Type 8 Wings: The Maverick vs. The Bear
Type 8 Wings: The Maverick vs. The Bear
Type 8s are often known for their strength, decisiveness, and refusal to be controlled—but not all 8s wield that power the same way. Wings can shape how a Type 8's assertiveness and drive for autonomy show up in the world. Depending on whether a Type 8 leans toward the influence of Type 7 or Type 9, "The Challenger" can take on a very different tone. One wing adds boldness, forward momentum, and a hunger for new frontiers, while the other adds groundedness, calm, and a steady, protective strength.
For Type 8s, a 9 wing offers additional access to the instinctive center—there's a "double-down effect" regarding autonomy and control. With a 7 wing, autonomy remains the core issue, but with a side dish of security concerns. Let's take a closer look at how each of these wings can shape the lived experience of a Type 8.
8w7: THE MAVERICK
Riso & Hudson call 8w7 "The Maverick." 8s are the conquerors of challenges. 7s are positive, upbeat, and pick up skills easily. In 8w7 territory we find tough and capable trailblazers who create big change, try new ways of doing things, and leave lasting legacies. They're assertive and self-assured, with tons of forward-moving energy.
In earlier works, Riso & Hudson dubbed 8w7 "The Independent"—a great name. 8s cultivate strength to create their own reality, while 7s are free-spirits who hate to be tied down—both fiercely independent. 8w7 energy may send the message, "I like you a great deal, but I don't need you." There's no malicious intent in this message. It's born from an underlying notion that needing somebody is an uncomfortably vulnerable position to be in.
8w9: THE BEAR
Riso & Hudson call 8w9 "The Bear"—a wonderfully literal name. It brings to mind a powerful being who enjoys a good slumber, and is not out to harm anybody, but may react aggressively when poked. When threatened, or disturbed from a satisfying repose, the anger of 8w9 comes online.
The combination of affects here is "strong + calm." The lust of these 8s may be satisfied through adventure, but they more often seek instinctual fulfillment through physically satiating routines, comforts, and maintaining an "enforced peace." Two kinds of instinctual power are combined here: the bullet-train energy of 8, and the steadfastness of 9. To borrow some language from Helen Palmer, we could say 8w9 is like "the unstoppable force" and "the immovable object" all wrapped into one.
Whether you resonate more with the trailblazing independence of the 8w7 or the grounded strength of the 8w9, your wing simply colors how your Type 8 energy moves through the world—it doesn't replace your core drive toward autonomy and self-determination. Growth for Type 8s often lies in allowing yourself to be vulnerable and to trust others, rather than relying on strength alone to keep you safe. Let your awareness of your wing serve as a helpful lens—not a label—on your journey toward integration.
If you'd like to explore Type 8 growth themes more deeply, check out our next monthly workshop. You can learn more and register here.