D8W7 (Winner) Essay Entry

The theory of Protoanalysis.
1 - About the authors.
2 - Fixations, passions, virtues, traps, holy ideas.
3 - The three elements of reason.
4 - The nine points.
5 - Conclusion.

There are some different schools of thought among Enneagram teachers and their understandings are not always in agreement. Oscar Ichazo (1931-2020) is sometimes credited as a principal source of the contemporary Enneagram of Personality which is largely derived from some of Ichazo's teachings, such as those on ego-fixations, holy ideas, passions, and virtues. He began teaching in the 1950s. His teaching, which he calls "Protoanalysis", uses the enneagram figure among many other symbols and ideas. The theory of Protoanalysis is the primary source from which the contemporary Enneagram of Personality has been developed. In Ichazo’s theory, the differences that can be seen among people– their “personalities”– are the result of their becoming attached and imbalanced in certain Domains. Protoanalysis/Fixations is the study of how these attachements and imbalances develop.

2 - Fixations, passions, virtues, traps, holy ideas. According to Ichazo, experiences in early childhood lead to the development of certain false Egos to which people become attached and which they identify as their true selves. ❖ The fixation is one point where we are the most sensitive and the most accomplished, wich appears before nine years of age. The fixations are always over-preoccupations. To overcome the feeling of unhappiness and emptiness the individual in ego searches for something to fill the void according to his fixation. ❖ The passions are the emotional survival systems of the ego. A person with a given fixation will generally react to life in a habitual way. He will feel all the passions at some time or another, but his predominant passion will set the emotional tone of his personality. ❖ To counteract these passions of the ego, a person try to arouse them so he can become aware of his weak points, to experience the opposite Virtues or esencial feelings. ❖ Each fixation has a trap, a habitual way of acting that stems from the ego. A person who falls into the trap associated with his fixation will remain in that recurring action loop until such time as he realizes that is getting him nowhere. ❖ When the traps are recognized as being a source of unhappiness, the person is ready to accept the proper Holy Idea for him. The Holy Idea acts as a catalyzer for the transformation of the ego. The psyschocatalyzers are the keys for balancing the fixations. The fixation is a point where are especially aware; when the fixation is gone the natural-ego appears and we are aware of the intensity of the other eight points.

3 - The three elements of reason. There are three different ways of reasoning. The three instincts are the bases upon wich reason is supported. The physic manifestation of the instincts are “living questions” that we have in our interior. Therefore we have three primary egos: ➢ The Conservation Instinct –SP. The innate non-verbal question projected here is “How am I?” Through experience, it learns how to get the food that is needed for survival. Because it learns from past experiences, Ichazo calls this the Historical Ego. Our sense of property, possession, and the accumulation of wealth are all related to this Ego because these contribute to a sense of being secure in our ability to meet the demands of the Conservation Instinct. As a natural development, the Conservation instinct will become infused with the “instinctual poison” of Greed. The Historical Ego correspond to points 8, 9, 1. ➢ The Relation Instinct- SX. The instinctual innate question asked here is “Who am i with?” Our emotions result from our relations with other people. The answer will produce the primary emotions of like and dislike, and a strong focus of attention on this center develops. An artificial Ego then develops which is concerned with how we appear to others and how others appear to us. Ichazo calls this the Image Ego because it is always adopting a “persona”, playing a social role. The poison which naturally develops in the Relations Instinct is Hate. The Image Ego correspond to points 2, 3, 4. ➢ The Adaptation Instinct –SO. The instinctual innate question projected here is “Where am I?” Is the result of our basic need to constantly adapt ourselves to our natural and social environment in order to survive. The fundamental need to orient ourselves gives us direction on what to do and how to behave in order to succeed in our environment. This is the Intellectual Center, composed of thoughts and mind constructs. It is the basis of our sense of working and doing, known as the Practical Ego. The Adaptation Instinct naturally develops into the poison of Deceit. The Practical Ego correspond to points 5, 6, 7.

4 - The nine points.

Point 1 is known as “Ego-resentment”. The fixation is also known as “Over-Perfectionist”. This ego derives from the Historical Ego, which is a response to the Conservation Instinct. The psychic poison of the Conservation Instinct at the root of Ego-Resentment is Possessiveness. Ego-resentment experiences a sense of being unloved in the childhood relationship with a Mother figure. The main ego-characteristic of this fixation is Resentment. The Passion which feeds this ego is Anger. The primary defense mechanism is Isolation. Worsening of this fixation can lead to the Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder. A secondary defense mechanism is Undoing. Further worsening leads to psychosomatic illness. Becoming fixated in the Domain of Sentiments, there is a swing to the dichotomies of that domain. This can manifest in a positive sense as a focus on Self-Control on one side, or Sensitivity at the other side. It can manifest in a negative sense as Callousness at one extreme or Touchiness at the other extreme. These dichotomies are represented by two characters: the Heartless character at one end, the Gushy character at the other. Jealousies invade the consciousness in this domain. The stress of being fixated and imbalanced in this domain can lead to Toximania as a compensatory mechanism. The poison of this domain is Anger. The Trap which simultaneously restricts but potentially liberates this ego is its focus on Perfection. The Way of self-realization of this ego is the Way of Attention, which works by recalling oneself in self-observation permanently. The Holy Idea which acts as a catalyzer for the transformation of this ego is Holy Perfection, or Divine Perfection. This can lead to the Virtue (energy) of Serenity. According to Ichazo, Divine Perfection is “The awareness that Reality is a process, moving with direction and purpose. Within this movement each moment is connected by the process with the one goal, and thus is perfect.”

Point 2 is known as “Ego-flattery”. The fixation is also known as “Over-Independent”. This ego is derives from the Image Ego, which is a response to the Relation Instinct. The psychic poison of the Relation Instinct at the root of Ego-Flattery is Envy. Ego-Flattery experiences a sense of being controlled in the childhood relationship with a Father figure. The main ego-characteristic of this fixation is Vanity. The Passion which feeds this ego is Pride. The primary defense mechanism is Denial. Worsening of this fixation can lead to the Narcissistic Personality Disorder. A secondary defense mechanism is Repression. Further worsening leads to psychosomatic illness. Becoming fixated in the Domain of Health and Security, there is a swing to the dichotomies of that domain. This can manifest in a positive sense as a focus on Routine on one side, or Flexibility at the other side. It can manifest in a negative sense as Meticulousness at one extreme or Negligence at the other extreme. These dichotomies are represented by two characters: the Fussy character at one end, the Messy person at the other. Fears invade the consciousness in this domain. The stress of being fixated and imbalanced in this domain can lead to Psychosomatic Illness as a compensatory mechanism. The poison of this domain is Lechery. The Trap which simultaneously restricts but potentially liberates this ego is its focus on Freedom. The Way of self-realization of this ego is the Way of Liberty, also known as the Way of Security, which deals with the construction of our lives. The Holy Idea which acts as a catalyzer for the transformation of this ego is Holy Will, or Divine Will. This can lead to the Virtue (energy) of Humility. According to Ichazo, Divine Will is “The awareness that Reality, moving with direction and according to fixed natural laws, flows with a certain force. The easiest way to deal with this force is to move with it. This is true freedom.”

Point 3 is known as “Ego-Go”. The fixation is also known as “Over-Efficient”. This ego derives from the Image Ego, which is a response to the Relation instinct. The psychic poison of the Relation Instinct at the root of Ego-Go is Hate. Ego-Go experiences a sense of being ignored in the childhood relationship with a Father figure. The main ego-characteristic of this fixation is Hyperactivity. The Passion which feeds this ego is Deceit. The primary defense mechanism is Identification. Worsening of this fixation can lead to the Histrionic Personality Disorder. A secondary defense mechanism is Compulsion. Further worsening leads to psychosomatic illness. Becoming fixated in the Domain of Creativity, there is a swing to the dichotomies of that domain. This can manifest in a positive sense as a focus on Know-how on one side, or Fantasy at the other side. It can manifest in a negative sense as Cunning at one extreme or Daydreaming at the other extreme. These dichotomies are represented by two characters: the Schemer character at one end, the Bullsh*tter at the other. Lies invade the consciousness in this domain. The stress of being fixated and imbalanced in this domain can lead to Over-exertion as a compensatory mechanism. The poison of this domain is Avarice. The Trap which simultaneously restricts but potentially liberates this ego is its focus on Efficiency. The Way of self-realization of this ego is the Way of Creativity, which goes with art. The Holy Idea which acts as a catalyzer for the transformation of this ego is Holy Harmony, or Divine Harmony. This can lead to the Virtue (energy) of Truthfulness. According to Ichazo, Divine Harmony is “The awareness that there are no exceptions to the natural laws which govern the Cosmos, and that these laws are completely objective, operating as an interconnected unity. The highest law is the totality of Reality itself. Certitude in the objectivity and the total applicability of those laws is true hope.”

Point 4 is known as “Ego-Melancholy”. The fixation is also known as “Over-Reasoner”. This ego derives from the Image Ego, which is a response to the Relation Instinct. The psychic poison of the Relation Instinct at the root of Ego-Melancholy is Jealousy. Ego-Melancholy experiences a sense of being criticized in the childhood relationship with a Father figure. The main ego-characteristic of this fixation is Melancholia. The Passion which feeds this ego is Envy. The primary defense mechanism is Sublimation. Worsening of this fixation can lead to the Borderline Personality Disorder. A secondary defense mechanism is Reaction-formation. Further worsening leads to psychosomatic illness. Becoming fixated in the Intellectual Domain, there is a swing to the dichotomies of that domain. This can manifest in a positive sense as a focus on Reason on one side, or having an Overview at the other side. It can manifest in a negative sense as Sophistry at one extreme or Superficiality at the other extreme. These dichotomies are represented by two characters: the Argumentative character at one end, the Shallow character at the other. Envies invade the consciousness in this domain. The stress of being fixated and imbalanced in this domain can lead to Crime as a compensatory mechanism. The poison of this domain is Deception. The Trap which simultaneously restricts but potentially liberates this ego is its focus on Analysis. The Way of self-realization of this ego is the Way of Clarity, or the way of pure clear analysis. The Holy Idea which acts as a catalyzer for the transformation of this ego is Holy Origin, or Divine Origin. This can lead to the Virtue (energy) of Equanimity. According to Ichazo, Divine Origin is “The awareness that all individuals are born as the result of natural, objective laws; that these laws continue to operate within them throughout their lives. Because all the laws are interconnected, each individual always has an intimate physical connection with the Totality of Reality – the Cosmos. From this springs true originality.”

Point 5 is known as “Ego-Stinginess”. The fixation is also known as “Over-Observer”. This ego derives from the Practical Ego, which is a response to the Adaptation Instinct. The psychic poison of the Adaptation Instinct at the root of Ego-Stinge is Confusion. Ego-stinginess experiences a sense of Alienation in the childhood relationship with siblings and/or peers. The main ego-characteristic of this fixation is Withdrawal. The Passion which feeds this ego is Avarice. The primary defense mechanism is Introjection. Worsening of this fixation can lead to either the Schizoid or Anti-Social Personality Disorder. A secondary defense mechanism is Regression. Further worsening leads to psychosomatic illness. Becoming fixated in the Domain of Social Interaction, there is a swing to the dichotomies of that domain. This can manifest in a positive sense as Sociability on one side, or Privacy at the other side. It can manifest in a negative sense as Meddling at one extreme or Alienation at the other extreme. These dichotomies are represented by two characters: the Busybody at one end, the Loner at the other. A sense of Hatred invades the consciousness in this domain. The stress of being fixated and imbalanced in this domain can lead to Phobias as a compensatory mechanism. The poison of this domain is Envy. The Trap which simultaneously restricts but potentially liberates this ego is its focus on Observation. The Way of self-realization of this ego is the Way of Enchantment, which is how we relate magically with the world. The Holy Idea which acts as a catalyzer for the transformation of this ego is Holy Omniscience, or Divine Omniscience. This can lead to the Virtue (energy) of Detachment (Non-Attachment). According to Ichazo, Divine Omniscience is “The awareness that because every individual is intimately connected with the entire cosmos by the operation of objective laws within their own bodies, there is no separateness or alienation except as a mental hallucination. Because the cosmic laws govern every aspect of ourselves, there is no possibility of hiding from the Cosmos, or avoiding the results of natural processes. When we understand this, we are completely at peace with our past.”

Point 6 is known as “Ego-Cowardice”. The fixation is also known as “Over-Adventurer”. This ego derives from the Practical Ego, which is a response to the Adaptation Instinct. The psychic poison of the Adaptation Instinct at the root of Ego-Cowardice is Deceit. Ego-Cowardice experiences a sense of being Useless in the childhood relationship with siblings and/or peers. The main ego-characteristic of this fixation is Insecurity. The Passion which feeds this ego is Fear. The primary defense mechanism is Projection. Worsening of this fixation can lead to Paranoid Personality Disorder. A secondary defense mechanism is Conversion. Further worsening leads to psychosomatic illness. Becoming fixated in the Domain of Work and Activities, there is a swing to the dichotomies of that domain. This can manifest in a positive sense as Labor on one side, or Amusement at the other side. It can manifest in a negative sense as Overwork at one extreme or Loafing at the other extreme. These dichotomies are represented by two characters: the Workhorse at one end, the Idler at the other. Worries invade the consciousness in this domain. The stress of being fixated and imbalanced in this domain can lead to Panic as a compensatory mechanism. The poison of this domain is Jealousy. The Trap which simultaneously restricts but potentially liberates this ego is its focus on Prudence. The Way of self-realization of this ego is the Way of Action, which is to realize that our actions must be internalized if they are to be real actions. The Holy Idea which acts as a catalyzer for the transformation of this ego is Holy Strength, or Divine Strength. This can lead to the Virtue (energy) of Courage. According to Ichazo, Divine Strength is “The awareness that the Cosmos is a self-regulating mechanism, existing in a state of balance, and as long as the objective laws which govern this balance are respected, an individual can exist in a state of harmony with Reality, moving toward his own personal fulfillment. Faith is a Holy Idea, not a belief. It is the certitude that each of us has an Essence and that this Essence coming from God, belongs to God.”

Point 7 is known as “Ego-Planning”. The fixation is also known as “Over-Idealist”. This ego derives from the Practical Ego, which is a response to the Adaptation Instinct. The psychic poison of the Adaptation Instinct at the root of Ego-Planning is Mythomania. Ego-Planning experiences a sense of being Inferiorized in the childhood relationship with siblings and/or peers. The main ego-characteristic of this fixation is Dreaming. The Passion which feeds this ego is Gluttony. The primary defense mechanism is Displacement. Worsening of this fixation can lead to Schizotypal Personality Disorder. A secondary defense mechanism is Disassociation. Further worsening leads to psychosomatic illness. Becoming fixated in the Domain of Position and Authority, there is a swing to the dichotomies of that domain. This can manifest in a positive sense as Self-Respect on one side, or Modesty at the other side. It can manifest in a negative sense as Superiority at one extreme or Inferiority at the other extreme. These dichotomies are represented by two characters: the Pretentious character at one end, the Loser at the other. Rivalries invade the consciousness in this domain. The stress of being fixated and imbalanced in this domain can lead to Gluttony as a compensatory mechanism. The poison of this domain is Confusion of thought. The Trap which simultaneously restricts but potentially liberates this ego is its focus on Idealism. The Way of self-realization of this ego is the Way of Presence, continuously being aware of the Presence of the Eternal. The Holy Idea which acts as a catalyzer for the transformation of this ego is Holy Wisdom or Divine Wisdom (sometimes described as Holy Work). This can lead to the Virtue (energy) of Sobriety. According to Ichazo, Divine Wisdom (or Work) is “The awareness that Reality exists as a succession of moments, each experienced as ‘the present,’ and that it is only by existing in the present that the constant unfolding of the Cosmos [can] be experienced. Only by working in the present can real work be done and real results achieved.”

Point 8 is known as “Ego-vengeance”. The fixation is also known as “Over-Justicemaker”. This ego derives from the Historical Ego, which is a response to the Conservation Instinct. The psychic poison of the Conservation Instinct at the root of Ego-Vengeance is Avarice. Ego-vengeance experiences a sense of abuse in the childhood relationship with a Mother figure. The main ego-characteristic of this fixation is Vengeance. The Passion which feeds this ego is Lust (Excess). The primary defense mechanism is Rationalization. Worsening of this fixation can lead to the Passive-Aggresive Personality Disorder. A secondary defense mechanism is Resistance. Further worsening leads to psychosomatic illness. Becoming fixated in the Domain of Laws and Morals, there is a swing to the dichotomies of that domain. This can manifest in a positive sense as a focus on Morality on one side, or Tolerance at the other side. It can manifest in a negative sense as Puritanism at one extreme or Hedonism at the other extreme. These dichotomies are represented by two characters: the Self-righteous character at one end, the Libertine at the other. A sense of Remorse invades the consciousness in this domain. The stress of being fixated and imbalanced in this domain can lead to Cruelty as a compensatory mechanism. The poison of this domain is Mythomania. The Trap which simultaneously restricts but potentially liberates this ego is its focus on Justice. The Way of self-realization of this ego is the Way of Redemption, which redeems the past. The Holy Idea which acts as a catalyzer for the transformation of this ego is Holy Truth, or Divine Truth. This can lead to the Virtue (energy) of Innocence. According to Ichazo, Divine Truth is “The awareness that the cosmos objectively exists now; that this existence is its own definition, and continues whether an individual understands it or not; and that the individual experiences the truth of Reality most completely when he views each moment fresh, without preconceptions about what should be happening.”

Point 9 is known as “Ego-indolence”. The fixation is also known as “Over-Nonconformist”. This ego derives from the Historical Ego, which is a response to the Conservation Instinct. The psychic poison of the Conservation Instinct at the root of Ego-Indolence is Greed. Ego-indolence experiences a sense of abandonment in the childhood relationship with a Mother figure. The main ego-characteristic of this fixation is Disillusionment. The Passion which feeds this ego is Laziness (Sloth). The primary defense mechanism is Compensation. Worsening of this fixation can lead to the Avoidant/Dependent Personality Disorders. A secondary defense mechanism is Symbolization. Further worsening leads to psychosomatic illness. Becoming fixated in the Spiritual Domain, there is a swing to the dichotomies of that domain. This can manifest in a positive sense as a focus on Spirituality on one side, or Realism at the other side. It can manifest in a negative sense as Fanaticism at one extreme or Skepticism at the other extreme. These dichotomies are represented by two characters: the Believer at one end, the Doubter at the other. Prejudices invade the consciousness in this domain. The stress of being fixated and imbalanced in this domain can lead to Sensuality as a compensatory mechanism. The poisons of this domain are Ignorance, Arrogance and Stupidity. The Trap which simultaneously restricts but potentially liberates this ego is its focus on Seeking. The Way of self-realization of this ego is the Way of Self-Awareness, which is “immensely mystical” and which entails becoming aware of one’s “internal inner clarity”. The Holy Idea which acts as a catalyzer for the transformation of this ego is Holy Love/ Divine Love. This can lead to the Virtue (energy) of Action. According to Ichazo, Divine Love is “The awareness that though the laws which govern reality are objective, they are not cold, because these cosmic laws inevitably lead to the creation of organic life, and Life itself, like all natural phenomena, fulfills a cosmic purpose. As soon as the mind’s word mechanism is destroyed, love, the natural condition of the mind, appears.

5 - Conclusion Human beings have reason as defense. The three instincts are the bases of the human process. Inside us, between the three egos, there is a continous battle. The Natural-ego is the result of the three instincts in balance and well compensated. When the natural-ego is realized it is a healthy ego, this fourth ego is the result of human will. Man has will then, he can manage himself because he understands his own consciousness; he respects himself and he respects others. He is more mature and is honest with himself and others. You begin seeing yourself and accepting yourself. Sources "The Human Process for Enlightenment and Freedom" - Óscar Ichazo. "The Arica Training" - John Lilly and Joseph Tart. "Enneagram of Personality" - Anonymous. "Unveiling the Enneagram" - Anonymous.

From: https://www.personality-database.com/comment/7720762?profileID=1378888