3 Human Design Words to Know before your Next Reading
A Human Design glossary for confused HD newbies and lesson #5 in the Human Design 101 series
Dear Human Design newbies,
When you’re new to Human Design it can feel like trying to learn an alien language.
If that’s you, know that you’re not alone.
Created by Ra Uru Hu in 1987, Human Design combines the most powerful aspects of astrology, the I-Ching, the Kabbalah, quantum mechanics and more to create a unique system for understanding yourself. For more info, read my previous post: "What is Human Design and Where Did It Come From?"
The Human Design system often applies new definitions to common terms resulting in ambiguity and confusion. In this article, I’ll define three terms that you’re likely to encounter in your next Human Design reading or deep dive.
If you’re a Human Design veteran you can skip this one or forward it to that friend you’re trying to get into the Human Design world.
1. Bodygraph
When you visit a Human Design website like Genetic Matrix or HumDes and you enter your birth date, time and location, you’ll get a chart that looks something like this:
This is your bodygraph—aka bodygraph chart or simply Human Design chart.
Like your astrological natal chart, your Bodygraph uses your birth information and the corresponding locations of the planets in the sky at the exact time of your birth to create this map of your energetic signature that is completely unique to you.
Your bodygraph contains everything you need to know about your Human Design including:
Centres—the shapes that can either be coloured in (defined) or not coloured in (undefined/open);
Gates—the numbers in each of the shapes;
Channels—the lines the connect the shapes together which may be coloured in or not;
Planetary placements—the columns on the left and right sides with the strange-looking symbols
Variables—the four arrows at the top of the bodygraph (if you’re using a free software you may not see these).
2. Type, Aura Type or Personality Type
Depending on who you speak to, they’ll tell you there are 4 or 5 Human Design Types. These are:
Generators and Manifesting Generators
Projectors
Manifestors
Reflectors
The Types are broad categories that describe your energy and how you’re designed to act, perceive, work, love and communicate in the world. Each Type has a specific Strategy for approaching life, work and relationships as well as different gifts, skills, strengths, weaknesses and energy needs.
Of course, there’s significant variation in how the Types show up in the real world. For example, two Manifesting Generators can present in completely different ways based on how the other elements of their design come together. So Type is often just a starting point to begin relating to your design.
3. Not-Self
One of the simplest terms in Human Design, yet often one of the most difficult to understand in practice.
Simply put, your Not-Self—aka False Self—is who you are when you are not living in alignment with who you truly are.
In practical terms, your Not-Self is anywhere in your bodygraph that is not coloured in. It is all the blank spaces in your chart (whether centres, channels or gates). It is here that you pick up energy, habits, emotions, beliefs, thought patterns, behaviours, etc. from the people around you.
But there’s also something called a Not-Self theme for each Human Design Type:
These themes act as signposts. When these feelings dominate your emotional experience, it’s generally a sign that you’re operating out of alignment with your true nature.
Want to learn more Human Design words?
I’ve got a workbook—Decoding your Design for Beginners—to help guide you through the first stages of exploring your Human Design. It’s pay what you can so you can get it for whatever price fits your budget.
If you’re ready to dive all the way in, you can book a Human Design reading. No amount of Google searches and Tiktok reels can replace a reading from someone who knows what tf they’re talking about. I offer readings and if you’re reading this I would love to read for you—you can learn more here—but if you hate me for some reason (jk jk) it’s super easy to find a reader who’s more your style.
Until next time besties!
xx Love,
P.S. I’m creating a Human Design course for busy diverse folks to help you apply the wisdom of your Human Design to your everyday life. But I need your help to ensure this course gives you the support you need on your Human Design journey.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tay Francis (she/they) is a sociologist, research analyst and trauma survivor who lives at the intersections of science and spirituality. She is also a CPD-certified professional life coach and a Human Design strategist. Her insights have appeared in publications such as Yahoo and Best Life Magazine. Tay writes from her Caribbean home, often during the witching hours, kept company by reality show reruns and her incredibly clingy cat, Princess Maggie.
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