Introverts make up about 30% of the population but did you know there are several different types of introverts? All introverts share an orientation toward the world that is inner directed but there some differences in the way they perceive reality and react to the world around them that you should be aware of in order to understand yourself or your favorite introvert better.

Kerisey Temperament Theory (KTT) uses descriptive terms to categorize four basic types of introverts: ARTISANS, GUARDIANS, IDEALISTS and RATIONALS. These categories are similar to those used by Carl Jung in his exploration of personality types. Not all psychologists like this approach because they are not intuitive like Carl Jung. But if it makes sense to you, it’s a good starting place for better self understanding as an introvert. [To learn more about Keirsey Temperament Theory, visit www. Keirsey.com)

For students of Tarot and astrology, the four categories of introverted personalities correspond to the four elements: water, earth, fire and air.

Each category, ARTISANS, GUARDIANS, IDEALISTS and RATIONALS, is divided into two sub categories. As I describe the eight different types, see if you recognize yourself. It should be fun and easy. It is always an exciting moment for the students in my classes when they begin to see that there are others like them and that introverts can be very successful by being consciously introverted, not by trying to change!

When you recognize yourself, you may begin to feel less alone and less judged so there is some healing taking place right away. You will understand that others like you have made great contributions to the world. They have done this by being consciously introverted, not by trying to be something they aren’t (an extrovert!).
The major religions of the world all teach the same spiritual wisdom: find yourself and be yourself. That is what we are teaching here.

Now let’s look at the four categories and eight different types of introverts so you can see where you fit in the best. You can also take the free personality inventory test at www.keirsey.com to make sure.

ARTISANS prize freedom and spontaneity in order to create. There are two kinds of ARTISANS, Crafters and Composers.

Crafter/Artisans master a set of tools in order to create, anything from a keyboard to a basketball. Keirsey Temperament Theory (KTT) has put Michael Jordon, Katherine Hepburn and Bruce Lee in this category. Often Crafters are perfectionists.

Composer/Artisans excel in the fine arts. Their desire is to bring some aspect of the physical world (the world of the 5 senses) into harmony with an inner vision. These introverts are tactile in nature and keep in close touch with the physical world. According to KTT Mozart and Steven Spielberg are examples of the Composer introvert.

Artisans are feeling type personalities and correspond to the cups suit in the Tarot deck. The astrological signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. (Please remember that these are general descriptions.)

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GUARDIANS are introverts who value belonging to a group or community. They maintain stability through responsible, conservative or traditional behavior. There are two types of GUARDIAN introverts, Inspectors and Protectors.

Guardian/Inspectors watch over our institutions and are noted for thoroughness and orderliness. Examples of people like this (KTT) are George Washington, Harry Truman and Warren Buffet.

Guardian/Protectors naturally watch out for the downtrodden and disenfranchised members of society. They are the most capable of all types at dealing with hopelessly discouraging situations. They are quietly dedicated in their path. Examples of this type of introvert (KTT) are Mother Theresa and Queen Elizabeth II.

Guardians are earthy type personalities and correspond to the pentacle suit in the Tarot deck. The astrological signs are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. (Please remember that these are general descriptions.)

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There are two types of IDEALISTS, Counselors and Healers. Counselors and Healers value personal growth and authenticity.
Idealist/Counselors are genuinely empathetic and they are ethical. Their great interest is in human potential. Examples of this type of introvert (KTT) are Carl Jung, Eleanor Roosevelt and Mohandas Gandhi.

Idealist/ Healers seem reserved and shy. They present a serene face to the world that hides a great deal of complexity. They are dedicated to bringing peace and integrity into the world and are capable of very deep devotion to those they care about. Examples of this type of introvert (KTT) are Albert Schweitzer and Mia Farrow.

Idealists are fiery type personalities and correspond to the wands suit in the Tarot deck. The astrological signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. (Please remember that these are general descriptions.)

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RATIONALS value competence and intelligence. They want to predict and control the environment either as Masterminds or Architects. Some of the most famous people in the world have been in this category, giving lie to the misunderstanding that introverts are incapable losers, neurotic or mentally ill!

Rational/Masterminds are the contingency planners of the universe. They are pragmatic thinkers with well defined goals. They are reluctant leaders but if they see no one can do the job, they take over with supreme ability. Examples of this type of introvert (KTT) are Sir Isaac Newton and Friedrich Nietzsche.

Rational/Architects are the world’s “structural engineers”. Their ultimate goal is to shape the environment as though it were the anvil for their hammer. Examples of this type of introvert (KTT) are Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein.

Rationals are air type personalities and correspond to the swords suit in the Tarot deck. The astrological signs are Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. (Please remember that these are general descriptions.)

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Often one of the men or women given as an example is a personal favorite of yours, who exemplifies qualities that you find and admire in yourself.

But if you had trouble recognizing your introvert personality type, don’t be discouraged. Visit www.keirsey.com and take the quick test that will help you understand yourself and your personality type better. Please remember that the way for introverts to win is to become more consciously introverted, not by trying to be something we aren’t (an extrovert)!

I find in my classes that most of my students are Idealist/Healers. This type of introvert makes up a rare 1% of the population.

© nancy r. fenn