In determining your Enneagram style, you may have actually selected one of your arrow lines – that is, either your stress point or security point – as well as your core style and one or both wings. The arrow lines on the Enneagram symbol are important, as the interconnections of the arrow lines indicate two other Enneagram styles that may augment the characteristics of a person's core Enneagram style.

Click the symbol to see arrow lines style details.

In situations of stress, an individual's behavior typically becomes an accentuated version of the negative aspects of that person's Enneagram style. When a person is feeling secure or relaxed, the strengths of his or her style often become more apparent. The Enneagram symbol also shows a dynamic pattern of how each Enneagram style might move across the Enneagram under conditions of stress or security, called the person's stress point and security point, respectively. The stress point is the place on the Enneagram to which you move when you are feeling under pressure; the arrow points away from your core Enneagram style. The security point is the place on the Enneagram to which you move when you are feeling relaxed; the arrow points toward your core Enneagram style. When they are feeling stressed or secure, individuals do not change their core style; they simply start showing some traits of their stress or security point.

Stress may not be altogether negative for some people; they may demonstrate the positive characteristics of their stress point when they are under pressure. For other people, stress is undesirable, bringing out their stress point's negative qualities. Similarly, security may not be altogether beneficial for some people, who may, when relaxed, demonstrate the negative characteristics of their security point. For other people, security and relaxation are desirable, accentuating their security point's favorable qualities. The most useful way to think about your stress and security points is to view them as two additional places on the Enneagram that will give you insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Stress Point Arrows
If you look at the Enneagram, you will see a counterclockwise movement of the arrows under conditions of stress. The Enneagram style that your style's arrow is pointed toward is your stress point.

The Inner Triangle - Under stress, Nines move to Six, Sixes move to Three, and Threes move to Nine. Stress refers to any kind of pressure, ranging from mild demands (such as moderate deadlines) to circumstances of extreme duress (such as being passed over for a promotion).

The Hexad - Now look at the interior lines of the Enneagram, with the inner triangle removed. This configuration, called a hexad, shows the six other Enneagram styles and their interconnections under stress. Ones move to Four, Fours move to Two, Twos move to Eight, Eights move to Five, Fives move to Seven, and Sevens move to One.

Security Point Arrows
Under conditions of security, also called relaxation, the Enneagram arrows flow clockwise. The Enneagram style whose arrow points toward your style is your security point.

The Inner Triangle - When secure, Nines move to Three, Threes move to Six, and Sixes move to Nine. Security or relaxation refers to lack of pressure, worry, or demands.

The Hexad - Looking at the six Enneagram patterns in the hexad of the Enneagram diagram, you can see that Ones move to Seven, Sevens move to Five, Fives move to Eight, Eights move to Two, Twos move to Four, and Fours move to One.

You may have strong links to one arrow number, both arrow numbers, or neither arrow number. People of the same Enneagram style who have strong links to their arrow numbers may use these arrow qualities quite differently. However, the general descriptions given here for all nine Enneagram styles can help you to understand your own connections to your stress and security points.

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