The four arrows beside the head of the bodygraph are the variables. They describe very specific aspects of how your body and mind work best. They are the most refined layer of the system: worth exploring once you've lived your strategy and authority for a while.
This article is part of our complete Human Design guide. If you don't have your chart yet, get your free Human Design chart.
How to read the arrows
Each arrow points left or right. Left arrows describe a more strategic, focused, active way of functioning. Right arrows describe a more receptive, peripheral, passive way. The two on the Design side (red) relate to the body: digestion and environment. The two on the Personality side (black) relate to the mind: perspective and motivation.
Digestion (Determination)
How your body best takes in food and nourishment. The six types are Appetite (consecutive or alternating), Taste (open or closed), Thirst (hot or cold), Touch (calm or nervous), Sound (high or low) and Light (direct or indirect).
Environment
The kind of place where you thrive. The six environments are Caves (selective or blending), Markets (internal or external), Kitchens (wet or dry), Mountains (active or passive), Valleys (narrow or wide) and Shores (natural or artificial). The right environment brings the right people.
Perspective and motivation
Perspective (view) describes what your mind naturally focuses on: Survival, Possibility, Power, Wanting, Probability or Personal. Motivation describes the real driver behind your mind: Fear, Hope, Desire, Need, Guilt or Innocence. Each one has a 'transference' that shows up when the mind is conditioned.
Frequently asked questions
What is my Human Design environment?+
It is shown by the lower arrow on the Design side of your chart. A full chart lists it as Caves, Markets, Kitchens, Mountains, Valleys or Shores.
Should I start with variables?+
Not usually. They are the finest layer; type, strategy and authority come first.