Enneagram Type 8, also known as the Challenger, is characterized by their self-confidence, strong will, and decisive nature. These individuals possess an inherent drive to protect themselves and those they care about, often embodying the role of a guardian or protector in their communities. Their energy is powerful and assertive, seeking to make an impact in the world through their leadership and determination. Keep reading to learn the connection between the Tarot and this fiery personality type!
What are the Enneagram Types?
To fully appreciate the depth of connection between Tarot cards and the Enneagram Type 8 personality traits, it’s essential to understand the broader framework of the Enneagram personality typing system. The Enneagram system is a complex, nuanced tool for psychological analysis, encompassing nine distinct personality types. Each type is not only a static identifier but rather a dynamic map of tendencies, motivations, fears, and desires that drive human behavior.
Enneagram 8 people rely on their instincts to navigate their environment. When they encounter an obstacle, Type Eights tend to act without thinking and follow their “gut” reaction. Hence, they join Type Ones and Type Nines in the Gut Triad. Unhealthy eights attack tough decisions often without considering emotion or analysis. Conversely, healthy Eights approach difficult situations with compassion, utilizing their self confident nature and commanding presence to achieve their goals.
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How does Tarot Reflect Enneagram Type 8 Traits?
Tarot cards are a powerful tool for introspection and spiritual growth, making them an ideal modality for individuals looking to better understand their personality types. Each card in the Tarot deck holds layers of symbolic meaning, allowing individuals to tap into their subconscious mind and gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Often, tarot cards represent specific people or personality traits, making them particularly relevant to the Enneagram typing system. For instance, the Empress card in the Major Arcana is associated with creativity, abundance, and nurturing qualities, mirroring the Type 4. The Chariot represents the drive and competitive nature of the Type 3, while The Hermit embodies the introspection and self-reflection of the Type 5.
To better understand what drives the Enneagram 8, let’s dive into the Tarot cards that represent this type.
The Emperor – A Symbol of Control and Authority
Among the Major Arcana, the Emperor is the most fitting embodiment of the Enneagram 8 personality. It is associated with dominance, authority, and a strong desire for control. This need for control stems from the Challenger’s basic fear – that they will lose their agency. The thought of someone else pulling the strings in their life triggers the core emotion of the Gut Triad, anger. Average Eights struggle with restraint and often have trouble admitting when they’re wrong. Unhealthy Type Eights tend to have an “off with their head” mindset. Thus, the Emperor represents both the negative and positive aspects of this bold Enneagram personality type.
The Emperor Major Arcana card depicts a figure seated on a throne, symbolizing the Enneagram 8’s desire for power and protection. From an early age, Type Eights learned to view the world through a hierarchical lens. The meek do not “inherit the earth,” they are trampled beneath the boots of the strong.
Of the nine Enneagram types, many believe Enneagram 8 children are the most likely to come from abusive households. They avoid showing vulnerability at an early age to protect themselves. However, several factors contribute to personality development, and any Enneagram type can come from a bad home environment.
Although the jury is out on what creates the Enneagram 8 versus other types, some theorize that young Eights find themselves at odds with a member of their household, usually a parent. In the child’s eyes, one parent is an opponent, and the other is “weaker” or more vulnerable than the antagonist parent or Eight child. At some point, an Enneagram type 8 adopts the stress of the vulnerable parent and takes the lead, shoving down their own feelings in order to protect them. Essentially, the child views their household like a warring kingdom, and they become the Emperor to survive.
Like Enneagram Type Ones, Eights have a deep sense of justice. At their worst, Type Eights rule with an iron fist. What they say goes. However, Eights are deeply caring people and look after people they consider theirs. An Enneagram 8 with a nine wing are called the Diplomat, but when it comes to defending the weak, the other side of their personality type comes out – the Bear. They respond to bigotry and bullying with gnashing teeth and fierce claws. Combine their innate power with their basic desire for independence and defense of the weak makes them strong advocates. Eights build a better world on their Fool’s journey of self development. The Emperor tarot card embodies both the protective, authoritative side of Enneagram 8, as well as their potential for aggression and domination.
In a World where only the strong survive, the Emperor can be a beloved ruler or a vicious tyrant. When they fail to manage control of their feelings, the Enneagram 8 becomes one of the most dangerous and combative nine types. Assertiveness transforms into aggression as the Enneagram 8 picks up their sword.
Five of Swords – A Reflection of the Challenger’s Competitive Nature
The Five of Swords serves as a vivid representation of the Enneagram Type 8’s confrontational nature and their intense need to emerge as the victor in conflicts. This tarot card is associated with defeat, loss, and the consequences of a battle. Its symbolism highlights the darker aspects of confrontation — where not everything is won purely, and sometimes victory comes at a great cost.
For Type Eights, their inherent desire to protect and assert control can lead them into situations where winning takes precedence over the means by which victory is achieved. They often find themselves in a “last man standing” scenario, where their determination and strength are put to the test against adversaries or challenging circumstances.
In the imagery of the Five of Swords, one can see a figure standing tall, claiming swords from the ground as trophies while others walk away in defeat. This aligns with the Enneagram 8’s propensity to go to great lengths to ensure their point of view prevails, even if it means standing alone. Type Eights with a seven wing are particularly aggressive, embodying their Maverick moniker when faced with conflict. When an Enneagram 8 is on your side, you can rely on their power as long as you’re comfortable with them taking charge. If an Enneagram 8 is your adversary, though, prepare for an uphill battle.
An Enneagram 8’s need for domination turns group projects into battlegrounds. Arguments within their romantic relationship can quickly escalate into a full-scale war. Eights are one of the most competitive personality types, along with Enneagram Type Threes. As Eights mature, they learn that letting go of control doesn’t mean losing it. It means setting their sights on the big picture and allowing others to contribute. Instead of snatching up swords, Type Eights improve their professional and personal relationship by channeling their energy in a more compassionate way.
To my fellow Enneagram 8s, understand that things happen and that not everyone is going to understand or follow your internal rules. Encourage new ideas, acknowledge your own needs and the needs of those around you. Don’t push others away out of fear of rejection, and respect them for who they are.
Through this, Eights can achieve true victory — not by defeating others, but by conquering their own demons and finding inner peace. The Five of Swords tarot card serves as a reminder to Enneagram Type Eights to be mindful of how they approach conflict and the consequences that may result from it. The challenge for Type Eights is to find a balance between asserting their strength and considering the impact of their actions on their relationships and broader community goals.
Strength – A Celebration of Courage and Resilience
For Enneagram Type 8, the concept of strength harbors a complicated relationship, intertwining deeply with their core identity. Strength, for them, isn’t just a physical or emotional attribute but a vital essence of their being, influencing their interactions, decisions, and perceptions of vulnerability.
This intrinsic value placed on strength arises from their desire to protect themselves and those they care for, a trait stemming from early life experiences of feeling the need to fend off perceived threats. However, this same valor, while it positions them as fearless leaders, often masks a fear of showing weakness, equating vulnerability with potential exploitation. It’s a double-edged sword that leads to a life of constant vigilance and, sometimes, unnecessary conflict.
The Strength Tarot card depicts a woman, calmly and confidently facing a lion with open palms. Her expression is serene, but her hands are firmly grasping the beast’s jaws, suggesting an underlying struggle for dominance. This image reflects the Enneagram Type 8’s nature of being both resilient and unyielding in their approach to challenges. In this card, it isn’t the ferocious lion that embodies strength, but the gentle woman who approaches the animal with kindness and determination. She is the actualized Enneagram 8.
The symbolism reminds me of prying an object from a cat’s mouth, correcting their behavior and protecting them simultaneously. It comes from a place of love, not of fear or control.
Additionally, the lion represents the Enneagram 8’s anger and “undesirable” feelings. Enneagram 8’s easily express their rage, but they force their sadness and fear into submission. Quite literally, the Enneagram 8 wrestles their emotions in this card. Although it may seem that they have everything under control, the card teaches them to allow their “softer” emotions to surface.
The Strength card is a card of risk and reward. At any point, the lion could bite the Enneagram 8 woman, but she is self-confident in her abilities. She chooses to let down her defenses and openly confront her fear. For Type Eights, this act of vulnerability is a display of immense inner fortitude. Once Eights begin their journey of self discovery, they see strength for what it is – not a show of power, but the courage to be vulnerable and authentic. With this realization comes true strength, one that doesn’t require force or control, but rather an open heart and mind.
Embrace the Power of The Enneagram
The journey through the lens of the Enneagram for Type Eights offers a profound exploration of strength, vulnerability, and inner peace. By confronting the lessons these cards offer, Type Eights have the opportunity to transcend their natural tendencies toward dominance, evolving into leaders who wield their inherent strength with compassion, wisdom, and a deep sense of justice. This transformation is not only a personal triumph but a contribution to the greater societal fabric, where the power of understanding, empathy, and true resilience can bring about meaningful change.
Stay tuned for the last installment in our Enneagram series, as we explore the final Type Nine and the wisdom they offer to all of us. Embrace your personality type and embark on a journey of self-discovery through the Enneagram and Tarot!
