OCTAIKON

PEACES OF EIGHT
This narrative was originally written for publication as a book
but then converted to webpages for reading online in sequence.
The table of contents below provides links 
to all sections, chapters and pages (some 400) in the Peaces of Eight narrative, 
and gives a brief description of the contents in each chapter.
Note that clicking on the "Home" button takes you to the opening home page of the website.
You will need to click on "Peaces of Eight" to get back to this contents page.

PAGE

NOTES

 

INTRODUCTION

Introduction to the narrative

 

Layout of the NARRATIVE

Explains how the narrative is structured

 

Interlude: MY FAMILY AND...

Thumbnail sketch of my family

 

Think thank

Acknowledgements

 

CONTACT  AND RESOURCES

How to contact me and obtain resources.

 

PART 1 THE MODEL

This part explains the history behind the study, and how I came to develop the Octaikon graphic. 

 

WHAT IN THE WORLD?

The reasons why I started this study

 

EVOLUTION OF THE IDEA

How the need for the graphic developed

 

Meaning of the parts

A basic summary of the ten elements

 

Is it mystical?

Explanation of how the idea is based on scientific work of many people.

 

Who can use it?

A summary of users and settings

 

What forms can it take?

The different types of resources currently available

 

PART 2 MAINLY BODY

This part discusses how the outer coloured part of the Octaikon is used. It is mostly secular, but introduces some spiritual ideas.

 

Palettes of personalities

This section explains how the Octaikon can help understand and compare ideas about personality.  Of particular interest to people wanting to do self-improvement, and as background for managers.

 

Four physical faculties

A basic explanation of how we relate to the world through faculties.

 

Four Greek temperaments

Hippocrates classification of temperaments. Simple, and still used.

 

Terms to remember

Helps to clarify words like trait, character, temperament

 

Sixteen psychological types

The modern system of Myers-Briggs. Appendix 1 gives details

 

Nine enigmatic personalities

The mystical classification of the Enneagram. Annex 2 has details

 

Five levels of needs

Maslow's hierarchy of needs re-presented

 

Interlude: Beware of red underwear!

Personal anecdotes on the theme of red

 

How about learning?

This section explains how the Octaikon can help understand and compare theories of how we use our brain , learn things, and solve problems.  Of interest to teachers and learners, and those involved in education

 

Two by two brain segments

Herrman's theory of the structure and function of the brain 

 

Interlude: Ponder in the blue yonder

Personal anecdotes on the theme of blue

 

Four ability quotients

A suggestion for having not only IQ and EQ but also CQ and PQ!

 

Fours ways we learn

Ideas of Honey & Mumford, Kolb &  McCarthy, Annex 3a has details.

 

Four (or five) levels of understanding

An idea taken from information "toolboxes" explained.

 

Interlude: Four Ms

A look at myths, misunderstanding, misinformation, and misinterpretation

 

Just about managing

This section explains how the Octaikon can help understand and compare ideas about how management of people is practised.  Of particular interest to those involved in management in the workplace 

 

Five functions of management

What a manager must do to run an enterprise.

 

Four stages in teaming-up

How teams form - storming, forming etc.

 

Interlude: Parting company

Personal anecdotes on a fifth stage of team formation - adjourning

 

Eight team roles

Role preferences of teams proposed by  Margerison and McCann

 

Eight team types

Types of team member proposed by Belbin and Pretty

 

Six stages in solving problems.

How we solve problems, as described by Lumsdaine / Herrman

 

Interlude: The Emerald isle

Personal anecdotes while working on Montserrat

 

Real relationships

This section looks at one of the main reasons for developing the Octaikon - to help understand and promote the various ways in which we can develop and strengthen relationships

 

Two genders

How masculine and feminine strength differ

 

Four elements of communication

The complex way we have to juggle faculties as we communicate

 

Three ways of communicating

The importance of tone and body language in putting over a message.

 

Interlude: Mellow yellow

Personal anecdotes on the theme of yellow

 

Four window panes

The JOHARI window concept  (Luft and Ingham)

 

Many roles of spouses

Roles and responsibilities in marriage - useful for marriage preparation.

 

Health matters

This section looks at the examples of health issues, and how the Octaikon can classify effects as to Sensory, Mental, Behavioural and Physical. Useful for health education.

 

Four skills for health

The importance of  numeracy, literacy and language for health

 

Four effects of smoking

The ways in which smoking effects health

 

What! Married to Juana?

The ways in which marijuana effects health

 

Four results of dehydration

The need to drink enough water

 

Interlude: How depressing!

Personal anecdotes about depression and lack of confidence

 

Thinking global

This section moves from individuals to communities, and how the Octaikon can help understand ways in which we behave collectively. Could be useful for discussions in  developmental contexts

 

Two spectra of politics

Conservative-Radical and Democratic-Autocratic spectra (Eysenck)

 

Many cultures

Five human races compared (maybe controversial)

 

Five worldviews

Hierarchical, Egalitarian, Individualistic, Fatalistic and Scientific views. 

 

Interlude: Green politicians

Personal anecdotes on my time in the European Commission

 

We have a problem...

This section looks at different aspects of our weaknesses and constraints to personal and social development. Shows how the Octaikon could be useful in personal counselling

 

A multitude of afflictions

Maps the different physical and mental constraints

 

Two ways to react - fight or flight

Shows the negative ways in which we react to adversoty (La Haye) 

 

Interlude: No fear!

Personal anecdotes on feeling afraid - and flying!

 

Shadow sides

Some of the archetypes of Jung - positive and negative sides

 

Weird and whimsical

This is a lighter-hearted section - looking at a miscellany of ideas - some not very scientific. The idea is to show that there is great interest in our personalities with everyone having a go at explaining life! 

 

Four seasons of life

My idea of how our lives might reflect seasonal temperaments

 

Many funny ideas

Ancient ideas of the Greeks relating to humours, elements etc.

 

Four points of the compass

A classification and summary of personalities of Turner and Greco

 

Fours in everything?

Stretching credibility - links to blood type, DNA, and glands!

 

Interlude: More about colours

More personal thoughts on the link colours of the Octaikon. 

 

Real life

This final section of Part 1 (Mainly body) considers two aspects of the physical processes on which we depend for live. Shows how the Octaikon can be used for things it was not  strictly designed for

 

Four processes that give us life

Links Light, Chlorophyll,  Oxygen and Haemaglobin

 

Eight systems a busy body

Summarise the different systems in our body

 

PART 3 MOSTLY SOUL

This part looks at the many and varied spiritual and religious ideas that relate to the white central part of the Octaikon, which represents our soul or goal in life.

 

The God inclusion

This section explores ways in which we can begin to integrate spiritual ideas into our understanding of a person as body and soul. The following examples could aid people in spiritual enquiry

 

Interlude: Thoughts on Dawkins

Personal thoughts on the geneticist Prof. Dawkins' views on religion

 

Four ways to believe it or not...

A useful way of considering our state of belief (Fleetwood)

 

One giant step for mankind?

Making sense of evolution and "creation" of the unique human. 

 

That's the spirit!

Linking Greek ideas of Soma, Nous, Psyche and Pneuma

 

Two interweaving magisteria

The concept of NOMA as proposed by Stephen J Gould. 

 

Phenomenal!

A look at  "paranormal" phenomena (Sheldrake and others) 

 

Understandable mysteries

This section looks at ways in which we can relate our concept of God to the Octaikon - primarily from a Christian perspective. These examples, and also ones in the next sections, could be useful in catechesis.

 

The threefold image within

How the Christian concept of the Trinity can be understood. 

 

Three ways of knowing

Ways  to know God: instinct, senses, intuition (Goyder).

 

Out of time, out of mind

How the concept of time could relate to body and soul 

 

Four paths to known

Roads to God: Reason, experience, intuition, revelation (Crabb)

 

Four capacities of personhood

Ways in which we reflect the image of God (Crabb)

 

Churches we have known

This section looks at groups of God-believers from a Christian perspective, and helps to explain why here are so many different denominations.  Could help in promoting tolerance!

 

Interlude: Church memories

Personal anecdotes from my own spiritual path. 

 

Four ways we worship

Intellectual, emotional, sensual, and aesthetical piety (Swanson)

 

Churchianity?

My way of understanding denominational temperaments

 

Fours branches of one faith?

A possible explanation for the evolution of  the church.

 

Orders, please!

Temperaments linked to religious orders

 

Four pillars of the church

The biblical concept of a foursquare church (Acts 2)

 

Four trail blazers

A future for the Catholic Church  (Hocken)

 

Did you say doctrine?

This section explores a variety of doctrines, mostly Catholic. As such, it could be useful for Catholic Christians wishing to understand their faith better 

 

Interlude: interminable terms

Some thoughts on my journey to the Catholic church

 

Catechism in four parts

Relates the teaching of the Catholic Catechism to faculties.

 

Seven sacraments

An attempt to link the sacraments to the faculties

 

To be or not to be?

A brief comment on the sacrament of baptism

 

Thank you well

A graphical way of relating the Eucharist to the Octaikon

 

What - more doctrines?

This section continues to explore Catholic doctrines - in particular those that tend to be controversial for other Christians. Might help in ecumenical understanding?

 

One mother of all

Relates the character and doctrines of Mary to the Octaikon.

 

A ring of rosaries

Shows how the four mysteries of the Rosary could link to faculties.

 

Stopping at all ten stations

Groups the stations of the Cross according to faculties

 

Colour me liturgical

The colours of the church's year linked to the Octaikon

 

Ready, steady, go!

How the Catholic Mass can cater for our faculties.

 

Love makes the world...

This section concentrates on the many Biblical descriptions of what it means to live a Christian life of unconditional love, or charitty. It should help in Christian living. 

 

Four types of love

A look at the four loves as identified by C.S. Lewis

 

Four ways of loving

Loving God with heart, soul, mind and body (St. Mark 12)

 

Thirteen characteristics of love

How charity should express itself in us (1 Corinthians 13)

 

Nine fruits of the spirit

How these could be related to our faculties (Galatians 5)

 

Seven veritable virtues

The traditional virtues linked to the Octaikon 

 

Nature, nurture and neighbour

A personal thought adding spiritual dimension to behaviour.

 

Talents, gifts, skills

This section explores the Biblical means for living a Christian life - it continues on from the previous section but with emphasis on spiritual development. Also useful for catechesis.

 

Seven golden oldies

Divine gifts as listed in the Old Testament (Isaiah 11)

 

The seven motivators

The motivational gifts (Romans 12) See also Annex 6 

 

Interlude: Encore! Personal thoughts on the motivational gift of encouragement  
Interlude: Hold on! Personal thoughts on the motivational gift of perceiving  

Five ways to say: Yes - Minister!

The ministerial gifts required by the church (Ephesians 4)

 

Nine gifts - manifestly OK.

The gifts of manifestation  (1 Corinthians 12)

 

Interlude: Happy clappy?

Personal thoughts about the charismatic movement  

 

A dozen disciplines

Spiritual disciplines mapped onto the Octaikon (Foster)

 

Four elements of prayer

A more detailed look at what it means to pray

 

Bible Alive

This section considers various aspects of the Bible, and its unique claim to be inspired. The examples give cold be useful for Bible study

 

Interlude: Bible bashing

Some personal thoughts on the great variety of Bible in existence 

 

Not just a book a library.

How the books of the Bible could reflect our present our four faculties

 

Four questions when reading the Bible

A helpful way of ensuring he Bible is read properly (Kreeft) 

 

Four gospels four temperaments?

Do the four gospels reflect the temperaments of the authors?

 

Four characters in the bible

Examples of  temperaments shown by people in the Bible

 

Three ways to follow my leader

Judaism's idea of leaders: prophet, priest and king

 

Spiritual symmetry

This section concentrates on the many spiritual ideas which lead to polarisation of views when they should illustrate their complementarity. Good as discussion starters

 

Both sides now...

Five complementary sides of the same coin e.g. faith / works

 

Half and half

Four halves of the same side e.g. orthodoxy / orthopraxis

 

Centre or circumference?

Five examples of centre and periphery e.g. humanity / divinity

 

Black holes

This section explores ideas about why we live in an imperfect world with weaknesses, illnesses and disabilities. Could be useful in catechesis

 

Many steps to the fall

One way of analysing the Biblical fall of man

 

What me sin how?

Four types of sin, as the church sees them

 

Seven not nice vices

An attempt to relate vices to the Octaikon

 

The ten commandments

How these might relate to our temperaments

 

Dark matters

This section looks at how religions go wrong as a result of being made up of imperfect people! These examples could also be useful in spiritual direction

 

Interlude: Himalayas the other side

Personal anecdotes and thoughts on life in Nepal

 

Religions root of evil?

The various ways religions can be persecuted.

 

Historical cycle in six steps

The cycle of luxury leading to pride, disaster 

 

Get me out of here!

This section explores miscellaneous ideas of how we overcome our dark side and come closer to the spiritual ideal. As with the previous section, these examples could also be useful in spiritual direction

 

Conflict resolution one way only

A visual way of emphasising the importance of forgiveness. 

 

Radiant light four rays

A look at theological terms that describe Christ's role

 

Armour of amor - seven pieces

St Paul's way to be on the defensive against sin (Ephesians 6)

 

Eight happy attitudes

Shows how the Biblical beatitudes seem to link together (Hughes)

 

Passing across

A diversion into words meaning "across" and how they relate to dieing and resurrection (Winter).  

 

Whose truth?

A look at the five pillars of Islam mapped on the Octaikon, encouraging its use for other faiths.

 

A summing up

A concluding summary of the ten Octaikon elements, and what they mean for body and soul. 

 

The Celts have it!

How the Celtic Cross can represent the different elements of the Octaikon. 

 

PART 4 MORE USES

This part looks beyond the use of the Octaikon to clarify and compare concepts already noted on this site, and encourages the reader to use it in a wide variety of additional ways and settings.  

 

MAKING RESOURCES

Explains how the Octaikon can be used in two main forms - on 2D paper and as 3D bricks.

 

Explaining the symbols

Introduction to symbols for the young

 

The four faculties

Explains why the faculty symbols were chosen

 

The six linkages

Explains why the link symbols were chosen

 

Pieces of eight

An alternative term to Octaikon

 

Musing on Montessori

The Octaikon used to clarify Montessori's ideas on education.

 

Reflecting on the elements

Introduction to a series of questions about each element of the Octaikon (from the Interactive Octaikon) to help you see if you are using body and soul properly. 

 

OBSERVATION FACULTY green

Questions on using this element properly

 

INTERPRETATION FACULTY blue

Questions on using this element properly

 

EXPRESSION FACULTY yellow

Questions on using this element properly

 

APPLICATION FACULTY red

Questions on using this element properly

 

MONITORING LINK turquoise

Questions on using this element properly

 

JUDGING LINK purple

Questions on using this element properly

 

REFLECTING LINK blue to yellow

Questions on using this element properly

 

CREATING LINK lime-green

Questions on using this element properly

 

DIRECTING LINK orange

Questions on using this element properly

 

RELATING LINK red to green

Questions on using this element properly

 

Meditating on things

Introduction to using the Octaikon to meditate, using examples of my own thoughts.

 

Sailing away Personal thoughts on sailing  
If music be the food of love... Personal thoughts on music  
All switched on Personal thoughts on computers  
Candle in the darkness Personal thoughts on candles  
The ride of life Personal thoughts on cycling  
Snookered Personal thoughts on snooker  
Poetic license Personal thoughts on poetry  

Jogging memories

Introduction to using the Octaikon to jog the memory according to the different faculties and links. Personal examples are given on the faculty of Observation

 

Sounding great

Personal reminiscences on sound

 

Feeling fine

Personal reminiscences on touch

 

Smelling lovely

Personal reminiscences on smell

 

Tasting nice

Personal reminiscences on taste

 

Looking good

Personal reminiscences on sight

 

Seeing illusions

Introduction to some examples of optical illusions - using the Octaikon as a frame.

 

What' s in a name?

Illusion of a hidden name

 

Does that make sense?

Illusion of a hidden picture

 

Reversing viewpoints

Illusion of negative images

 

Pondering words

Introduction to using the Octaikon to ponder the meaning of phrases.

 

Walk the talk

Walk the talk - Nelson Mandela?

 

If necessary, use words

If necessary, use words - St Francis of Assisi

 

The French connection

Liberty, equality, fraternity

 

The American Dream

Unity out of diversity

 

Catchphrases

Matching catchphrases to faculty / temperament 

 

Getting creative

Introduction to using the Octaikon to create artwork

 

Radiating light

On the theme of:  I am the Light of the world (Jesus)

 

Send a friend

Using the Octaikon to make a greetings card

 

Bored? Board games!

Suggestions for games based on the Octaikon as a playing board

 

Noughts n crosses

Uses a laminated Octaikon, and an erasable marker

 

Cross-word

Uses a laminated Octaikon, and an erasable marker - Like Boggle

 

Nine-letter-gram

Uses a laminated Octaikon, and an erasable marker - Like Trackword

 

Mind out!

Uses a laminated Octaikon, and an erasable marker - to brainstorm.

 

Empathise

A possible management game testing how well you can empathise.

 

Facilitate your faculties

A combination of I-Spy, Brainstorm, Mime and Talking 

 

Message or memo

Uses a laminated Octaikon as a message board

 

Memory Pogs

Uses small different Octaikons to play pelmanism

 

Drinks, anyone?

Turn a useful annotated Octaikon into a drinks mat.

 

Getting physical

Suggestions for making physical toys, mainly (but not only!) for the younger folk

 

Octawhizz

Spinning disk, making a noise and blending colours.

 

Tanikon

Cut up Octaikon used like a tangram game

 

Okki-blocs

Introduction to using a version of the Octaikon made out of wooden blocks. Great potential for young folk, and also as a physical aid to management games etc. 

 

Egg Symbolising the soul with an egg  
Candle Symbolising the soul with a candle  
Soil Symbolising the soul with soil and a plant  
Money Symbolising your goal with money  
Golf ball Using a golf ball to help focus on the soul  
Target Games using balls of different types dropped into the centre.  
White block Square block in square hole!  
See-saw Making a balance to illustrate an aspect on personality  

Kan-u-kube?

A challenge using a folded Octaikon

 

Feelies

A game for the blind as well as sighted

 

Going digital

An overview of the computer origins of the Octaikon, and the potential for electronic versions

 

Powerful presentations

Explains the original PowerPoint graphics

 

Animated gifts

Explains the animated GIFS used on the site

 

Flashy movies

Describes two flash resources: Okki the Acrobat, and the Interactive Octaikon (see pages at start of this outline)

 

Wide Web presence

Explains the origin of this website.

 

Wrapping up

Just a few concluding words!

 

PART 5 ANNEXES

Introduces annexes which provide additional information to some of the topics discussed

 

1. Psychological types: Myers Briggs 

Introduces brief pen-sketches of Myers-Briggs

 

ENFJ

Myers-Briggs pen-sketch for this psychological type

 

ENFP

Myers-Briggs pen-sketch for this psychological type

 

ENTJ

Myers-Briggs pen-sketch for this psychological type

 

ENTP

Myers-Briggs pen-sketch for this psychological type

 

ESFJ

Myers-Briggs pen-sketch for this psychological type

 

ESFP

Myers-Briggs pen-sketch for this psychological type

 

ESTJ

Myers-Briggs pen-sketch for this psychological type

 

ESTP

Myers-Briggs pen-sketch for this psychological type

 

ISFJ

Myers-Briggs pen-sketch for this psychological type

 

ISFP

Myers-Briggs pen-sketch for this psychological type

 

ISTJ

Myers-Briggs pen-sketch for this psychological type

 

ISTP

Myers-Briggs pen-sketch for this psychological type

 

INFJ

Myers-Briggs pen-sketch for this psychological type

 

INFP

Myers-Briggs pen-sketch for this psychological type

 

INTJ

Myers-Briggs pen-sketch for this psychological type

 

INTP

Myers-Briggs pen-sketch for this psychological type

 

2. Enneagram personalities: Rohr & Ebert

Introduces descriptions of Enneagram personalities taken from Rohr and Ebert's book

 

ENNEAGRAM 1

Description of this Enneagram number

 

ENNEAGRAM 2

Description of this Enneagram number

 

ENNEAGRAM 3

Description of this Enneagram number

 

ENNEAGRAM 4

Description of this Enneagram number

 

ENNEAGRAM 5

Description of this Enneagram number

 

ENNEAGRAM 6

Description of this Enneagram number

 

ENNEAGRAM 7

Description of this Enneagram number

 

ENNEAGRAM 8

Description of this Enneagram number

 

ENNEAGRAM 9

Description of this Enneagram number

 

3a Thinking: Lumsdaine & Hermann

Introduces descriptions of thinking preferences as defined by Lumsdaine and Hermann 

 

THINKING PREFERENCE A

Description of this preference

 

THINKING PREFERENCE B

Description of this preference

 

THINKING PREFERENCE C

Description of this preference

 

THINKING PREFERENCE D

Description of this preference

 

3b Learning types: Kolb & McCarthy

Introduces descriptions of learning types as defined by Kolb and McCarthy 

 

ASSIMILATORS

Description of this learning type

 

CONVERGERS

Description of this learning type

 

ACCOMMODATORS

Description of this learning type

 

DIVERGERS

Description of this learning type

 

4. Team roles: Margerison & McCann

Introduces descriptions of team roles as defined by Margerison and McCann 

 

UPHOLDER-MAINTAINERS

Description of this team role

 

CONTROLLER-INSPECTORS

Description of this team role

 

CONCLUDER-PRODUCERS

Description of this team role

 

THRUSTER-ORGANISERS

Description of this team role

 

ASSESSOR-DEVELOPERS:

Description of this team role

 

EXPLORER-PROMOTERS

Description of this team role

 

CREATOR-INNOVATORS:

Description of this team role

 

REPORTERS-ADVISERS:

Description of this team role

 

LINKERS

Description of this team role

 

5. Team members: Belbin & Pretty

Introduces descriptions of team members as defined by Belbin and Pretty 

 

SPECIALIST

Description of this team member

 

THE MONITOR / EVALUATOR

Description of this team member

 

THE COMPLETER / FINISHER

Description of this team member

 

THE SHAPER

Description of this team member

 

THE IMPLEMENTER

Description of this team member

 

THE RESOURCES INVESTIGATOR

Description of this team member

 

THE ENERGY PLANT

Description of this team member

 

THE TEAMWORKER

Description of this team member

 

THE COORDINATOR

Description of this team member

 

6. Motivational gifts of the Bible

Introduces descriptions of the strengths (and weaknesses) of  the Biblical motivational gifts, as described by Fortune

 

PERCEIVER

Description of this motivational gift

 

RESEARCHER

Description of this motivational gift

 

ADMINISTRATOR

Description of this motivational gift

 

EXHORTER

Description of this motivational gift

 

SERVER

Description of this motivational gift

 

COMPASSION

Description of this motivational gift

 

GIVER

Description of this motivational gift

 

7. Synonyms for the Octaikon elements

Introduces other synonyms for the Octaikon elements, to help facilitate discussion and description

 

1 Observation

Synonyms for this Octaikon element

 

2 Monitoring

Synonyms for this Octaikon element

 

3 Interpretation

Synonyms for this Octaikon element

 

4 Judging

Synonyms for this Octaikon element

 

5 Reflecting

Synonyms for this Octaikon element

 

6 Creating

Synonyms for this Octaikon element

 

7 Expression

Synonyms for this Octaikon element

 

8 Directing

Synonyms for this Octaikon element

 

9 Application

Synonyms for this Octaikon element

 

10 Relating

Synonyms for this Octaikon element

 

8. Mindmap of faculties

Link to a mindmap summarising faculties

 

9. ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

An annotated table of the main references used while I developed the study