Biographical statement

I have had a lifelong fascination with spiritual formation and the illusive mask that our soul wears, which we call the "personality."

In 1981 I received my Masters in Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA.

I was ordained elder in the United Methodist Church in 1983, and served the church as associate pastor at Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, and then First UMC in Sacramento CA, for a total of ten years in pastoral ministry.

While a pastor, I became a certified administrator of the Meyers-Brigggs Temperament Indicator, and used the MBTI as a tool for leadership development and in pastoral counseling.

In the mid 1980s I continued to study spiritual formation, and my spiritual director, Gerry Hair S.J., introduced me to the Enneagram.

In 1991 I left pastoral ministry in order to spend more time with my young family and to continue to specialize in spiritual formation beyond the local church setting. During this time I led retreats, taught classes, counseled individuals and studied with others, including a class from noted Enneagram teacher Helen Palmer.

Also during the early 1990s, along with Gerry Hair, S.J., and Jim Neafsey, S.J., I co-founded the Anamchara Spirituality Center in Sacramento, CA, where we led a nine month training program in spiritual companionship for several years. We used the Enneagram extensively in our training.

Privately I renewed an old interest in astrology, and began to see how the symbols of astrology related to the personality types of the Enneagram. Gradually I formed my own comprehensive theory, which I call Enneastrology.

In 2001 the respected international astrology journal, The Mountain Astrologer, published a three part series of articles in which I shared my findings publicly for the first time.

My goal as the founder of Enneastrology is to share my ideas and stimulate further research into the ways that Enneagram personality type is reflected in the astrological birth chart, so that individuals may waken from the dream of personality into the truth of Spirit.

Andrea Meek Winchester

Comments

[Rick]

Hello Andrea,

I don't recall what computer search first led me to you but I'm wondering if it might be a G_d thing moved by the Spirit. I deeply find a connection with your soul journey of integration. It strikes me much the way the Pauline technique of seeking truth within a culture then finding the purest form as Christ is uplifted. I too am an ordained minister with a previous interest in Astrology (kept quiet from many circles) as well as Enneagrams. The fondness of stars was shared with my G_dmother who was also a friend of my aunt, a life long member of the UMC. Imagine my surprise when I read further to see your affiliation in Walnut Creek where she spent quite a few years beginning in the 80s.

In my training for ministry, we were all introduced to MBTI in which I found considerable appeal having already studied personality for years-something I still enjoy. Too, my greatest joy in the service of the LORD is one on one developing the faith in spiritual formation. Anamchara and the understanding of the soul and Spiritual Direction strike me as the next focal point in my life as I seek to prepare for my next work in FT ministry. I'm currently a bivocational minister again after being displaced by a flood in '01.

BTW, It's altogether possible you may know my aunt. Her name is Linda Comperatore. That would be amazing if it turns out you're acquainted. I'd be interested in being in touch to discuss integrative issues in ministry to maintain a balanced life. Although I was raised Catholic, trained American Baptist & ordained nondenominational, I never overlook the possibility of finding the grace within the larger Body of Christ by other branches within the faith.

Take Care & Be Blessed!!!

~Soul Friend
~~~Rick