Human Design Gate Basics: Elements of the I Ching Hexagrams

Human Design is an amalgamation of many different systems. In my opinion, the Chinese I Ching makes up the backbone of the entire Human Design system – and it often gets the least acknowledgment and attention. The oldest known form of divination, the I Ching dates back over 5,000 years. Pulling from the elements of nature, archetypes of the masculine and feminine, and more, the I Ching builds a language and framework that enables us to understand abstract aspects of existence through similarities. As above, so below, the micro is representative of the macro.

I will admit that I am far from an expert in the I Ching but it brings me so much joy to shine a light on this beautiful and ancient tradition. If you are new to Human Design and are unfamiliar with where the I Ching comes in, look no further than the profile lines and gates (hexagrams). The Hexagrams of the I Ching are used to make up the gate structure (all the numbers written on the centers). As the planets move through astrological signs, they also travel through the I Ching hexagram.

In Das Human Design System, or the Black Book, Alan Krakower (Ra Uru Hu) writes, "The I ‘Ching is based on the Yin/Yang duality. The 64 Hexagrams are divided into two groups of thirty two. From the absolutely yin (The Receptive 2) to the absolutely yang (The Creative 1), the entire spectrum of energy is covered. Each line is also a duality. Every energy has a polarity. The form of the Rave I ‘Ching is to use images, examples, stories, and ideas to express the potentials of these energies. In describing these archetypal energies and their aspects, one is ultimately describing roles. Since these energies are the archetypes of Humanity, all the basic roles appear."

Essentially, the Human Design system is intrinsically connected to the I Ching and the meta-knowledge that it holds. If you have tried to learn the Human Design gates without the foundational knowledge of the I Ching hexagrams and elements, you may feel a bit disoriented. Stripped of its essential building blocks and origins, Human Design can feel like a completely arbitrary system that requires a professional for interpretation. As someone who gives Human Design readings, I do recommend consulting someone who has integrated all the layers of the chart when you feel called – BUT I am also a big fan of DIY-ing. My intention here is to give you some basic information that will allow you to deepen your relationship with the energies of the hexagrams and broaden your ability to integrate their lessons and gifts. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Elements in the I Ching

Naturally, this system of divination uses the core elements of nature. Many spiritual teachers and authors site the elements as our original ancestors as we are all comprised of the same fundamental building blocks as beings here on Earth. I love this contemplation because it grounds the idea that we are both physical and spiritual beings. Just like the Human Design chart speaks to the body and personality, we need to honor the fact that we may be particles of stardust but we are essentially and importantly of the Earth – at least in this incarnation.

Ok, now onto the elements! In the I Ching there are 8 elements: fire, earth, lake, heaven, water, mountain, thunder, and wind. These trigrams can be seen as the building blocks for all the energies and expression of life. Like the Human Design gates, the combination of these trigrams creates meaning from inexplicable phenomena like feelings, creation, receptivity, and beyond. Anchoring ourselves in the essential, elemental nature of the trigrams allows us to understand the hexagrams and gates with more meaning.

Heaven: The Creative (Associated with Gate 1)

Heaven is all yang and is concerned with inspiration, ideas, and constant motion that inspires creation. According to Chinese Cosmology, heaven is perfect and thought of as the impenetrable sky. In the I Ching, Heaven is considered the mightiest of all forces and is associated with warmth, light, and the sun. Creativity, therefore, is seen as the most powerful ability to create, channeling the creative force that constructs and builds that which is perfect – in a way, reflecting heaven here on earth. The first hexagram of the I Ching is composed of two Heaven trigrams and the Human Design Gate 1 shares the name, The Creative. This gate is thought to be one of the most powerful sparks for creativity in Human Design and calls for a dedication to one's authentic form of self-expression. Practicing art, speaking, writing, dancing, allowing yourself to sink into the pure form of your divine embodiment is supportive and important for this gate.

Lake: The Joyous (Associated with Gate 58)

Lake is created by two layers of action followed by stabilizing yin, as if the water is brought in by an offshoot or push of force then becomes placid and calm. The I Ching calls this trigram the joyous or open because it represents a large body of water that is both earthly and heavenly. Beneath the wellspring of water, there is the creative force of heaven that imbues this element with potential for creation. So much can be built, grown, and nurtured at the surface of this trigram and it invites us to imagine our own connection to divine creation. Hexagram 58, associated with Gate 58 in Human Design, is about abundant joy and vitality. Located in the root center, this gate is about pushing toward habits, cycles, or experiences that fill one with energy and zest for existence. Thinking of ancient stories and myths involving water as the birthplace of heroes, whole groups of people and gods, or other great mysteries helps clarify the meaning of this trigram. Below the surface is a wondrous unknown but at the surface springs forth the unlimited potential for life.

Fire: The Clinging (Associated with Gate 30)

Beginning with direct action – the spark of creation – and builds to a point where it is contained and sustained by yin's influence so that it can grow up further (and potentially alight other things around it). This trigram and filled with the energy of transformation. In the I Ching, Fire represents both radiance and clinging, the enduring nature – as well as breaking free and departing. There is a tension here that suggests that there needs to be movement or action taken. Hexagram 30, gate 30 in Human Design, is associated with passion and intensity of feeling, as such, it represents the ability to turn abstract desires or feelings into a concrete form or the ability to transmute feelings into deep understanding. In both instances, there is an alchemical nature that leads to the creation of the new.

Thunder: The Arousing (Associated with Gate 51)

Beginning with a clash of yang, thunder is a sudden expulsion of heat and energy that eventually gets distributed and balanced, by yin, as it moves through the atmosphere. In the I Ching, Thunder is the voice of Heaven and is a force that is both destructive and constructive. Fusing the intention of the soul with the physical reality of life on Earth, this trigram illustrates the dynamic conversation between the two. Thunder is the expression of shock or a sudden awakening that while unexpected, leads to more stability in the end. Hexagram 51, gate 51 in Human Design, is shock and its energy is meant to trigger change or redirects in life – that can feel, well jarring. I like to think of this particular energy like an electric fence of sorts that keeps you on your path, buzzing you when you stray too far. The hidden wishes of the divine interact and shape the physical but it is cloaked in mystery and ultimately requires surrender.

Wind: The Gentle (Associated with Gate 57)

The movement and motion of the air, wind represents the transmission from the ethereal realm to Earth where it can become manifest. Physically, the wind stirs material forces like trees, buildings, etc. but this concept can also be extrapolated to represent thought-forms that transform into ideas and therefore action and reality. In the I Ching, this trigram is referred to as the gentle or obedient, as the wind usually swirls around an object unless in rage in which case its force can be used to destroy. Hexagram 57 corresponds to Human Design gate 57, which is located in the spleen and has to do with intuition. Like the wind, this gate is able to move invisibly and undetected, gathering subtle information that is distilled into intuitive messages. The guidance received from Gate 57 is usually focused on what will keep you safe, secure, or connect you with your truth.

Water: The Abysmal (Associated with Gate 29)

Water is the opposite of fire, however, it requires some form of action to be created. It is malleable, nourishing, and healing, but it is also powerful and unpredictable. There is much mystery and intrigue associated with water as it finds new and innovative ways to move through blocks, unlocking untold possibilities and potential. Water is associated with the abysmal because of its ability to travel into the depths of the earth – like an underground aquifer or spring. Unlike the lake, which has depth but is more utilized at the surface level, water holds the mystery and clues to all things that are not necessarily seen but felt. Hexagram 29, Human Design gate 29, The Abysmal, is also called the gate of perseverance. It's about going deep into an experience with a fervent ambition or drive. Connected to the sacral center, when the response is there, gate 29 is completely committed and supported in anything it dives into. Like water, this gate always finds a way – unless, you are pushing an incorrect response which could mean getting lost in the depths.

Mountain: Keeping Still (Associated with Gate 52)

Mountain is earth upon earth with two yin lines building to the heavens with a solid yang. It is the energy to build but the wisdom to sustain. The mountain represents patience and timing and teaches the importance of going within to sustain outer peace. The 52nd hexagram of the I Ching is composed of two mountain trigrams and in Human Design, it is called the Gate of Keeping Still. The lesson with this hexagram is to understand that there is a difference between being relaxed and resting. Having the wisdom to move quickly with intention and purpose, trusting that when you stop and allow yourself to rejuvenate you do not lose any momentum but rather create a more sustainable path forward.

Earth: The Receptive (Associated with Gate 2)

Earth is all yin lines and is concentrated on restoration and containment. This is the purest expression of yin, the feminine force, that is receptive and capable of holding all of the cycles of existence. Unlike the mountain that has the connection to the heavens, Earth is focused on working in the more subterranean realms. It builds beneath the surface like a deep root system and allows life to grow during every season. In the winter the earth may appear barren but it is really in a process of rejuvenation, setting the stage for the coming spring. Hexagram 2 in the I Ching, The Receptive, corresponds to gate 2 in Human Design. This gate is associated with direction. Located in the identity center, opposite Gate 1, Gate 2 is the receptivity to one's purpose and direction that enables forward motion. Getting to know oneself on a profound level gives birth to the understanding that guidance toward the next step comes from within.

Spending time contemplating these elements and recognizing their interaction and dynamic nature sets the tone for what's to come next – the Profile Lines.