The Hindu chakra system and Human Design's nine centers represent the energetic layers of our being. The chakra system outlines seven energy hubs while the nine centers of Human Design expand upon this framework, offering a more nuanced view of how these energies manifest in our form.
The chakra system has been used for centuries in practices like yoga, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, reiki, and other modalities that focus on aligning and harmonizing the body’s energy.
Modern studies confirm the continued effectiveness of these modalities, even as our understanding of energy has evolved. For example:
Working with the 7 chakra system evidentially has confirmed results in our 9 centered bodies, so there must be a connection.
The connection between the chakras and centers can be seen in a few of their overlapping themes:
Then everything below the throat starts to splinter off. The Solar Plexus chakra (Maṇipūra) especially highlights a significant divergence.
This shift raised questions about how the chakra's original functions were redistributed in the transition to the nine-centered body.
Svādhiṣṭhāna is associated with the life forces of sexuality, creativity, and emotions. It is linked to the bladder.
Human Design divides the Sacral Chakra energies between the Sacral Center and the Solar Plexus Center:
By targeting Svādhiṣṭhāna with the ujjayi breath, one can access emotional clarity through the Solar Plexus Center while harnessing the vitality of the Sacral Center.
Once I was able to separate the Solar Plexus Chakra from the Solar Plexus Center, despite the mental fixation around the similar names, it was easier to see how the rest of the chakras were distributed into the centers.
The Solar Plexus Chakra (Maṇipūra) governs willpower, identity, and boundary setting. In Human Design, these energies are distributed among three centers:
The Heart Chakra (Anāhata) governs love, self-acceptance, and awareness. These energies are very similar to the G Center. It is also said the aura is generated from the heart chakra, which is a function of the magnetic monopole in the G Center (which I talk about extensively in this blog).
The Root Chakra (Mūlādhāra) governs security, stability, survival, and overcoming fears. In Human Design, these energies are distributed to the Root Center and the Spleen Center.
By mapping chakra energies to Human Design centers, we see how the wisdom of the past remains active today. For those who use the chakra system, this alignment offers clarity on how these ancient teachings correspond to the nine-centered form.
Though the seven chakras may not directly mirror the seven-centered bodygraph, their correlation to Human Design's nine centers suggests an evolutionary reorganization, not a replacement. Both perspectives are valid and active, providing tools to harmonize with the universe's program.
While the body's vehicle evolves, the universal energies remain constant. Ancient systems like the I Ching, astrology, and the Tree of Life continue to guide us because they reflect these eternal forces.
This understanding has been transformative in my own journey, as I’ve come to recognize how these energies actively operate in my life. By aligning with the mechanics of both systems, we can better navigate our energy and live more harmoniously.
The Hindu chakra system and Human Design’s nine centers are two powerful tools for understanding the energetic layers of the body. By bridging these systems, we uncover a richer perspective on how energy flows within us, empowering us to connect more deeply with our essence.
Whether we use the chakra system, Human Design, or both, we are working with the same universal energies that define our reality. By understanding the connection between these frameworks, we can navigate our energy with clarity and purpose.
To dive deeper into Human Design’s practical applications, watch this condensed version of my somatic Living Your Design course "Blooming Your Design":