The Apollonian, Dionysian, and Odyssean personality groupings, as conceptualized by Herbert and David Spiegel, offer a unique perspective on human personality. These categories draw their inspiration from ancient Greek mythology and the philosophical musings of Nietzsche.
Nietzsche used the gods Apollo and Dionysus to represent opposing forces in art and culture – Apollo embodying order, harmony, and rationality, and Dionysus representing chaos, passion/emotions, and the irrational. The Spiegels expanded this dichotomy by introducing the character of Odysseus, an archetype celebrated for resilience and adaptability.
This third personality style, the Odyssean, sits midway between the Apollonian and Dionysian styles, both in terms of personality characteristics and levels of hypnotizability.
THE DIONYSIAN PERSONALITY STYLE
The Dionysian personality style, marked by emotional depth, spontaneity, and a profound connection to the present moment, also aligns with various other psychological concepts and archetypes.
1. Highly Sensitive Person (HSP): Dionysians might exhibit some traits of HSPs, such as high emotional reactivity and sensitivity to environmental stimuli. Their comfort with logical inconsistencies and spontaneous trance states might suggest a heightened awareness of their surroundings and internal experiences, common in HSPs.
2. Flow States: Dionysians might frequently experience flow states due to their ability to focus intensely and their comfort with the present moment. Flow states are characterized by complete absorption in what one is doing, and a sense of losing oneself in the activity, which aligns with the Dionysian’s spontaneous trance states.
3. Maslow’s Self-Actualizers: Dionysians might exhibit traits of self-actualizers, such as spontaneity, comfort with ambiguity, and a focus on the present. However, their entrenched sense of inferiority and role confusion might suggest that they struggle with some aspects of self-actualization, such as self-acceptance and autonomy.
4. Jungian Archetypes: Dionysians might align with the “Explorer” archetype, characterized by a desire for freedom and a love for new experiences. They might also align with the “Magician” archetype, characterized by a desire to transform and a comfort with the mysterious and unknown.
5. ADHD: Some traits of Dionysians, such as their spontaneity, comfort with logical inconsistencies, and tendency to focus on the present, might align with symptoms of ADHD. However, it’s important to note that ADHD is a clinical diagnosis that involves significant impairment, and not all Dionysians would meet this criterion.
6. Empaths: Dionysians might exhibit traits of empaths, such as a deep sense of understanding and sharing the feelings of others. Their trusting attitude and uncritical acceptance of others’ cues might suggest a high level of empathy.
7. Dabrowski’s Overexcitabilities: Dionysians might exhibit psychomotor overexcitability due to their vibrant and liberating nature, and emotional overexcitability due to their high emotional reactivity.
ENNEAGRAM DIONYSIANS
Type 4, “The Individualist”: Type 4 individuals are self-aware, sensitive, and reserved. They are driven by a desire for uniqueness and authenticity, which might align more with Dionysians due to their emotional depth and comfort with logical inconsistencies. They belong to the “Reactive” group (reacting against when wants are frustrated), focusing on authenticity and depth of feelings, and their attention goes towards what is missing or what others have. Their “fixation” (habitual mental pattern) is ENVY and their “passion” (habitual emotional pattern) is MELANCHOLY, which they suppress to maintain their uniqueness. Their childhood wounds can often be traced back to a feeling of being different or misunderstood, or to experiences that taught them that they are only special when they are unique and authentic.
Type 7, “The Enthusiast”: Type 7 individuals are spontaneous, versatile, and acquisitive. They are driven by a desire for satisfaction and contentment, which might align more with Dionysians due to their desire for new experiences and their comfort with logical inconsistencies. They belong to the “Positive Outlook” group, focusing on future possibilities, and their attention goes towards exciting options and experiences. Their “fixation” (habitual mental pattern) is PLANNING and their “passion” (habitual emotional pattern) is GLUTTONY, which they suppress to maintain their freedom. Their childhood wounds can often be traced back to a need for satisfaction and contentment, or to experiences that taught them that they must avoid pain and seek pleasure.
Type 9, “The Peacemaker”: Type 9 individuals are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are driven by a desire for inner and outer peace, which might align more with Apollonians due to their desire for harmony and order. However, their ability to merge with others and their environment, as well as their focus on the present moment, might also suggest a Dionysian tendency. They belong to the “Positive Outlook” group, focusing on peace and comfort, and their attention goes towards others’ agendas and priorities. Their “fixation” (habitual mental pattern of ignoring personal priorities) is INDOLENCE and their “passion” (habitual emotional pattern of avoiding conflict) is LAZINESS, which they often suppress for the sake of maintaining peace. Their childhood wounds can often be traced back to a need for peace and harmony, or to experiences that taught them that their opinions and desires are not important, leading them to merge with others and their environment.
In short: The Dionysian triad of types 4 (Individualist), 7 (Enthusiast), and 9 (Peacemaker) are bound by their emotional orientation. Type 4s, introspective and creative, delve deep into their emotional world, mirroring the Dionysian’s comfort with emotional depth and logical inconsistencies. Type 7s, extroverted and spontaneous, seek new experiences to navigate their emotions, reflecting the Dionysian’s vibrant nature and affinity for new events. Type 9s, in their quest for peace and harmony, often suppress their own needs, echoing the Dionysian’s tendency to affiliate easily with others and suspend critical judgment. Despite their unique emotional processing, all three types are fundamentally connected to the realm of feelings, which is key to the Dionysian functioning. This emotional resonance aligns with the Dionysian’s high hypnotizability, as they are more likely to access and navigate their emotional states, facilitating deeper trance states and intense focus.
MYERS-BRIGGS (MBTI) DIONYSIANS:
1. ENFP (Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Perception): Dionysians might also align with the ENFP type. ENFPs are enthusiastic, creative, and sociable free spirits who can always find a reason to smile, similar to the vibrant and liberating nature of Dionysians. They are also spontaneous and highly emotional, aligning with the Dionysian’s spontaneous trance states and emotional intensity.
2. ESFP (Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Perception): Dionysians might also align with the ESFP type. ESFPs are outgoing, friendly, and accepting. They love life, people, and material comforts. They enjoy working with others to make things happen and bring common sense and a realistic approach to their work, which aligns with the Dionysian’s vibrant and liberating nature and their tendency to focus on the present.
WHEN DIONYSIAN FUNCTIONING GOES AWRY
The Dionysian personality style, while vibrant and liberating, can potentially be associated with certain mental health struggles. However, it’s crucial to remember that these are potential associations, not definitive diagnoses. The presence of Dionysian traits does not necessarily equate to a mental health disorder, but Dionysians may be more predisposed to grapple with some of the following mental health issues:
1. Anxiety: Dionysians, with their spontaneous nature and tendency to live in the present, may struggle with anxiety, particularly when faced with uncertainty or when their trust in others is betrayed.
2. Depression: The Dionysian’s fixed sense of inferiority and role confusion could potentially lead to feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, key symptoms of depression.
3. Impulse Control Disorders: Given their spontaneous nature and tendency to be drawn to new experiences, Dionysians might struggle with impulse control disorders, which involve problems with emotional and behavioral self-control.
4. Substance Use Disorders: Dionysians’ vibrant and liberating nature, coupled with their tendency to focus on the present, might make them more susceptible to substance use disorders, which involve the misuse of substances like alcohol and drugs.
5. Dissociative Disorders: Dionysians’ ability to spontaneously slip into trance states and their high hypnotizability might align with certain aspects of dissociative disorders, which involve problems with memory, identity, emotion, perception, behavior, and sense of self.
6. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Some traits of Dionysians, such as their role confusion, fixed sense of inferiority, and uncritical acceptance of cues from others, might align with aspects of BPD, characterized by difficulties with self-image, emotional management, and a pattern of unstable relationships.
7. Histrionic Personality Disorder: The vibrant and liberating nature of Dionysians, along with their tendency to be drawn to new experiences, might align with aspects of histrionic personality disorder, characterized by a pattern of excessive attention-seeking behaviors.
8. Bipolar Disorders: The vibrant, liberating, and spontaneous nature of Dionysians might align with the manic phases of bipolar disorders, involving periods of elevated or irritable mood, increased activity, decreased need for sleep, grandiosity, racing thoughts, and rapid speech.
9. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Some traits of Dionysians, such as their spontaneity, comfort with logical inconsistencies, and tendency to focus on the present, might align with symptoms of ADHD.
10. Dependent Personality Disorder: Dionysians’ naive posture of trust in relation to many, if not all, of the people in their environment, and their tendency to suspend critical judgment, might align with aspects of dependent personality disorder, characterized by a long-standing need for the person to be taken care of and a fear of being abandoned or separated from important individuals in their life.
THE APOLLONIAN PERSONALITY STYLE
The Apollonian personality style, distinguished by its focus on order, consistency, and rationality, also corresponds with various other psychological concepts and archetypes.
1. Highly Rational Individuals: Apollonians might exhibit traits of highly rational individuals, such as a strong focus on logic, consistency, and clarity. They might be less comfortable with ambiguity and more inclined towards structured thinking.
2. Flow States: Apollonians might frequently experience flow states when engaged in activities that require a high level of focus and mental clarity, such as problem-solving or strategic planning.
3. Jungian Archetypes: Apollonians might align with the “Sage” archetype, characterized by a desire for truth and a love for knowledge. They might also align with the “Ruler” archetype, characterized by a desire to control and create order.
4. Highly Sensitive Person (HSP): Some Apollonians might exhibit traits of HSPs, such as sensitivity to environmental stimuli and a deep processing of information, although this may manifest more as intellectual overstimulation rather than emotional.
5. Introverts: Given their tendency for introspection and their comfort with solitude, Apollonians might align with introverted personality types.
ENNEAGRAM APOLLONIANS:
Type 1, “The Perfectionist”: Type 1 individuals are rational, principled, and perfectionistic. They strive for improvement and correctness, which might align more with Apollonians due to their focus on order and consistency. They belong to the “Competency” group (displaying competency when wants are frustrated), focusing on doing things right, and their attention goes towards mistakes and imperfections. Their “fixation” (habitual mental pattern) is RESENTMENT and their “passion” (habitual emotional pattern) is ANGER, which they suppress to maintain a sense of balance and correctness. Their childhood wounds can often be traced back to a need for perfection or a sense of responsibility instilled early on, or to experiences that taught them that they must be flawless to be loved.
Type 5, “The Investigator”: Type 5 individuals are innovative, secretive, and isolated. They are driven by a desire for knowledge and understanding, which might align more with Apollonians due to their focus on knowledge and understanding. They belong to the “Competency” group, focusing on mastery and expertise, and their attention goes towards conserving resources and gathering knowledge. Their “fixation” (habitual mental pattern) is AVARICE and their “passion” (habitual emotional pattern) is STINGINESS, which they suppress to maintain their independence. Their childhood wounds can often be traced back to a need for knowledge and understanding, or to experiences that taught them that the world is intrusive and that they must protect themselves through isolation.
Type 6, “The Loyalist”: Type 6 individuals are committed, security-oriented, and reliable. They are driven by a desire for security and support. Phobic Sixes might align more with Apollonians due to their desire for structure and predictability. They belong to the “Reactive” group, focusing on safety and security, and their attention goes towards potential threats and problems. Their “fixation” (habitual mental pattern) is FEAR and their “passion” (habitual emotional pattern) is ANXIETY, which they suppress to maintain security. Their childhood wounds can often be traced back to a lack of security or stability, or to experiences that taught them that the world is a threatening place and that they must always be on guard.
In short: The Apollonian triad of types 1 (Reformer), 5 (Investigator), and 6 (Loyalist) share a cognitive focus, dealing with fear and perception. Type 1s, rational and principled, strive for perfection, reflecting the Apollonian’s focus on order and consistency. Type 5s, cerebral and perceptive, detach from emotions to concentrate on thoughts, mirroring the Apollonian’s analytical nature and desire for understanding. Type 6s, reliable and hardworking, are driven by a desire for security, echoing the Apollonian’s need for stability and predictability. Despite their distinct cognitive processing, all three types share a focus on thought and perception, which aligns with the Apollonian’s methodical approach to life. This cognitive resonance aligns with the Apollonian’s moderate hypnotizability, as they are more likely to analyze and understand their experiences, facilitating a balanced approach to trance states.
MYERS-BRIGGS (MBTI) APOLLONIANS:
1. INTJ (Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judgment): Apollonians might align with the INTJ type, characterized by a strategic, logical, and introspective nature. They are often innovative and independent, aligning with the Apollonian’s focus on rationality and introspection.
2. ISTJ (Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Judgment): Apollonians might also align with the ISTJ type, characterized by a practical, fact-minded, and reliable nature. They are often responsible and systematic, aligning with the Apollonian’s focus on order and consistency.
WHEN APOLLONIAN FUNCTIONING GOES AWRY
The Apollonian personality style, while rational and orderly, can potentially be associated with certain mental health struggles. However, it’s crucial to remember that these are potential associations, not definitive diagnoses. The presence of Apollonian traits does not necessarily equate to a mental health disorder, but Apollonians may be more predisposed to grapple with some of the following mental health issues:
1. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Apollonians, with their focus on order and consistency, may struggle with OCD, particularly when faced with uncertainty or chaos.
2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): The Apollonian’s focus on rationality and order could potentially lead to excessive worry about various aspects of life, a key symptom of GAD.
3. Social Anxiety Disorder: Given their introspective nature and potential alignment with introverted personality types, Apollonians might struggle with social anxiety disorder, characterized by a fear of social situations.
4. Depression: The Apollonian’s focus on rationality and consistency, coupled with their introspective nature, might make them more susceptible to depression, particularly if they struggle with feelings of inadequacy or failure.
THE ODYSSEAN PERSONALITY STYLE
The Odyssean personality style, recognized for its resilience, adaptability, and a focus on surmounting obstacles, resonates with various other psychological concepts and archetypes.
1. Resilient Individuals: Odysseans might exhibit traits of highly resilient individuals, such as a strong ability to adapt to change, overcome challenges, and bounce back from adversity.
2. Flow States: Odysseans might frequently experience flow states when engaged in activities that require a high level of adaptability and problem-solving, such as navigating complex situations or overcoming obstacles.
3. Jungian Archetypes: Odysseans might align with the “Hero” archetype, characterized by a desire to prove one’s worth through courageous acts. They might also align with the “Wanderer” archetype, characterized by a desire to find oneself and one’s purpose.
ENNEAGRAM ODYSSEANS
Type 2, “The Helper”: Type 2 individuals are generous, demonstrative, and people-pleasing. They are driven by a desire to be loved and appreciated, which might align more with Dionysians due to their focus on relationships and their tendency to affiliate easily with new events. They belong to the “Positive Outlook” group (maintaining a positive outlook when wants are frustrated), focusing on the positive aspects of situations, and their attention goes towards the needs and desires of others. Their “fixation” (habitual mental pattern) is PRIDE and their “passion” (habitual emotional pattern) is FLATTERY, which they suppress to help others. Their childhood wounds can often be traced back to a feeling of being loved only when they are helping or pleasing others, or to experiences that taught them that their own needs are less important than those of others.
Type 3, “The Achiever”: Type 3 individuals are adaptable, excelling, driven, and image-conscious. They are driven by a desire for success and achievement, which might align more with Odysseans due to their focus on success and achievement. They belong to the “Competency” group, focusing on efficiency and practicality, and their attention goes towards tasks and goals. Their “fixation” (habitual mental pattern) is DECEIT and their “passion” (habitual emotional pattern) is VANITY, which they suppress to maintain their image. Their childhood wounds can often be traced back to a need for achievement and success, or to experiences that taught them that their worth is dependent on their accomplishments.
Type 8, “The Challenger”: Type 8 individuals are self-confident, decisive, and confrontational. They are driven by a desire for control and self-determination, which might align more with Odysseans due to their focus on control and confrontation. They belong to the “Reactive” group, focusing on strength and power, and their attention goes towards injustices and violations. Their “fixation” (habitual mental pattern) is LUST and their “passion” (habitual emotional pattern) is EXCESS, which they suppress to maintain their strength. Their childhood wounds can often be traced back to a need for control and self-determination, or to experiences that taught them that they must protect themselves and others from injustice.
In short: The Odyssean triad of types 2 (Helper), 3 (Achiever), and 8 (Challenger) are characterized by their instinctual energies, often manifesting as a drive for control, autonomy, and self-preservation. Type 2s, caring and generous, often neglect their own needs while helping others, reflecting the Odyssean’s resilient nature and focus on overcoming challenges. Type 3s, self-assured and adaptable, are driven by a fear of worthlessness, mirroring the Odyssean’s determination and adaptability. Type 8s, powerful and self-confident, openly express their anger and instinct, echoing the Odyssean’s assertiveness and desire for control. Despite their differences, these types share a common thread of strong willpower and a desire for control, which aligns with the Odyssean’s dynamic approach to life. This instinctual resonance aligns with the Odyssean’s lower hypnotizability, as they are more likely to assert control over their experiences, limiting their susceptibility to trance states.
MYERS-BRIGGS (MBTI) ODYSSEANS
1. ENTJ (Extraversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judgment): Odysseans might align with the ENTJ type, characterized by a strategic, efficient, and outgoing nature. They are often strong-willed and assertive, aligning with the Odyssean’s focus on overcoming challenges.
2. ESTJ (Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, Judgment): Odysseans might also align with the ESTJ type, characterized by a practical, fact-minded, and social nature. They are often responsible and systematic, aligning with the Odyssean’s focus on navigating complex situations.
WHEN ODYSSEAN FUNCTIONING GOES AWRY:
The Odyssean personality style, while resilient and adaptable, can potentially be associated with certain mental health struggles. However, it’s crucial to remember that these are potential associations, not definitive diagnoses. The presence of Odyssean traits does not necessarily equate to a mental health disorder, but Odysseans may be more predisposedto grapple with some of the following mental health issues:
1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Odysseans, with their focus on overcoming challenges and their resilient nature, may be more susceptible to PTSD, particularly if they have experienced significant trauma or adversity.
2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): The Odyssean’s focus on navigating complex situations and overcoming obstacles could potentially lead to excessive worry about various aspects of life, a key symptom of GAD.
3. Impulse Control Disorders: Given their adaptable nature and tendency to confront challenges head-on, Odysseans might struggle with impulse control disorders, which involve problems with emotional and behavioral self-control.
4. Substance Use Disorders: Odysseans’ resilient and adaptable nature, coupled with their focus on overcoming challenges, might make them more susceptible to substance use disorders, which involve the misuse of substances like alcohol and drugs.
The Apollonian, Dionysian, and Odyssean personality styles offer a unique lens through which to view human personality and behaviour. They provide a framework for understanding how individuals navigate their world, process their experiences, and interact with others. Moreover, these personality styles shed light on the intricate relationship between personality and hypnotizability. They suggest that our susceptibility to hypnosis is not merely a matter of individual differences, but is deeply intertwined with our fundamental ways of being in the world.
These styles are not rigid categories, but rather fluid and dynamic patterns that can change and evolve over time. They remind us that we are complex beings, capable of embodying a multitude of traits, behaviours, and tendencies.
As we navigate the complexities of life, we may find ourselves oscillating between the order and rationality of Apollo, the passion and spontaneity of Dionysus, and the resilience and adaptability of Odysseus. In this dance of personalities, we find the richness and depth of our human-animal experience.