Human Design 101
What’s your type?
Human Design is like a newer, cooler astrology. Instead of 12 signs, there are 5 types— Manifestor, Generator, Manifesting Generator, Projector, and Reflector—determined by your birth date, time, and location. Your type shows you how best to use and express your energy to the world.
Finding out your type is just the tip of the iceberg. Your Human Design chart, called a bodygraph, reveals your unique talents and strengths. And where you’re vulnerable to the influence of others, and where you’re here to influence.
What is Human Design?
Human Design is informed by the chakra system as well as the I Ching, the Kabbalah, quantum mechanics, genetics, and astrology. Because it’s based on planetary influences at the time of your birth, Human Design experts claim scientific validity due to neutrino streams — minute particles from star emissions that travel through the Universe and through our bodies — that they say leave a unique imprint on us.
For my skeptics out there, I’d also like to add as a disclaimer that this complex system of Human Design was dictated to a Canadian man named Robert Krakower (self-renamed Ra Uru Hu) by a “Voice” on the island of Ibiza in 1987 during an eight-day-and-night mystical experience.
Whether you believe this or can suspend disbelief, finding out your design can feel shockingly accurate and validating. And lead to greater self-acceptance.
Human Design gives you permission to live in the ways you need to move through life, not in the ways society tells you to, based on your unique operating system.
For example, if you’re a Projector, you may only have the energy to work a few hours a day but beat yourself up and call yourself lazy for not being able to hack a 9-to-5 job — when, in fact, you’re here to be a valuable guide and not a worker bee. Or, if you’re a Manifesting Generator, you may frequently change or want to change careers and feel like a quitter—when, in fact, you’re supposed to pivot because you master things much faster than others.
In a nutshell, Human Design gives you a personalized blueprint for the most efficient way to use your energy and make decisions so that your life flows easier and with less resistance.
We’re not all designed to operate the same way. Following your Human Design leads to a more successful and authentic life. Without having to be someone you’re not.
I’m a Projector. What’s your type?
Look up your type here for free.
The 5 types
Manifestor: make sh*t happen
Most of us are “conditioned” (a big concept in Human Design) by society to just do it and go after what we want. But according to Human Design, this approach only works for a small segment of the population: Manifestors.
The Manifestor type makes up around 9% of the world’s population. Manifestors are here to make a tremendous impact (hence why there aren’t a lot of them). They’re here to initiate action, spark a movement, or bring into existence new ideas or ways of doing things.
Manifestors need a lot of freedom and control. Never tell a Manifestor what to do, which can be tough if you’re a parent or employer of one. If you’re a freedom-loving Manifestor, your strategy is to inform: to tell those around you what you’re going to do before you take off to do it!
For Manifestors this may feel unnatural and like asking for permission but really your strategy is a way for you to avoid some of the natural resistance others have to you because of your “closed” aura. Giving those around you a heads-up before you go off to do your thing will actually make your life and relationships a lot more harmonious and peaceful.
For example, if you’re a Manifestor and want to leave a friend’s party by all means, leave! But first tell (aka inform) the host or hostess that you’re splitting instead of doing the ole Irish goodbye, which may be more your inclination. This’ll keep you on good terms with your friend.
The Manifestor energy operates in surges, and rest and solitude are essential. If you’re a Manifestor know that when you rest, the next inspiration will come. Trust your urges and follow them. You are designed to make the first move, not wait for opportunities to come to you. You’re also not responsible for all the doing once you launch your big thing into the world. Delegate to others. Your gift is in innovating and getting things off the ground. This doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself or by yourself.
Manifestors are here to lead and not follow. Manifestors need to accept that not everyone is going to like them and stop looking to others for validation or input, especially since what they often bring to the world hasn’t been done before and may be polarizing. To step into their power, Manifestors need to let go of people-pleasing. Manifestors can’t expect everyone to share in their vision.
If you’re a Manifestor, informing others (while not people-pleasing or asking for permission) will help mitigate your lower-self tendency towards anger. Remember, you are among the lucky few who can directly pursue what you want. Having strong communication around what you’re doing will bring you peace, which is your telltale sign that you’re living on track with your higher self.
Lastly, don’t shrink to make others more comfortable with your power. You’re a force to be reckoned with. Give yourself permission to go big.
Famous Manifestors: Al Gore, Gloria Steinem, Frida Kahlo, Neil Armstrong, Chris Evans, Ra Uru Hu (founder of Human Design), Maya Angelou
Generator: do what lights you up
Generators are around 36% of the population and have the life-force energy that makes this world run. They’re here to do what they love. With their defined sacral center, they have the energy to be worker bees, creators, and builders. Even though they’re powerhouses, Generators need to be mindful not to take on too much — especially out of obligation to others or just because they can — or else life becomes a grind.
Wait to respond is the strategy for Generators in terms of when to engage their powerful energy. They’re not designed to initiate and must be patient and see what shows up in their world: opportunities, people, activities, etc. And then trust their reliable gut instinct as to whether what life is offering them is a yes or a no. Fortunately for Generators, they have a magnetic, “open” aura that attracts things to them.
It’s all about the gut response with Generators, which may feel like a lifting or dropping in the stomach, or another subtle bodily reflex towards something or away from it. It could be a visceral feeling of expansion or a contraction.
For example, if you’re a Generator swiping on a dating app and come across a profile that lights up your gut by all means like or write them. Or, let’s say your friend asks you to dinner at a vegan restaurant and your gut immediately drops in dread, that’s a no-go. Don’t let your mind override that no (i.e. It’ll be healthier, she wants to go there, etc.).
As a Generator, life is not meant to feel like an obligation or deplete you. If you’re feeling frustrated and unsatisfied, you’re probably living too much from your head and not doing the things you actually enjoy. Frustration can also be a sign that you’re trying to make things happen or you’re living for others.
Generators have a radiating, warm presence when they’re doing what brings them joy, which in turn can uplift all those around them. If you’re a Generator, be sure others aren’t taking advantage of your naturally helpful, bountiful energy. Boundaries on your energy are key and not selfish.
Remember, following your desires actually makes the world a better place.
Famous Generators: Oprah, the Dalai Lama, Albert Einstein, Deepak Chopra, Madonna, Elvis Presley, Beyoncé
Manifesting Generator: permission to pivot
Manifesting Generators are also here to do what they love, though what they love can be many different things! They typically have quicker energy than Generators and make up around 32% of the population. Like Generators, their strategy is to wait to respond. They are designed to let their reliable gut instinct tell them whether or not to engage with what life brings their way.
Manifesting Generators like to be busy pursuing all their passions and interests. This can lead them to have multi-hyphenate or non-linear careers. While they can come across as having restless energy, this is just their nature. Sometimes Manifesting Generators need to dip their toe in the action to tell for sure whether an opportunity, person, activity, etc. is right for them. To other types, this can make them appear flaky or fickle. However, Manifesting Generators are designed to course correct and leave a situation, job, or relationship when it no longer lights their inner fire. If they don’t, life will feel frustrating.
Because Manifesting Generators have a bit of a Manifestor edge—they can bring their ideas to life fast—it can be helpful for them to also inform the people around them when they’re shifting directions. While they still need to wait for their gut response to give them the green light to pursue something or someone, Manifesting Generators can experience an urge to initiate or move into action. This tension can lead to impatience.
Because Manifesting Generators are so quick, they can sometimes skip steps. They master things faster than most, which is why it’s important for them to keep moving on to the next thing. If you’re a Manifesting Generator, don’t expect the other types to keep up with you! And don’t try to fit yourself into one box.
Your superpower is your multi-passionate nature, which should be embraced and not pinned down.
Famous Manifesting Generators: Angelina Jolie, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hillary Clinton
Projector: wait for it… recognition! success!
Projectors make up about 22% of the population and are the newest energy type, here to lead us in a new direction. The Projector type is referred to as a “non-energy” type because all Projectors have an undefined sacral center on their Human Design chart. Translation: they’re not here to be consistent doers like Manifesting Generators and Generators. While Projectors can ride the energy of those around them, they should only do so for a period of time. In fact, some Human Design experts recommend that Projectors only work a few hours a day to avoid burnout, their Achilles’ heel!
Why is this? Projectors are here to guide others. Like a good coach, their gift is to help direct their players instead of playing the game themselves. Projectors make excellent leaders, CEOs, therapists, organizers, and life coaches because of their calm objectivity and ability to take a bird’s eye perspective of life and its workings.
The Projector's strategy is to wait for the invitation before acting or doing when it comes to sharing their wise perspective with others. This looks like not giving unsolicited advice or pitching a project. Because of their penetrating aura, Projectors can see deeply into others — which isn’t always welcomed! When Projectors don’t follow their strategy and push themselves and what they see onto others, they will experience resistance and can become bitter.
Projectors must learn how to only engage their energy with the right people and opportunities — those who really value and recognize them—to avoid bitterness. Then Projectors can experience success, which is the telltale sign that they’re on track.
Projectors are also advised to hone their niche or skill. As a Projector, you can and should make yourself visible by starting a blog, posting your artwork on Instagram, putting your services up on a website, running for President, etc. Just don’t waste your precious energy pitching yourself to potential clients or art galleries, or lead a country when you weren’t invited in by the electorate (coups are more of a Manifestor vibe).
Have faith that your “projection field” will draw people in. If you build it, they will come is a good motto for Projectors. Be patient. Don’t beat yourself up that you can’t keep up with others. Give yourself more permission to rest and relax. Remember, your energy works in ebbs and flows. Though counterintuitive, rest leads to success for Projectors.
Recognition means everything to a Projector. If you know one, verbally acknowledge their skills and invite in their insights because that will bring out the best in your Projector loved one and allow them to shine.
If you’re a Projector, your value is not in how much you do or how productive you are but in how you see.
Famous Projectors: Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe, JFK, Serena Williams, Brad Pitt, Bradley Cooper
Reflector - the wise 1%
Like Projectors, Reflectors are a “non-energy” type and have an undefined sacral center on their Human Design chart. Meaning, they lack consistent energy to go, go, go like the generators of the world. They are the rarest type and only make up 1% of the population.
In fact, these rare birds have all their centers open, which means they take in the influence of those around them and their environment all day long. Traditionally, Reflectors were designed to be at the center of a community and reflect back its health.
While it can be overwhelming to be so sensitive, when Reflectors learn how to detach and observe, rather than absorb everything going on around them, they have the potential and gift to reflect back clear, objective wisdom. Reflectors can also make people feel incredibly seen.
Reflectors need to be in optimal environments to thrive because of their hypersensitivity to space. Often their best opportunities come when they’re in spaces that feel good to them. They’re also influenced by the people around them, which is why they should be careful of the company they keep and surround themselves with healthy individuals or people they want to emulate.
It’s helpful for Reflectors to have a meditation practice, solo time in nature, or simply alone time for inner reflection to counter the outer reflection this type is gifted at bringing to others. And to release all the energies they pick up.
Reflectors are meant to feel different. It’s correct for Reflectors to be chameleon-like and fluid in their identity. They might feel like a Manifesting Generator one day, and then a Projector the next. Their energy also ebbs and flows, so they may be on fire one week and then feel like doing nothing the next. This is totally normal for Reflectors.
In fact, nothing about Reflectors is designed to be consistent! If you’re a Reflector, check in with which interests and desires stick with you over time versus ones that are just momentary.
The strategy for Reflectors is to wait 28 days before making big decisions. This is pretty out there and “reflects” the lunar cycle (also, out there). However, because Reflectors can so easily take on the excitement and desires of others, they need this time to reach their own clarity. If not, they can suffer disappointments as well as disappoint others when they pull out of commitments. When following their strategy, life should feel surprising in a magical and delightful way.
If you happen to know a Reflector, be sure you’re inviting them in for their wise insights because they can often feel invisible and unacknowledged. Similar to Projectors in this regard, it’s important for Reflectors to be recognized and invited before they share their profound assessments. Also, don’t dump onto your Reflector loved one just because they’re so receptive and open.
Fortunately, Reflectors have a protective, “resistant” aura and when living their design can sample all the energies around them, and then release them without taking them on as their own.
And lastly, if you’re a Reflector, give yourself permission to operate radically differently from 99% of the population.
Famous Reflectors: Amma (the Hugging Saint), Sandra Bullock, Teal Swan, Fyodor Dostoevsky
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To learn more about your unique Human Design, book a 1:1 reading with me. I help people make better love, career, and life decisions for themselves.