What It Means to Be a Projector in Human Design
A deep dive into the Projector type
Projectors are one of the 5 types in Human Design. Projectors are a less common type, making up 22% of the population. The types in Human Design speak to how we use our energy. Projectors aren’t here to operate like the majority of the population because of the ebbs and flows of their energy.
Projectors’ gift is their ability to see. They are able to see deeply into people as well as the bigger picture.
Projectors are naturally brilliant—and complex. I find that Projectors are often drawn to Human Design because it validates that 1) they’re not meant to keep up with most people and 2) they’re sensitive to other people’s energy. Before discovering Human Design, many Projectors have been hard on themselves for these very traits.
☼
Projector basics
What is a Projector?
Technically speaking, all Projectors have an undefined or open sacral center and no channel connecting a motor center to the throat center, either directly or indirectly. The motor centers are the sacral, root, emotions/solar plexus, and ego/heart centers.
The chart below shows a Projector with the undefined sacral center circled in red). They have a defined throat center (circled in blue). In this chart, the motor centers of the ego and the emotions (the colored-in triangles) are defined, but there is no channel connecting them to the throat.
image used with permission: https://humandesignblueprint.com/
Here’s another example of a Projector. This Projector has an undefined throat center and, again, an undefined sacral center.
image used with permission: https://humandesignblueprint.com/
Do Projectors have energy?
Having an undefined or open sacral center means that Projectors don’t have access to consistent energy throughout the day. In traditional Human Design parlance, Projectors are classified as a “non-energy” type along with Reflectors. This is because they don’t have the go-go-go energy of the sacral center, the prime motor center, which all Generators and Manifesting Generators have defined.
But this doesn’t mean that Projectors don’t have energy! It just functions differently from 70% of the population made up of the generator types. The Projector energy ebbs and flows throughout the day. This means Projectors need to take breaks or rest during their day.
This doesn’t mean that Projectors can’t get things done. The Projector energy is highly efficient. When they’re taking adequate rest, and not comparing themselves to others (who can go, go, go), they can be quite successful.
How many hours should a Projector work?
Because of their inconsistent energy, Projectors are prone to burnout in a 9-to-5 job. Projectors may struggle in traditional job structures where value is placed on output. Ideally, Projectors split up their day with:
output (i.e. their job or work)
rest (i.e. doing nothing, watching Netflix, or taking a nap)
input (i.e. studying a system or cultivating their trade)
It’s about balancing how much they’re sharing their gifts with others and nourishing themselves.
There are Human Design experts who say Projectors should ideally work 2–4 hours a day. But really, it’s up to the individual Projector to understand their unique ebb and flow of energy. While only working a few hours a day may sound fantastic for some, it might not feel right or be financially feasible for others.
All Projectors need to watch when they are pushing through exhaustion to keep up with those around them. Overworking and overdoing are the Achilles’ heel of Projectors. They can have a hard time knowing when to say when.
Due to their undefined or open sacral center, Projectors take in the energy of those around them who have it defined. In a work setting, it’s easy for them to mistake others’ energy for their own and get amped up. While being around others can energize Projectors, when it tips over into what’s called “overzealousness” it becomes addictive. Projectors need to regularly pull away from other people’s energy to rest and avoid burnout.
What are Projectors good at?
Projectors’ value lies in how they see and the advice they give based on their objective observations. Projectors see a lot and their perspective is powerful.
Their value is not in how productive they are or how much they can get done. This is a big lesson for Projectors to let go of defining themselves by their productivity and start valuing themselves in how helpful their perspective is.
While this can be difficult in a world that values productivity and rewards hustle culture, once Projectors unhook from this cultural conditioning, they are wise about the efficient use of people’s energy and talents. Projectors are gifted at helping others work smarter, not harder, and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
Projectors’ biggest contribution is their ability to see. They have a special talent for seeing things from a higher perspective and in new ways. They are gifted at seeing others deeply and being wise about people. They can help people leverage their gifts and guide them to success. Projectors also have a knack for seeing how systems can be improved or new ones can be created to benefit society or individuals.
What is the Projector personality?
Here are some words I associate with Projectors:
guides
democratic leaders
coaches
CEOs
directors
advisors & counselors
managers
teachers
seers
What is the Projector energy (aka aura)?
Projectors have what’s called a focused and absorbing aura. Each type in Human Design has a different aura. If aura is a foreign or weird concept, just think of it as a person’s energy.
Projectors have an intense and penetrating energy that can lock onto a person. This has nothing to do with “projecting” onto someone in the psychological sense. The energy field of the Projector type is like the concentrated light of a projector onto a screen.
This can feel like an intense energy to the person on the receiving end and is why in a one-on-one setting, Projectors can make people feel very seen. Projectors make excellent therapists for this reason.
And like a therapist, Projectors guide best by asking the right questions without an agenda. Projectors are here to be objective and observant. Projectors guide best not by telling people what to do but by asking skilled questions. Telling people what to do may be a strong impulse if you’re a Projector because you see so much and so clearly what others should do!
Projectors are deeply sensitive to other people’s energy, which is the “absorbing” part of their aura. If you’re a Projector, you may even consider yourself an empath or a highly sensitive person. This is not something to feel victimized by, but you also don’t want to get lost in other people’s energy. Learning practices to establish healthy energetic boundaries is helpful.
As a Projector, it’s important to take ample time alone to empty yourself of the energy you’ve picked up from others. Time in nature is good. Sleeping alone can also be a game-changer. Even mindless scrolling on social media exposes yourself to other people’s energies and can be depleting.
It’s recommended that Projectors surround themselves with energetically healthy people because the undefined sacral center can absorb other people’s “toxic” energy. However, this is not a reason to avoid people. I’ve observed that sometimes people who identify as “empaths” and label other people as “toxic” actually don’t have good boundaries.
Projectors aren’t meant to isolate themselves because their role is relational. Of all the types, Projectors are here to be of service. They need to interact with others to live out their purpose as leaders, guides, and improvers.
What is the Projector strategy “wait for the invitation”?
Every type in Human Design has a strategy and following it reduces resistance in your life. It’s a hack to align with your best life because it helps you correctly enter opportunities and relationships. The Projector strategy is to “wait for the invitation.”
This means:
waiting for someone to ask you to share your skills or advice
waiting to be invited to work with or collaborate with someone
waiting to be invited into a relationship, romantic or platonic
waiting to be invited to live with someone
Anywhere there is an energy exchange between people, it’s recommended that Projectors wait for someone to invite them in instead of initiating. For example, if you’re a Projector instead of asking someone out try waiting for the other person to make the first move. If you’re a writer, try waiting for someone to discover your work instead of pitching yourself to an agent.
Note: Because Human Design is an experiment, don’t take your strategy as gospel. Try it and see if it actually improves your life.
What Projectors don’t need an invitation for is:
starting a business
starting a website, blog, or social media account
studying or going to school for something
making something, like art or an invention
moving somewhere by yourself
When you’re first learning your strategy as a Projector, it’s helpful to wait for formal invitations. For example, wait for a friend to ask you what you think after she’s dished on her marital problems instead of jumping in with unsolicited advice. Wait for clients to find you instead of pitching yourself in people’s inboxes or DMs. Also, some invitations are energetic and not formal. Once you’ve practiced waiting for formal, verbal invitations, you can start playing around with what it feels like to be invited in by someone non-verbally.
Projectors, you see a lot. You can see things about people that they don’t see, such as disowned parts of themselves. Not everyone is ready to hear what you see.
Waiting to be invited is an important boundary both for the Projector and for the other person. Giving unsolicited advice is a boundary violation and makes the other person resistant to or reject the guidance of the Projector. This is also a boundary on the Projector’s energy, to conserve their precious energy. When a Projector’s perspective is not received, usually as the result of not being invited in, it’s a waste of output for the Projector.
Note: Though Projectors are gifted at seeing others, this doesn’t mean that they’re right all the time. This can be a low expression of Projectors. In my experience, a Projector who doesn’t see me correctly but tells me about myself or gives me unsolicited advice is a very off-putting energy.
Projectors are meant to share with people who are not only inviting them to share but who are also receptive to the Projectors’ wisdom and willing to be transformed by it.
“Wait for recognition,” part II of the Projector strategy
Recognition is a key part of the Projector strategy that doesn’t get enough air time. Just because they’re being invited in by someone, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the person will appreciate or value their insights. Projectors should make sure that they feel recognized and seen by those inviting them before accepting an invitation.
Recognition is vital for Projectors. Projectors are here to be seen and they’re designed to be noticed. Recognition is fuel for Projectors and calls them forward. It’s not an ego trip but part of their energy mechanics. Recognition and invitations really bring out the best in a Projector.
Recognition gives Projectors energy. When they’re living their design and following their strategy correctly, their “limited” energy will become a non-issue as they move from one invitation to another.
Not receiving recognition and invitations can be physically depleting for Projectors. When a Projector feels exhausted—and they’ve been taking care of their physical well-being—it can be because they’re lacking recognition in their lives. If you’re a Projector, know that it’s not a correct use of your energy to run out and seek recognition. Remember, pushing yourself on others will make them resist you. Projectors often “try too hard.”
Recognition is not just about receiving praise but also about receiving ample compensation for the Projector’s special skills. I want to give Projectors permission to turn down invitations if they don’t feel financially taken care of in return. I also encourage Projectors to price their services or hourly rate higher than others, due to their inconsistent energy to work.
How to magnetize invitations & recognition as a Projector
Recognition often starts with self-recognition. If you’re a Projector, take stock of what you’re good at and how you’re valuable. It can also help to ask people in your life, who you feel see you, to reflect back to you your talents and strengths. Be open to their suggestions. As smart as you are at seeing others, you’re not always good at seeing yourself!
Another pre-requisite to receive invitations and recognition is the cultivation of a craft or special skill. Patience is required for Projectors, and it can take time to develop the thing that you’re good at or good at seeing.
But more than anything Projectors need to start trusting their energy. Projector energy is powerful and is always being noticed, even when a Projector is standing on the sidelines. The auric field of Projectors will draw the right people to them.
Think of how a lighthouse functions.
Quoting the writer Anne Lamott, “Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.” The power of the lighthouse lies not in action but in staying rooted in one place and allowing its guiding light to shine out.
But a lighthouse is only fulfilling its purpose when its light is on and bright. Likewise, Projectors can make themselves visible. This looks like telling your friends, family, and coworkers what you’re doing. This looks like uploading your music to SoundCloud. This looks like building a website to share your services, programs, or products. Stealing a line from the movie Field of Dreams: “If you build it, they will come.”
It’s also less draining to share yourself broadly than pitching to individual people, so social media can be your ally in this.
Note: This approach to visibility does not stem from traditional Human Design. Ra Uru Hu, the founder of Human Design writes, “Recognition and invitations come from silence.” Making yourself visible can easily tip into overzealousness. Hyper-visibility, such as posting daily on social media, can be a covert form of productivity and a bid for recognition. It can be a huge energy expenditure unless you’re getting help. Lighthouses aren’t always on to fulfill their purpose.
Again, the best approach for Projectors is to stand tall in their worth. The lighthouse is a good visual cue for this. It makes it easier for others to see a Projector’s value if they recognize themselves first. If you’re a Projector, honor the ebbs and flows of your energy when it comes to sharing and where to share. You don’t need to be everywhere and on every platform. Remember, you’re meant to be efficient; don’t spread yourself too thin.
Follow what you have the energy and inspiration for and let go of the rest.
Lastly, letting go of relationships where you don’t feel seen or appreciated is a huge alignment tool for Projectors that I can’t emphasize enough. Sometimes the people who you want to see you, won’t. Instead, let yourself be open to recognition coming from unexpected places.
What is the Projector not-self and signature?
Every type has what’s called a not-self theme and a signature.
Bitter is Projectors’ not-self theme.
Success is Projectors’ signature.
As humans, we all experience bitterness at some point in our lives. But when a Projector experiences bitterness it’s not just an emotion; it’s a telltale sign that they’re living off-track from their design.
Bitterness can arise when a Projector:
doesn’t feel recognized
isn’t receiving invitations
is accepting the wrong invitations
isn’t receiving adequate compensation in exchange for their skills
feels under-appreciated
is seen for the wrong things
tries to force something to happen
tries to keep up with others and burns out
When bitterness arises and doesn’t go away, it’s a sign for Projectors to check in with whether they should continue with something or someone. It’s not worth settling for the wrong relationships or invitations just for attention or to be included.
Success is the telltale sign that Projectors are living on track with their design, usually by following both their strategy and authority. Success isn’t limited to material success (because Projectors can experience financial success while burning themselves out or not doing work that fulfills them). For example, success for a Projector could be that moment when they help someone else unlock their own truth.
I encourage Projectors to define success for themselves. In fact, Projectors are here to show others how success can come through ease and not through pushing.
This may sound counterintuitive but for Projectors the more you rest, the more you’ll have success.
How do Projectors best make decisions?
Not all invitations are meant to be accepted. Accepting the wrong invitation can lead to bitterness. When an invitation accompanied by recognition arrives, Projectors are meant to use their authority to discern whether to accept it or not.
Projectors can have one of five authorities:
emotional authority
splenic authority
ego authority
self-projected authority
mental (environmental) authority
No one in Human Design is meant to make decisions from their minds but instead follow their authority, which is their unique decision-making process. It can also be helpful for all Projectors, regardless of their authority, to talk out their decisions.
If you are someone who struggles with trusting yourself and your decisions, your authority is a practical tool that can help connect you with your own guidance. Following your authority as a Projector not only builds self-trust but is also a key to experiencing success as a Projector.
What does it mean to have an open sacral center?
Wherever we have openness in our charts, which are the white parts, we have the potential to amplify the energy around us. All Projectors, Reflectors, and Manifestors have an undefined or open sacral center.
This means that when these types are around Generators or Manifesting Generators, they sample that energy and can feel energized. For example, if you’re a Projector in a workout class you might pick up on the sacral, high energy around you and feel superhuman. But know that when you leave the class, it might be wise to go home and rest. Or let’s say you’re feeling a lack of energy and uninspired, it might be helpful to go to a coffee shop or somewhere you can be around others for a boost of energy for a few hours.
Note: If a Generator or Manifesting Generator is feeling depressed or unhappy with their work or life, Projectors can also amplify that and feel depleted or weighed down.
Know that if you’re a Generator or Manifesting Generator, Projectors feeling lit up and energized by you doesn’t suck or drain your energy. It actually does them a service. And if you’re a Projector, it’s not about becoming dependent on other people’s energies but learning to ride them for a while, then getting off the wave.
☼
Projectors and work
What is the best career for Projectors?
Projectors are not limited in what careers they can have or by the ebbs and flows of their energy. For example, tennis superstar Serena Williams is a Projector.
Projectors also love to learn systems, especially ones that tell them about people. You may have noticed that many Human Design experts are Projectors. Projectors are natural learners and students. Studying something they love is a good use of their focused energy.
Any job where Projectors can direct the energies of others is ideal. For example, famous movie directors Ron Howard and Steven Spielberg are Projectors.
Projectors are also gifted at improving an existing system to make it more efficient or coming up with their own. Marie Kondo is a good example of a Projector who developed a unique system for tidying up and received massive success as a result.
Can Projectors be leaders?
Projectors are also here to be a new kind of leader. In Human Design history, Projectors are the newest type. They emerged in 1781 as an alternative leadership to Manifestors. Projectors are here to lead in a more democratic style versus Manifestors who have a more authoritarian vibe.
Projectors have a lot of strength in their objective perspectives. The metaphor used for Projectors is a bird sitting up in a tree and observing the other animals below, instead of getting in the muck with them. You can also think of an athletic coach: they don’t run out onto the field to play the game but direct their team from the sidelines where they can see the whole field.
Former US President Obama is a good example of Projector leadership. When he was in office, they called him “no-drama Obama.” Former President Jimmy Carter and John F. Kennedy were also Projectors. All three brought distinctively new leadership energy to the historic office.
Projectors lead by being in tune with the energy of those they’re guiding. Their sensitivity makes them a different kind of leader than the kind of rulers who have previously dominated civilization. Projectors are here to rise in leadership positions as we enter a new era of humanity.
☼
Projectors and love
How should Projectors date?
Projectors need to be invited into relationships, and this includes friendships. Wait to be approached. Wait for someone to ask you out. Wait for someone to invite you do to something. Projectors often ask if dating apps are right for them. My advice: use your authority to decide!
Dating apps can be helpful, on the one hand, because it’s an easy way for Projectors to make themselves visible. Projectors can experiment with waiting for their match to write first or waiting for the match to initiate a date. On the other hand, scrolling through profiles can be overstimulating for a Projector.
With dating in general, Projectors want to be sure they feel seen by the other person, in addition to being invited in. For example, a date could recognize your attractiveness but that’s not what you desire to be seen for. Maybe you want to be seen for your intelligence or for your good works. This would be an example of incorrect recognition for you.
When it comes to intimacy, Projectors’ desire and libido can ebb and flow because of their undefined or open sacral center, which governs sexual energy. Projectors can also be quite sensitive to the sexual desires of their partners, even amplify their sexual energy, or take on their proclivities. This is especially true when Projectors partner with a Generator or Manifesting Generator. None of this is bad or wrong but something to be aware of in dating and romantic partnerships.
Because our strategy in Human Design speaks to how we best enter commitments, waiting to be asked out is a Projector’s best bet when it comes to dating. Note: I’ve written more about what an energetic invitation means in dating and how a Projector can express romantic interest here.
Should Projectors sleep alone?
It can be helpful for Projectors to sleep alone in a separate bed or bedroom from their partner or partner for the night. The reasoning behind this is so that the Projector can release the energies they’ve absorbed throughout the day. Also, sleeping next to one of the generator types in particular can keep a Projector up at night. It may feel like sleeping next to a whirring engine!
Projectors should also give their body time to unwind before bed to get a peaceful night’s sleep. That could look like getting into bed an hour before bedtime to read or relax.
How do you love a Projector?
Projectors need support. Projectors aren’t designed to be worker bees and do all the doing. While a Projector living their design might look lazy to other Human Design types, often Projectors push themselves too hard.
If you’re partnered with a Projector, encourage them to rest or take time out from others. As I said before, Projectors don’t always know when to say when so it can help to have support around overdoing or overworking.
Words of affirmation or acts of service may be your Projector’s love language. It also means the world to Projectors when you amplify their gifts, such as sharing their work on your platform or creating opportunities for them.
☼
I hope this article brought you a greater understanding of yourself as a Projector or of your Projector loved one so that we can all experience more success and ease in our lives.
To learn more about your unique Human Design, book a reading with me. I help people make better love, career, and life decisions for themselves.