Human Design Academy By Ra Uru Hu: Part 3 - Strategy & Authority - The Foundation of Correct Relationships

Part 3: Strategy & Authority - The Foundation of Correct Relationships

Based on the original teachings of Ra Uru Hu

“Strategy is how you’re designed to make decisions. Authority is your inner compass.” — Ra Uru Hu

In Human Design, Strategy and Authority are the two most important concepts to understand if you want to experience fulfillment in your relationships — whether romantic, familial, or professional. They are not merely suggestions; they are the mechanics of how you are designed to interact with life.

Without Strategy, a person is simply acting out of conditioning. Without Authority, they are making decisions that are based on the mind or external pressures, rather than their own internal truth. In relationships, this leads to conflict, frustration, and confusion. When Strategy and Authority are correctly followed, the individual is in alignment, and relationships can blossom in the most authentic, harmonious way.

The Four Types and Their Unique Strategies

Each Type in Human Design has a unique Strategy that dictates how they interact with others and how they make decisions in life. Understanding and honoring these Strategies in relationship dynamics is the key to reducing friction and inviting flow.

1. Manifestor Strategy: Inform Before Acting

How it works: Manifestors are designed to initiate action. However, the key to their success in relationships is not to just take action, but to inform others before they act.
Why it’s important: Manifestors create impact, and their energy can be powerful and, at times, disruptive. By informing others, they reduce the resistance they encounter and create a smoother, more supportive dynamic.
In relationships: Manifestors often need space and freedom, but informing their partner of their intentions or actions allows them to prevent miscommunication and misunderstanding.

2. Generator Strategy: Wait to Respond

How it works: Generators (and Manifesting Generators) are not designed to initiate. Instead, they must wait for something external to spark a response. This could be an invitation, a question, or an opportunity.
Why it’s important: When Generators follow this Strategy, they create opportunities for satisfaction and fulfillment. When they initiate without waiting for the right response, they can quickly become frustrated and exhausted.
In relationships: Generators thrive when their partner knows to wait for them to respond rather than pressuring them into decisions. The right relationships for Generators are those where there is time to truly respond to life and not be driven by the pressure to make decisions.

3. Projector Strategy: Wait for the Invitation

How it works: Projectors are designed to guide and direct energy, but they can only do so effectively when they are invited. They are not here to initiate or push themselves forward.
Why it’s important: Projectors thrive when others recognize and invite their wisdom, guidance, and insight. When they are forced to initiate or push their presence on others, they often experience bitterness and exhaustion.
In relationships: Projectors need their partner to recognize them for who they are and invite them into a deeper connection. Without this, they can feel invisible or unappreciated.

4. Reflector Strategy: Wait a Full Lunar Cycle (28 Days)

How it works: Reflectors are designed to wait 28 days — a full lunar cycle — before making major decisions or committing to relationships.
Why it’s important: Reflectors are unique in that they have no fixed centers and are deeply influenced by the environment and the people around them. Time allows them to sample the energy of those around them and reflect the true nature of what they experience.
In relationships: Reflectors should not rush into commitments. They need the space and time to fully experience the dynamic with their partner before making any decisions.

Authority: Your Inner Compass

While Strategy tells you how to interact with the world, Authority tells you how to make the decisions that align with your true nature. It is your inner compass, guiding you toward the experiences that will bring you the most fulfillment. There are different Authorities based on your chart, and each one brings a unique way of making decisions.

1. Emotional Authority (Solar Plexus)

How it works: People with Emotional Authority need time to make decisions. They are designed to ride the emotional wave, not make decisions in the heat of the moment.
Why it’s important: Rushed decisions often lead to regret, and emotional clarity comes with time. The key for Emotional Authorities is to wait until they are calm to decide.
In relationships: Emotional Authorities need a partner who respects their need for emotional space and time to process.

2. Sacral Authority (Sacral Center)

How it works: People with Sacral Authority have a gut response that tells them whether something is correct for them or not. This is a clear, physical sensation of yes or no.
Why it’s important: Sacral Authority is the quickest of all the Authorities. It’s a clear “yes” or “no” that arises from deep within the body.
In relationships: Sacral Authorities thrive when they trust their gut instincts. In relationships, they need a partner who allows them to respond authentically to what feels right.

3. Splenic Authority (Spleen Center)

How it works: Splenic Authority is based on instinctive knowing. It’s a very quiet, subtle voice that tells you what is correct in the moment.
Why it’s important: Unlike Sacral Authority, which is immediate, the Splenic Authority gives you a brief flash of insight. You must trust it when it arises.
In relationships: People with Splenic Authority need a partner who can respect their quiet decision-making process and not rush them.

4. Ego Authority (Heart Center)

How it works: People with Ego Authority make decisions based on what is in their best interest. It’s an internal drive to fulfill their desires and will.
Why it’s important: The key for Ego Authorities is to honor their personal desires and not make decisions based on what others expect.
In relationships: Ego Authorities need a partner who allows them to take the lead in what feels best for them without guilt.

5. Self-Projected Authority (G Center)

How it works: People with Self-Projected Authority must talk things out in order to arrive at clarity. Their decision-making is best when they speak out loud about their options.
Why it’s important: The key here is to hear themselves — to talk to someone who is a sounding board.
In relationships: Self-Projected Authorities need someone who is willing to listen and reflect, not interrupt or offer solutions.

6. Mental Authority (Head or Ajna Center)

How it works: People with Mental Authority make decisions through mental clarity. They need to engage in deep thought before committing to any major decision.
Why it’s important: Mental Authorities need a lot of space to think and process information.
In relationships: They need a partner who can offer a supportive, non-pressured space for mental processing.

Strategy and Authority in Relationships: A Roadmap for Success

Ra emphasized that living your Strategy and Authority is the foundation of any healthy relationship. Without it, you will likely experience frustration, bitterness, anger, or disappointment.

In relationships, honoring your own inner process — whether it’s waiting for clarity, responding authentically, informing others, or receiving an invitation — is vital. When both partners are living their designs and respecting each other’s mechanical process, relationships can thrive in an incredibly harmonious way.

Final Insight from Ra:

“In relationships, you’re not here to change each other. You’re here to respect each other’s designs and allow each other the space to be authentic.”

Human Design Academy By Ra Uru Hu Understanding Our Design in Relationships - 1998 - CD 1 - Track 03