The Enneagram of the Soul: A 40-Day Spiritual Companion for the 9 Types

by Nhien Vuong, Russ Hudson (foreword)

A guide to your spiritual journey of transformation using the Enneagram

“The Enneagram of the Soul invites us on a journey of profound self-discovery.” —Russ Hudson, cofounder of the Enneagram Institute and bestselling coauthor of The Wisdom of the Enneagram
 
The Enneagram of the Soul is inspired by over two decades of inner and outer work with the Enneagram by leading expert Nhien Vuong. Nhien provides a path to wholeness for the self, enabling the reader to be steered gently yet firmly away from the trap of solely identifying with their personality type, so they can live more fully and more from their divine nature.
 
This book is divided into two parts. Part 1 shares nine enneagram-informed principles that guide one’s journey of transformation using the Enneagram, nine contemplative practices to propel and support the transformational process, and nine prayers to lend heart to the journey. Part 2 offers forty activations, which consist of very brief questions, reminders, or practices, on forty different themes customized for each of the nine Enneagram personality types. When we begin to access the wholeness of all nine Enneagram energies working in concert, we experience a greater sense of inner peace, purpose, and fulfillment.
 
“The Enneagram of the Soul is powerfully potent medicine for self-healing. It is a loving, inspiring, thoughtful, and useful book for those interested in real inner development and having a more deliberate life.” —Catherine R. Bell, MBA, founder and author of The Awakened Company

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 7, 2025

Reviews

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Enneagram of the Soul is a 'now what?' book. Although Nhien Vuong includes a concise overview of the nine types as part of the introduction to the book, this is mostly a guide for what to do with that information. I, like the author, am dismayed at the memeification of the enneagram and frustrated at people who stop at locating themselves on the circle. The enneagram is a tool, and like all tools, it does no one any good sitting on a shelf. It has to be used if it is going to make us more compassionate, if it is going to help us survive and thrive, if it is going to make an impact at all on our lives and communities. Simply "knowing your number" is not the point of the enneagram. And it never has been. Perhaps because I share a similar approach to the teaching and implementation of the enneagram, I really enjoyed Vuong's suggestions for how to work with the enneagram to promote personal growth. Not that I agree with everything - that would be boring. I read this book as a dialog and jumping off point for creating my own spiritual practices. Although I did get an audioARC, I've already purchased my own copy of the book. Thank you to the author, narrator Hannah Choi, Tantor Audio, and NetGalley for the audioARC.

[Scarlett Readz and Runz....Through Novel Time & Distance · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ✨️

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for granting me a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Knowing very little about enneagrams beyond what you can pick up from online quizzes, I was interested in learning more. Now I'll be honest: the first few chapters were a little rough for me. The Enneagram of the Soul, as the title might suggest, is very spiritual in nature and written in a style of a self-help guide (although the author might disagree with that characterization). While I find the human condition fascinating, I also typically prefer something a bit more concrete (What can I say? I'm a 5). Things started to pick up once we got to the 40-day guide, which provides affirmations for each of the nine types, asking the listener to reflect on their strengths and fears, what matters most to them, and how they can improve their daily lives.

Vuong describes enneagram types as being rooted in motivation, not behavior, which sets it apart from personality tests like Myers-Briggs. Your enneagram type reflects what drives you as a person, and at times, it was almost eerie how close to the mark some of the insights provided were to my own thoughts and experiences (it also may help you better understand other people you know, depending on if you know what their type is). The affirmations certainly made me think, although they don't provide much guidance on what to do with what you've gleamed from your self-reflection afterwards. This book probably won't convert anyone who is inherently skeptical of this sort of thing, but someone who is already interested in enneagrams should enjoy it, and it may provide some food for thought for anyone simply curious about learning something new.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting companion! As someone already pretty familiar with the enneagram, I enjoyed listening to this audiobook and hearing Nhien Vuong's gentle reminders for each of the 9 types. I would say if you are looking to understand the enneagram better, this is not the book for you, as we jumped right in to recommendations with no preamble. But for what it was- an opportunity to expand your prior knowledge, journal with intention, and be kind to yourself in whatever form you're in- the book cut right to the heart each chapter!
Thank you to netgalley for the advanced reader copy!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting perspective on the Enneagram + general spiritual guidance to help you learn more about yourself. It begins with background and info on the Enneagram then part two is activations to practice. I listened all at once but it would be a great book to go back to for small chunks. And while audio was great, I would love a physical copy to pick up and reference when the mood strikes. Thanks Netgalley for the early copy! Available now

[Kasia Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first heard about the enneagram, I was interested, yet confused. Interested as anyone else is when one discovers that they think they have a base understanding of you. Confused as to how close to home they were right. Since then, I've really dove in and read up on a lot that they have to say. Some, I don't agree with, others, like Nhien Vuong, I pay close attention to. Nhien has really created a gem of a find here in this book. She first lets you know that just because you're typed a certain number, it doesn't mean it defines you completely or boxes you in to set expetations. It's more of a 'this is what this type TENDS to do based on ...' and I greatly appreciate that. Secondly, she really goes in to detail of some background, not only of the enneagram but how it's used, principles to follow to get one on the right path and not use it incorrectly, practices on what that means and how to do it, and then prayers, which are focused again on growth on moving forward and not boxing oneself in. The next part was the real gem, as it's broken down into a forty day journey with an introduction, specific ques for each one of the nine enneagram types, and then a thoughtful reflection time. I listened to my specific type, and they really had me thinking and contemplating, and even shifting some of my thoughts and focus, which means it's doing exactly what it says it will do. I highly recommend this one. It's not just a reiteration of the basic nine types of the enneagrams but specifcially tailored to each one of them along the same themes. Very well done!
*I listened to the audiobook narrated by Hannah Choi. She was great to listen to, kept a great pace, kept me invested in what happened next, and will look forward to more narrations by her in the future. I am also aware of who she is and her ministry*
*I received a copy of this audiobook from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a culture obsessed with “personality types”, Vuong’s spiritual approach to using the enneagram is refreshing and needed. This book is for anyone who is already familiar with the 9 enneagram types and wants to use it as a tool to grow deeper in one’s spirituality. As a Christian, I appreciated that Vuong’s approach is appropriate for any faith and loved that she encourages a practice of centering prayer. I started to listen to the audiobook and quickly realized a physical copy on my nightstand was the more suitable option for me to get the most out of this 40-day companion. Special thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the free advanced reader copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had been sitting on my shelf for a couple of months—the concept intrigued me, but I wasn’t quite ready to dive in. The idea of a 40-day journey felt overwhelming at the time, so I set it aside. When I finally started listening to it, I was blown away by the impact it had. It aligned beautifully with the mental and spiritual work I’ve already been doing.

The author’s compassion and insight shine through every page. I’ve learned not only about the different Enneagram types, but also how to use that knowledge to grow into the healthiest and most mature version of my own type. I’m so glad I finally gave this book the attention it deserves—and I highly recommend it to others who are ready for meaningful inner work.