Dr. Jennifer Joss’s The Enneagram Symbol: Mapping the Journey of Personal, Social, and Spiritual Evolution stands out as a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the Enneagram, blending no-nonsense analysis with a heartfelt, transformative personal journey. Throughout the book, the author expertly navigates the complexities of the Enneagram framework while offering readers a deeply relatable and inspiring comparison of stories that are familiar to us. What makes this book particularly compelling is Dr. Joss’s ability to present the Enneagram as a tool for self-awareness no matter where you are on your journey.

Dr. Joss connects the Enneagram to a range of other fields of knowledge, from psychology to neurology to spirituality, to offer a broader, richer understanding of this ancient symbol. She weaves together timeless truths in a way that will resonate with readers familiar with Richard Rohr’s teachings, Rumi’s poems, the Tao’s wisdom and more, drawing parallels between the framework’s nine types and the universal human experience. The connections made between the Enneagram and other life systems enhance the book’s depth, making it a valuable resource.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is how it elevates the conversation around the Enneagram, helping both seasoned practitioners and newcomers refine their understanding.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is how it elevates the conversation around the Enneagram, helping both seasoned practitioners and newcomers refine their understanding. For readers already familiar with the basics of the Enneagram, this book provides a new layer of insight. It offers a fresh, accessible approach to the Enneagram through the lens of the Hero’s Journey, a narrative structure that mirrors the transformative process of moving through each of the nine points. It is a framework that encourages deeper self-reflection and growth through stories that resonate with the hero’s journey.

That said, The Enneagram Symbol encourages careful reflection and, as one reads it, one may find themselves revisiting passages again and again. Each reread uncovers new insights, allowing the book to serve as both a deep well of wisdom and a companion for ongoing self-discovery. A primer knowledge of the Enneagram may be helpful before diving into this work, Dr. Joss does include a refresher of the Enneagram in the beginning and then builds on that foundation with more advanced ideas. She defines the laws that the Enneagram is built around (Law of One, Law of Three, Law of Seven), and expertly weaves a mystic understanding with a rational one.

Perhaps the most profound aspect of this book is its reverence for life and its sensitive exploration of the Enneagram’s deeper meanings. Like a wise mentor, she challenges the reader to dig deeper, to listen more attentively, and to confront the parts of ourselves that are often easiest to ignore. Her ability to navigate this sensitive terrain makes this book an invaluable resource for anyone on a journey toward self-knowledge.

In conclusion, The Enneagram Symbol is a thoughtful, inspiring, and intellectually rich exploration of the Enneagram. Dr. Joss successfully bridges the gap between rational analysis and heartfelt wisdom, offering readers a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the framework. Whether you are new to the Enneagram or have been studying it for years, this book will provide fresh insights, provoke deeper reflections, and inspire you to continue your journey of self-discovery.

About the author of The Enneagram Symbol: Mapping the Journey of Personal, Social, and Spiritual Evolution: Dr. Jennifer Joss is a psychologist by training, a coach and consultant by profession, and a Hermetic philosopher at heart. She has been involved with the evolution of people and systems for 30 years, in non-profit as well as for-profit organizations, across diverse industries. Jennifer integrates psychology and neuroscience, systems dynamics and leadership development, with the wisdom of spiritual and mythic traditions, and inner technologies that have guided people for centuries.

Jennifer holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Stanford’s School of Education and graduated from Harvard with high honors in psychology. As a certified Enneagram and Enneagram in Business professional, she has used the Enneagram to help people and teams personalize learning and map transformation. Jennifer’s 30-year relationship with the Enneagram Symbol somehow lured her into a deep and life-changing exploration of its meaning which, although still unfolding, led to the 2023 book: The Enneagram Symbol: Mapping the Journey of Personal, Social, and Spiritual Evolution. Learn more about Jennifer and her work at: www.jumpingcurves.com

Excerpts from The Enneagram Symbol: Mapping the Journey of Personal, Social, and Spiritual Evolution have been published here: