Human Design 101

What is Human Design? Simply put, it’s a fun tool for self-discovery and growth. (Which is what this entire journey is about, right?) To get research-y about it; it’s a system (that was developed in 1987, so why am I just hearing about it now!?) that combines elements of several different disciplines; including astrology, the I Ching, the Kabbalah, the Chakra system, and quantum physics. So if you want to get “woo” with me, and see if the concept of Human Design can help you navigate your life more effectively, click here and see what your human design type is!

I’m a 1/4 (the omniscient teacher) Manifesting Generator. I have a sacral authority (which we’ve discussed a million times already, because that means I make decisions from the gut (from Ivy) rather than emotionally, or by waiting, or by talking it through with other people. (Now I’m just going to throw a bunch of terminology at you.)

 My strategy is responding and my “not self theme” (the tell-tale feeling that happens when I’m not living my design) is frustration. Whereas satisfaction is the sign that I AM living within my design. My preferred environment is caves, my strongest sense is taste, and my digestion is consecutive appetite. My definition is single definition (which means there is easy flow in my chart.) To be honest- I haven’t fully explored what half of that stuff means yet- not to mention that there are a bunch of “gifts” and a chakra chart… This is truly fascinating stuff, (to me, anyway,) because I feel like it offers insights into your personality, strengths, challenges, and life purpose based on your birth data (but beyond simple astrology.) If you happened to check it out, tell me about your chart in the comments!

By generating a “Bodygraph,” (a visual representation of your energy centers and channels,) you gain a deeper understanding of your unique design. So of course, I immediately wanted to chart out my husband and my kids. Here’s some further insight into the five main types of people you can be sorted into:

THE FIVE TYPES

Human Design categorizes individuals into five main types, each with its own strategy for making decisions and interacting with others:

1. Generators: Making up about 37% of the population, Generators are the life force of the planet. They have sustainable energy and are designed to respond to life rather than initiate. Their strategy is to wait for things to come to them and then respond. (My husband, Max, is a generator.)
2. Manifesting Generators: Making up about 33% of the population, they’re a blend of a generator and a manifestor (hence the name- ha ha.) They are responsive to life, but also capable of initiating and manifesting quickly after responding. This type is known for it’s flexibility, multifaceted nature, and a preference for lean, flexible environments. (Besides me, my daughter Lyra is also a manifesting generator.)
3. Projectors: About 20% of the population, Projectors are guides and leaders. They excel in managing others and understanding systems, but need to wait for invitations to share their insights. Their strategy is to wait for recognition before acting. (My daughter, Kofi, is a projector.)
4. Manifestors: Comprising roughly 9% of the population, Manifestors are the initiators. They have the energy to start new projects and movements. Their strategy is to inform others of their intentions before taking action.
5. Reflectors: Making up less than 1% of the population, Reflectors are the evaluators. They reflect the energy of their environment and are sensitive to the energies around them. Their strategy is to wait a lunar cycle (about 28 days) before making major decisions.

THE SEVEN AUTHORITIES

In human design there are seven kinds of authorities. (This informs your ideal decision-making process.)

1. Emotional: Take time to ride out your emotional wave to find clarity; it’s not about making quick decisions.
2. Sacral: Trust your gut feelings to make decisions; it’s an immediate and visceral “yes” or “no.”
3. Splenic: Rely on your instinctive, in-the-moment intuitions. They offer quick, subtle cues for immediate decision-making.
4. Ego/Heart: Listen to what your heart desires and where you’re willing to invest your energy; it’s about what truly matters to you.
5. Self-Projected: Verbalize your thoughts and feelings to find clarity; your own voice helps guide your decisions.
6. Environmental: Make decisions based on how you feel in different environments or after discussing with trusted individuals; you often need to talk things out to process your thoughts.
7. Lunar: Give yourself permission to take your time when making decisions. Wait a full lunar cycle- approximately 28 days, when practical. Patience and reflection are key.

PROFILE LINES

Your profile in Human Design consists of two numbers (i.e mine is 1/4, the omniscient teacher) that represent your personality and life themes. Each number corresponds to specific traits and life lessons. Understanding your profile can provide insight into how you approach relationships, work, and personal growth.

Human Design offers a comprehensive framework for self-understanding and personal development. I can write another post about it later, and we’ll dig deeper into type, energy centers, and profile, so you can gain valuable insights into your strengths, challenges, and how to navigate the world more authentically. The journey of self-discovery awaits!