As suggested by the triangle in the symbol, the Enneagram lends itself to triadic grouping of the nine types into three groups of three each.
The triadic grouping most often used is what's called the centers of intelligence or simply the centers where the types are grouped into three centers consisting of types 891, 234, and 567. These three centers are referred to by several different labels.
- 891: Body-based, gut, anger, self-forgetting
- 234: Heart-based, heart, shame, image
- 567: Head-based, head, fear
While each individual has access to all three centers, a type is said to be preoccupied in some way with the center where it's located.
Another set of triads often used with the types has to do with Karen Horney's types. While Karen Horney wrote about these types well before the Enneagram types existed, her types have been incorporated into the Enneagram as a set of three groupings or triads.
- 126: Compliant types, associated with Karen Horney's compliant or moving toward people type
- 459: Withdrawn types, associated with Karen Horney's detached or moving away from people type
- 783: Aggressive types, associated with Karen Horney's aggressive or moving against people type
The 369, 147, 258 triads are not widely used. Here are two ways that they might be used by some teachers.
The Object Relations Groups
- 369: Attachment
- 258: Rejection
- 147: Frustration
The Harmony Triads
- 369: Pragmatists
- 258: Relationists
- 147: Idealists
The 468, 792, 135 triads are also not widely used. Here's one way they might be used.
Harmonic Groups
- 468: Reactive
- 792: Positive Outlook
- 135: Competency