Understanding Human Design Authorities

Home » Understanding Human Design Authorities

Authority is how your body and energy tell you what to do. Everyone’s not designed to be able to think their way through every decision. Some people take longer to decide while others are very quick. Your authority is how you’re told what does and does not work for you. When you follow your authority, things seem clear and you feel aligned.

Strategy vs. Authority

Authority refers to how you make decisions once things start showing up in your life. Strategy is about how you plan to navigate through life. For instance, Human Design Projectors use their strategy to know when to respond to something in life, but then they’ll rely on their gut or emotions (authority) to decide what to do next. Both strategy and authority are necessary; strategy helps you know when to act, and authority tells you whether you should say “yes” or “no”.

Emotional Authority

When you have Emotional Authority, you’re not expected to make decisions immediately. You may feel emotional ups and downs, and your clarity will develop over time. Take your time when making large decisions. If you’d like to get input from someone else, consider discussing things. Avoid rushing into anything. As the emotional waves pass, you’ll be left knowing what feels right to you.

Sacral Authority

Sacral Authority is an immediate “yes” or “no” from your body. You might feel it as a noise, a tug, or a sudden surge of energy. Listen to that signal. This isn’t about thought. This is about being energized by whatever it is at the moment.

Splenic Authority

Splenic Authority is when you receive instant quiet internal guidance. This is your intuition. You may hear a whisper, feel something in your bones, etc. When this occurs, it is a one-time occurrence and doesn’t repeat. You were designed to listen to that small quiet voice, even though you cannot explain it.

Ego Authority

There are two types of Ego Authority. One is from the Heart Center and is about what you want. The other is using discussion to reach a conclusion. Regardless of which route you choose, you’re relying on your willpower to make decisions. Ask yourself if you really want what you’re considering. Use your desire to guide you.

Self-Projected Authority

Self-Projected Authority expresses its truth through the voice. You determine the answers to questions by speaking your thoughts aloud and listening for what resonates. Generally, you’ll know what feels right once you’ve expressed it.

Environmental Authority (Mental Authority)

You don’t have internal cues like those experienced by all of the other authorities. However, you require a specific environment with people in order to achieve clarity. Discuss your ideas with people you trust. Allow the environment to support your process. Don’t make a decision under duress or within chaotic circumstances.

Lunar Authority (Only for Reflectors)

As a Reflector, you possess Lunar Authority. Before making large decisions, you need a complete 28-day lunar cycle. That’s how long your energy takes to reset. Clarity comes from taking the time. Observe how you feel during each phase of the month. Eventually patterns will emerge and help you determine what is right for you.

Using the Human Design App to Learn More About Authority

Want to discover more about your authority? The Human Design app provides a clear view of your authority and offers you tips on how to follow it in your daily life. In addition to your authority, the app also provides information regarding your overall chart, including your type, profile and gates.

To understand your energy more deeply, you can study the Human Design Centers.

You may also explore Human Design Channels and Human Design Chart.

Find Your Human Design Authority Now!

Apple Store

Apple Store

Download for free on Apple Store

Download The App
Google Play

Google Play

Get it for free on Google Play

Download The App

Human Design Authorities FAQs

Authority in Human Design represents the manner in which your body decides – not by reasoning but by using internal signals such as your emotions, gut, or instincts.

Yes, there are 7 primary types of authority in Human Design: Emotional Authority, Sacral Authority, Splenic Authority, Ego Authority, Self-Projected Authority, Mental Authority, and Lunar Authority.

Emotional Authority is the most common, occurring in approximately 50% of people.

No. Each authority is correct for the individual who possesses it, and none are superior or inferior.

No. An individual’s chart contains one single authority that is determined by the person’s energy centers.

Your authority is shown clearly in the Human Design App or in any chart tool used to create your chart. 

No, your authority remains constant for the duration of your life. However, developing a sense of how to use your authority will take time and practice.