1/3 Human Design (Investigator/Martyr)

1/3 in Human Design

What does it mean to have a 1/3 Profile?

After your Type, your Human Design profile is another important part of understanding your Design and discovering who you are. Your profile is the theme of how you learn, and it illuminates how you will travel on your life path.  

What Does it Mean to Have a 1/3 Profile in Human Design?

If you are a 1/3 profile, you have a life pattern of needing to investigate things and then experiment with them to see if they work. The first number is investigative energy. The second number is the experimental part of the profile. The 1/3 has to investigate first and then experiment, and always in that order. These are the people who will see the wet paint sign, see the wall with the wet paint, and still go to touch the paint to see if it is truly wet. 

A 1/3 profile in Human Design is like being both a deep-diving researcher and an adventurous experimenter. People with this profile love to dig deep into topics, wanting to know everything about something before they share their knowledge. They feel secure when they’re experts in their field. At the same time, they learn a lot through trial and error. They’re not afraid to make mistakes because each one teaches them something new​​​​.

This mix means they’re great at exploring new ideas but do so with a solid base of knowledge. They might struggle because they want to learn from their own experiences rather than just taking advice. This can make life feel like a constant discovery process, full of lessons from every success and failure​​.

For work, roles that mix research with new experiences suit them best, like being a researcher, teacher, or travel writer. They tend to get along well with others who have similar or compatible profiles, making certain partnerships particularly smooth​​.

In simple terms, if you’re a 1/3 profile, you’re naturally curious, love to learn by doing, and aren’t scared of failing because it’s just another way to learn. You feel best when you’re an expert on a topic, but you’re also always ready for a new adventure.

How Profiles are Determined in Human Design

In Human Design, everyone has a profile made up of two numbers between 1 and 6, like 1/3 or 2/5. These numbers come from your birth details and are a big part of your personality in Human Design. The first number talks about how you see yourself and is called the conscious number. The second number is about how others see you and is called the unconscious number. These numbers help explain your traits, how you act in life, and how you connect with others​​​​.

To find these numbers, you look at your Human Design chart at the positions of the Sun when you were born. The profile numbers give you a mix of characteristics that make up your personality in Human Design, offering insights into your strengths and how you naturally behave​​.

Chart showing where the Profile Lines come from

Understanding your Human Design profile can provide deeper insights into your personality, helping you to navigate life more effectively by understanding how you naturally interact with the world and how you can leverage your innate strengths and characteristics.

The 1/3 profile is the only Human Design profile with both lines in the lower trigram. The lower trigram is intrapersonal energy that is self-focused and about personal experience and understanding.  

Line 1 – The Investigator (The Resource)

If you are a first-line profile you are very curious by nature. The first line profile needs a foundation of information to feel safe and secure about the world. Before you can make a change or shift in your life, you need to investigate and learn everything about what you are about to do. If you go on vacation, you will read all the guidebooks beforehand so that you will be prepared for your adventure.

As a first-line profile, part of your life path is to share what you know with others. Other people likely see you as a resource or a go-to person who knows a lot. The challenge of being a first-line profile is that you don’t make changes easily and you can feel uncomfortable if you feel as if you don’t know enough. 

In relationships, the first line needs time to “study” their partner. You want to learn everything there is about them and relationships in general.

In its highest expression, you are deeply knowledgeable.

In its lowest expression, you are terrified of the unknown and can miss life experiences because you are too busy questioning them.

Line 3 – The Martyr (The Explorer)

If you are a third-line profile you learn by experimenting. You are here to share what works and what doesn’t based on your own experimentation. You have never made a mistake in your life. Everything that you have tried that didn’t work out was a crucial step in you mastering what does work. If you ever want to know the best way to do something, ask a third-line profile. They’ve tried everything.

As a third line, your life path is experiential. You have to do something to work out all the bugs. But sometimes a third-line profile will shut down out of fear of making a mistake or getting it “wrong,” especially if you’ve been judged or criticized for not getting it right.

It’s important to understand that all of your so-called mistakes are part of your learning curve. It doesn’t matter how much you know or how much you’ve prepared, things will go “wrong.” These “mistakes” aren’t a reflection of your character. They are a vital part of your experimental process that helps you discover, in a practical way, what is truly useful and effective. Around the age of forty, some of your experimentation will settle down. The experiences of your youthful exploration will give you the depth to be truly wise about life. You will always want to try everything, but by forty you’ll have a deeper awareness of what needs to be experienced and what doesn’t.

In relationships, you need a lot of time to get clear about what you want and need. The third line energy can often make you fall in love at first sight and think that you’ve found the One. Unfortunately, your third-line energy can make you fall out of love as quickly as you fall in love. As a third-line profile, you need a lot of space, freedom, and time in a relationship to know whether it is correct for you or not. Take it slow. It helps you avoid disappointment and keeps you from hurting others.

In its highest expression, you are wise about life based on your own experiments and experiences.

In its lowest expression, you are afraid to try new things because you know there will be a certain amount of trial and error associated with them.

Personality Traits: Healthy Skepticism, Research, And Discovery

Ra Uru Hu describes the first line, “as a species humans are primarily motivated by their need to survive, and finding a reliable source of security addresses that need.” First Line Energy wants to know everything and is amazing at research; especially in areas that they are truly interested in. A healthy skepticism allows the 1/3 to analyze and evaluate information to determine its value or validity. You can not lie to a 1/3 because they will get to the bottom of it. 

Are You A 1/3? – Generate Your Human Design Chart

When we look at a Human Design chart, it consists of three major elements: the Incarnation Cross, the type, and the Profile. Your Profile will be in the Keynotes section of your chart

Visit here to get your Human Design chart. 

False Self of Profile 1/3

Your false self always manifests from your conscious line, the first line, because your subconscious, the third line, knows what is best for you and is not subject to social conditioning. First-line energy is very vulnerable to conditioning, causing you to rush into situations before you have properly investigated them. The false self does not carefully consider new people and experiences. 

Third-line energy wants to experience a lot of different things, and different people, but does not commit to anything until it is truly right. In the false self, 1/3’s are influenced by first impressions and ignore their internal lie detector. Lack of investigation leads to disappointment and commitment to the wrong opportunities. 

Types in Profile 1/3

Your Human Design Type has unique qualities that manifest in different ways in the various profiles. 

1/3 Profile Manifestor (Initiators)

A 1/3 Manifestor in Human Design is someone who naturally takes charge and starts new things, armed with a deep curiosity to learn and a hands-on approach to life that involves learning from both successes and mistakes.

Manifestors are the type who can initiate and create change without waiting for permission from others. They have a certain spark that allows them to come up with ideas and get projects off the ground quickly. This ability to act independently and pave new paths is a key trait of Manifestors.

1/3 Profile in Human Design

The “1/3” part of their profile adds more layers to their personality. The “1” shows that they have a strong drive to dig deep into subjects that interest them. They love to gather knowledge and understand the fundamentals of whatever catches their attention, which gives them a solid foundation and confidence in their pursuits. The “3” highlights their adventurous side, where they discover what works in life through trial and error. This means they’re pretty open to experimenting, taking risks, and learning directly from the outcomes of their actions, whether those are successful or not.

In simple terms, a 1/3 Manifestor is someone who’s not only good at starting things and leading the way but also insists on understanding the nitty-gritty of their interests. They’re not afraid to jump into new experiences, learn from them, and use this knowledge to guide their future actions. This blend of deep learning and practical experimentation makes them insightful leaders and creators who are always ready to explore new horizons and pave the way for others.

Manifestors are here to initiate. They don’t have to wait for invitations, and in fact, it is best for them to act on their creative impulses. When a Manifestor does not initiate they can miss out on opportunities that are designed for them. A 1/3 Manifestor is going to encounter resistance when acting on their energy, and because of this, it is crucial to follow the Manifestor strategy of informing. Initiating works well with the adventurous and experimental third line. 

 1/3 Profile Manifesting Generators (Time Benders)

A 1/3 Manifesting Generator in Human Design is someone who has a lot of energy and a knack for getting things done quickly, combined with a strong desire to learn and a natural way of figuring things out through personal experience, including making mistakes.

Manifesting Generators are a blend of two types: they have the energy and endurance to work on projects and the ability to start new things quickly. They’re known for their speed and efficiency, and they love to be active and productive, especially when it comes to work or projects they’re passionate about. They rely on their gut feelings to guide them towards what they should be doing, allowing them to move forward rapidly once they’ve made a decision.

The “1/3” part of their profile adds an interesting depth to their personality. The “1” means they have a deep need to understand the world around them. They love to research, learn, and get to the bottom of things before they feel ready to jump into action. This foundation of knowledge gives them confidence. The “3” shows that they learn best through trial and error. They’re not afraid to experiment, take risks, and even fail because they know that’s how they discover what truly works in the real world.

So, a 1/3 Manifesting Generator is someone energetic, fast-moving, and eager to engage in life’s activities, but with a twist. They have this insatiable curiosity to learn and understand as much as they can, paired with a willingness to try things out and learn from whatever happens, good or bad. They often juggle learning and doing simultaneously, making them dynamic and adaptable. Their challenge and opportunity lie in balancing their thirst for knowledge with their natural inclination to act quickly, using both to navigate life in a way that’s fulfilling and productive.

Manifesting Generators cannot initiate like a Manifester and the 1/3 Manifesting Generator will be tempted by the third line’s impulsivity. To make sure they do not act on impulse they need to tune into their Sacral response before making decisions.   

1/3 Profile Generator (Alchemist)

A 1/3 Generator in Human Design is someone who has a natural ability to keep going with lots of energy, especially when they’re doing things they love, combined with a strong desire to learn deeply about topics that interest them, and a habit of discovering what works best through their own experiences, including learning from mistakes.

Generators are the type of people who have a steady and reliable source of energy for work and activities that matter to them. They feel best when they’re responding to life’s opportunities with a “yes” that comes from their gut, leading them to situations that are fulfilling and energizing. They’re meant to find satisfaction in their work and in the process of mastering skills over time.

The “1/3” part of their profile tells us more about how they approach life and learning. The “1” represents their foundation-building phase, where they feel a need to gain a deep understanding of the subjects or areas that catch their interest. They dive into research and learning, seeking a solid base of knowledge before they feel comfortable moving forward. The “3” reflects their exploratory nature, where they find out what works best through trial and error. This means they’re quite open to experimenting with new approaches, learning from both successes and failures and using these experiences to guide their decisions and actions.

In simpler terms, a 1/3 Generator is someone with a lot of energy for projects and activities that resonate with them, driven by a strong curiosity to learn everything about their passions. At the same time, they’re not afraid to roll up their sleeves and find out the best way to do things by actually trying them out, even if it means facing some challenges along the way. This combination of deep learning and hands-on experimentation makes them well-rounded and knowledgeable, ready to tackle life with enthusiasm and wisdom gained from real-life experiences.

The Generator strategy is to wait to respond and use their Sacral response to make decisions. The line one energy encourages learning through personal experiences; for good or bad. Generators who are in touch with their Sacral response can engage in opportunities that are right for them and bypass those that are incorrect. The line 3 also wants experience and the Generator strategy ensures the Generator experiences only what is best for them. 

1/3 Profile Projector (Orchestrator)

A 1/3 Projector in Human Design is someone who is naturally good at seeing what others need and guiding them, who loves to dive deep into learning about their interests, and who isn’t afraid to learn from trial and error, including making mistakes along the way.

Projectors have a unique role; they don’t generate their own energy like some other types, but they’re excellent at managing, directing, and understanding others’ energy. They shine when they use their insights to advise and guide, often waiting for an invitation to share their wisdom to ensure it’s valued and welcomed.

The “1/3” in their profile tells us about their approach to life and learning. The “1” indicates a deep drive for knowledge. Before they feel ready to lead or advise, 1/3 Projectors want to fully understand the topics or fields that interest them. They’re often found researching or studying to build a strong foundation of information. The “3” suggests that their learning also comes from personal experiences, trying out what they’ve learned, and not being afraid of the messy process of trial and error. This aspect makes them adaptable and resilient, as they’re well-versed in the realities of what works and what doesn’t, based on real-life experiences.

A 1/3 Projector is someone who combines a keen ability to guide others with a love for deep learning and an adventurous spirit that’s open to experimenting. They are the type who seeks to understand the world in depth and then apply that understanding in practical ways, often helping others to navigate their paths more effectively. Their journey involves balancing their thirst for knowledge with the practical wisdom gained from their own trials, making them insightful leaders and advisors.

Third-line energy is always pushing to be heard which is in direct opposition to the Projector strategy of waiting for an invitation. It is extremely important for the 1/3 Projector to wait, and trust their inner authority so they can be seen as the experts they are. Projectors, particularly 1/3 Projectors, need alone time to rest and recharge to prevent burnout. 

1/3 Profile Reflector (Calibrator)

A 1/3 Reflector in Human Design is a very rare and special kind of person who acts like a mirror to the people and the environment around them, deeply curious and always learning from their experiences and the trial and error of life.

Reflectors are unique because they don’t have any defined energy centers in their design, which means they really soak up and reflect the feelings, energies, and experiences of the world around them. They are like the ultimate mirrors, showing the rest of us a reflection of our community or environment’s health and vibes. For big decisions, Reflectors are advised to wait about a month, giving them time to experience the full lunar cycle and see things from different perspectives before deciding.

The “1/3” part of their profile adds interesting layers to their personality. The “1” indicates a deep desire to understand the world around them. They love to dive into subjects, absorbing information to build a solid foundation of knowledge. This learning isn’t just academic; it’s about deeply understanding the energies and dynamics they reflect. The “3” shows that they also learn a lot through personal experience, trying different things in life, sometimes succeeding and sometimes not. This trial and error are valuable, as it helps them gain practical wisdom and resilience.

A 1/3 Reflector is a rare find in the world, always absorbing and reflecting the energies around them while being deeply curious and committed to learning. They navigate life by gathering knowledge and experiencing the world firsthand, using what they learn to offer unique insights and reflections back to the people and places they interact with. Their journey is about understanding deeply and living fully, embracing both the learning and the lived experiences they gather along the way.

Because Reflectors act as mirrors and because of this Reflectors often struggle to truly know themselves. The 1/3 Reflector needs to embrace their first-line energy to really see those who are around them. This energy allows Reflectors to know if the people around them need to stay or go. A challenge for 1/3 Reflector is the third line energy to meet a lot of people. To make absolutely sure these are the best people, the Reflector needs to wait for a lunar cycle before solidifying any relationships or connections. 

Ideal Matches For People With A Profile 1/3

If you are a 1/3 profile there are profiles that you are compatible with. This compatibility is not just romantic, but for friendship and other relationships as well. Your ideal matches are another 1/3 and a 4/6 but you are also compatible with 3/5, 3/6, 5/1, and 6/3. 

Profile 1/3 in a Relationship

The nature of the 1/3 profile will lead you to build successful relationships. First and foremost, the 1/3 needs to gain clarity in their romantic intentions – are you wanting to build a relationship, or are you wanting romantic company? Honesty with yourself, and your potential partners, will make sure no one is getting their hopes up. 

When building a relationship, the 1/3 is in for a long vetting process. The investigating energy is going to weed out anyone who doesn’t meet all of your expectations, and the martyr energy is going to propel you to search for the perfect partner. Thanks to your healthy skepticism, and penchant for discovery, you will be able to quickly weed out those who are not the one for you. This process will likely lead to frustration and it is important to refer back to your strategy and authority to make sure you don’t rush into anything. 

Famous People and Celebrities With Profile 1/3

Famous people with 1/3 profiles are Bono, Pablo Picasso, Hilary Clinton, Princess Diana, Beyonce, Pierce Brosnan, Bruce Willis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Eric Clapton, Jon Bon Jovi, and Andy Warhol. 

Best Careers For People With Profile 1/3

1/3 profiles love new experiences and diving deep into research. Some possible careers for the 1/3 are Teacher, Historian, Writer/Journalist, Researcher, or any of the Sciences. 

Tips For People With Profile 1/3

The unknown is the greatest fear for the 1/3. You have a deep need for investigation and research. The desire for information creates security and a solid foundation of self-knowing. If you do not create this foundation, you will always feel out of place and uncomfortable in yourself. Do not be tempted to go through the world with your mind, but rather move through the world using your strategy and authority.

When someone persuades a 1/3 profile to do, or to start, something without them having the required time for investigation, they will make unnecessary mistakes and fail. These failures can create a life of insecurity, pessimism, and self-criticism.

The 3rd line in the 1/3 profile is the line that experiences trial and error in life to find out what works in life – and what doesn’t. Allow yourself the time you need to investigate and discover before entering an opportunity. 

In a nutshell, the 1/3 needs to find what lights them up and dive deep into research. Allow yourself to experiment, give yourself grace for your failures, and celebrate your successes. Take all of this amazing knowledge and share it with the world. 

* Note: The names in brackets above are the Quantum Human Design (QHD) names for these Types. QHD helps us to reframe the ‘Not Self’ or conditioned self in Human Design to explore the potential of the deconditioned self and to live more in alignment with our inner truth.

Curious about the difference between Human Design and Quantum Human Design? Karen Curry Parker explains it in this video:

If you want to learn more about how to read your Human Design Chart, you might like this Post on Reading Your Human Design Chart

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