Learn the differences between dormant gates and hanging gates in Human Design – what they are, and how they each behave. We’ll also cover several other terms you’re likely to encounter in relation to gates.
Hanging Gates in Human Design, and Dormant or Sleeping Gates
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When you create you Human Design chart and start to learn how to read all the information it contains, you really only need a basic grasp of the components initially, such as the 9 energy centers, the energy type, and the 12 profiles.
However, as you begin to look more closely at your body graph and what it means for your genetic Design, it can be helpful to have an understanding of some of the more advanced language you may hear.
Download your own Human Design body graph chart for free, Simply input your birth date, birth time, and location, and you’ll gain instant access.
The Different Kinds of Gates
When we talk about the Human Design system, developed by Ra Uru Hu, you will hear a few different terms related to gates. Some of these are explained in our comprehensive post on the subject, and I recommend you start there for a foundational understanding of gates.
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Below I expand on those which are not covered in detail in the comprehensive post, including:
- Hanging gates
- Dormant gates, also known as sleeping gates
- Harmonic gates, also known as complementary gates
And of course you’ll already be familiar with the following from the above mentioned post:
- Defined gates, also known as activated gates
- Undefined gates
- Conscious gates
- Unconscious gates
As you will by now be aware, a defined gate refers to any which is ‘switched on’ or activated, hence also being referred to as activated gates.
It follows then that an undefined gate is one which is not activated.
Now let’s go over what some of these different terms refer to…
What Are Hanging Gates?
In Human Design, full channels are created by defined gates at either end, in adjacent centers (represented by geometric shapes on a body graph). When a channel between centers is defined by two activated gates, it also creates definition in both centres at either end.
However, when only one gate of a channel is defined, preventing definition in the other side of the channel (and meaning neither of the centers at either end are defined by that specific gate), it creates what’s known as a hanging gate.
Hanging gates then, are categorised according to whether their channels have definition.
Let’s take a look at a working example…
Below is my own chart. The defined centers show that my Human Design type is a Projector.
My profile can be taken from my conscious sun, the second number at the top of the conscious Personality line (black numbers on the right), followed by my unconscious sun, the second number at the top of the unconscious Design line on the left.
In this example, my profile is 2/4 Hermit Opportunist and I have triple split definition (it’s also possible to have single definition, split, or quad split definition).
My incarnation cross, which represents sense of purpose in life, is taken from the top two numbers before the decimal point in both the Design and Personality lines. So for this example, mine is 37-40 / 9-16: The Personal Life Theme of Planning (1).
Note on traditional Human Design bodygraph charts the Design line consists of red numbers.
You’ll see I have an undefined Head, G centre, and Sacral. My Ajna center, Throat, Heart, Spleen center, Solar Plexus, and Root are all defined.
If we work down from the open Head center (technically undefined since Gate 63 is activated), you’ll see that the following hanging gates are circled in bright blue:
- 63 – Gate of Doubt / Logic
- 24 – Gate of Rationalisation / Wisdom
- 16 – Gate of Skills / Enthusiasm
- 8 – Gate of Contribution / Modelling by Example
- 10 – Gate of Behaviour of the Self / Authenticity
- 51 – Gate of Shock / Awakening
- 26 – Gate of Egoist / Taming Power of the Great
- 5 – Gate of Fixed Rhythms / Patterns
- 14 – Gate of Power Skills / Purpose
- 9 – Gate of Focus
- 54 – Gate of Drive / Ambition
- 19 – Gate of Wanting / Needs
- 41 – Gate of Contraction / Fantasy
My G center, aka Identity center, is also undefined since it has no complete channels. In order to complete a channel and create definition, either the Gate of Self Expression (1), the Gate of Love (25), the Gate of Direction of the Self (2), or Gate of Extremes (15) would need to be activated.
In order to have a defined Sacral center, gate 15, 2, or 52 would need to be activated.
It’s relatively to common to find that family members create a complete channel together, which can be determined from a Human Design composite chart.
Hanging gates in undefined centers have such powerful life force energy that they play a pivotal role in our compulsion to cling to not-self strategies.
What Are Dormant Gates or Sleeping Gates?
While hanging gates are classified in reference to the incomplete definition in their channel, sleeping or dormant gates relate to the center of an activated gate.
Where there is gate activation in an undefined center, it’s known as a sleeping gate or a dormant gate. This name comes from the idea that the gate is defined and asleep or dormant, waiting to be completed.
Note that it would be incorrect to say that these gates are located in open centers, since an open center has no defined gates.
With the above in mind, it’s possible for a Human Design gate to be both sleeping and hanging. However, just to confuse you, while a dormant gate is by definition always a hanging gate, a hanging gate may or may not also be sleeping.
For clarity, a dormant gate is activated in an undefined center, and for the center to be undefined it must have no defined channel. And as we know, a defined gate without definition in its channel = a hanging gate.
On the other hand, a hanging gate may be found in a defined center, if another activated gate creates definition in the center.
What Are Harmonic Gates?
Finally, a gate at the other end of a channel in an adjacent centre is known as a harmonic or complementary gate. Harmonic gates may be open or defined, and are fascinating in the context of an individual’s Design.
As we have learned by now, openness is where we’re susceptible to conditioning and not-self themes (sometimes referred to as low expression). Therefore it follows that definition in channels facilitates living the highest expression of our authentic self.
It’s natural to seek out harmony by completing channels, and where we have a hanging gate, the only way to achieve this is with somebody else whose harmonic gate to ours is activated. In this way, we can achieve that much-sought high expression together.
As mentioned above, this can often be found between family members, but can also take place between friends or lovers.
It’s important to be vigilant for the potential for codependency to be established in these connections, as awareness is the best prevention for unhealthy relationships developing.
Ready to Order Your Report?
Curious to find out more, or order a reading for yourself or a loved one?
A comprehensive report can be an excellent tool to help deepen your relationships. And, newly unique to the market, child reports are now also available to help strengthen your connection with your child, and support their wellbeing.
Hot tip: Use code HD963K2 for a 25% discount when you purchase two or more reports!
Unlike the free reports typically available online, the offering from Supernatural Coaching is a 120+ page comprehensive deep-dive into your unique Design and type, also covering profiles and themes and providing a quick reference guide and workbook.
What the Science Says
As I’ve discussed in more depth in other posts, there’s no research to support the various concepts involved in Human Design. Yet, the New-Age philosophy continues to grow in popularity.
One thing that has been proven is that practicing spirituality provides comfort and increased wellbeing, and there is value in that, as evidenced by a study conducted in 20201.
Sources
- Bożek A, Nowak PF and Blukacz M (2020) The Relationship Between Spirituality, Health-Related Behavior, and Psychological Well-Being. Front. Psychol. 11:1997. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01997.