Find out where to generate a free Human Design composite chart, as well as what the different types of connection channels mean for your relationship.
What is a Human Design Composite Chart?
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In Human Design, a composite chart (also known as a relationship, partnership, or connection chart) is one which combines the body graphs of two different people.
Only simple split definitions are designed to be in relationships.
This chart will show all of the defined gates in each center, from both individual charts.
It will also show defined and undefined channels, so you can easily see areas of common definition; this includes where definition is created by each partner having a defined gate at one end of a channel, thus completing the channel between them.
If you’ve looked into single and split definition in relationship dynamics already, then you’ll know that only simple split definitions are designed to be in relationships. It is simply not the correct life path for single, triple split and quadruple split definition types.
With this in mind, the more you can learn and be aware of, the better chance you stand of making a partnership work!
Quick recap of Human Design
Human Design, developed by Ra Uru Hu, is a system based on several modalities, including:
There are many different components to Human Design, but at the most basic level, it’s helpful to know your energy type and Human Design profile. The different Human Design types consist of:
The most important thing for getting started as a student of Human Design is to generate your own chart, or body graph. Read our Human Design guide to learn how to read your Human Design chart.
Once you’ve established a foundational understanding of the system, for a deeper understanding you can then consider moving on to more advanced material, such as a composite relationship chart.
Where Can I Create a Human Design Composite Chart?
The first thing to do is to go to our Human Design compatibility calculator and create a chart for your own Design.
If you’re interested in learning about how yourself and a life partner collaborate energetically, it can be useful to generate a partnership chart. Note that this could be valuable for multiple different types of unions in the world of human relations:
- Romantic relationships
- Business partners and colleagues
- Parent / child or other family dynamics
To get yours, the first thing to do is to go to our Human Design compatibility calculator and create a chart for your own Design.
On the results page of your personal Human Design bodygraph, you’ll find a link to the top left of the chart with the option to create a new relationship chart, like this:
Click the link and enter your partner’s birth info, including birth date and place of birth.
Click ‘View your Chart’ and you’ll generate a connection chart showing both individual charts, with the integrated composite chart between them, like this:
Defined centers both determine center compatibility, and give rise to a connection theme.
As you can see above, the composite Human Design chart shows which specific gates and channels are defined (whether in an individual, or in combination where each partner has one defined gate of a given channel), which centers are activated as a result, and what kind of definition this produces.
Defined centers both determine center compatibility, and give rise to a connection theme (more on these topics later).
What Are the Different Types of Connection Channels?
Below the chart example above, you’ll also find a list of the different types of channel definition, known as connection channels and comprising of:
- Companionship or friendship channels
- Electromagnetic or attraction channels
- Dominance channels
- Compromise channels
Let’s dive into what these different kinds of connection mean for your relationship…
Companionship Channels
Also known as friendship channels, these are the defined channels that both partners have in common.
Friendship channels can lack the growth potential of other types of channels.
Friendship channels represent trust, stability, empathy, and mutual respect. This is where your true nature will match, meaning you share views and values, so there will be no conflict in this area.
On the other hand, friendship channels can lack the growth potential of other types of channels, and energetically, attraction can suffer due to the steady nature of the dynamic, which may be interpreted as a lack of excitement.
Electromagnetic Channels
Also known as attraction channels, electromagnetic channels occur when each partner has one half of a channel defined, with the other person ‘completing’ the entire channel.
Through a connection of your joint gates, these defined gates activate the third energy of that channel, creating a completely new quality. (Read our guide to Human Design channels for fuller descriptions of the gates.)
This level of intensity can go both ways, giving rise to a push/pull dynamic.
In this configuration, it is human nature that each side of the channel is strongly attracted to the energy of its ‘other half’. Together they create a super passionate synergy – electromagnetic connections – hence the name.
However (of course!), this genetic level of intensity can go both ways, giving rise to a love/hate dynamic.
Order Your Human Design Report!
If you’re intrigued by what you’re reading and would like to delve further into your Design, why not order a thorough Human Design reading report for yourself or a loved one?
Hot tip: Use code HD963K2 for a 25% discount when you purchase two or more reports!
Child reports, unique to the market, are now also available to help strengthen your connection with your child, and support their wellbeing.
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.
Dominance Channels
Dominance channels occur when a channel is defined for one person and undefined for the other.
In this combination, the dominant channel will naturally lend their energy to the open channel. The open channel partner will take in, experience, and amplify the frequency of energy from their partner.
This can be a very healthy and positive dynamic.
When approached with a healthy perspective, a dominance channel is a great opportunity to learn from each other thanks to consistent energy in this type of connection.
This dynamic could be considered as one partner shoring up the other with their strengths; as such this can be a very healthy and positive dynamic.
Compromise Channels
Compromise channels occur when one partner has the whole channel defined, and the other has only one gate.
When these two auras come together, it creates a push/pull compromise of energy, with the person who has the whole channel pulling the other into their energy.
The correct way to navigate this configuration is for the person with only one gate defined to resist the energy of their partner. With this in mind, it’s vital that they set and enforce healthy boundaries in the relationship.
What Are the Different Connection Themes?
Connection themes represent how many energy centers are activated vs open, and are a key area to consider when analysing the information in a partnership chart. They are made up of the following names and numbers (a little bit like bingo!):
- 5-4: Not a relationship anymore
- 6-3: Better to be free
- 7-2: Work to do
- 8-1: Have some fun
- 9-0: Nowhere to go
Let’s take a look at a breakdown of each connection theme and the different ways they manifest…
5-4: Not a Relationship Anymore
5 defined centers and 4 open or undefined centers.
When this theme works, it works very, very well.
In this dynamic, there tends to be many differences of opinion, and even values – which inevitably leads to conflict.
However, if both partners demonstrate good self-awareness of their true self and a commitment to mutual understanding and acceptance, such a relationship has the potential for sparks to fly in a positive way!
When this theme works, it works very, very well – better than any other combination.
6-3: Better to Be Free
6 defined centers and 3 open or undefined centers.
Too much time together can cause energetic friction.
As the name suggests, this is not generally a very compatible dynamic. However, that’s not to say it can’t work very well, it simply takes lots of communication to avoid misunderstandings and tension.
For this configuration to work, the most important element of the relationship is space.
Too much time together is what can cause energetic friction. But when both partners are willing to give each other plenty of time alone to recharge, they can come back together harmoniously – for short periods!
7-2: Work to Do
7 defined centers and 2 open or undefined centers.
In this formula, there is a lot of scope for power struggle and misinterpreting each other’s intentions.
It takes a lot of work to keep this union on an even keel.
In this dynamic it’s vital to allow each other plenty of time to pursue personal interests, and even to graciously take breaks from one another, without that deep need becoming problematic in itself – it’s sometimes necessary!
Providing each other with this personal space without reading anything into it, along with consistently practicing self-awareness so as not to become polarised, can help to avoid entering into conflicts.
As the name suggests, it takes a lot of work to keep this union on a positive, even keel.
8-1: Have Some Fun
8 defined centers and 1 open or undefined center.
The collective mechanics of both partners’ designs will ultimately determine the success of a partnership.
This combination refers to 8 activated centers, and the same open or undefined center on both charts. This center creates an opportunity to develop shared values and an abundance of common interests, and can result in a super healthy relationship.
However, just as every 5-4 union is not necessarily doomed, there’s no magic bullet for any real relationship, and all aspects of the bodygraph are relevant.
The collective mechanics of an individual’s unique design, in collaboration with their partners’, is what will ultimately influence how successful a partnership is and whether they’re able to maintain a harmonious relationship.
9-0: Nowhere to Go
All 9 centers defined.
This configuration is an unusually rare case, but very intense. Combined, the definition of each partner’s chart defines all 9 centers, ie. this union creates single definition, completing one another to the exclusion of all other human beings.
In terms of engaging in relationships correctly inner authority as a powerful decision-making tool.
In this dynamic, the complete self-sufficiency of the couple means nobody else gets a look in – they are simply not required. All other contact is superfluous and this can be beautiful for the couple… Or it can become unhealthy in an incorrect / bad relationship.
In the context of its name, this combination may demonstrate an abusive relationship: nowhere to go. This duo becomes consumed with one another. There’s no room for development, or for anybody else, perhaps not even a child.
Through this negative lens, it becomes apparent how valuable it is to follow inner authority as a powerful decision-making tool in terms of engaging in relationships correctly.
What Are the Different Center Compatibility Configurations?
In addition to connection themes, the configuration of defined and undefined or open centers is also important. Energy center compatibility comprises:
- Companional
- Electromagnetic
- Dominant
- Uncertain
Here’s what each one means for your relationship…
Companional
This refers to both partners having the same center defined.
In this dynamic, both individuals will have the same perspective and attitude towards the theme or topic of the center, and conflicts will be avoided.
Note, however, that each person may still have their own personal approach to certain areas. For example, if the couple both have a defined Solar Plexus center / defined emotional center, they will each have their own emotional wave.
Electromagnetic
This occurs when the center is not defined for either person individually, but becomes activated in the composite chart.
1 + 1 = 3.
When each partner has definition in one gate of a channel, the other ‘completes’ the full channel, creating definition in both the channel and also the centers it’s linked to.
This configuration creates an intense synergy, or electromagnetic connection, with the resulting combined life force energy being greater than the sum of its parts: 1 + 1 = 3.
Dominant
A center is dominant when it is activated in one person but undefined in the other.
In this dynamic it is correct for the person with the defined center to take the lead in this area, and it can be a great learning opportunity for the person with the open center.
Uncertain
An uncertain center is open or undefined for both partners.
Where there’s an uncertain center, each party will look outside of the partnership to experience the energy of this center.
The false self may blame the other person for the lack of energy, creating conflict. But on the other hand, it’s a great opportunity to develop deep wisdom collaboratively in the outside world.
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
In order to deconstruct and examine the topic covered in this post, I’m focusing on the idea of compatibility in the context of online matchmaking – simply because there’s some literature1 available on the subject.
For the purposes of this article it’s a good starting point from which to consider the validity of the subject.
Since the principle is similar, I’ve specifically been looking into eHarmony and its algorithm:
The concept is that people with matching goals and values are likely to fare best.
Arguably, this theme is also presented in Human Design compatibility. The theory is not identical, and it’s important to keep that in mind, but for the purposes of this article it’s a good starting point from which to consider the validity of the subject.
eHarmony’s senior research scientist, Gian C. Gonzaga suggests that an algorithm can empirically predict the outcome of a relationship before the couple ever meets:
“It is possible to empirically derive a matchmaking algorithm that predicts the relationship of a couple before they ever meet”.
Gian C. Gonzaga
Looking at a composite Human Design chart is comparable, in that it will allegedly show where two people will be attuned, or out of alignment and be vulnerable to potential conflict.
Professor of Psychology, Dr Harry T Reis argues however, “That agreeable person that you happen to be matching up with me would, in fact, get along famously with anyone in this room”.
In other words, eHarmony’s algorithm could merely reflect the well-known ‘person effect’2: an agreeable, non-neurotic, optimistic person will tend to fare better in any relationship.
We could draw the conclusion that looking at composite charts may not be the best predictor of relationship satisfaction.
So, in the context of Human Design compatibility, it may be that anybody with specific qualities would be more successful in a romantic relationship than their counterpart.
More importantly, perhaps, Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas, Austin, said “In the existing literature, similarity components are notoriously weak at accounting for relationship satisfaction”.
On this basis, we could draw the conclusion that looking at composite charts may not be the best predictor of relationship satisfaction.
This is technically covered in Human Design literature, when it’s suggested that a chart should be considered in its entirety, with all components taken into account.
It’s a fascinating system and essentially harmless if viewed with caution.
However, a true sceptic could argue that their are a number of caveats in the Human Design system and its various theories, specifically the need to consider all elements (energy types, Human Design profiles, authority, to name a few), and that following strategy and authority can also be enough to turn everything on its head.
As ever, there is no evidence to support Human Design theory. However, it’s a fascinating system and essentially harmless if viewed with caution. While I wouldn’t recommend making important decisions based on its teachings, it’s likely fine to take an interest in the idea of compatibility in Human Design.
Curious, is there any information for a connection theme of 3 – 6 ? Where there are only three defined centres and six open? The chart I have labeled it as “none” and I’m not sure what to make of it.
I was creating charts for my family to better understand our dynamics and well, my daughter and I only define 3 centres. (I am a 5/1 splenic projector with Spleen and Root defined whereas she is a 5/1 sacral projector having the same + sacral defined, so I wasn’t altogether surprised)
Thanks for any input!