The Human Design Authority Types and How to Use Them
Once you learn your Human Design type, the next most important bit of information to learn is your authority. Authority in Human Design is like an inner instruction manual that tells you how to get in touch with your specific universal wisdom. This handy information tells you how your particular energy likes to be used and provides clues that enable you to access levels of confidence, alignment, and comfort with decision-making that are truly, well, transformative! Human Design can be a complex system but at the end of the day, if you can remember your strategy and authority – you’re golden.
Think of it this way – we all came here to do something specific and incredible that is wholly unique to you and built upon the lessons, growth, and development your sweet sweet soul wanted to experience in this lifetime. The only hitch is we don’t always get clued in to how to be our own authority in this world. From the time we’re wee tots through adulthood, we’re told to listen to others, follow the rules and structures laid out for us, and conform to a homogenized view of society that has been deemed “safe” or “correct.” What a glorious challenge for a limitless spiritual being to undertake, no? Tools like Human Design can help you silence the noise and pressure from your outer reality to enable you to listen to the truth of your inner reality. We all feel called to be individuals and shine in a way that feels deeply satisfying and fulfilling – all that’s needed is the framework and validation that allows us to cut out what isn’t working for us and step into being the self-empowered mystical beings we really are.
Using your Human Design authority can be a wonderful way to find your way back to you – that sparkly, no one ever told you you couldn’t, fiery, influential, unconditional badass you that’s been dying to get out.
Human Design Authority types
The authority types are connected to your defined centers and associated with your Type. Most Human Design chart software list your authority out in a clear way – Genetic Matrix lumps it in with your type, so if you’re an Emotional Manifestor, the emotional part is your authority. I cover authorities at length in all my readings with clients, because this info is SO powerful!!! Here’s a high-level look into the authority types and what yours reveals about you.
Emotional: There is no such thing as certainty in the now, dear Emotional Authority. Take time to sleep on, feel through, and weigh your options before jumping in. Emotionally defined individuals command an intense concentration of emotional energy that moves in a wave through the solar plexus center. Depending on the channels highlighted in the solar plexus, you can experience different kinds of emotional waves – think, are you someone who tends to bottle emotions up and then release in an intense manner? Or do you experience a pretty consistent flow of emotions fluctuating up and down? No matter how your emotional wave moves, you are designed to make decisions from a place of emotional clarity. Your emotions are the guideposts helping you to see the highs and lows of an experience. Giving ample time to explore the depth of these feelings is key for Emotional Authorities. Ask yourself – do I think this is a great idea when I feel good and a terrible idea when I’m feeling blue? Becoming aware of your emotional state when agreeing to things can be a serious game-changer!
Self-Projected: When you speak, your inner truth can be seen. You need to talk things out – and not in a way that invites others to give you advice or opinions, but simply to hear and observe what you say and how you say it. Clarity comes as you follow your words and thoughts. Don’t get stuck trying to make decisions silently in your mind, project those thoughts and considerations outward and watch as you come to conclusions that seemed muddled or hidden when you kept them in. There is no such thing as talking too much with this authority! Let others know this is how you find clarity and don’t judge yourself for how long or short it takes for you to make up your mind.
Sacral: What is your gut telling you? Is your body tingling, electric with excitement and anticipation? These are the clues that you’re on the right track that comes from the Sacral Authority. Uniquely designed to follow opportunities that feel stimulating and provoke a full-body yes, this authority calls you to listen to your body and feel into where your energy is directing you. Working with options helps dissolve confusion or uncertainty in the sacral. When stuck, have someone ask you a series of yes or no questions and observe what sounds, feelings, faces, or reactions come up for you. If the sacral says “no” or does not feel pulled toward an option, that's a sure sign that you will waste your energy and time. Play around with opportunities that energize you and give yourself permission to say no to those that are draining.
Splenic: You know what you but you may not always know why or how you know it. Having Splenic Authority is like having a little angel whispering in your ear, telling you where to go and when – but providing zero heads up or context as to why. It’s best not to question the urges of the Splenic Authority but to foster faith and trust that it is guiding you toward safety and security always. Tap into what makes you feel comforted and what makes you uneasy – fear can be misleading and we often confuse intuition with anxiety here. If you’re feeling physically repelled from a personal/place/situation you can trust that. Follow what feels good and the more you lean into knowing you will always have perfect timing if you heed the advice of your intuition, the better!
Mental: The mind is an active but fickle place and Mental Authorities are here to learn how to translate the symbols of the mind into actionable instructions. The mechanism to turn the signs into signifiers for this authority come through the voice. Channeling that mental energy and know-how into the throat center enables you to decode the messages of the mind. You have to see – or technically, hear – the messages that are coming through your mental sphere and as you observe what comes through, you can start to recognize what the right path is for you. Similar to the Self-Projected authority, there is no such thing as talking too much for this authority. Surround yourself with people who will listen and hold space for you as you talk it out. Remember, other people’s opinions are not meant for you – your authority will reveal your personal truth.
Ego/Heart: Your courage and faith in yourself if unparalleled and your authority is just waiting for you to turn the volume dial up so you can hear it roar. The Ego or Heart authority is constantly giving you information on whether you have the energy or stamina to commit to something or not. If you want to do it, you will – if not, don’t push it! Once you are aware of the things really pulling on your heartstrings and creating inspiration and excitement, it is best for these authority types to discuss their intentions. Seeing the fiery desire of this center activated through the throat (aka talking it out) can bring direction to your life. You may have a list of things you are really excited to bring to life but your authority will guide you toward what to take on first – and talking about it with others can really help you get crystal clear and learn to lean into that intuitive hit.
Lunar: Reflective, intuitive, and deep, the Lunar Authority is designed to wait and observe before running into action. The ancients associated the moon with the body as it represents the archetype of the mother and therefore holds the pattern for our physical form. With this in mind, tune into how the moon’s movements awaken different forms of wisdom in your being. As the moon travels through every gate in your chart, over the course of 28 days, you will be given puzzle pieces that slowly build to a full picture of where you should go next. Taking time to feel into the people, places, and opportunities that spark a feeling of delight will further guide you along this process. All things come with time.
I could go on about the sheer magic that is the Human Design authority, but I’d rather help you apply this knowledge to help your everyday life. If you’re struggling to trust yourself, hear your intuition, or feel confident in your decision making you are CERTAINLY not alone. This is a journey and a process! IMO the best first step is talking to someone who can illuminate the role of the authority in your life and reflect back how connected you are to this powerful tool. If that sounds good to you, I’d love to get into the weeds with you in a session.