, and 9) resonates with Buddhist teachings on how our projections and attachments create a distorted perception of reality. The Buddhist Eightfold Path offers a guide to overcoming illusions and achieving clear vision (samyak-dṛṣṭi), allowing practitioners to live with greater authenticity and clarity.
Additionally, the Triad of Judgment (1, 5, 7) relates to the Buddhist concept of the "poisons" of the mind: hatred and judgment are distortions that generate suffering. The work of cultivating equanimity and wisdom is key in this tradition, which can be linked to the process of dissolving internal and external judgment.
Finally, the Triad of Drama (2, 4, 8) connects with the concept of samsara, the cycle of intense emotions and reactions that perpetuate suffering. In Buddhism, emotional drama is one of the main causes of this perpetuation, and practice seeks to dissolve intense emotions by understanding their impermanence and through meditation.
Vedanta: Overcoming the Vikalpas (Mental Illusions)
In Vedanta, especially in the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, it is taught that the ultimate nature of being is Brahman, non-dual reality, but human beings live trapped in mental illusions called vikalpas.
The Triad of Illusion can be understood here as a representation of these mental illusions that prevent the individual from perceiving their true nature. According to Vedanta, these illusions arise from maya and dissolve as one cultivates discernment (viveka) and detachment (vairagya), which can also be seen as the process of transcending the illusions that limit perception.
The Triad of Judgment relates to dharma and the idea of the gunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas), which represent the fundamental qualities of the universe that affect human perception. Judgments can be a form of attachment to action (karma) or ignorance, and spiritual progress involves transcending judgment to align with a purer perception (sattva).
The Triad of Drama can be seen in the internal struggle described in the Bhagavad Gita, where the warrior Arjuna faces his emotions and the drama of his situation. Through Krishna's teachings, Arjuna learns to detach from intense emotions, power, and control.
Sufi Mysticism: Overcoming the Projections of the Ego
In Sufism, the path to union with the divine involves overcoming the illusions and projections of the nafs (ego). Sufism teaches that the ego generates illusions that distort the perception of reality, and these must be transcended through the practice of spiritual purification (tazkiyah).
In this context, the Triad of Illusion reflects the Sufi work of dispelling the ego's illusions to see reality clearly. Sufism promotes the search for Truth (al-Haqq), a process that requires stripping away the layers of illusion that cloud vision.
The Triad of Judgment resonates with the process of dissolving dualistic judgment in Sufism. Sufi mystics teach that judgment is a manifestation of the ego, and to draw closer to unity with God, one must stop dividing the world into terms of "good" and "bad." This judgment prevents the perception of divine unity that underlies all experience.
The Triad of Drama relates to the concept of fana (self-extinction) in Sufism, where the individual sheds their most intense emotions and desires to find unity with the divine. Emotional drama, power, and the intensity of the ego must be transcended to reach this state.
Christian Mysticism: Overcoming the Fall of Man
In Christian tradition, especially in Christian mysticism, the fall of man into sin is described as a way of losing connection with God and falling into illusions. The Triad of Illusion can be connected to this idea that sin and distancing from God create a distortion in the way reality is perceived, and salvation involves returning to a pure perception aligned with divine love.
The Triad of Judgment resonates with Jesus' teachings about not judging others: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged." Judgment is seen in Christianity as a barrier to connection with God and others. By transcending judgment, one can live in a state of grace and compassion.
The Triad of Drama connects with the internal struggle described by St. John of the Cross in his work The Dark Night of the Soul, where the individual undergoes deep emotional purification to unite more fully with God. Intense emotions and power struggles are seen as barriers that must be transcended to reach spiritual peace.
Kabbalah: The Spheres of the Tree of Life and the Veils of Perception
In Kabbalah, the Tree of Life describes a spiritual map where the different spheres (sefirot) represent aspects of human and divine consciousness.
The Triad of Illusion can be related to the concept of the veils that separate humans from direct perception of divine light. Kabbalistic work seeks to pass through these veils and achieve pure perception of divine reality.
The Triad of Judgment is connected to the polarity of the sefirot Din (judgment) and Chesed (mercy), where the spiritual path involves balancing the severity of judgment with compassion. Transcending judgment is fundamental to internal harmony and clear perception.
The Triad of Drama links to the sefirot Gevurah (strength) and Tiferet (beauty), where emotions and internal struggles must be channeled and purified to align with divine harmony. In this sense, Kabbalah teaches to overcome extreme emotions and power struggles to achieve a more balanced and connected state.
These concepts reinforce that the Soul Triads are integrated into the wisdom of multiple spiritual and religious traditions. In each of these currents, we find the common idea that distorted perceptions (illusions, judgments, dramas) must be transcended to reach a fuller reality, connected with divine essence or truth.
It is in this process of expanding consciousness where the shared spiritual path that unites these traditions with the Soul Triads can be appreciated.
Triad of Illusion: Enneatypes 3, 6, and 9
The Triad of Illusion represents the state in which consciousness becomes trapped in distorted perceptions of reality. This illusion does not necessarily arise from malice but from a disconnection from the essential, where individuals operate from roles, expectations, or certainties that do not reflect their true essence. Instead of being aligned with their authenticity, they are carried away by external images they believe they must maintain or achieve.
The illusion about reality is built on limited belief systems and projections that distance people from inner truth. We cling to narratives created by our minds, guided by fear and the need for external validation, in an attempt to feel safe or successful. However, these constructs do not reflect our true nature but disconnect us from it.
Instead of operating from the authentic self, this triad manifests in everyday life when we feel trapped in what we "should" be or do, rather than connecting with who we truly are. In this dynamic, the human mind adheres to roles and external structures in search of security or peace, but often at the expense of its own authenticity.
This process is an integral part of ego construction, which arises from the interaction of three fundamental elements: separation, deceit, and fear. These three elements form the blind core of our consciousness, a psychological center of gravity from which we perceive reality in a distorted way. Separation disconnects us from our true essence, deceit makes us create narratives that reinforce that disconnection, and fear is the driving force that perpetuates the cycle of illusion. These components combine inseparably, creating the foundation of a dominant ego that distances the individual from their true self.
The Triad of Illusion also reflects the cycle activated in our mind when we ask, "Why me?"—an expression of victimhood. On the other hand, spiritual awakening transforms this question into, "This happens for me," recognizing that every experience brings with it an opportunity to learn and dismantle illusion. This change in perspective signals an evolutionary purpose in the awakening of consciousness, where personal growth does not happen merely due to life circumstances but allows a deeper understanding of our true nature.
Through contemplation and conscious work, it becomes possible to see beyond these illusions. The path to authenticity and inner freedom involves questioning the external narratives that have been constructed and recognizing that true growth comes from within, not from external approval or achievements. This illusion is not just a trap but also a door to deeper self-understanding. As we dissolve this blind core of separation, deceit, and fear, the self reconnects with its essence and inner truth, freeing itself from the false constructs that kept the dominant ego in place.
Triad of Judgment: Enneatypes 1, 5, and 7
The Triad of Judgment represents the human tendency to evaluate, analyze, and control reality as a way of coping with uncertainty and chaos. In this process, judgment acts as a defense mechanism that distorts the perception of reality and creates distance from both our own vulnerability and a deeper connection with the spiritual. Judgment is used to structure the world and provide a false sense of security, validating belief systems that sustain this illusion of control.
In everyday life, the Triad of Judgment is activated when we feel the need to criticize or control what happens around us. The mind clings to duality, creating distinctions between right and wrong, better and worse, what we like and what we don’t. This leads to a constant cycle of evaluation that reinforces our beliefs, validating the idea that the world must align with our expectations for us to feel safe.
Judgment arises as a tool to balance existential fear, but as it is validated with each evaluation, it reinforces the barriers that separate us from a broader reality. This duality, the belief that good and bad are opposites, alienates us from the natural flow of life, keeping us in a dynamic of choice and rejection. In reality, this perception boils down to preferences and rejections that generate the illusion of free will.
The spiritual work in this triad involves softening judgment, allowing life to unfold without the need to control everything, and transcending the compulsion to always choose what we think is best for us. Ultimately, judgment is an internal projection, an introspection that reflects our own expectations both towards ourselves and others, creating an imbalance between obligation and choice.
The Triad of Judgment is deeply connected with the Triad of Illusion, as judgment is sustained by a distorted perception of reality and oneself. The belief system that emerges here is both individual and collective, operating from the expectations we have of ourselves and others. To transcend this dynamic, it is necessary to recognize that judgment, although it seems like a tool of choice, is supported by a deeper illusion of separation and control.
Judgment in this triad also manifests as a polarity, reflected in the metaprogram of “moving toward” or “moving away from.” This pattern describes two fundamental directions: a tendency to approach internal beliefs or distance oneself from them in relation to others. In this process, "moving toward" means moving toward personal knowledge or expectations, while "moving away from" means avoiding what could cause discomfort or disconnection in relationships with others.
The internal belief system reflects the expectations each person has of themselves, while the external system is linked to expectations about others. These polarities represent the tension between the judgment we apply to our own actions and the judgment we project toward the external world.
Moreover, judgment is deeply tied to repressed anger. This anger doesn’t always manifest externally, but often turns inward, directed at oneself. It is a personal and internal process that, when not expressed, projects into the mental center, fueling patterns of evaluation and control over the environment. This anger becomes a kind of constant self-judgment, intensifying the disconnection from authenticity and from the flow of life.
Triad of Drama: Enneatypes 2, 4, and 8
The Triad of Drama is characterized by intense emotional energy and interpersonal dynamics loaded with meaning, where power, validation, and vulnerability play a central role. Drama doesn’t always manifest as external conflict but often as an internal narrative fueled by emotions that amplify the experience of reality. This emotional pattern is a response to perceived threats or deficiencies in relationships and self-identity.
Drama arises as an internal construction created from emotional judgment and the desire for affirmation. In this triad, intense emotions not only affect personal perception but also the dynamics with others, creating an atmosphere charged with tension. The cycle of drama is activated when one of these emotional forces emerges, and the internal conflict is externalized, giving the appearance of a constant struggle for control, validation, or power.
Drama also involves a projection of expansive anger onto the emotional center, which intensifies the emotional experience and creates a cycle of constant action. Unlike other triads, there is no possibility of duality here: when one element of drama appears, the others inevitably follow. This dynamic perpetuates the need to act, placing individuals in roles such as victim, perpetrator, or savior. In this cycle, individuals may believe that both sides are victims, perpetuating a narrative that creates more conflict and pain.
One cannot occupy a position in the drama triangle without acting. Action is inevitable and is precisely what develops the drama. By acting, one takes on one of the roles in the cycle: victim, perpetrator, or savior. This dynamic is what perpetuates the drama cycle, and ultimately, the cycle of violence. The repetition of these actions within the drama reinforces emotional patterns and tensions, creating a narrative of constant struggle that can only be broken by becoming aware of the mechanisms at play and learning to stop reactive action.
The spiritual work within the Triad of Drama involves recognizing that drama is not necessary for growth or for authentic connection with others. It is crucial to learn to dissolve emotional intensity and find serenity in the midst of chaos to transcend the perpetuation of conflict. This cycle of emotional and dramatic violence can only be broken when we develop the ability to observe the drama without identifying with it and when we choose to act from a place of peace rather than reacting from intensity.
The Contribution of the Soul Triads to the Enneagram
The Soul Triads approach brings a profoundly spiritual dimension to the Enneagram, recognizing that psychological dynamics are not just behavioral patterns but also spiritual challenges that the soul must overcome to reach greater authenticity and inner peace.
This approach integrates psychology with spirituality, offering students of the Enneagram a map not only of the areas where they need to work on a personal level but also of the opportunities for growth on their path toward connection with the transcendent. The Soul Triads remind us that behind every illusion, judgment, and drama, there is an opportunity to find truth and freedom.
The interconnected view of how we sustain reality explains how we act in the world, from creating illusion to creating duality (time) and our belief system, and finally, through action (conduct and behavior), we contemplate how we alter reality.
We can contemplate what we do, what we think, what we judge, and we reach liberation by recognizing the illusion.
It’s not only about sitting down to meditate; it’s an alchemical process. By understanding the triads and my position in the drama, the judgments that sustain them, and working on them, we can change the reality we’ve constructed, which we call illusion - perception.
Conclusion
The Soul Triads represent an innovative contribution to the field of the Enneagram, integrating the psychological and spiritual aspects of human experience. These triads not only offer a deeper vision of the Enneatypes’ patterns but also provide a clear path toward transformation and spiritual liberation.
One of the most valuable aspects of the Soul Triads is their practical applicability. These triads are not just a theoretical framework but a tool that can be used by coaches, therapists, and Enneagram practitioners to guide processes of self-knowledge and profound transformation.
Through the Triad of Illusion, the Triad of Judgment, and the Triad of Drama, each individual can identify the spiritual challenges they face and work to overcome them to achieve greater authenticity and inner peace. This approach recognizes that behind every reactive or defensive mechanism, there is a soul seeking its truth, and by consciously working with these triads, we can awaken to a deeper and more meaningful reality.
We invite all practitioners of the Enneagram to explore this new approach and apply it in their lives, not only as a tool for self-knowledge but as a path toward spiritual realization.
