Personality Tests vs. Astrology Analysis (Part 1)

Astrology has become a widely popular phenomenon that many Gen Z-ers rely on for understanding their personality traits and self-expression. A ton of my friends are into astrology (some more so than others) but I think most people look at their birth chart to analyze themselves to figure out why they do the things they do and so on and so forth.

I've always had an iffy relationship with tests in general, but specifically personality tests. When I was younger I was constantly taking different types of so-called "personality tests" to try and diagnose my learning disabilities, and it was exhausting. However, now that I have a thorough and holistic understanding of my learning disabilities, I've become more intrigued by actual personality tests such as the Enneagram or Myers Briggs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qyhRACJa6k

So, I'm curious. What do you think is more accurate? Your astrology birth chart and zodiac signs or your personality test descriptions? Or do you think they're all phony and a bunch of vague explanations that make people feel better about themselves? I honestly have no idea, but I'm about to find out as I take three different personality tests (The Enneagram, Myers Briggs and the Big 5 Personality Traits) as well as an in-depth astrology birth chart analysis.

1. The Enneagram

I decided to start with the Enneagram, simply because it came first in alphabetical order. The Enneagram is a personality test that helps people understand their patterns and interpretation of the world and how that translates to their management of emotions. The Enneagram describes nine personality types:

1. The Perfectionist

2. The Giver

3. The Achiever

4. The Individualist

5. The Investigator

6. The Skeptic

7. The Enthusiast

8. The Challenger

9. The Peacemaker.

If any of these "types" interest you, you can take the Enneagram test HERE and learn which type you are, and read the description.

https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/the-enneagram

Now, I honestly don't understand or know what half of the charts above mean, but what I do know is that I am a Type 2: The Giver/Helper.

According to Truity's Enneagram test, "Givers are highly empathetic and caring individuals who put others’ needs above their own. They have intuitive abilities to anticipate the emotional gaps of others and support them. They find great joy in being available and are seen as a source of encouragement or a shoulder to cry on. Through thick and thin, they’re the ride-or-die companion and friend. Twos are strategic in how they form relationships. Usually open, Givers find themselves in a variety of groups and are liked by many. Their encouraging and supportive nature draws in people from all stages of their lives."

I can confidently say that this is almost 100% accurate, so we're off to a good start. I have always been incredibly empathetic which has also been a problem at times because I tend to put others' needs above my own. This is something I've been able to work on and improve throughout the past couple of years.

2. Myers Briggs

Since it placed second in alphabetical order, I took the Myers Briggs test next. This test places you in 1 of 16 categories that explain your personality and describe your strengths. You can take the test HERE!

The overall idea of this test and the obvious meanings of each letter make it easier to understand to the naked eye, but I think I prefer the Enneagram compared to this because it's not as obviously formulaic.

I placed as an ENFP, aka The Champion, which stands for Extraversion, iNtuition, Feeling and Perceiving. According to Truity, "each of the four letters of the ENFP code signifies a key personality trait of this type. ENFPs are energized by time spent with others (Extraverted), focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details (iNtuitive), make decisions based on feelings and values (Feeling), and prefer to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and organized (Perceiving). The ENFP personality type is also called the 'Champion' because of this type's enthusiasm for helping others realize their dreams. Other nicknames for the ENFP include The Imaginative Motivator (MBTI) and The Campaigner (16Personalities)."

These results are also pretty accurate and seem on par with the Enneagram descriptions. I have always been an extravert, and I will ALWAYS make decisions based on my gut feeling rather than the influence of others' opinions. In academic settings and life in general, I respond better to concepts and ideas versus cold facts, and although I wouldn't call myself unorganized, I am definitely flexible when it comes to scheduling, planning and ideas.

3. The Big Five Personality Test

Placing last in alphabetical order, I took The Big Five Personality Test. This test seems pretty simple as its main purpose is to rank five different factors of your personality, often referred to as OCEAN: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. You can take the test HERE if you're inspired or intrigued.

https://www.truity.com/test-results/bigfive/17315/29439144

Out of all the personality tests, I think this one might be the most ambiguous. Also, it doesn't tell me anything I didn't already know about myself or anything the other two tests didn't touch on. However, my results are still accurate, but not as detailed as the other tests.

One interesting insight I did get from this test was how they describe the way my mind works. According to Truity, "I have a highly creative and imaginative way of thinking and I often see connections that others do not. I am uninterested in the dull facts of a situation, preferring instead to interpret its meaning and implications. I have unusual ideas and sometimes perceive things that other people are not aware of. I am easily absorbed by fantasy and enjoy envisioning alternate realities as well as possibilities for the future. I tend to spend a lot of time thinking about the needs and experiences of others. As a highly empathetic person, I feel others’ emotions almost as strongly as my own, and as such, the experiences of others occupy an important place in my mind. My thoughts often revolve around how I might be more helpful to others, or how I can better understand what they are going through."

As I said, this is a little more ambiguous than the other two tests, but it still rings true to my personality and who I am.

Time for Astrology

Now it's time to compare my zodiac sign to the (supposed) corresponding results from the personality tests.

In my next blog post, I will go into depth on my birth chart analysis and how it compares to the personality tests, but for now I am going to keep the descriptions high level. As a Gemini, we are usually described as flexible, extroverted, and clever and always keep those around us on their toes.

https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/astrology-horoscope-zodiac-signs/the-zodiac-sign-gemini-symbol-personality-strengths-weaknesses

I think the adjectives used to describe a Gemini fit me pretty well, but they're also quite generic and could apply to anyone. So, now it's time to compare a Gemini's Enneagram score to mine and see if it adds up!

Type 1 vs. Type 2

According to my Google search, A Gemini's Enneagram is said to be Type 1, The Perfectionist (and sometimes called) The Reformer.

Truity says Type Ones "often have a clear life mission outlined in their mind, and they work very hard behind the scenes to transform that powerful vision into reality - with a strong sense of duty and tenaciousness. Quiet and controlled, they will follow through with their words and commitments."

Not to be too hard on myself or this description, but this does not fit me AT ALL. I'm not saying I can't work behind the scenes and be quiet, but those are not characteristics that come naturally to me.

https://www.iconfinder.com/icons/1398917/circle_close_cross_incorrect_invalid_x_delete_icon

ENFP vs. ESFP

So, my next Google search told me that, as a Gemini, my personality should be ESFP instead of what I actually scored as an ENFP. I guess two of the letters stayed the same, so maybe Google is half accurate? Who knows.

Truity says "The extroverted ESFP type and outgoing Gemini are a logical personality match because of their mutual desire for communication and fun. This type and sign both aim to bring a positive approach to new people and environments and thrive when doing something unfamiliar."

Honestly, I like this description a lot and it resonates with me. I am definitely outgoing and enjoy getting out of my comfort zone. I think the only conflict in this description is that I am not nearly as logical as I am intuitive, but overall these descriptions line up!

https://depositphotos.com/273232628/stock-illustration-green-tick-icon-vector-symbol.html

Lastly, I tried to find Gemini's "Big Five Personality Test" results, but everything I read contradict one another and just seemed too messy to include. Also, I didn't mind or care as much because I already thought the Big Five Analysis was the most generic and vague, so the Gemini analysis probably would have been the same.

With that being said, I hope you enjoy[d] taking these personality tests as much as I do, and hopefully they can help you make more sense of yourself and of why you are the way are.

Stay tuned for my next blog when I analyze my astrology birth chart and compare its accuracy/inaccuracy to these personality tests!

Love Always,

Kate