The Enneagram was handed down via word of mouth dating as far back as 2500 B.C. or earlier. Although the origin is unknown, our meditations have revealed that the peace-loving Cathars discovered the primary structure of personalities. The Cathars simply loved all people unconditionally. They didn't believe in fighting. They spoke from their hearts and lived by the natural laws of the Universe. Everything the Cathars taught was derived from the central theme of LOVE.
             It was believed by the Cathars that all people wanted love more than anything else. They discovered there were three distinct conditions for feeling unloved: lack of control, insecurity or disapproval. These conditions became the learned behaviors we now call personalities.
             With love being the motivation, the Cathars realized that these conditions created certain strategies. For those wanting control, power and love are synonymous. Control seekers resort to a strategy of physical, verbal or nonverbal abuse when their realm of love is threatened. Those feeling insecure look at truth and knowledge as love. When their love is threatened they respond by observing, not believing, or running away. The approval seekers' strategies are based on their emotions. Their strategies involve feeling love in the form of ego, not feeling enough love for self, or ignoring their feelings altogether.
             The Cathars knew that through unconditional love, health and happiness was possible. They understood that their own lives were balanced with love of self, love for each other and love for their surroundings. It was from this understanding that the Cathars became great teachers in all aspects of unconditional love. Seeing the results of the various strategies -- i.e., control receives more control, mistrust receives more doubts and self-sabotage creates more isolation -- they determined how this could be reversed for each personality. The people desiring control of others were really seeking ...