What is Circuitry in Human Design?

Circuitry in Human Design is the matrix of energetic pathways that connect the Centers in the BodyGraph. These pathways, called Channels, are grouped into Circuits, each with its own unique purpose and theme. Circuitry reveals how energy flows within you and how you connect with others and the world. It’s a map of human interaction, showing the mechanics of empowerment, sharing, and support.

There are three main Circuit Groups: Individual, Collective, and Tribal each with its own keynotes and sub-circuits. Let’s explore them:

Individual Circuit Group (Empowerment)

The Individual Circuit Group is about mutation and uniqueness. It’s the energy of being different, of bringing change to the world. The keynote here is empowerment—empowering yourself and others by being authentic, creative, and inspired. This group includes two circuits—plus the Integration Channel:

Knowing Circuit: This circuit is deeply acoustic, focused on inner truth and mutation through individual knowing rather than logical reasoning or sensing. Its energy is melancholic and deeply creative, designed to express unique insights that can potentially influence and empower others over time.

Centering Circuit: The Centering Circuit is about the empowerment of the individual through love of the self and conviction, rooted in deep individuality that can impact others through example. It is concerned with self-love and behavior, emphasizing a personal alignment that inspires others by simply being oneself.

Integration Channel: The Integration Channel is formed by four Gates (34, 57, 10, and 20) that embody the self-empowered ability to “intuitively know how to behave and act in the now.” It highlights the individual’s inherent capacity to survive independently, carrying a power that exists solely for personal use and cannot be relied upon or shared with others.

Collective Circuit Group (Sharing)

The Collective Circuit Group is about reflection and projection. It’s the energy of sharing experiences and understanding for the benefit of the whole. The keynote here is sharing—offering what you’ve learned to others. This group includes:

Understanding (Logic) Circuit: The Understanding Circuit is a collective circuit focused on testing and validating patterns through repetition and experimentation. Its drive is to improve life through logical solutions that make sense for the future, sharing findings with others once proven through time and trial.

Sensing (Abstract) Circuit: The Abstract Circuit is part of the collective circuitry that reflects on the past, driven to make sense of experiences through emotional processing. It doesn't seek solutions, but rather aims to extract meaning from memories and share those insights through storytelling and emotional expression.

Tribal Circuit Group (Support)

The Tribal Circuit Group is the foundation of community, family, and civilization. It’s about support, ensuring the survival and well-being of the group. The keynote here is support—providing for and protecting one another. This group includes:

Ego Circuit: Part of the Tribal circuitry, responsible for managing the material world through willpower, bargains, and support. It ensures the tribe’s well-being by securing resources, enforcing agreements, and sustaining values that maintain order and survival.

Defense Circuit: A minor Tribal circuit focused exclusively on survival through reproduction and nurturing. Its energy is instinctual and intimate, ensuring protection and bonding through parent-child connections that preserve the tribe’s continuity.

Circuitry is not just about you—it’s about how you connect with others. People with similar circuitry may naturally resonate, while those with different circuitry complement each other. Understanding which circuits are most prevalent in your chart, by looking at your Channels and Gates, helps you see your role in the larger human tapestry—whether it’s bringing mutation, sharing information and experience, or supporting your community.