Human Design is a modern system of self-knowledge created by Ra Uru Hu in 1987. It combines Western astrology, the Chinese I Ching, Kabbalah, the chakra system, and quantum physics. At the heart of the system is the BodyGraph — a schematic representation of your energy structure, containing 9 centers, 36 channels, and 64 gates.
Unlike the traditional Indian system with 7 chakras, Human Design uses 9 centers. Each center corresponds to a specific function and can be defined or undefined. This depends on whether activated channels pass through the center at the moment of your birth. Defined centers represent your stable, unchanging energy; undefined centers are places where you are open to external influence.
1. Crown / Head Center
This is the center of inspiration and mental pressure. Located at the top of the BodyGraph in the shape of a triangle. The Crown is responsible for the urge to think, seek answers, and ask questions.
Defined Crown (~30% of people): stable mental inspiration — ideas come from within without external stimulus.
Undefined Crown (~70% of people): absorbs the inspiration and questions of others. The not-self theme is thinking about things that do not concern your life.
2. Ajna Center
This is the center of conceptualization and analysis. Located below the Crown. It is responsible for processing information, forming beliefs, and understanding.
Defined Ajna (~47%): thinks in a fixed way — a stable mode of processing information.
Undefined Ajna (~53%): flexible in thinking, sees many points of view. The not-self theme is pretending to have certainty in beliefs that are not actually present.
3. Throat Center
This is the center of manifestation and communication. The most complex center of the BodyGraph — it has 11 gates through which all your energy is expressed into the world. The Throat is responsible for speech, action, and manifestation.
Defined Throat (~72%): stable ability to express yourself in a certain way.
Undefined Throat (~28%): the not-self theme is trying to attract attention, speaking to be heard. Strategy: wait until asked.
4. G‑Center / Identity Center
This is the center of love, direction, and identity. Depicted as a diamond in the center of the BodyGraph. It contains a magnetic monopole that guides us in life’s geometry.
Defined G‑Center (~57%): stable identity, a fixed direction in life.
Undefined G‑Center (~43%): flexible identity — changes depending on the environment. The not-self theme is seeking love and direction through external validation.
5. Heart (Ego/Will) Center
This is the center of will, power, and material matters. A small triangle to the right of the G‑Center. It is connected to the ego, promises, contracts, and commerce.
Defined Heart (~37%): stable willpower — a person makes and fulfills promises. Often inclined toward business and material achievements.
Undefined Heart (~63%): the not-self theme is trying to prove one’s worth, making promises that cannot be kept.
6. Solar Plexus Center
This is the center of the emotional wave. A large triangle at the bottom right. It is the center of passion, sensitivity, and spirituality — as well as anxiety, depression, and confusion.
Defined Solar Plexus (~50%): emotional wave — energy comes in cycles (high—low). Requires time for emotional clarity.
Undefined Solar Plexus (~50%): emotionally open — amplifies the emotions of others. The not-self theme is avoiding conflict and truth to be agreeable.
7. Sacral Center
This is the center of life force, sexuality, and work energy. A large square at the bottom of the BodyGraph. It is only available to Generators and Manifesting Generators (~70% of people).
Defined Sacral (~70%): inexhaustible energy for correct work. Responds to questions with sounds like “uh-huh/uh-hum” (an answer from the body).
Undefined Sacral (~30%): Projectors, Manifestors, Reflectors. The not-self theme is not knowing when to stop, overloading with the sacral energy of others.
8. Splenic Center
This is the center of instinct, intuition, and the immune system. A triangle at the bottom left. The oldest center — connected to survival, fear, and instantaneous “knowing” reactions.
Defined Spleen (~55%): stable intuitive access — immediate knowing in the present moment. Signals come quietly, only once.
Undefined Spleen (~45%): the not-self theme is clinging to what is unhealthy (relationships, work, habits) because the undefined center fears letting go.
9. Root Center
This is the center of pressure, stress, adrenaline, and the impulse to move. A large square at the very bottom of the BodyGraph. It provides energy to start — or to push oneself to overload.
Defined Root (~60%): stable sense of pressure. Works well under deadlines but must learn not to transfer pressure onto others.
Undefined Root (~40%): the not-self theme is rushing, wanting to quickly close matters to relieve pressure. Strategy: do not make decisions under pressure.
How the 9 Centers Work Together
The 9 centers are connected by 36 channels. Each channel links two centers and is activated when both of its gates are proactively activated in your [link:natal chart]. An active channel “connects” the centers and makes them defined.
The configuration of defined/undefined centers determines your Type (Manifestor, Generator, Manifesting Generator, Projector, Reflector), your Strategy, and your inner Authority — three keys for making decisions according to your unique design.
Want to see your BodyGraph with the layout of the 9 centers, channels, and gates? Calculate it for free using our [link:Human Design] calculator.