How to Read Your Human Design Chart Explained:
The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

If you’re anything like me, from the moment you first stumbled upon Human Design, you were instantly intrigued:

“A system that promises to unveil my unique energetic blueprint? I’m not sure I even know what that means… but YES, sign me up!”

A quick Google and a few taps later, you generated your Human Design chart, eager to see what insights it would reveal aaand…

Instead found yourself staring at a strange combination of shapes, lines, numbers and symbols wondering “WTF am I looking at? and “Is it even worth my time to figure it out?”

(Take it from me, someone who was initially skeptical – the answer is an emphatic YES!). 

I’ve been there – feeling excited and intrigued yet frustrated and lost, all at the same time.

I searched high and low for a simple, comprehensive guide to help me make sense of everything, but all I found was confusing and contradicting free information online and hefty price tags for certification programs that went way beyond what I was looking for.

Now – after hours spent reading, watching, learning, experimenting, and piecing it all together – I’m here to help you ditch the confusion and overwhelm.

Welcome to my “Intro to Human Design” series, where I’ll be your personal guide, walking you step-by-step through deciphering each element of your Human Design chart, so you can dive confidently into your own journey of self-exploration and begin experiencing the incredible freedom and transformation that comes with living life by Design.

Without further ado… let’s get started!

What is Human Design?

Have you ever taken a personality test and found yourself nodding along as you read the results thinking, “Yep, that’s totally me!”?

Or read a horoscope and found it almost creepy how they seem to know EXACTLY what’s going on in your mind?

Human Design is kind of like that, but it takes things to a whole new level.

Known as the “Science of Differentiation”, the Human Design system combines elements of astrology, the Chinese I Ching, the Hindu Brahmin chakra system, Kabbalah and quantum physics to create a personalized framework for aligned living.

It’s essentially like having your own personal user operating manual, hand-crafted by the Universe 🤯

One of my favorite aspects of Human Design is that it acknowledges that there’s no one “right” way to live and that what’s best for me, may not be (and likely isn’t) what’s best for you.

Instead of forcing you to fit yourself into someone else’s box of what you should be or do, Human Design invites you to have an open mind, look within, and experiment until you find what works for you.

As you continue on your Human Design journey, you’ll learn: 

• How to move from confusion to clarity by using your personal strategy for aligned decision-making.
• The unique ways your energy influences every conversation, connection, and interaction you have.
• Your inherent strengths and the special gifts you bring to the table in personal and professional settings.
• The core values and principles that drive you, even if they’ve been buried beneath years of societal expectations.
• Potential pitfalls and challenges, including areas where you may be more vulnerable to the influence of others.
• Strategies for tailoring your environment and daily routines to harmonize with the natural rise and fall of your energy levels.

… and that’s just the beginning! 

Over the past year and a half, Human Design has become my secret weapon for beating burnout, building self-trust, and feeling clear and confident in my decisions. And now, I’m so excited to be sharing it with you!

So… are you ready to begin your experiment? Grab your chart, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in!

How to Get Your Human Design Chart

Don’t have your chart yet? No worries! Here’s what to do:

Visit my free Human Design chart generator: Start by clicking on this link or on “Get Your Chart” in the navigation bar above. It’ll take you straight to the free chart generator on my website. That’s where the magic happens!

Enter your birth details: Once you’re on the page, you’ll see a form asking for your birth info. Type in your full birth date (day, month, and year), the exact time you were born, and your birthplace.

Generate your chart: Now just hit the black ‘View Your Chart’ button and voilà! Your personalized Human Design chart should now be visible on the screen.  

Save it for later: You’re going to want to reference this later so be sure to take a screenshot or download your chart as a PDF.

Now grab a cozy blanket and your favorite drink (it’ll be an iced coffee with almond milk for me!), and let’s begin to break down what all these shapes, lines, and colors mean!

Your Human Design Chart Explained

Your Human Design chart is divided into two main parts: 

On the right, there’s your list of chart properties. (Don’t worry if the terms listed here are unfamiliar. We’ll go through them one-by-one in this post.)

On the left, you’ll see your BodyGraph. You can think of this as a visual representation of your unique energetic blueprint or a map of how you process energy, detailing your innate strengths, challenges, and personal energy flow.

You’ll also see two columns of boxes flanking the BodyGraph on each side:

The lighter boxes tell you about the position of the planets around 3 months before you were born. This data represents your unconscious personality (or “design”). It provides a snapshot of the innate tendencies and underlying predispositions that consistently guide and shape your behavior, often without you even being aware of it.

The darker boxes represent the planetary positions at the exact time and place of your birth, symbolizing your conscious personality. These are the parts of yourself that you likely recognize and readily identify with.

Together, these conscious and unconscious elements fuse together to form the unique blend of energies that makes you, well… you! 

So, in a nutshell, light = unconscious, dark = conscious, and it all ties back to where the planets were hanging out when you were born.

Got it? Okay, let’s keep moving!

The 5 Human Design Types

The first piece of information you’ll see under your name and birth data is your Type. Your Type determines your natural role and how you’re wired to interact with the world around you.

Everyone belongs to one of the five Human Design Types. They are:

Manifestor: The Trailblazer

Manifestors are here to initiate and set things in motion. With an innate drive to blaze new trails and make things happen, they don’t wait for permission – they’re wired to follow their urges, take the first step and inspire action in others.

Generator: The Powerhouse

With access to a powerful reservoir of sustainable energy, Generators are the great “doers” of the world. Here to turn visions and ideas into reality, they are drawn to pursuits that genuinely captivate them and thrive when immersed in projects and roles that align with their passions, ensuring they’re both productive and fulfilled.

Manifesting Generator: The Multi-Passionate Dynamo

Combining the visionary spark of Manifestors with the enduring energy of Generators, Manifesting Generators are a force to be reckoned with! These people are dynamic doers who can both kick things off and carry them to completion. When pursuing what excites them, they have the unique ability to juggle several different projects and roles with ease.

Projector: The Guide

With a unique perspective and clear vision, Projectors excel at seeing patterns and potential. Through their practical and wise solutions as well as their leadership and intuitive insights, they play an essential role in guiding, advising, and helping others channel their energies productively and purposefully.

Reflector: The Mirror

Highly attuned to their environment, Reflectors act as mirrors that absorb and reflect the energy around them to create a clear image of the health and wellbeing of their communities. Reflectors are deeply empathetic and offer unbiased perspectives, making them valuable advisors and consultants.

*Please note these numbers are approximations and may vary slightly depending on the source.

Understanding your Type can help you optimize how you use your energy. It’s kind of like knowing your role in the race of life:

Are you a sprinter, built for quick, powerful bursts of speed (Manifestors), or a marathon runner with sustained, steady endurance (Generators)?

Are you the coach on the sidelines, guiding the athletes to achieve their fullest potential (Projectors) or are you the sports commentator, offering an observational, unbiased perspective on the event (Reflectors)?

Trying to force yourself into the wrong role is a recipe for burnout and frustration.

So now that you know your type, how can you actually start to use this information?

That’s where strategy comes in…

Strategy

In Human Design, each Type has a specific Strategy for making aligned decisions and taking action.

Think of it as your life’s GPS system, guiding you along the path of living out your highest potential in the most efficient and authentic way possible, ensuring the journey is just as fulfilling as the destination.

By following your Strategy, you can avoid those ‘wrong turn’ decisions and detours that might seem enticing in the moment, but ultimately lead you astray.

Yet, if (and when) you DO veer off course, your Strategy acts like that trusty GPS, “re-routing” and guiding you back into alignment.

Powerful, right?

There are four Strategies in Human Design. Yours will depend on your Type:

Manifestor: To inform and initiate

As a Manifestor, you’re designed to get things started and initiate action. Your Strategy encourages you to share your intentions with those who will be impacted by your actions before you set things in motion.

This proactive communication paves the way for a smooth journey and minimizes potential roadblocks by setting expectations, ensuring you can bring your visions to life with greater ease.

Generators & Manifesting Generators: Wait to Respond

As a Generator, you have the powerful gift of Sacral response — a gut feeling or intuitive pull that either feels like a distinct ‘yes’ or ‘no’ when you’re presented with a new decision or opportunity. When you wait to respond, you’re able to tap into this innate wisdom and make choices that optimize your energy and increase your satisfaction in work and life.

Projectors: Wait for the Invitation

Ever been given unsolicited advice? It’s usually not well-received! With your innate ability to provide direction and insights, you often know what’s best for others, before they know it themselves. By waiting for an invitation to share, you ensure your insightful leadership and expertise is welcomed, acknowledged, and truly appreciated by others.

Reflectors: Wait a Lunar Cycle

As Reflector, you thrive on patience and perspective. Before making any major decisions, it’s crucial for you to immerse yourself in environments where you can experience a diverse range of feelings and perspectives. By sampling many different energies, you’re able to arrive at well-informed and authentically aligned decisions.

At first glance, your Strategy may seem confusing, impractical or like it doesn’t quite resonate with how you naturally operate. That’s okay! 

Later in the series, we’ll dig into the nitty-gritty details of each Strategy and how you can start experimenting with yours.

Signature & Not Self Theme

Each Strategy has a corresponding Signature and Not-Self Theme that serve as signals, guiding you toward alignment and alerting you when you stray.

Signature

Your Signature is the feeling you experience when you’re on the right track, making correct decisions using your Strategy and Authority and living in alignment with your Design.

Not-Self Theme

Your Not-Self Theme is the feeling you experience when you’re making choices that aren’t in alignment with you. Consider it a friendly warning sign nudging you to pause, reflect, and course-correct where necessary.

Take a look at your Signature and Not-Self Theme:

• Do these feelings resonate with you?
• How and when do you personally experience your Signature and/or Not Self Theme?
• Are you experiencing more of your Signature or your Not-Self Theme on a regular basis?

Authority

In a world overflowing with information, opinions, and choices, how do we decide what’s right for us?

Many of us have been trained to lean heavily on our analytical minds, evaluating options endlessly.

But what if there was a deeper, more intuitive compass within us?

Enter: Authority 🌟

Your Authority is your innate decision-making guide, pushing you away from overthinking and towards feeling, sensing, and knowing what’s true for you.

Instead of debating endlessly in your head, your Authority allows you to trust a more profound source of wisdom from within.

There are seven different Authorities in Human Design:

Emotional Authority / Solar Plexus

For you, clarity comes with time. Before making a decision, you need to ride out the highs and lows of your emotional wave, feeling the full spectrum of your emotions, until you arrive at a place of clarity.

Sometimes you may need to wait 5 minutes, sometimes you may need to wait 5 weeks – the key is to give yourself space to process your emotions so you’re not making snap judgments during those intense highs or lows that may feel right in the moment but that don’t ultimately align with you in the long-run.

Sacral Authority

Trust your gut! For you clarity comes from the visceral gut response you experience when presented with a decision:

Is it a YES? – This might feel like expansive excitement in your body or an innate pull towards something.

Or is it a NO? – This might feel like a sense of contraction or heaviness in your body, or an innate pull away from something.

You may also feel lukewarm – not really feeling strongly one way or the other. What does this mean? The Sacral response truly embodies the saying, “If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.” There are no maybes here.

It’s important to know that the defined Sacral center acts in the now, responding to what you do or don’t have energy for in this moment.

If you respond with a no, it’s not necessarily a no forever. It’s just an indicator that now isn’t the right time to commit your energy to this thing.

Splenic Authority

For you, intuition is everything! Like an animal sensing danger, you experience in-the-moment intuitive and physiological cues about what’s “safe” or “not safe” for you. This can feel like a quiet voice, a bodily sensation, or an inner knowing that can’t be explained to others.

It is said that the spleen only speaks once, quickly and softly. It operates on a moment by moment basis, so if you miss it – it’s gone!

For you, it’s deeply important to learn to be present in the now and to silence your mind so that you can hear what this inner voice is telling you.

With Splenic Authority, your intuition often becomes obvious in hindsight – when you’re looking back on those moments where you had a strange feeling about something and chose to write it off, only to later find that you were right!

Pay attention to this and start to recognize how your intuition is speaking to you.

When you feel it, trust it, even if you can’t explain it or it doesn’t make “sense”.

Ego/Heart Authority

For you, it’s all about, well… YOU! With Ego Authority, you’re actually designed to be a little bit “selfish”.

Much like the Sacral Center communicates what you have energy for through a “yes/no” gut response, the Ego Center communicates what you have the energy for through the desires it places upon your heart.

So when making decision, trust that your desires were placed on your heart for a reason, without feeling guilty or the need to justify or rationalize them to others (or even yourself!).

By following what you want, value and truly desire for yourself, you’re able to make aligned decisions that you have the commitment and motivation to see through.

Self-Projected Authority

Before making decisions, talk it out!

You find clarity and direction by verbally expressing your authentic feelings, thoughts, and intentions without filtering yourself or overthinking.

You can speak out loud to yourself (try it, even if it feels silly!) or with a trusted confidant.

When sharing your thoughts with others, it’s important that they simply listen and provide a safe space for you to express yourself. This isn’t about receiving external advice or opinions, but rather hearing your own voice as a means to clarify your inner truth.

Environmental Authority

Like those with Self-Projected Authority, you find clarity through talking things out. HOWEVER, and this is key – you MUST be in an environment that makes you feel at ease, with people who make you feel seen, recognized and supported.

You don’t need advice or opinions. With your defined Ajna, it’s all about processing your thoughts aloud with trusted confidants who act as sounding boards, helping you articulate what you’re thinking and feeling so that you can find clarity.

Because of your sensitivity to your surroundings, having multiple conversations with different people in different environments to see how they “feel” can be helpful.

Lunar Authority

If you have Lunar Authority, you are designed to wait a full lunar cycle – approximately 28 days – before making any major decisions.

This gives you the opportunity to experience ALL of the different Authorities as you flow through the transiting energies, gaining insights from each one so that you can ultimately make the most well-informed and aligned choice for you.

Of course, this isn’t always practical or realistic!

As a Reflector, you’re constantly taking in and amplifying the energy around you, so spending time in different environments that allow you to sample many different energies and perspectives until you arrive at a deep inner knowing can be helpful.

Above all, give yourself the “grace and space” to take your time when making decisions and to move at your own pace.

Strategy & Authority In Action: A Real World Example

Your Strategy and Authority go hand-in-hand in Human Design.

While your Strategy provides you with a general framework for decision-making and tells you how aligned opportunities come your way, your Authority dives into the specifics of “how you know” which choices are right for you and which to pass on.

Let’s illustrate with an example:

I (Lyndsie 👋) am a Generator with Sacral Authority. My Strategy is ‘Wait to Respond’.

When I first began my entrepreneurial journey, I was a web designer. The funny thing is, I never set out to build a web design business.

I didn’t go out and pitch myself to people or advertise myself. Instead, I followed my interest in learning to code and as people in my network found out about my skills, they began asking me for help with their websites and then later referring me to their friends. (This is the perfect example of my Strategy – wait to respond – at work, long before I even knew Human Design existed).

Upon being offered new projects, my gut response (Sacral Authority) in those early days was usually a resounding HELL YES! I was enjoying my work, excited about the opportunities, and loving the freedom and independence that came with being my own boss.

But somewhere along the way, that changed…

I began saying yes to opportunities because I “should” or to avoid disappointing anyone, even though my gut instinct was screaming NO, putting me on the fast track to burnout.

One day I discovered Human Design while listening to a business podcast and I was instantly captivated. My Sacral was lighting up like crazy, saying “FOLLOW THIS THING”.

The more I learned about Human Design, the more I WANTED to learn… and yet, I told myself it was impractical. That I needed to focus on my “real” business first, even though it was draining the life out of me (another perfect example of how our minds try to interfere and override our innate wisdom).

Finally, I decided to let go – to lean in and fully TRUST my Authority without knowing where it would lead.

I began the process of letting go of clients who no longer aligned with me and began pouring my energy into Optimize for Freedom, a business that is a true expression of me and that I’m excited to work on each and every day…

To say it’s been life-changing would be an understatement!

The key takeaway? Your Strategy is the most natural way that aligned opportunities will present themselves to you in life. Consider it step one of the decision-making process. However, your Authority is how you will ultimately know what’s a yes and what’s a no for you, and ignoring it – as in my case – can have big consequences!

Profile

In Human Design, your Profile is the role or character you play in the “movie” of life.

Just as characters in films have distinct personalities, motivations, strengths, and challenges, so too does each Human Design Profile.

Your Profile is determined by a combination of two numbers (known as Lines), ranging from 1 to 6, which are taken from your conscious and unconscious Sun positions. 

Your Profile is written in a fraction format (3/5, 1/4, 6/2 etc.), and each number corresponds to a particular role or archetype.

The first number of your profile is your ‘conscious’ or ‘personality’ role – this is the role you’re more aware of, and it’s typically how you present yourself to the world. 

The second number is your ‘unconscious’ role. This is often less apparent to you but still significantly shapes your life and how others perceive you.

Here’s a brief description of each Line:

Line 1: The Investigator

Innately detail-oriented, you thrive when immersing yourself in topics of interest until you gain a comprehensive understanding. It’s important to you to be well-informed and have full access to information in order to feel secure and confident when making decisions.

Line 2: The Hermit / Natural

You are drawn to periods of solitude and introspection, taking time alone to reflect and nurture your innate talents. While you are likely quite happy to be left alone to do your own thing, others recognize your natural talents and will call you out to share your gifts with the world.

Line 3: The Martyr / Experimenter

For you, life is an experiment. You learn best from hands-on experience, often plunging into situations head-first and engaging in a continuous cycle of trial and error as you discover what works and what doesn’t. Your resilience and adaptability allow you to navigate the world with a learner’s heart, turning challenges into valuable insights that can be shared with others.

Line 4: The Opportunist / Networker

You possess a gift for building and maintaining meaningful connections. With a charisma that draws people in, your presence radiates influence in your social circle, making you a magnet for opportunities and shared experiences that come from within your network.

Line 5: The Heretic / Problem-Solver

As a natural problem solver, others look to you for guidance and clarity. You may frequently find yourself in situations where you’re called upon to lead, advise, or share your knowledge, illuminating pathways that others might not see. With a presence that captivates and educates, you serve as a bridge between challenges and solutions.

Line 6: The Role Model

You are unique in that you experience life in three distinct phases: For your first 30 years, you live as a Line 3, gaining wisdom through experiential learning and trial-and-error. Between ages 30 to 50, you enter into an introspective period of personal growth where you reflect, process, and integrate everything you’ve learned from your many experiences. After age 50, you enter into the final phase where you begin to live what you’ve learned and “walk your talk”, serving as a beacon of wisdom and a role model to others.

Putting It All Together: Your Profile Meaning

Your Human Design Profile is a dynamic interplay, where each line complements and contrasts the other, creating a nuanced blueprint for how you move through life.

The two Lines work together, often in a dance of push and pull, to define unique strengths, challenges, and tendencies that shape your interactions, decisions, and overall journey.

Now, take a look at the descriptions for the two numbers that make up your Profile:

• Reflecting on your own experiences, do you see instances of these two roles guiding your actions and decisions?
• How do these descriptions resonate with the way you view yourself or the roles you naturally take on?
• Can you pinpoint moments where these archetypes have shone through, or even clashed?

Centers

When you look at your BodyGraph, you’ll notice nine distinct shapes known as Centers.

Inspired by the Hindu chakra system, your Centers are the key to understanding how your energy circulates.

Each Center revolves around a distinct theme. There are so many juicy details we could get into here (and we will in a future post) but for now, here’s a brief overview of each:

Head Center

(Ideas, inspiration, questions, mental pressure)

This is where the energy for inspiration, ideas, and curiosity resides. There can also be a pressure here to have all the answers or to “figure it out”.

Ajna Center

(Concepts, beliefs, perspectives, opinions, mental awareness)

This Center is where you process and conceptualize thoughts, ideas and inspiration to form your unique perspective and opinions.

Throat Center

(Communication, expression, manifestation)

This Center is all about expression. It serves as the bridge through which our inner world – our ideas, emotions and perspectives – manifest in the external world as words, actions and creations.

Identity/G Center

(Direction, love, identity, purpose, inner truth)

This Center represents the core essence of who you are. It holds your sense of identity, love, and personal direction, pointing you towards your authentic path.

Heart Center

(Willpower, motivation, values, material desire)

The Heart Center houses willpower, ego, and values. Here, we find the drive and determination to work to generate resources (aka cash money 🤑) and fulfill our material desires.

Sacral Center

(Work, life force energy, sexuality, creativity)

The Sacral Center is a powerhouse that provides a steady, renewable supply of energy when you respond to what excites you and are engaged in things you’re passionate about. Whether giving birth to ideas, art, or new life, this Center holds the profound energy of creation and innovation.

Root Center

(Stress, adrenaline, drive, pressure, timing)

While often viewed negatively, adrenaline and stress are primal forces that drive our personal evolution and growth. The Root Center ignites the fire of initiative within you to ensure you’re always moving, shifting, and growing.

Solar Plexus Center

(Emotion, passion, desire, social & spiritual awareness)

This is where we find the energy that makes us human – It’s home to emotion, passion, spirituality, sensitivity, seduction, intimacy, creativity, revolution, and so much more. The Solar Plexus Center is about experiencing the depths of our emotions in order to strengthen our connection to ourselves, to spirit and to each other.

Splenic Center

(Intuition, instincts, health, immune system, physical awareness)

The Splenic Center represents intuition, instinct, and physical wellbeing. Acting as your body’s ancient alarm system, it provides spontaneous, in-the-moment insights to guide you to healthy decisions.

Defined vs. Undefined Centers: What’s the Difference?

Each Center in the Human Design BodyGraph will either be colored (defined) or a white center (undefined or open). 

Depending on the generator used to create your personal chart, the Centers may be many different colors. These colors are not significant – all that matters is if the center is a colored or white center.

Defined Centers (colored) represent areas where you have a fixed and reliable way of processing energy, regardless of the environment or people around you.

Undefined Centers and Open Centers (white) are areas where you are more flexible and adaptable, taking in and amplifying the energy of others, making you more susceptible to external influences.

Understanding the Centers and their impact is one of the most GAME-CHANGING aspects of Human Design.

I can’t wait to dig into the details with you later in this series!

For now, take note of which of your energy Centers are defined and which are undefined. Then, look at the themes for each energy Center shared above.

• How do you notice the consistent influence of your defined Centers in your life?
• Now look at your undefined and open Centers – Can you recall moments when you felt especially influenced by others or your environment in these areas?

Definition

Now, let’s talk about something equally crucial but often overlooked: your Definition.

Your Definition is how your energy Centers connect and interact with each other.

In Human Design, your Definition can be a significant indicator of how you navigate the world, from decision-making to relationships.

There are four main types of Definition:

Single Definition

If all of your Defined Centers are interconnected, you have a Single Definition. This often means you’re fairly self-contained. You may find it easy to make decisions independently, and you don’t necessarily need a lot of input from others to feel secure in your choices.

Split Definition

If your Defined Centers are divided into two or more separate areas that aren’t connected, you have a Split Definition. This often points to a need for interaction and engagement with others to feel complete or make decisions.

Triple Split Definition

If you have three separate groups of defined centers, you’re a Triple Split. You might find that you operate best when you have variety and multiple perspectives in your life.

Quadruple Split Definition

With four separate areas of definition, individuals with Quadruple Split might experience themselves as very multifaceted and may require different environments or relationships to feel fully expressed.

Your Definition isn’t just an interesting tidbit; it holds actionable insights. For instance, if you’re a Single Definition, you might thrive in jobs or situations where you’re given a lot of autonomy. On the flip side, if you’re a Split Definition, collaborative environments could be where you shine.

Your Definition provides an added layer of nuance to your Human Design, offering clues into how you operate energetically in the world. Grasping this concept will help you better understand not only yourself but also how you relate to others—making it an essential piece of the Human Design puzzle.

Gates

Within each Center, you will see several different numbers ranging from 1 to 64. These are known as Gates.

You’ll notice that some of the Gates are colored in.  These are called your defined or “active” Gates.

You can think of your active Gates as the building blocks of your personality, providing insight into your unique characteristics, strengths and potential challenges.

Gates that aren’t colored in on your chart are referred to as “open” Gates.

They represent inconsistent or flexible aspects of your personality that may fluctuate based on external circumstances such as who’s around, planetary transits, and your physical environment.

On their own, the Gates are fascinating (we’ll be breaking down the themes of all 64 in a future post in this series) but the insights they provide become even more powerful when you understand the influence and nuance provided by the planets.

Planets

Remember those boxes flanking the BodyGraph that we talked about at the beginning? Each of your defined (colored) Gates is represented here. 

If a Gate appears in the dark column, it represents aspects of your conscious personality. 

If a Gate appears in the light column, it’s part of your unconscious “Design”, and while it’s still a consistent part of who you are, it may not be as apparent to you.

The same Gate can appear in both of the columns. It can also appear multiple times within the same column. 

You’ll notice that there is a symbol next to each Gate number in the columns.

Each of these symbols represents a planet and provides information about how the energy of this specific Gate may show up in your life. 

For instance, the Sun represents your life force energy and what you’re here to share with the world, while Venus reveals insights into your relationships and values. 

So two people can have the exact same gate(s) active and yet, depending on their planetary placements, experience the energy in completely different ways.

This is part of what makes Human Design so fascinating!

Now that we’ve touched on Gates and Planets, it’s time to turn our attention to the Channels.

Channels & Circuitry

See the lines in your BodyGraph chart connecting the Centers? They’re called Channels.

Your energy isn’t stagnant. It’s always in motion. Channels are the personal energy pathways that consistently MOVE your energy through the BodyGraph from one Center to another.

For example, I have the Channel 43-23 (also known as the “Channel of Structuring” or the “Genius to Freak” channel) defined. This channel has a theme of taking complex topics and explaining them in a simple, digestible way. 

Gate 43 resides in the Ajna Center where our perspective is formed. It’s all about receiving new, transformational insights that are often ahead of their time and therefore can be difficult for others to accept and understand. 

Gate 23 is located in the Throat Center, the center for expression and manifestation. It’s all about having the ability to explain novel, innovative concepts in a simple, digestible way. 

Gate 43 is connected to Gate 23 via the Channel of Structuring. This channel moves the perspective and insights of the Ajna to the Throat Center where they can be expressed to others.  

Make sense?

How to Identify Your Defined Channels

If the line connects two Centers and is colored in – the line can be light (unconscious), dark (conscious), or a combination of both – the Channel is DEFINED for you and is a consistent part of your energy. 

If the line is not FULLY colored in from one Center to another or is white, then the Channel is UNDEFINED, and an inconsistent part of your energy that fluctuates based on your environment.

When a Channel is halfway colored in, this results in a “Hanging Gate”, and you may find that you often attract people with the other half of the channel into your life!

Human Design Circuitry

Channels aren’t just individual, energetic pathways. When multiple Channels and Centers connect, they form larger circuits that tell us WHO, HOW, and WHAT the energy is concerned with.

Each Channel belongs to one of three circuit groups:

Individual Circuit

The individual circuit emphasizes personal empowerment and self-discovery. If you have a lot of individual circuitry, you might find that you often march to the beat of your own drum.

Tribal Circuit

The tribal circuit has a focus on community, family, and support systems. Those with strong tribal circuitry often place a high value on their close relationships, material prosperity and group dynamics.

Collective Circuit

The collective circuit is all about sharing knowledge and experiences for the betterment of society. People with collective circuitry might have a knack for teaching or enjoy sharing their wisdom and experiences with others.

Diving into your circuitry will tell you a lot about how you’re here to make an impact and contribute to the world. Your Incarnation Cross, which we’ll discuss next, helps take this awareness to the next, deeper level.

Incarnation Cross

Have you ever wished someone could just TELL you your purpose in life? Well, you’re in luck!

Because, while defining your purpose is ultimately up to YOU (don’t let any person or system tell you otherwise!), your Incarnation Cross can provide clues to nudge you in the right direction.

Composed of the energies of four specific Gates, your Incarnation Cross provides a blueprint of your life’s trajectory, guiding you towards the unique path you’re here to explore in your lifetime and the contribution you’re here to make.

The four Gates that make up your Incarnation Cross are derived from two key points in your chart – your Personality (Conscious) Sun and Earth, and your Design (Unconscious) Sun and Earth.

The energy of these Gates blends together, creating a specific theme that defines the essence or purpose of your life’s journey.

Understanding your Incarnation Cross allows you to grasp the bigger picture of your life, going beyond the immediate concerns and day-to-day decisions.

It can also help you understand why you’re drawn to certain opportunities, relationships, or challenges and how they align with your life’s overall purpose.

However, it’s important to know that this isn’t about making rigid predictions or setting in stone a predestined path.

Instead, it’s about recognizing your inherent potential and using this understanding to navigate your life with increased awareness, self-acceptance, and authenticity.

Remember, the journey towards fulfilling your life’s purpose isn’t always linear or straightforward. It’s an ongoing process of self-discovery and growth, so focus on following your Strategy and Authority and the rest will unfold naturally!

Variables (Arrows)

The Variables are represented by the four arrows on your Human Design chart.

They represent a more advanced aspect of the Human Design system that offers insights into how you best absorb, process, and understand information.

Each arrow corresponds to a specific Variable:

Digestion (Determination)

Located in the upper-left position, this Variable points to the most suitable way for you to consume and digest not just food, but information and life experiences as well. Understanding your Determination can guide you in nourishing your body and mind in the most optimal way.

Environment (Cognition)

Found in the lower-left position, this Variable indicates the type of environments that optimize your performance and best support your overall wellbeing.

Perspective (Motivation)

This Variable, found in the lower-right position, suggests the unique lens through which you view and understand the world around you. It informs how you make sense of your experiences and what motivates your actions.

Awareness (Transference)

Located in the top-right position, this Variable relates to your ideal way of learning, collecting data and processing information.

Each Variable arrow points either to the left (indicative of a more active, strategic approach) or to the right (indicating a more receptive, responsive approach).

We’ve barely scratched the surface of all there is to know about the Variables in this post, but don’t worry! We’ll be digging into the details later on in the series.

Putting It All Together: The 5-Step Process to Read Your Human Design Chart

So now that you know what you’re looking at, how do you actually read this thing? Here’s my 5-Step process:

Step 1: Build the Foundation

(Where to look: Type, Strategy & Authority)

Start with the basics: your Type, Strategy, and Authority. Trust me, if you only take ONE thing away from Human Design, make it this. These are your built-in GPS for decision-making. Get these right, and the rest of your chart will unfold naturally—no effort required.

Step 2: Understand How Your Energy Flows

(Where to look: Centers & Definition)

Next, get acquainted with your defined and undefined Centers and how they’re connected (your ‘Definition’). 

Notice your Defined Centers, the areas where you have consistent energy and influence others. These often represent consistent strengths that you can lean into.

Next, take note of your undefined or open Centers. These are areas where you’re more adaptable but also potentially more influenced by others and your environment.

Finally, look at your Definition. Are all of your Defined Centers connected to each other or are there separate “parts” of yourself that may be competing or operating at different speeds? Can you process things independently or do you benefit from having others help you work through your thoughts and feelings to connect the dots?

Step 3: Explore Your Role & How You Relate to Others

(Where to look: Profile, Lines, Circuitry, Incarnation Cross)

Looking at your Profile, Circuitry, and Incarnation Cross can help you see how you’re naturally designed to play out your role in life. 

For example: Do you learn best by immersing yourself deep in research before taking action or through rolling up your sleeves and learning through a trial and error process? Are you more influential in your close group of friends or to strangers of consequence? Are you here to focus on yourself and march to the beat of your own drum or to share your knowledge and wisdom with others to move society forward?

Grasping these aspects of your chart not only enriches your understanding of self but also helps you find your place in the social fabric around you, allowing you to navigate your roles and relationships with a newfound sense of clarity and purpose.

Step 4: Dive Into the Details That Make You, YOU!

(Where to look: Channels, Gates, Planets)

Next it’s time to take a look at the Gates, Channels, and Planet activations in your chart. This is where you can really get into the weeds and start to see all of the little details – the strengths, weaknesses, habits and tendencies – that make you, YOU!

By becoming more aware of your consistent traits and how all of these different energies show up in your life, you can really start to see and appreciate just how special and unique you truly are, allowing you to stop playing the comparison game and show up more confidently as your authentic self.

Step 5: Seeing the Big Picture: Identify Themes in Your Chart

(Where to look: Everywhere!)

This is where the magic happens! Now that you’ve done the foundational work of Steps 1-4, take a step back and look at your chart as a whole.

Try to identify themes or patterns that show up in different parts of your chart. For example, you might see recurring themes of leadership, intuition, innovation, or nurturing others. 

By identifying these overarching themes, you’ll uncover a holistic understanding of your true nature, purpose and direction and how you can most naturally and powerfully make your mark on the world.

Revisit & Reflect

Remember, Human Design is a journey of self-discovery. Nothing that you learn should make you feel trapped or disempowered. Approach your chart with a sense of curiosity and use it as a guide, not a cage.

As with any self-awareness tool, it’s helpful to revisit and reflect on your chart regularly. As you evolve, you might interpret or understand certain aspects differently.

I’m 2 years into my Human Design journey and am constantly unearthing new insights and making connections I didn’t see before! 

Ready to Dive Deeper into Your Human Design?

Whew, that was a lot! If you’re still with me… Congrats 🎉 You now have the basics of your Human Design chart down.

But trust me – we’re just getting started! 

In the rest of the ‘Intro to Human Design’ series, we’ll deep-dive into each individual element of your Human Design chart so you can really begin to EMBODY your Design and start navigating life with more authenticity, ease and flow.

See you in the next one, where we’ll be talking all about Type & Strategy!

Additional Human Design Resources