Key Human Design Components:

Human Design is undeniably an intricate system, there are many different components and it’s a system where you can really go as deep as you feel called to. With that being said, the three big components of Human Design and the ultimate starting point is your energy type, strategy and authority. Below you’ll find a brief overview of the key Human Design components but please keep in mind this is just that - brief!

Energy type:

Your energy type is your foundation in Human Design and it describes your energetic aura and the way your energy is designed to engage with life. There are five energy types:

Manifestor – Initiator and visionary who is here to spark change and set things in motion.

Generator – Creators and builders with sustainable life-force energy when their gut is in it.

Manifesting Generator – Multi-passionate hybrids of Manifestors and Generators, with energy to move quickly and pivot often.

Projector – Guides who are here to see into others and direct energy with wisdom.

Reflector – Mirrors of their environment, here to reflect the health of communities and bring perspective.

Strategy:

Your strategy, which is linked with your energy type, shows you your best way of interacting with life. It’s almost the practical “how” for flowing with your energy rather than working against it.

Manifestor – Inform and initiate

Generator – Wait to respond

Manifesting Generator – Wait to respond and then inform

Projector – Wait for the invitation

Reflector – Wait a lunar cycle (about 28 days)

Authority:

Your Authority is your inner decision-making tool. It shows you how to make aligned choices that bypass the mind’s overthinking.

Emotional Authority: You need time. Clarity comes after riding the emotional wave.

Sacral Authority: Your gut knows. The yes or know response is visceral and felt in the body.

Splenic Authority: You know in the moment. It’s an inner knowing. Trust the first feeling.

Ego Authority: Your willpower leads. If you truly want it, that’s enough.

Self-Projected Authority: You hear your clarity in your own voice. Allow yourself to talk through your decision.

Mental Authority: You need the right space and people to hear your clarity.

Lunar Authority: You need time. A full lunar cycle brings clarity.

Profile:

Your Profile is like your personality archetype in Human Design. It’s made up of two numbers (e.g., 3/5, 2/4) that combine to describe how you are designed to live, learn, relate and interact with others. The first number represents how you see yourself while the second number represents how the world sees you.

Line 1 – The Investigator

You are here to build a strong foundation through study, research and knowledge. Security comes from understanding things deeply before stepping forward and sharing.

Line 2 – The Hermit/Natural

You carry natural gifts that shine when recognised by others. Time alone is essential for you to recharge and refine your talents.

Line 3 – The Martyr/Experimenter

You learn by trial and error and turning “mistakes” into wisdom. Your lived experiences become valuable lessons for both you and others.

Line 4 – The Opportunist/Connector

Relationships and networks are your foundation. You thrive through building and fostering deep connections with your community and in doing so opportunities will come to you.

Line 5 – The Heretic/Leader

You are here to offer practical solutions and new perspectives. Others often project expectations onto you so always remember boundaries are essential.

Line 6 – The Role Model

Your life unfolds in three stages beginning with trial and error, then moving into retreat and reflection and then ultimately leading you to embody wisdom and authenticity. You are here to live as an example and inspire others through your journey.

Energy Centres:

Human Design refers to nine energy centres which represent different aspects of the human experience, like communication, emotions, identity and intuition. Defined centres will appear coloured in on your Human Design chart or Bodygraph and they highlight your strengths and where you have consistent energy. Undefined centres will be white and highlight where you are most open to conditioning and where your energy is inconsistent. You’ll find the nine energy centres below although remember the expression will be different depending on whether it is defined or undefined.

Head – Centre of ideas, inspiration and questions.

Ajna – How you analyse concepts, make sense of information and form opinions.

Throat – Centre of communication, speaking, expression and action.

Identity/G – Center of love, identity, sense of self, purpose and life direction.

Heart/Will/Ego – Centre of willpower, value and self-worth.

Sacral – Motor of life force energy, creativity and work.

Solar Plexus – Center of emotional energy, feelings and sensitivity.

Spleen – Governs instinct, intuition, fear and wellbeing.

Root Center – Pressure centre for growth, stress and adrenaline.

Gates:

There are 64 Gates in Human Design, each linked to the I Ching. Gates represent specific traits, themes or energies that you carry. Defined Gates are like qualities you naturally embody, while undefined ones are influenced by others and the environment.

Channels:

Channels form when two gates connect and create a defined flow of energy between centres. They reveal talents, gifts or consistent ways of expressing energy in your life. When you have a full Channel, it defines both centres it connects.

Incarnation Cross:

Your incarnation cross represents your overarching life theme or purpose and is the bigger picture of the role you’re here to play.

…and the truth is, this is just the beginning and there is so much more that Human Design can offer. With that being said I also recognise that this can be completely overwhelming when you are just dipping your toe into the world of Human Design so remember what I said above, start with your big 3: energy type, strategy and authority. And if you feel called to dive more deeply into Human Design, this is what a Human Design reading can offer.