Enneagram Type Fives are the dark horses of the Enneagram–often secretive, and sometimes reclusive or isolationist, they’re often the least understood of all the Enneagram types. Truthfully, however, they’re one of our favorite types, with unique weaknesses that endear them to us, and some real strengths that benefit the world in powerful ways.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What is a 5 in the Enneagram?
- Is Enneagram Type 5 rare?
- How do you show love to an Enneagram 5?
- How can a Type Five become healthier?
- The best essential oils, crystals, and affirmations for Fives–and how to use them.
What is a 5 in the Enneagram?
Type Fives are deeply afraid of being incompetent or incapable, and so they double down on learning and understanding as a way of controlling the world around them. Type Fives are usually very cerebral, and very intelligent.
When they’re healthy, they’re often seen as visionary for both their deep understanding of the way the world works, and their unique way of seeing it. When they’re unhealthy or lack self-awareness, Type Fives can become extremely eccentric and even reclusive. Fives may struggle with thinking that understanding the world is enough–they can be afraid to live wholeheartedly in the very world they understand so well.
Fives often prefer mental activity over physical activity, and will choose careers that are highly specialized. Like Fours, Fives also tend to be very low-energy; they can struggle to find the energy to engage successfully with the world around them, and need a great deal of quiet and restorative thinking to recharge.
Is the Enneagram Type 5 Rare?
Type Fives aren’t necessarily rare (the Type 4 is considered by many to be the least common Enneagram type), but they’re often quiet and somewhat withdrawn. You might, in fact, know of quite a few Fives, but you might not realize it, as they tend to be extremely private. If you’re the trusted confidant of a Five, you’re a fortunate individual!
How Do You Show Love to an Enneagram 5?
Because an Enneagram Five is fearful of being incompetent or incapable, affirming a Five’s abilities can be a powerful way to love them. Reminding them of everything they know, and helping them to see that they’re loved and valued even if they fail to be able to do something can help a Five gain the confidence to live a more fulfilling life.
Another way to show love to an Enneagram Five is by giving them lots of space, and not taking it personally when they withdraw mentally (or physically!). Some types don’t need very much alone type (some types even hate alone time!), but Fives require it for their mental health.
They’re not withdrawing from you; they’re recharging. Understanding this and encouraging in this can really make a Five feel seen and loved!
How Can a Type Five Become Healthier?
The first step for Fives to become healthier, more fulfilled people is to become self-aware. That’s what makes the Enneagram so powerful; all of us (even Fives!) can begin to find patterns and ways that we protect ourselves, disconnect from others, or even hurt others in our pain, so that we can begin to change.
When Fives become self-aware, and begin the process of inner healing and emotional honesty that’s so vital, they’re able to become more like healthy Eights–assured of themselves, able to make decisions confidently, and even willing and able to lead (and lead well, thanks to how much knowledge and understanding they have!).
Of course, this inner work is difficult. We’ve found that essential oils, natural crystals, and affirmations are three powerful tools that help any type–and especially Fives–release fear and tap into strengths.
Here are our favorite oils, crystals, and affirmations for Fives:
Crystals for the Enneagram Type Five
Our favorite crystals for Type Fives are:
- Turquoise
- Tanzanite
- Ruby
- Pyrite
Type Fives can use crystals as they meditate or set daily intentions (learn more about using crystals and the Enneagram here); you can also use crystals with essential oils in a roller bottle with a gemstone top like this one.
Turquoise is a really stunning stone, whose beautiful veins and variations represent the incredible imagination of a Five. It’s also a protective stone, and Fives can keep it nearby to remind themselves that they can choose to be brave and vulnerable with others.
Tanzanite is a common choice for meditation (you can help it in your hand or picture it in your mind’s eye), and is also known for helping with communication and the mind-heart connection.
Ruby is a motivating, creative stone that can increase concentration, while pyrite is an energizing stone that can help a Five tap into their natural creativity!
Essential Oils for the Enneagram Type Five
Our favorite essential oils for Type Fives are:
- Sweet orange
- Patchouli
Sweet orange is a delicious-smelling, energizing oil that can help increase a Five’s energy, focus, and creativity.
Patchouli is an earthy, woodsy smell that can also counter low energy. It may also help with anxiety, depression, and stress, all of which Fives may struggle with. Patchouli is also a deeply grounding oil, which can help a Five feel more connected to their own heart and to others.
Psst–we’ve written more about how to use essential oils for your Enneagram type right here!
Affirmations for the Enneagram Type Five
Affirmations are so simple–and so powerful. Reminding your mind to refocus can help you become more self-aware and more intentional about how you spend your life. These are our favorite affirmations for Type Fives–and we’ve included several of them in our Enneagram Type Five roller bottles!
- I celebrate today’s progress, not perfection
- I will choose to be present in this moment
- I make myself aware of my senses–what I smell, taste, touch, see, and hear
- I am capable and resilient, even when I don’t feel like it
- I turn away from scarcity and turn towards abundance–there’s more than enough
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about Enneagram Type Fives!
Ready for more on the Enneagram? Check out our posts on the Type Nine, Type Eight, Type Seven, Type Six, Type Four, Type Three, Type Two, and Type One!
