Human Design Gates

Gate 1, Self-Expression

Gate 1, Self-Expression, is hexagram 1 of the I Ching, where it's called the Creative.

Its theme is the drive to express what's truly individual and creative, without needing to be the best at it. While absorbed in its own creative process, it draws the attention of others without trying to.

This gate is in the G Center, at one end of the channel of Inspiration (1-8).

Gate 2, the Direction of the Self

Gate 2, the Direction of the Self, is hexagram 2 of the I Ching, where it's called the Receptive.

Its theme is an inner sense of direction that can't be changed by the mind or the will. It knows which way to go, and when others aren't headed the same way, paths part.

This gate is in the G Center, at one end of the channel of the Beat (2-14).

Gate 3, Ordering

Gate 3, Ordering, is hexagram 3 of the I Ching, where it's called Difficulty at the Beginning.

Its theme is the challenge of bringing order to something new, out of the confusion at its start. It takes patience, since change arrives in bursts and in its own time.

This gate is in the Sacral, at one end of the channel of Mutation (3-60).

Gate 4, Formulization

Gate 4, Formulization, is hexagram 4 of the I Ching, where it's called Youthful Folly.

Its theme is the mental pressure to formulate answers to doubts about the future. Each answer is only a possibility until it's tested against the facts.

This gate is in the Ajna, at one end of the channel of Logic (4-63).

Gate 5, Fixed Patterns

Gate 5, Fixed Patterns, is hexagram 5 of the I Ching, where it's called Waiting.

Its theme is an energy that keeps to fixed rhythms and routines, where waiting is an active state rather than a pause. Being forced out of those rhythms is unsettling.

This gate is in the Sacral, at one end of the channel of Rhythm (5-15).

Gate 6, Friction

Gate 6, Friction, is hexagram 6 of the I Ching, where it's called Conflict.

Its theme is the emotional friction that comes up when people meet, which decides whether there's an opening for intimacy. Growth and fertility need that friction.

This gate is in the Solar Plexus, at one end of the channel of Mating (6-59).

Gate 7, the Role of the Self in Interaction

Gate 7, the Role of the Self in Interaction, is hexagram 7 of the I Ching, where it's called the Army.

Its theme is an eye for the direction that society should take toward the future, and for the leadership that can guide it there. Its influence works through others, often from behind the one who leads.

This gate is in the G Center, at one end of the channel of the Alpha (7-31).

Gate 8, Contribution

Gate 8, Contribution, is hexagram 8 of the I Ching, where it's called Holding Together.

Its theme is the urge to contribute something new and individual, by showing it publicly or by promoting what others create. It can lead by example, but whether others follow is up to them.

This gate is in the Throat, at one end of the channel of Inspiration (1-8).

Gate 9, Focus

Gate 9, Focus, is hexagram 9 of the I Ching, where it's called the Taming Power of the Small.

Its theme is the power to focus energy on details, one thing at a time. It directs the pressure to concentrate onto what's worth the effort.

This gate is in the Sacral, at one end of the channel of Concentration (9-52).

Gate 10, the Behavior of the Self

Gate 10, the Behavior of the Self, is hexagram 10 of the I Ching, where it's called Treading.

Its theme is the love of the self, expressed as behavior that stays true to its own nature whatever others expect. It's the most complex of the gates of its center.

This gate is in the G Center, at one end of the channels of Awakening (10-20), Exploration (10-34) and Perfected Form (10-57).

Gate 11, Ideas

Gate 11, Ideas, is hexagram 11 of the I Ching, where it's called Peace.

Its theme is a mind full of ideas that come and go, gathered from what has been experienced and seen. The ideas aren't plans to act on, but something to share and to stimulate others with.

This gate is in the Ajna, at one end of the channel of Curiosity (11-56).

Gate 12, Caution

Gate 12, Caution, is hexagram 12 of the I Ching, where it's called Standstill.

Its theme is a caution that keeps quiet until the mood is right to speak. When it does, the tone of the voice says more than the words, and it can move people.

This gate is in the Throat, at one end of the channel of Openness (12-22).

Gate 13, the Listener

Gate 13, the Listener, is hexagram 13 of the I Ching, where it's called the Fellowship of Man.

Its theme is a gift for listening, so that people share their stories and secrets. It holds on to what it hears, as a memory of the past that can guide the future.

This gate is in the G Center, at one end of the channel of the Prodigal (13-33).

Gate 14, Power Skills

Gate 14, Power Skills, is hexagram 14 of the I Ching, where it's called Possession in Great Measure.

Its theme is the power to put resources to work, deciding where energy, time and money go. It's the energy for the kind of work that gives a direction the means to go forward.

This gate is in the Sacral, at one end of the channel of the Beat (2-14).

Gate 15, Extremes

Gate 15, Extremes, is hexagram 15 of the I Ching, where it's called Modesty.

Its theme is a love of humanity that accepts the whole range of human behavior, its own extremes included. It doesn't keep a fixed rhythm, and that variety has a place in the flow of life.

This gate is in the G Center, at one end of the channel of Rhythm (5-15).

Gate 16, Skills

Gate 16, Skills, is hexagram 16 of the I Ching, where it's called Enthusiasm.

Its theme is enthusiasm for a skill, refined through practice and repetition until it becomes an art. It needs to identify with what it does.

This gate is in the Throat, at one end of the channel of the Wavelength (16-48).

Gate 17, Opinion

Gate 17, Opinion, is hexagram 17 of the I Ching, where it's called Following.

Its theme is a mind that organizes the future into opinions and concepts. An opinion needs to be asked for, and to hold up to testing, before it's shared.

This gate is in the Ajna, at one end of the channel of Acceptance (17-62).

Gate 18, Correction

Gate 18, Correction, is hexagram 18 of the I Ching, where it's called Work on What Has Been Spoilt.

Its theme is a critical eye for what has lost its vitality and needs correcting. Behind the dissatisfaction is a concern for what keeps people and society healthy.

This gate is in the Spleen, at one end of the channel of Judgement (18-58).

Gate 19, Wanting

Gate 19, Wanting, is hexagram 19 of the I Ching, where it's called Approach.

Its theme is a sensitivity to needs, both basic ones like food and shelter and the need for closeness and spirit, and to whether everyone's needs are met.

This gate is in the Root, at one end of the channel of Synthesis (19-49).

Gate 20, the Now

Gate 20, the Now, is hexagram 20 of the I Ching, where it's called Contemplation.

Its theme is an awareness that lives entirely in the present moment, and speaks of what's happening now. It gives voice to intuition and conviction as they arise.

This gate is in the Throat, at one end of the channels of Awakening (10-20), Charisma (20-34) and the Brainwave (20-57).

Gate 21, the Hunter/Huntress

Gate 21, the Hunter/Huntress, is hexagram 21 of the I Ching, where it's called Biting Through.

Its theme is the need to be in control of its own domain, such as resources, work or a living space. It does best when it's left in charge of that domain, and when it doesn't try to control others.

This gate is in the Heart, at one end of the channel of Money (21-45).

Gate 22, Openness

Gate 22, Openness, is hexagram 22 of the I Ching, where it's called Grace.

Its theme is a social grace and openness to listening, when the mood is right. When the mood changes, so does the openness.

This gate is in the Solar Plexus, at one end of the channel of Openness (12-22).

Gate 23, Assimilation

Gate 23, Assimilation, is hexagram 23 of the I Ching, where it's called Splitting Apart.

Its theme is the ability to put individual insight into words that others can understand. What it knows can sound strange at first, and timing decides whether it's heard.

This gate is in the Throat, at one end of the channel of Structuring (23-43).

Gate 24, Rationalization

Gate 24, Rationalization, is hexagram 24 of the I Ching, where it's called the Return.

Its theme is a mind that returns to the same thought again and again, until an inspiration becomes something it can understand and explain. It can't be rushed.

This gate is in the Ajna, at one end of the channel of Awareness (24-61).

Gate 25, the Spirit of the Self

Gate 25, the Spirit of the Self, is hexagram 25 of the I Ching, where it's called Innocence.

Its theme is a love of life that doesn't discriminate, and an innocence that accepts what comes. It can be tested by the challenges that life brings.

This gate is in the G Center, at one end of the channel of Initiation (25-51).

Gate 26, the Egoist

Gate 26, the Egoist, is hexagram 26 of the I Ching, where it's called the Taming Power of the Great.

Its theme is a talent for persuasion, presenting things in their best light and selling ideas, products or itself. Memory is used selectively in the service of getting the message across.

This gate is in the Heart, at one end of the channel of Surrender (26-44).

Gate 27, Caring

Gate 27, Caring, is hexagram 27 of the I Ching, where it's called Nourishment.

Its theme is the power to care for and nourish others, especially the young, the sick and the weak. To keep caring, it has to take care of itself first.

This gate is in the Sacral, at one end of the channel of Preservation (27-50).

Gate 28, the Game Player

Gate 28, the Game Player, is hexagram 28 of the I Ching, where it's called Preponderance of the Great.

Its theme is the search for what makes life worth living, and the willingness to take risks to find a purpose. Struggle that leads to meaning is welcome.

This gate is in the Spleen, at one end of the channel of Struggle (28-38).

Gate 29, Perseverance

Gate 29, Perseverance, is hexagram 29 of the I Ching, where it's called the Abysmal.

Its theme is the energy to say yes and commit fully to an experience, persevering through it. What it commits to needs to be the right thing, since it sees things through.

This gate is in the Sacral, at one end of the channel of Discovery (29-46).

Gate 30, Feelings

Gate 30, Feelings, is hexagram 30 of the I Ching, where it's called the Clinging Fire.

Its theme is a hunger for feelings and new experiences, driven by desire. What an experience turns out to be can't be controlled, only the clarity with which it's entered.

This gate is in the Solar Plexus, at one end of the channel of Recognition (30-41).

Gate 31, Influence

Gate 31, Influence, is hexagram 31 of the I Ching, where it's called Influence too.

Its theme is leadership that comes from being chosen by others. Its voice offers a direction for the future and shows the way rather than doing the work.

This gate is in the Throat, at one end of the channel of the Alpha (7-31).

Gate 32, Continuity

Gate 32, Continuity, is hexagram 32 of the I Ching, where it's called Duration.

Its theme is an instinct for what can last and what can be transformed, with an underlying fear of failure. It recognizes the talents that are worth keeping.

This gate is in the Spleen, at one end of the channel of Transformation (32-54).

Gate 33, Privacy

Gate 33, Privacy, is hexagram 33 of the I Ching, where it's called Retreat.

Its theme is the need to withdraw and reflect at the end of an experience. From that retreat comes the memory that turns experience into lessons for others.

This gate is in the Throat, at one end of the channel of the Prodigal (13-33).

Gate 34, Power

Gate 34, Power, is hexagram 34 of the I Ching, where it's called the Power of the Great.

Its theme is a great and independent power, the energy to be busy and to act on its own convictions. It's most at ease when it isn't used for someone else's purposes.

This gate is in the Sacral, at one end of the channels of Exploration (10-34), Charisma (20-34) and Power (34-57).

Gate 35, Change

Gate 35, Change, is hexagram 35 of the I Ching, where it's called Progress.

Its theme is a restless hunger for change and new experiences, for the sake of the experience itself. What's gained from them becomes wisdom when it's shared.

This gate is in the Throat, at one end of the channel of Transitoriness (35-36).

Gate 36, Crisis

Gate 36, Crisis, is hexagram 36 of the I Ching, where it's called the Darkening of the Light.

Its theme is the emotional drive to go through new experiences and the crises they can bring. With time, inexperience turns into the ability to handle them.

This gate is in the Solar Plexus, at one end of the channel of Transitoriness (35-36).

Gate 37, Friendship

Gate 37, Friendship, is hexagram 37 of the I Ching, where it's called the Family.

Its theme is a warmth and friendliness that holds families and communities together. It rests on bargains, where warmth and support are given when what comes back is fair and clearly agreed.

This gate is in the Solar Plexus, at one end of the channel of Community (37-40).

Gate 38, the Fighter

Gate 38, the Fighter, is hexagram 38 of the I Ching, where it's called Opposition.

Its theme is the energy to struggle and fight for what gives life meaning. Not every fight is worth having, and the right ones give life a purpose.

This gate is in the Root, at one end of the channel of Struggle (28-38).

Gate 39, Provocation

Gate 39, Provocation, is hexagram 39 of the I Ching, where it's called Obstruction.

Its theme is the pressure to provoke, to bring out the spirit and emotions in others. Provocation reveals who shares the same spirit.

This gate is in the Root, at one end of the channel of Emoting (39-55).

Gate 40, Aloneness

Gate 40, Aloneness, is hexagram 40 of the I Ching, where it's called Deliverance.

Its theme is a need to be alone, to rest after working on behalf of others. It gives its support, and then needs time to itself before it can give again.

This gate is in the Heart, at one end of the channel of Community (37-40).

Gate 41, Contraction

Gate 41, Contraction, is hexagram 41 of the I Ching, where it's called Decrease.

Its theme is the pressure of desire for new experiences, often first felt as fantasy. It's the start of the emotional cycles of experience.

This gate is in the Root, at one end of the channel of Recognition (30-41).

Gate 42, Growth

Gate 42, Growth, is hexagram 42 of the I Ching, where it's called Increase.

Its theme is the energy to stay with a cycle until it's complete, so that its potential can grow. It brings things to their natural conclusion.

This gate is in the Sacral, at one end of the channel of Maturation (42-53).

Gate 43, Insight

Gate 43, Insight, is hexagram 43 of the I Ching, where it's called Breakthrough.

Its theme is inner knowing that comes as sudden insight, a breakthrough to a new way of seeing. Explaining it to others takes the right timing.

This gate is in the Ajna, at one end of the channel of Structuring (23-43).

Gate 44, Alertness

Gate 44, Alertness, is hexagram 44 of the I Ching, where it's called Coming to Meet.

Its theme is an instinctive memory of patterns from the past, alert to who has the right talents for the work at hand. It recognizes potential in people.

This gate is in the Spleen, at one end of the channel of Surrender (26-44).

Gate 45, the Gatherer

Gate 45, the Gatherer, is hexagram 45 of the I Ching, where it's called Gathering Together.

Its theme is the natural authority that gathers people and resources, and speaks for the group. Its role is to guide and to provide, not to do the work.

This gate is in the Throat, at one end of the channel of Money (21-45).

Gate 46, the Determination of the Self

Gate 46, the Determination of the Self, is hexagram 46 of the I Ching, where it's called Pushing Upward.

Its theme is a love of the body and of being in it, and a determination that leads to being in the right place at the right time. Success comes through commitment to the experience.

This gate is in the G Center, at one end of the channel of Discovery (29-46).

Gate 47, Realization

Gate 47, Realization, is hexagram 47 of the I Ching, where it's called Oppression.

Its theme is a mind that works to make sense of the past, sorting through what has happened until a realization comes. The pressure eases once it does.

This gate is in the Ajna, at one end of the channel of Abstraction (47-64).

Gate 48, Depth

Gate 48, Depth, is hexagram 48 of the I Ching, where it's called the Well.

Its theme is a depth of knowledge and a talent for solutions, with a fear of not knowing enough. It deepens with experience and practice.

This gate is in the Spleen, at one end of the channel of the Wavelength (16-48).

Gate 49, Principles

Gate 49, Principles, is hexagram 49 of the I Ching, where it's called Revolution.

Its theme is a sensitivity to principles, accepting or rejecting relationships according to them. When principles are no longer honored, it can lead to revolution.

This gate is in the Solar Plexus, at one end of the channel of Synthesis (19-49).

Gate 50, Values

Gate 50, Values, is hexagram 50 of the I Ching, where it's called the Cauldron.

Its theme is a sense of responsibility for the values that keep a group healthy, its rules and the care of its young. It watches over them.

This gate is in the Spleen, at one end of the channel of Preservation (27-50).

Gate 51, Shock

Gate 51, Shock, is hexagram 51 of the I Ching, where it's called the Arousing.

Its theme is the energy to shock and to be shocked, initiating by competing and by going first. Shocks wake people up from being too comfortable.

This gate is in the Heart, at one end of the channel of Initiation (25-51).

Gate 52, Stillness

Gate 52, Stillness, is hexagram 52 of the I Ching, where it's called Keeping Still (Mountain).

Its theme is the ability to keep still and concentrate, holding energy until it's directed at something worthwhile. Without focus, the stillness can turn into restlessness.

This gate is in the Root, at one end of the channel of Concentration (9-52).

Gate 53, Beginnings

Gate 53, Beginnings, is hexagram 53 of the I Ching, where it's called Development.

Its theme is the pressure to start something new, beginning a cycle of development. Once started, things need time to mature.

This gate is in the Root, at one end of the channel of Maturation (42-53).

Gate 54, Drive

Gate 54, Drive, is hexagram 54 of the I Ching, where it's called the Marrying Maiden.

Its theme is ambition and the drive to rise, both in the material world and in spirit. It wants to be recognized and taken along by those who can help.

This gate is in the Root, at one end of the channel of Transformation (32-54).

Gate 55, Spirit

Gate 55, Spirit, is hexagram 55 of the I Ching, where it's called Abundance.

Its theme is emotional abundance, moods that swing between feeling empty and feeling full. Its spirit depends on how the moment feels.

This gate is in the Solar Plexus, at one end of the channel of Emoting (39-55).

Gate 56, Stimulation

Gate 56, Stimulation, is hexagram 56 of the I Ching, where it's called the Wanderer.

Its theme is telling stories, of ideas and beliefs drawn from experience, that stimulate others. The stories can be embellished, since their purpose is to get others thinking.

This gate is in the Throat, at one end of the channel of Curiosity (11-56).

Gate 57, Intuitive Clarity

Gate 57, Intuitive Clarity, is hexagram 57 of the I Ching, where it's called the Gentle.

Its theme is an intuition that speaks in the moment, a clarity about what's safe and what isn't. It's subtle, heard once, and it doesn't repeat itself.

This gate is in the Spleen, at one end of the channels of Perfected Form (10-57), the Brainwave (20-57) and Power (34-57).

Gate 58, Vitality

Gate 58, Vitality, is hexagram 58 of the I Ching, where it's called the Joyous.

Its theme is a joy for life and the vitality to make things better. It challenges what's weak or unhealthy, out of a wish to help.

This gate is in the Root, at one end of the channel of Judgement (18-58).

Gate 59, Sexuality

Gate 59, Sexuality, is hexagram 59 of the I Ching, where it's called Dispersion.

Its theme is the energy to break down barriers to intimacy and to bond, whether to make new life or a creative partnership with others.

This gate is in the Sacral, at one end of the channel of Mating (6-59).

Gate 60, Acceptance

Gate 60, Acceptance, is hexagram 60 of the I Ching, where it's called Limitation.

Its theme is the acceptance of limitation as the ground from which something new can grow. Its pressure comes in pulses, and mutation can't be forced.

This gate is in the Root, at one end of the channel of Mutation (3-60).

Gate 61, Mystery

Gate 61, Mystery, is hexagram 61 of the I Ching, where it's called Inner Truth.

Its theme is the pressure to know the unknowable, to solve the mystery of existence. Moments of inner truth can inspire others.

This gate is in the Head, at one end of the channel of Awareness (24-61).

Gate 62, Details

Gate 62, Details, is hexagram 62 of the I Ching, where it's called Preponderance of the Small.

Its theme is a mind that names things and organizes the details that support a concept. It thinks through what can be said and backed by facts.

This gate is in the Throat, at one end of the channel of Acceptance (17-62).

Gate 63, Doubt

Gate 63, Doubt, is hexagram 63 of the I Ching, where it's called After Completion.

Its theme is doubt that questions patterns in order to be sure of the future. It drives logic, the pressure to find out whether something holds up.

This gate is in the Head, at one end of the channel of Logic (4-63).

Gate 64, Confusion

Gate 64, Confusion, is hexagram 64 of the I Ching, where it's called Before Completion.

Its theme is the confusion of a mind sorting through images and memories of the past. Making sense of them takes time, and not knowing yet is part of the process.

This gate is in the Head, at one end of the channel of Abstraction (47-64).

Line 1 of a Gate

Line 1 is the foundation of the gate, where its theme needs a solid base and is looked into thoroughly.

Line 2 of a Gate

Line 2 holds the theme as a natural talent, one that others notice and call out more than it does itself.

Line 3 of a Gate

Line 3 lives the theme through trial and error, finding out what works by finding out what doesn't.

Line 4 of a Gate

Line 4 shares the theme through the people it knows, its friends and its network.

Line 5 of a Gate

Line 5 is where others project their expectations onto the theme, and look to it for practical solutions.

Line 6 of a Gate

Line 6 sees the theme from a distance, first living it through experience and later showing it as an example.