Human Design

This article is about the school of astrology. For the approach to interactive systems development, see human-centered design. For design performed by human in general, see design. For the 2020 Birds of Tokyo album, see Human Design (album).

Human Design is a pseudoscientific new age theory and practice described as a holistic self-knowledge system.^[1] It combines astrology, the Chinese I Ching, Judaic Kabbalah, Vedic philosophy, and modern physics.^[2][3][4][5]

Human Design Bodygraph from Maia Mechanics Imaging Software

Origins and purpose

Human Design was originated by Alan Robert Krakower, who published a book called The Human Design System under the pseudonym Ra Uru Hu in 1992.^[6][7] Krakower was previously an advertising executive and magazine publisher.^[8] Krakower developed the Human Design system following an alleged mystical experience in 1987.^{[9][10][11][12][13][14]}

It purports to be a self-knowledge method which does not have any specific religious dogma or affiliation.^[15] However, it has been described by theologian J. R. Hustwit as a "transreligious project" that is "breathtaking in scope" and synthesizes seven or more traditions.^[16] It has also been described as a psychological counseling instrument^[17] and "a comprehensive and personalized map of your unique energy and life blueprint, guiding you towards self-awareness, personal growth, and empowerment."^[18][19] It claims to facilitate "deep access to bodily, generational and inter-dimensional intelligence."^[20]

Elements of Human Design

Human Design maps nine energy centers in the body, represented in a chart called a bodygraph. An individual's bodygraph shows which centers are "defined," meaning consistent and reliable in their functioning. It also displays the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching at various body locations, sometimes overlaid on the 12 signs of the zodiac within a mandala. The system uses these elements to describe "self" and "not-self" themes intended to guide personal awareness and decision-making.^[21]

Human Design also divides people into four main types—Generator, Manifestor, Projector, and Reflector—and includes a fifth hybrid type, the Manifesting Generator, which combines features of Generators and Manifestors.^[22]

Types

Generator Generators are described as having sustainable energy and are said to respond to external stimuli rather than initiate actions themselves. They are considered adept at completing long-term tasks and applying consistent effort in daily life.^[23]

Manifesting Generator Manifesting Generators combine traits of both Generators and Manifestors. They are said to be able to respond to life while also initiating action. They are thought to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt flexibly to changing circumstances.^[24]

Manifestor Manifestors are described as capable of independent action and initiating change. They are considered able to influence their environment and create new opportunities.^[25]

Projector Projectors are said to lack consistent energy for sustained work and are not intended for constant labor. Instead, they are described as efficient and intelligent in guiding, advising, and directing the actions of others.^[26]

Reflector Reflectors are described as having all nine centers undefined. They are said to be particularly sensitive to their environment and strongly influenced by the people and conditions around them. They are considered mirrors of their communities, noticing shifts in mood and circumstances more acutely.^[27]

Type distribution

Type	Approximate percentage
Generator	36 %
Manifesting Generator	32 %
Manifestor	9 %
Projector	22 %
Reflector	1 %

Legal Controversy over Copyright

On June 3, 2020, the Court of Florence issued an order stating that there can be no copyright over the Human Design system.

The order followed a lawsuit filed by Human Design Italia, an association claiming to hold exclusive copyright in Italy and in the Italian language, based on a license from Alan Krakower's (Ra Uru Hu) company, Jovian Archive.

Human Design Italia had sued an Italian publisher, Terra Nuova, following the June 2019 publication of the book Human Design – Scopri la Tua Vera Natura by Chetan Parkyn, arguing that no one other than Human Design Italia had the right to publish books on Human Design.

After a summary proceeding, the judge ruled otherwise. In the decision, the court stated that the plaintiffs had provided no evidence proving they held exclusive rights over “the Human Design system” or its teachings. These teachings involve ideas, procedures, and methods of representation that can be freely discussed, referenced, and illustrated by those who are not their authors, without this constituting a violation of intellectual property rights. Nor is it necessary to be authorized by a school or its founders in order to do so, as under Italian law, the expression of ideas is free and not subject to sectarian control.

The principle, established under U.S. law and accepted by the Berne Convention for all signatory countries (including Italy), affirms that no copyright can be recognized over “an idea, procedure, process, system, method of operation, concept, principle, or discovery, regardless of the form in which it is described.” Therefore: “If Krakower cannot hold a general copyright over his ideas (as opposed to his specific works), then he cannot have transferred such a right to others.”

As a result:

“The object of the transfer [from Jovian Archive to Human Design Italia] cannot be the exploitation of a copyright that does not exist.”

And further:

“Neither [Jovian Archive] nor its successors can prevent others from publishing additional [works] on the ‘Human Design System.’” _{[Quotes translated from Court Order: Ordinanza del Tribunale di Firenze: Verbale di prima udienza n. cronol. 944/2020 del 03/06/2020 RG n. 2756/2020, Sezione Imprese, Giudice dott. Niccolò Calvani]}