The Enneagram is an ancient system of personality typing which divides people into nine different categories. It is based not so much on learning styles or decision-making processes, but on their deeper-rooted needs, motivations and failings. Although at may have originated amongst Sufi Muslims, it has been adopted by many Christians as a valuable aid to understanding themselves and finding a path towards God, based on moving beyond their fixations and deep-set problems.

This introductory guide, written by a Catholic counsellor in the UK, presents the nine types clearly. As well as descriptions, he gives a checklist of likely beliefs, the ways each person might develop in childhood, and the different levels of health that can be found for each one. There are light-hearted images of animals, or colours that tend to be associated with each time, and more serious headings, such as the way each type can best find God through different styles of prayer. It shows, too, how Jesus managed to combine the highest traits and gifts of each of the nine types, encouraging each of us to aspire towards the healthier aspects of who we are.

Inevitably the book only touches very lightly on some of the complexities of the Enneagram, as it is intended as a general guide for beginners. I've read several other books on the topic, but still found this quite thought-provoking and would recommend it to anyone wanting to know more - or, indeed, anyone wondering how this particular tool can be consistent with Christian beliefs. ( )