The Devouring Mother (Point 2)

The Devouring Mother prevents children from developing into adults.

The Devouring Mother is an archetype that prevents children from developing into adults. An archetype is a universal energy pattern that becomes an identity when you take it to be yourself. Anyone (man, woman, or other) can become identified with it.

It also cripples boys (and masculine-identified girls) from developing healthy masculinity and becoming the men that women need.

The Devouring Mother is characterized by overprotectiveness, smothering, enmeshment, codependency, guilt, control, and manipulation. Naturally, it lives at Point 2 on the Enneagram (but people of every type are susceptible to this identity).

Point 2 on the Enneagram is connected to five other points: Points 1 & 3 (adjacent to 2); Points 4 & 8 (lines from 2); and 7 (the mirror opposite of 2). All five provide opportunities to shift the identification with the Devouring Mother.

When you notice this identity active in yourself, first reverse to Point 1 to connect with and bring in the archetypal Father. This will help your children foster autonomy, and allow the other points to be invited in:

• Point 8 to foster strength and independence.

• Point 3 to support self-sufficiency.

• Point 4 to nurture individuality.

• Point 7 to encourage exploration.

To discover the most appropriate Point to alchemize the Devouring Mother with, tap Point 6 to inquire into the truth of what's needed in the moment. Then tap Point 3 to enact the answer that comes to you.

This is Enneagram Alchemy. It liberates the Enneagram from the trap of personality typing, turning it into a real-time navigational compass for transmuting the lead of ego into the Gold of Being in each moment of everyday life. Enneagram Alchemy puts *all* points into play.