Death, Dying and Bardo

Death and Bardo, in Human Design, are mechanical processes, not mystical or religious concepts. Death is the moment when the body releases the consciousness, and the Magnetic Monopole—the force that holds the body and consciousness together—lets go. This marks the end of biological life. The Design Crystal, responsible for the form, returns to the Earth, while the Personality Crystal—the consciousness—enters the Bardo state.

The 72 Hour Transitional Period

The Bardo is a transitional state lasting up to 72 hours, during which the Personality Crystal experiences itself without the constraints of the body. It’s a rare moment of pure awareness, free from the conditioning of life. This is not about judgment or reincarnation, it’s a mechanical process tied to the brain’s residual activity after death. The Personality Crystal uses this remaining energy to reflect on its journey, gaining clarity about what was and wasn’t aligned during life.

The Life Review

For most, the Bardo reveals what they missed—the conditioning, the distractions, the unfulfilled potential. It’s not a mystical escape but a final opportunity to see life as it was. For those who lived correctly, aligned with their design, the Bardo is less surprising—a continuation of the awareness they cultivated in life.

The key to a graceful death and a clear Bardo experience lies in living as yourself. Following your Strategy and Authority in life prepares you for this transition. Additionally, leaving the body undisturbed for 72 hours after death allows the Bardo process to unfold naturally, without interference.

Ultimately, the Bardo is not something to fear or romanticize. It’s a mechanical transition, a moment of liberation, and a reflection of how you lived. The real work is in life—living as yourself, free from conditioning. When you do, death becomes a natural, even magical, completion of the journey.