The Left Angle Cross of Upheaval in Human Design represents one of the 192 Incarnation Crosses, embodying a powerful theme of transformation through challenge and growth. This Cross combines the energies of four specific Gates: Gate 17 (Opinions), Gate 18 (Correction), Gate 38 (The Fighter), and Gate 39 (Provocation). This unique configuration creates a profound capacity for catalyzing change through constructive confrontation and the pursuit of truth.
The 4 Gates in The Left Angle Cross of Upheaval
1. Gate 17 (Opinions)
- Launches new ideas that are yet to be proven
- Represents an energy of curiosity rather than certainty
- Brings mastery through pattern correction over time
- People with this Gate naturally question existing structures
2. Gate 18 (Correction)
- Carries the intuitive drive for perfection
- Functions as the Gate of the editor and accountant
- Operates through splenic awareness rather than mental processing
- Holds the potential for deep pattern recognition and correction
3. Gate 38 (The Fighter)
- Seeks meaning and purpose through struggle
- Drives the search for what is worth fighting for
- Carries adrenaline-based energy for finding life purpose
- Demonstrates natural stubbornness in pursuit of values
4. Gate 39 (Provocation)
- Contains deeply emotional and rich energy
- Brings musical, creative, and passionate expression
- Creates both challenge and opportunity through provocation
- Can manifest as either playful teasing or deeper emotional stirring
The Core Theme of this Left Angle Cross: Transformative Challenge
Human Design’s Left Angle Cross of Upheaval embodies a journey of transformation through constructive confrontation and purposeful challenge. This Cross carries an inner drive to question, correct, and fight for meaningful change, consistently returning to a desire to provoke necessary evolution. People with this Cross often serve as catalysts for change, bringing their powerful combination of questioning insight and determined purpose to create transformation in collective systems.
Detailed Analysis of The Two Variations of The Left Angle Cross of Upheaval
Thematic Core: Transformative Opposition
Both variations of this Cross share the fundamental theme of creating change through purposeful challenge and opposition. Each configuration emphasizes different aspects of this journey:
1. The Left Angle Cross of Upheaval 1 (17/18 | 38/39)

Primary Energy Flow: Opinions → Correction → The Fighter → Provocation
The Left Angle Cross of Upheaval 1 begins with questioning (Gate 17), making it the most naturally investigative configuration. Think of it as starting with doubt that grows into a purposeful challenge.
Characteristic Traits:
- Leads with questioning and analysis
- Naturally investigative approach
- Strong pattern recognition
- Builds fighting spirit through discovered truth
Professional Expression:
- Excels in research and investigation roles
- Natural talent for quality control
- Effective at identifying systemic issues
- Strong at motivating change through insight
2. The Left Angle Cross of Upheaval 2 (18/17 | 39/38)

Primary Energy Flow: Correction → Opinions → Provocation → The Fighter
Beginning with correction (Gate 18), the Left Angle Cross of Upheaval 2 starts with an intuitive awareness of what needs fixing and builds toward purposeful challenge.
Characteristic Traits:
- Leads with perfectionist tendencies
- Naturally detail-oriented approach
- Develops questioning mind through experience
- Builds fighting spirit through proven patterns
Professional Expression:
- Excels in quality assurance roles
- Natural talent for system optimization
- Effective at implementing improvements
- Strong at maintaining standards through challenge
Application of this Left Angle Cross to Your Professional Life
Your Left Angle Cross of Upheaval brings unique abilities that make you particularly valuable in professional roles requiring transformation, quality control, and systemic improvement. Your Gate 17 allows you to question effectively, while Gate 18 brings the perfectionist drive needed for improvement. Gate 38 helps you persist through challenges, and Gate 39 ensures your work creates necessary provocation for change.
Your Natural Professional Gifts
In the workplace, your Cross of Upheaval creates a unique signature that makes you especially effective at:
- Identifying systemic problems
- Implementing necessary corrections
- Creating constructive conflict
- Driving meaningful change
Ideal Professional Roles
- Quality assurance manager
- Systems analyst
- Change management consultant
- Compliance officer
- Research investigator
- Process improvement specialist
- Organizational development consultant
The Left Angle Cross of Upheaval in Your Intimate Relationships
As a carrier of the Upheaval Cross, you bring a unique dynamic to your intimate relationships. Your Gate 17 naturally questions existing patterns, while Gate 18 seeks to perfect them. This combination can create both challenge and growth in relationships, as you consistently work to improve connections through constructive confrontation.
Making Relationship Choices Through Your Left Angle Cross of Upheaval
Understanding Your Attraction Patterns:
- Drawn to partners who welcome growth through challenge
- Attracted to those who value truth and improvement
- Natural chemistry with other transformation-oriented individuals
- Strong connection with those who appreciate direct communication
Building Sustainable Connections
The most sustainable relationships for your Cross often develop through:
- Shared commitment to growth
- Mutual appreciation for truth-seeking
- Balanced approach to confrontation
- Recognition of each partner’s need for independence
Parenting Through Your Design
Your Left Angle Cross of Upheaval brings both unique strengths and challenges to your parenting journey. Your children benefit from your natural ability to:
- Question and improve established patterns
- Teach critical thinking skills
- Model authentic truth-seeking
- Demonstrate purposeful resistance to conformity
Navigating Your Child’s Growth
Whether guiding a toddler through developmental stages or supporting a teenager’s journey to independence, your Gate 17 helps you question traditional approaches to find what truly works for your child. For instance, when your child faces challenges, you naturally help them examine different perspectives and solutions rather than accepting conventional wisdom.

Your Gate 18 gives you the intuitive ability to recognize what needs correction, while Gate 38 provides the determination to fight for your child’s best interests. You might find yourself saying things like, “Let’s look at why this isn’t working and find a better way together.”
Creating Family Dynamics
Your presence naturally helps create a family environment where:
- Critical thinking is encouraged
- Questions are welcomed
- Personal growth is prioritized
- Standing up for beliefs is valued
During family transitions or challenges, you might find yourself naturally:
- Questioning ineffective patterns
- Suggesting improvements to family systems
- Fighting for necessary changes
- Creating constructive tension for growth
The Balance of Challenge and Support
One of your unique challenges as a parent with this Cross is finding the balance between pushing for growth and providing stability. Your Gate 17 (Opinions) and Gate 39 (Provocation) might sometimes create more upheaval than your children are ready to handle, requiring conscious moderation of your transformative energy.
Building Long-Term Resilience
Through your parenting style, you’re teaching your children invaluable life skills:
- How to question constructively
- The importance of standing up for truth
- The value of necessary conflict
- The power of being authentic
A Personal Experience
Consider this scenario: Your child encounters an unfair situation at school. While other parents might simply comfort their child or immediately contact authorities, your Upheaval Cross guides you differently:
- Your Gate 17 helps them question the situation objectively
- Gate 18 guides them in identifying what needs to change
- Gate 38 teaches them how to fight for what’s right
- Gate 39 shows them how to provoke necessary discussion
As the situation unfolds, you might create opportunities for them to:
- Analyze the root causes
- Develop practical solutions
- Learn to stand up for themselves
- Share their insights with others
Your Left Angle Cross of Upheaval: The Path of Transformative Truth
Your Left Angle Cross of Upheaval carries a profound purpose in the human story. Through the interaction of your four Gates: the questioning nature of Gate 17, the perfecting drive of Gate 18, the fighting spirit of Gate 38, and the provocative energy of Gate 39; you’re designed to be a masterful catalyst for necessary change and evolution.

Your presence serves as a reminder that genuine transformation often requires constructive confrontation and the courage to question existing patterns. While this path may sometimes feel challenging, your unique combination of Gates shows others that lasting change often begins with honest questioning, is refined through correction, is strengthened through purposeful struggle, and is actualized through necessary provocation.
Do You Have The Left Angle Cross of Upheaval in Your Human Design?
To find out what your Incarnation Cross is why not download your FREE Human Design chart
Remember that we all have ALL of the chart. If the Gate is colored in or defined, it’s part of your Soul Curriculum. If it’s white or undefined, it means you learn about this Gate through relationships with others or through the Transits.
At its core, Human Design is a unique system that offers profound insights into your inner self and how you interact with the world around you. Your Human Design chart is a valuable tool that can help you understand your true nature, discover your strengths and weaknesses, and unlock your full potential.
By downloading and reviewing your unique Human Design Chart you are embarking on a journey of self-discovery that will empower you to make conscious choices in all aspects of your life. Your chart is an Energy Blueprint of your unique energy configuration and contains valuable information about your personality traits, your natural talents, and your life purpose. With this knowledge, you’ll navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and clarity.
Human Design is a deeply empowering system that encourages us to embrace our true selves, rewrite our personal narrative, and live in alignment with our inner wisdom. When we align with our authentic nature, we tap into a wellspring of creativity, joy, and fulfillment that flows effortlessly through us.
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