BY: Haseena Shaheed-Jackson
There is a new buzzword in the landscape of self-discovery and personal growth. The new hype is Human Design.
What is Human Design?
Human Design is a tool for self- awareness and empowerment that provides a blueprint of an individual’s unique energetic makeup revealing insights in the personality, strengths, weaknesses and life purpose. The system is based on the premise that each person is born with a specific design, influenced by the positions of the planets at the time of their birth. The components of defined and undefined centers, channels, and gates that provide an explanation for personality traits, behavioral patterns, and areas of potential growth.
Human Design categorizes individuals into five distinct energy types with each type operating differently, having its own strategy for living in alignment with one’s true nature. The five types are:
- Manifestors: characterized by their ability to initiate action and manifest their desires independently.
- Generators: have the stamina and the self-sustaining energy to build, create, work and keep the world running.
- Manifesting-Generators: designed to respond to life’s opportunities and engage in work in the “sweet spot”.
- Projectors: excel in guiding and managing the energy of others.
- Reflectors: highly sensitive individuals who mirror the overall health of their environment.
By understanding one’s human design, individuals can make informed decisions about career paths, relationships, health, and overall lifestyle choices.
The Origin of Human Design
The pioneer of Human Design is Ra Uru Hu who claimed to have received the information during a mystical experience in 1987. It combines elements of astrology, the I Ching, Kabbalah, the chakra, spirituality and quantum physics. The uniqueness of Human Design is its emphasis on the interplay between different energy centers within the body, known as “chakras”.
What is causing the buzz? The buzz is based on five key characteristics:
- Self-understanding: Offers a framework for gaining deeper insights into one’s own nature, motivations, and behavior patterns unlocking hidden potentials and overcoming obstacles to personal growth.
- Spiritual exploration: Provide a gateway to exploring questions of purpose, destiny, and the nature of reality. Offering a synthesis of ancient wisdom traditions and modern metaphysical concepts.
- Community and connection: Fosters a vibrant community of practitioners and enthusiasts coming together to share insights, experiences, and support. Individuals can connect with like-minded seekers and embark on a shared journey of self-discovery.
- Life guidance and decision-making: Outlines strategies prescribed by design categories aiding individuals to make more informed decisions, navigate relationships and career choices more effectively. Ultimately, living a more fulfilling and authentic life.
- Alternative to traditional systems: Offers a fresh perspective on age-old questions of identity, purpose, and meaning. By integrating elements of science, spirituality, and mysticism, it provides a holistic approach to understanding the human experience.
It is essential to approach Human Design with a discerning mind. While many individuals may find value and resonance in its teachings, others may view it as pseudoscience or esoteric mumbo jumbo. As with any belief system or self-help tool, it’s essential to take what resonates and leave what doesn’t, integrating the insights that align with one’s own experiences and intuition. x
Haseena Shaheed-Jackson is Executive Director/ Founder of Ava’s Pathways, a non-profit organization for women supporting women providing coaching and restorative circles. She is a lifelong learner.
Currently attending Liberty University obtaining a Master’s in Human Services Counseling estimated completion is September 2024. She has a Master’s in Business Administration and is a Distinguished Toastmaster. Haseena has published three books Created to Soar, Messages from the Spirit and Reflections from Within.
