What is Authority in Human Design?
In Human Design, Authority is the unique internal guidance system each person has to make decisions that align with their true self. It reflects how one best makes choices in life, bypassing mental analysis and tuning into the body’s wisdom instead. Each Authority type connects to specific energy centers in the body and varies depending on one's design type (Manifestor, Generator, Projector, or Reflector). Here’s an overview of the different Authorities:
Emotional Authority (Solar Plexus): People with Emotional Authority (the most common type) are designed to make decisions based on emotional clarity. They experience a consistent version of emotional waves and should avoid making impulsive decisions at high or low points. By sitting with options through at least one full emotional wave cycle, they come to emotional clarity about which choice is right for them.
Sacral Authority: Exclusive to Generators and Manifesting Generators, Sacral Authority relies on gut responses. This authority is rooted in the immediate physical response of the sacral center—a “uh huh” (yes) or “uhn uhn” (no) when responding to a question, opportunity or situation. This instinctive reaction allows them to make decisions that bring satisfaction and vitality.
Splenic Authority: Those with Splenic Authority make decisions through intuitive, instinctual awareness from the spleen center. The spleen provides quick, subtle signals about safety, well-being, and alignment, often described as a quiet, almost fleeting “knowing.” Trusting this first impression or feeling is key for those with this authority.
Ego Authority (Heart): People with Ego Authority (also called Heart Authority) are guided by the will center’s drive and desires. This rare authority allows decisions based on whether something is truly worth the person’s energy or aligns with their willpower. This form of decision-making prioritises what the person is committed to and genuinely wants to do.
Self-Projected Authority (G-Center): This authority is present in a small number of Projectors. Individuals with Self-Projected Authority gain clarity through verbal expression, so it’s helpful for them to speak decisions out loud or talk them through with someone who simply listens. Their sense of self and direction often becomes clear through hearing their own words.
Mental Authority (Environmental): Also known as "No Inner Authority," this is an Authroity of Mental Projectors who need to rely on their environment and the people around them to make decisions. By discussing and reflecting on their options in the right setting with trusted people, they gain clarity and alignment with their decisions.
Lunar Authority: This authority is exclusive to Reflectors, who have no defined centers. Reflectors gain clarity by observing and feeling through at least one full lunar cycle (about 28 days). This extended process helps them gather insight from various angles before making decisions, allowing them to align with the energy of their environment.
Understanding one’s Authority in Human Design allows for a personalised approach to decision-making, bypassing mental conditioning and tuning into an individual’s specific body wisdom. This guidance helps people make aligned choices, reducing resistance and increasing flow in their lives.
