Centers in Human Design

The nine centers

The bodygraph has nine centers. A center is defined if at least one defined channel ends in it, and then it is colored in. If a center has active gates but no channel is completed, it is undefined; if it has no gates at all, it is open. In the system, a defined center is what is constant in a person, while an undefined one is where they take in and amplify the influence of others (conditioning).

Four centers are motors: the Sacral, the Heart, the Solar Plexus and the Root. Three are awareness centers: the Ajna, the Spleen and the Solar Plexus. Two are pressure centers: the Head and the Root. The Throat is the only center through which energy manifests as speech and action; whether a motor is connected to the Throat decides whether a person is a Manifestor or a Manifesting Generator.

Head Center

Defined. In the system, a defined Head Center is a constant inner source of questions, ideas and mental inspiration. The person consistently thinks in their own way and often sets the tone for the thinking of those around them.

Undefined or open. An open Head Center takes in other people's ideas and doubts and can amplify them, so your head may be full of questions that are not really yours. The Not-Self theme is trying to answer other people's questions instead of choosing what to think about.

Ajna

Defined. A defined Ajna gives a consistent way of thinking, processing information and forming opinions. Such a mind is considered reliable in its own way, but it is meant for making sense of things, not for making decisions.

Undefined or open. An open Ajna takes in different points of view with ease and can see a question from several sides. The Not-Self theme is trying to look certain and clinging to opinions that actually can and should change.

Throat Center

Defined. In the system, a defined Throat gives a consistent way of speaking and manifesting in action. The person's voice and manner of expression are recognizable, and through this center the energy of the other centers turns into words and deeds.

Undefined or open. An open Throat can sound different depending on who is around and hears well how others speak. The Not-Self theme is trying to attract attention and filling every pause with words instead of waiting for the right moment.

G Center

Defined. A defined G Center gives a stable sense of self, of your direction and of what you love. In the system, such a person depends less on their surroundings for their identity and can serve as a point of orientation for others.

Undefined or open. An open G Center makes the sense of self fluid: in different places and with different people the person feels like a different self. The Not-Self theme is looking for love and direction outside, although, in the system, finding the right environment and your own place matters more.

Heart (Ego)

Defined. A defined Heart gives consistent willpower and the ability to keep promises at its own pace. Such a person is thought to do best by setting realistic goals, valuing their own contribution and alternating effort with rest.

Undefined or open. An open Heart has nothing to prove and can soberly see what things and efforts are really worth. The Not-Self theme is trying to prove your worth, taking on extra commitments and promising more than you have the strength for.

Spleen

Defined. In the system, a defined Spleen gives a constant intuitive sense of what is safe and good for you right now. Its signal is quiet and speaks only once, but it is consistent and gives a sense of inner support.

Undefined or open. An open Spleen keenly senses other people's states and fears and can noticeably amplify them. The Not-Self theme is holding on to what is no longer good for you — people, habits or circumstances — because it feels safer.

Solar Plexus

Defined. A defined Solar Plexus gives its own emotional wave of highs and lows. In the system, clarity does not come at once here, so important decisions are best made after riding out the wave and letting the feelings settle.

Undefined or open. An open Solar Plexus absorbs other people's emotions and can feel them more strongly than their source does. The Not-Self theme is avoiding confrontation and unpleasant truths so as not to face tension that feels like your own.

Sacral Center

Defined. A defined Sacral gives consistent life-force energy for work and creation. In the system, it unfolds best through response: an inner “yes” or “no” shows what it is worth spending on.

Undefined or open. An open Sacral amplifies other people's energy and can run on it as if it were its own, then suddenly burn out. The Not-Self theme is not knowing when enough is enough and not stopping in time — in work, socializing or caring for others.

Root Center

Defined. A defined Root gives its own stable way of handling pressure and stress. Such a person is thought to deal with tension at their own pace and not to be easily drawn into other people's hurry and fuss.

Undefined or open. An open Root takes in the pressure of those around it and can experience it as constant urgency. The Not-Self theme is rushing to get rid of the tension as quickly as possible and grabbing at tasks just to feel relief.

An Honest Look at the Method

Human Design was created in 1987 by one man, Ra Uru Hu, and its claims have never been scientifically tested. We describe the rules of the system as they are and write the interpretations in our own words, not as knowledge about you.

Related in This Section

• Types
• Profiles
• Authority
• Channels
• Gates
• Incarnation Crosses

Frequently asked questions

How is an undefined center different from an open one?

Neither is colored in. An undefined center has active gates without a partner; an open center has none at all. In the system, an open center takes in other people's influence most strongly.

How many centers can be defined?

From none in a Reflector to all nine. Most often four to six centers are defined.

Is an open center a bad thing?

No. In the system, in an open center a person senses and understands what comes from others and can become wise in that theme, as long as they don't take what belongs to others for their own.