Authority in Human Design: How to Make Aligned Decisions

One of the most empowering aspects of Human Design is understanding how you are meant to make decisions. We often rely on logic, emotion, or outside advice to guide us—but Human Design teaches us that the most aligned answers come from within. This inner compass is known as your Authority.

What Is Authority in Human Design?

Not sure what your Authority is?
You can get your free Human Design chart here and discover your Type, Strategy, Authority, and more.

Authority is your unique decision-making tool. It's not about what your mind thinks is best—it’s about what your body knows is right for you. Your Authority guides you in real time, helping you move through life with more clarity, confidence, and ease.

If you're new to Human Design, you may want to start with What Is Human Design? to understand the foundations, or explore The 5 Human Design Types to see how Authority complements your Type.

There are seven types of Authority in Human Design. Each one operates differently, and understanding yours can change the way you approach both big life choices and small everyday decisions.

The 7 Authorities in Human Design

Let’s explore the core Authorities, from most to least common:

1. Emotional Authority (Solar Plexus)

If you have Emotional Authority, clarity comes over time. You are not designed to make impulsive decisions in the heat of the moment. Instead, ride your emotional wave—wait until you feel calm and neutral before choosing.
Mantra: “I give myself time to feel it all before deciding.”

2. Sacral Authority

Found in Generators and Manifesting Generators, Sacral Authority speaks through gut responses. It’s immediate and instinctive—a full-body “yes” or “no.” Listen for sounds like “uh-huh” or “uh-uh.”
Mantra: “My body always knows first.”

Curious about your Type? Read more about Generators and Manifesting Generators here

3. Splenic Authority

This is the quietest and most intuitive Authority. It comes as a whisper, a spontaneous knowing in the present moment. It doesn’t repeat itself, so learning to trust your first instinct is key.
Mantra: “My first feeling is my truest guide.”

4. Ego/Heart Authority

This rare Authority speaks through your willpower and desires. If you have this, you’re meant to ask: Do I truly want this? Does it serve me? Your decisions come from your heart and your sense of self-worth.
Mantra: “What I want deeply matters.”

5. Self-Projected Authority

Only found in some Projectors, this Authority requires hearing your truth out loud. Talk things through with someone you trust—not to get advice, but to hear what comes out of your own voice.
Mantra: “When I speak, I hear my truth.”

6. Mental Authority (also called Environmental Authority)

For these Projectors, clarity comes from talking things out in the right environment. You’re not meant to make decisions alone—your surroundings and trusted sounding boards help you access your truth.
Mantra: “Clarity lives in conversation and space.”

7. Lunar Authority

Exclusive to Reflectors, this Authority works on a longer cycle. Reflectors are designed to wait a full 28-day lunar cycle (or as long as needed) before making major decisions. This gives time to feel into the decision from many angles.
Mantra: “Time brings wisdom.”

Why Authority Matters

Understanding and honoring your Authority shifts decision-making from confusion to clarity. You stop chasing what sounds right and start following what feels aligned. When you make decisions from your true inner Authority, life flows with less resistance, and you begin to trust yourself on a deeper level.

It’s also closely connected to your Strategy, which we’ll explore in next week’s post.

Want to Learn More About Your Design?

While this post introduces the basics, your unique Human Design chart weaves together many layers—Type, Strategy, Authority, Profile, and more. If you're curious to explore how your Authority works in your day-to-day life, a personal chart reading can offer practical insights and powerful clarity.

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