human design glossary: terms and definitions explained

Human Design Glossary

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Human Design has its own unique language, and if you are new to the system, some of the terms can feel confusing at first. Words like strategy, authority, profile, centers, gates, channels, and variables all have specific meanings within Human Design, and understanding that language can make your chart much easier to read and apply.

This glossary is designed to help you better understand the key terms used throughout Human Design so you can make more sense of your chart and the information you come across. Think of it as a reference guide you can return to anytime you need a simple explanation or a refresher on what something means.

If you’re new to Human Design, the Human Design Guide is a helpful place to start for a broader understanding of your chart.

how to use this glossary

You do not need to read this glossary from top to bottom in one sitting. You can scan through it to get familiar with the language, search for specific terms when something in your chart or a reading feels confusing, and come back to it anytime you need a quick refresher.

Think of this page as a practical reference tool. The more you work with your chart, the more helpful it can be to revisit terms as they come up in real life.

a

Abstract Circuit

  • The “Abstract Circuit” is also referred to as the “experience circuit” because the Gates and Channels in this circuit use memories from the past and current experiences to navigate the present. These energetics are focused on the experiences a person has and how each experience brings learning and new understandings. The information that is learned in this circuit is meant to be shared with others.
  • Learn more about the Channels and Circuits HERE

Activation

  • Refers to any gate or channel in the bodygraph chart that is colored in.

The Arrows

The Authentic Self

  • Also called the “true self”. It refers to an individual’s pure and behavioral nature, designed to support effortless, unresistant movement through the world. When we lean into our Human Design Strategy and Authority, we will begin to see the areas where we are conditioned and prevented from experiencing our true selves. It is this external programming that is experienced as resistance and masks our authentic self.

Authority

  • “Authority” is how an individual can authentically make decisions in life. In the Human Design System, it is the most accurate and true method of decision-making for the individual. There are 7 types of authority in Human Design. An individual’s authority depends on the circuitry or activations in the bodygraph chart.
  • Learn more about Strategy and Authority HERE

Awareness Energy Centers

  • AJNA – mind consciousness
  • SPLEEN – body consciousness
  • SOLAR PLEXUS – spirit consciousness

b

Bodygraph Chart

  • A personalized Human Design chart that provides a “map” or blueprint of your energy. Each bodygraph chart is unique because the combination of activations is specific to the individual’s birth date, birth time, and birth location.

c

Channel

  • There are potentially 36 Channels in a Human Design bodygraph chart. They show up in the chart when two Energy Centers are connected by corresponding gates. For example, Channel 18 – 58 connects the Splenic and Root Energy Centers in a bodygraph chart when BOTH Gate 18 and Gate 58 are activated. It creates a complete energetic connection between two energy centers. 
  • The Channels represent gifts, talents, motivations, energetics, or drives that are consistently available to us. If a channel is not activated or colored, it doesn’t mean that person never has access to that energy. It just means that this gift is not a reliable or constant source of energy in their life.
  • Learn more about the Channels and Circuits HERE

Circuitry

  • “Circuitry” refers to the connections (channel connections between energy centers) within a Human Design bodygraph chart. It also shows how the energy “flows” in a given chart, just like an electrical current.
  • Learn more about the Channels and Circuits HERE

Conditioning

  • “Conditioning” happens when one person’s way of being blocks or disrupts another person’s inherent nature or way of moving through the world. Conditioning can also occur when we over-identify or feel pressure to adopt social or environmental standards. For example, society often says that being consistent is a quality we should all aspire to, but not everyone is designed to be consistent.  

Correct

  • “Correct” refers to being in alignment with your Energy Type, Strategy, and Authority. When you are being “correct”, you are tuned into your innate intuition and internal compass. You are living in alignment with your body’s internal wisdom.

d

Deconditioning

  • “Deconditioning” refers to the process of recognizing and releasing the ideas, behaviors, or things that we have identified with that are not in alignment with our innate gifts and way of being. Tuning out external voices and learning how to follow your energy-type strategy and authority will support the deconditioning process.

Defined

Design Side

  • The “Design side” of the Human Design bodygraph chart represents the gates (or energetic gifts) in the chart that are considered “unconscious”.The Design Side gates appear as red in the bodygraph chart.

Dormant Gate

  • A gate that is activated, alone in the channel, and located in an undefined energy center. This gate is open to connecting to the corresponding gate through the aura of another person or a transit.
  • Learn more about the Gates HERE

e

Energy Center

  • A term to describe the 9 energy centers in the Human Design bodygraph chart that are represented by square, triangle, and diamond shapes. In each bodygraph chart, these shapes will either be white (undefined) or colored (defined). The energy centers are loosely related to the Chakra System.
  • Learn more about the Energy Centers HERE

Energy Type

  • “Energy Type” refers to the operating system of the energetic human being. There are 5 different Energy Types in the Human Design System. 1) Generators; 2) Manifesting Generators; 3) Manifestors; 4) Projectors and 5) Reflectors
  • Learn more about the Energy Types HERE

Expression

  • “Expression” is the way in which the energetics in a chart are expressed outwardly in daily life. 

f

The Four Transformations

g

Gate

  • The Gates in a Human Design bodygraph chart are represented by the numbers (1 – 64) that are located in the Energy Centers. These are the gifts, talents, motivations, energetics, or drives that are consistently available to us. If a gate is not activated or colored, it doesn’t mean that person never has access to that energy. It just means that this gift is not a reliable or constant source of energy in their life. There are a total of 64 Gates in a bodygraph chart, and each gate has a theme that is related to the 64 I Ching hexagrams.
  • Learn more about the Gates HERE

Gene Keys

  • A system developed by Richard Rudd that articulates the high, low, and enlightened frequencies of each of the 64 gates in the hexagram or Human Design.

Generator

  • One of 5 Energy Types in the Human Design system. Generators are the most common energy type. They are designed to move through life by following the things in life that “light them up” and spark their sacral energy center. 
  • Learn more about the Energy Types HERE

h

Hanging Gate

  • An activated gate that is alone in a channel and is located in either a defined (colored) or an undefined (white) energy center. This gate is open to receiving energy from the corresponding gate via a transit or the aura of another person.
  • Learn more about the Gates HERE

Hexagram

  • The hexagram consists of 6 lines from the I Ching divination system. The 6 lines are represented by a series of either broken or unbroken lines. Broken lines represent “yin” energy. Unbroken lines present “yang” energy. The 64 gates in Human Design are derived from the 64 I Ching hexagrams.

High Expression

  • “High Expression” is the positive way in which the energetics in a chart are expressed outwardly in daily life. 

Human Design

  • A system created by Ra Uru Hu in 1987 that draws from Astrology, the I Ching, the Chakra System, and the Kabbalah Tree of Life. The Human Design system creates a map (bodygraph chart) that reveals an individual’s unique energetic blueprint. This system inspires us to expand our awareness of the self and shows us how to listen to our own inner guidance.
  • Learn more about Human Design HERE

i

I Ching

  • The I Ching is one of the oldest written systems, and it is often referred to as the “Oracle”. The “I Ching” means “the Book of Changes,” and it is composed of 64 hexagrams that are used for divination. These hexagrams provide guidance, advice, clarity, and context. The 64 hexagrams are incorporated into the Human Design system as the 64 gates.

Incarnation Cross

  • The Incarnation Cross is your life theme, and it is made up of the 4 most prominent gates in your bodygraph chart. This life theme will slowly emerge over time as you live in alignment with your unique nature, and it will build into a full expression of your potential. The Incarnation Cross usually comes into play around your astrological “mid-life crisis” after you have planted a solid foundation and have a clear direction in life.
  • Learn more about the Incarnation Crosses HERE

Individual Centering Circuit

  • This is a sub-circuit of the “Individual Knowing” circuit, and the energy of this circuit is about being grounded within one’s own core individuality. It is NOT about “knowing” individuality, it is about BEING individual.
  • Learn more about the Channels and Circuits HERE

Individual Knowing Circuit

  • This circuit embodies the energy of evolutionarily new, unique, and mutative qualities. Revolutionary thoughts, objectives, and innovations are brought into the world through these gates and channels. Each gate in this circuit focuses on the unique empowerment of the individual. 
  • Learn more about the Channels and Circuits HERE

Integrated Survival Channels

  • These channels are not a part of a specific circuit in the bodygraph chart. These gates carry an energy of survival and are focused on self-individuation and personal survival. All of these energies are meant to support a person’s personal journey to individuation.
  • Learn more about the Channels and Circuits HERE

j

Juxtaposition Cross

  • Often called the “fixed fate” cross, those with this uncommon cross-type are designed to be firmly grounded in their energy type or Human Design definition. The Juxtaposition crosses represent only 2% of the population. Those with this cross also have the 4/1 Profile.
  • Learn more about the Incarnation Crosses HERE

l

Left Angle Cross

  • These individuals have transpersonal karma, which means their purpose will be fulfilled through interactions with others. You have the potential to impact other people and their lives through meaningful interactions.
  • Learn more about the Incarnation Crosses HERE

Lines

  • Meaning 1 – The term “Lines” is often used to reference the activated gates in a Human Design bodygraph chart.
  • Meaning 2 – “Line” also refers to each of the 6 lines in the hexagrams. Each line has a meaning or characteristic. These lines are also represented in the 12 different Human Design Profiles.
  • Learn more about the Profiles and the Lines HERE

Logic Circuit

  • The Logic Circuit is a counterpart to the Abstract Circuit. All of the gates within this circuit are focused on the future in order to find the best course of action. These gates also embody the energy of correction and the development of skills that will ensure a better future. The skills learned from this circuit’s energy are meant to be shared with others.
  • Learn more about the Channels and Circuits HERE

Low Expression

  • “Low Expression” is the unhealthy way in which the energetics in a chart are expressed outwardly in daily life. 

m

Manifesting Generator

  • A Manifesting Generator is a hybrid between a Generator and a Manifestor. Not only can they initiate, like the Manifestor, but they can also make things happen, like the Generator. When an MG is doing what lights them up, it creates a magnetic vortex that attracts synchronicities, opportunities, and people. Manifesting Generators are not supposed to follow the common life path. Following this non-linear path, the MG will always encounter a lesson, a new skill, or something to teach. Manifesting Generators have a defined sacral energy center and a defined motor center (root, solar plexus, ego/heart, and sacral center) attached to their throat center.
  • Learn more about the Energy Types HERE

Manifestor

  • Manifestors have the biggest aura of all 5 Energy Types. They are designed to move through life freely; however, they are often weighed down by the rules and belief systems that they have picked up over the course of their life. The more a Manifestor can use their voice to break free of the rules and boundaries placed on them, the more they will live and go where they are meant to.
  • Learn more about the Energy Types HERE

n

Not-Self

  • The energetic experience an individual will feel when they are not following their Human Design Strategy and Authority. (aka “not myself”). The “Not-Self” is a signpost for when resistance in life arises because we are not living our design. 

Neutrino

  • “Neutrinos” are subatomic particles that come from the stars. They are composed of a small amount of mass and carry information through space.

p

Personality Side

  • The “Personality side” of the Human Design bodygraph chart represents the gates (or energetic gifts) in the chart that are considered “conscious”. The Design Side gates appear as black in the bodygraph chart.

Polarity

  • Polarity refers to the opposite sides of something. In Human Design, it refers to the highest and lowest manifestation of a theme. For example, the theme of “universal love” has two polar opposite sides: an open heart vs. a closed heart. 

Profile

  • Profile is similar to a “personality” type and is linked to the Incarnation Cross. The Profile consists of 2 numbers (or lines) that originate from one of the six lines of a hexagram. There are 12 Profiles in Human Design, and each profile describes a skill set through which the theme of the Incarnation Cross will be expressed.  For example, a 5th line profile will provide solutions related to its life theme, and a 6th line will embody that life theme as the example or role model.
  • Learn more about the Profiles and the Lines HERE

Projector

  • Projectors are the newest energy type, and they are non-Sacral beings, which means that the Sacral energy will always be undefined or “open”. Projectors will find success in life when they are recognized for their gifts and invited to participate in an energetic exchange. 
  • Learn more about the Energy Types HERE

q

Quarter

  • “Quarter” refers to the four sections of the year that relate to the four parts of the Great Cycle. Each individual is born within a quarter of the Great Cycle, and their life theme (Incarnation Cross) will be fulfilled through that aspect of the cycle. The 4 Quarters are 1) Initiation, 2) Civilization, 3) Duality, and 4) Mutation.

r

Ra Uru Hu

  • The creator of Human Design. (aka Alan Robert Krakower)

Reflector

  • Reflector’s are the rarest energy type in Human Design. A Reflector’s bodygraph chart is characterized by having no defined energy centers. They are designed to “sample” the energetic auras of their surroundings. During the 28-day lunar cycle, they will gain clarity about what is energetically correct for them.
  • Learn more about the Energy Types HERE

Right Angle Cross

s

Signature

  • The energetic experience an individual will feel when they are living their Human Design Strategy and Authority. 

Strategy

  • Each energy type in Human Design has a Strategy. Strategy describes how a specific energy type attracts what they want into their life. It is the way they will navigate through life most authentically and easily. When someone is exercising their strategy, they can sift through the external conditioning they have taken on and really SEE what their soul wants.
  • Learn more about Strategy and Authority HERE

t

Tribal

  • “Tribal” in Human Design refers to family or community.

Tribal Defense Circuit

  • The “Tribal Defense Circuit” is part of the “Tribal Circuit” and plays a special role in creating new life and preserving it. Gates 59 and 6 are about creating life, and Gates 27 and 50 are focused on caring for life. 
  • Learn more about the Channels and Circuits HERE

Tribal Ego Circuit

  • The “Tribal Ego Circuit” is the circuit concerned about the needs of the community and family. All of the Gates in this circuit are designed to support and fulfill the needs within a tribe. This can include bonding, contracts, money, touch, defense, and rebellion. 
  • Learn more about the Channels and Circuits HERE

u

Undefined

v

The Variables

  • The “Variables” are an advanced area of the Human Design System, which can provide in-depth information about a person’s cognitive design and uniqueness. It provides a clear, practical map for aligning the mind to its natural intelligence, rather than trying to align with the Not-Self. 
  • AKA – The Arrows or the Four Transformations
  • Learn more about the Arrows HERE

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