Why Quick Decisions Don't Work for Reflectors

This whole "wait 28 days to decide" thing is no joke. While it may seem totally out of whack with today's fast-paced work environments and constantly changing priorities, the 28 day rule is there for a good reason. 

The lunar cycle isn't something that was imposed on Reflectors to limit our ability to function in the world. Actually, it's quite the opposite. 

A bit of Background

So the moon transitions from new moon to first quarter, full moon, and then third quarter before starting the process over again. You can see this just by watching the sky at night. But what you can't really see with your eyes, even though you'll definitely feel it, is the fact that the moon also transitions through every single gate in the Human Design hexagram over that same time period. 

That's 64 gates getting activated over 28 days, so you're actually getting 2 to 3 gates per day. 

Each gate has its own characteristics, so  image a row of light switches that one by one get flipped ON for about half a day and then suddenly it's OFF. As each gate is activated you will experience it as though that gate is defined in your chart, for better or worse!

How this Affects Decision-Making

When you're faced with a decision to make, like buying a new house, if put on the spot you're likely going to make the call based on whichever gate is activated at that moment, and it can leave you with a big pile of regret later that day when the moon moves onto the next gate. 

I know it's not convenient to wait for 28 days and you're going to get pressure from everyone around you to just make up your mind. 

*Tip: Being proactive about decisions can save you tons of emotional stress. The moment you start thinking about moving, going on vacation, switching jobs, having a child, getting into a serious relationship, or any other big change, start the process of your 28 day cycle. Take some time each day by yourself to think about or feel what it would be like. You might even drive to the neighborhood you're looking at and sit on a park bench to observe the area. It will give you a head start on making the decision and even if you don't get through a full cycle, you'll be way better off than before. 

As Reflectors we can't assume that the feelings and moods we experience are our own, so we need to wait out the entire 28 day wave of ups, downs, busy energy, and blah days before we come out on the other side with a perspective that's truly our own. Just because our centers are undefined and we're easily influenced doesn't mean we don't have a design and personality of our own! 

There are many other aspects of our charts that contribute to who we are, beyond the undefined centers. No two Reflectors are the same, so allowing yourself to experience the possibility of moving into a new home throughout the lunar cycle will give you a sense of how you really feel about it. 

What About the Other Types?

Us Reflectors are lunar beings while the remaining 99% are solar beings. Doesn't get any more opposite than that! The sun is a bit more slow and steady as it moves through the gates, about a year versus the moon's zippy 28 days, so Manifestors, Generators, Manifesting-Generators, and  Projectors will feel the gates being activated week by week. Plus, with at least one center defined, the other types aren't as influenced by their surroundings as we are. 

And if I Don't Wait 28 Days?

The sign a Reflector will experience when living in alignment is called "Surprise" but it's not exactly the kind of surprise you'd feel walking into a birthday party planned for you in secret. It's much more subtle. After making a really intentional decision where you took your time, you might feel a sense of things clicking into place. A Goldilocks moment where things are just right. 

On the flip side, our "not self theme" is called Disappointment and oh boy does it hit hard. Rush through a decision and you may wind up with extreme regret, guilt, confusion, or any number of other emotions that scream "THIS IS NOT RIGHT!". 

I don't suggest making a quick decision just to see what disappointment looks like for you. Instead, think back over some big events in your life and reflect on how they felt on the other side of the decision. 

What Should I Have for Dinner?

Ok, no. Not all decisions need a 28 day waiting period but only you will know where to draw that line. All Human Design types should make decisions according to their Strategy and Authority, and having all our centers undefined means that we're supposed to experience influences, invitations, ideas, and feelings from others as part of our human experience. So let your friend take you out for Italian food in a different town this weekend. The stakes are low and you can always change your mind if you're not feeling it when you get there. Plus, you might spot a gorgeous painting in the restaurant that fills you with surprise and delight. Totally worth it!