The Rivers of Change, using Ennegrams for self reflection
Using the Enneagram for Transformation and Self-Reflection
by Rio Goddess Botanica
In times of deep change—whether it’s becoming a parent, leaving a relationship, starting a new spiritual path, or shedding an old identity—we often feel the call to look within. One powerful tool for this kind of inner work is the Enneagram, a sacred map of the soul that helps us uncover the patterns, motivations, and wounds that shape our behavior.
What Is the Enneagram?
The Enneagram is a system of nine personality types, each with its own gifts, fears, desires, and growth paths. But it’s more than just a personality quiz—it’s a portal into your essence. It shows you not only who you are, but why you are the way you are, and how you can grow into your most grounded and aligned self.
Each type is shaped by childhood adaptations and emotional patterns. As we grow, the work becomes about noticing when we’re acting out of habit or fear—and choosing to move from a deeper, more authentic place.
Why Use the Enneagram for Self-Reflection?
When we’re in a moment of transition—whether that’s physical (birth, death, moves), emotional (grief, love, forgiveness), or spiritual (awakening, rituals, initiation)—we often need a mirror. The Enneagram acts as that mirror, lovingly showing us:
Where we cling to control
How we avoid discomfort or pain
What we fear at the core
And how we can soften into healing
Instead of focusing only on external changes, the Enneagram reminds us that true transformation begins inside—with our beliefs, reactions, and self-awareness.
How to Work with Your Enneagram Type
Start by finding your dominant type—ideally through honest self-reflection or a reading with someone trained in the system. Once you’ve identified it, sit with what comes up. Ask yourself:
How does this type protect me?
What am I afraid to feel or face?
How do I behave when I’m stressed or insecure?
What does growth look like for me?
For example:
A Type 4 (The Individualist) might feel emotions deeply and want to be seen as unique. Their work is in grounding, practicing emotional regulation, and knowing they are worthy without needing to prove their specialness.
A Type 9 (The Peacemaker) may avoid conflict and forget their own needs. Their growth lies in waking up to their own desires and speaking them out loud.
Honoring the Cycle of Change
The Enneagram teaches us that we all cycle through different energies—times of contraction and expansion, death and rebirth. There’s no shame in the shadows. In fact, our “flaws” often point to our deepest medicine.
Working with the Enneagram is like lighting a candle in a dark room. Slowly, gently, we begin to see. And with that seeing comes the power to change—not by force, but by love.
A Ritual to Try: Enneagram Self-Reflection Circle
Create a sacred space with water, a candle, crystals, or herbs. Sit quietly and ask yourself:
What part of me needs attention today?
What old pattern am I ready to release?
How can I show up with more compassion for myself and others?
Journal, meditate, or pull a card for each question. Let the answers rise from within.
This is soul work. This is sacred work. And through it, we remember:
We are not broken—we are becoming.
We are not our patterns—we are the light beneath them.
We are always evolving, always held, always home.
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✨ If you’d like support in discovering your Enneagram type or integrating this work with spiritual tools like tarot, Reiki, or limpia ceremonies, I’d love to hold space for you at Rio Goddess Botanica. email to book a session. 🌙💧🕯️
