Our 64 Archetypes (Character Traits)
Archetypes play a key role in the path of self-discovery based on Human Design and Gene Keys. They represent our universal patterns and behavioral models encoded in the energetic and genetic matrix (DNA) of every human being.
As humans, we embody 64 archetypes—these are our character traits, our Gene Codes. Thousands of years ago, they were described in the I-Ching as hexagrams, referred to as Gates in Human Design, and as Keys in Gene Keys.
Each Gene Code describes specific aspects of our personality and life experiences. To become truly self-aware, we should explore all of our Archetypes—their challenges (Shadows) and the true potential hidden within them (Gifts and Siddhis).
Working with the Shadow and recognizing our Talent and Genius is a fascinating process of self-development and self-discovery. It deepens self-awareness, enhances psychological integrity, and often leads to healing (by overcoming psychosomatic ailments and diseases). This journey helps us unlock our potential and transform our lives in every dimension—health, relationships, work, finances, and more.
Shadows, Gifts, Siddhis (Mastery)
Each Gene Code is experienced in three distinct ways: as a Shadow, a Gift, and a Siddhi. Recognizing these aspects enables the integration of the Shadow and its transformation toward higher states—the Gift (our Talent) and the Siddhi (Mastery, Genius, the highest expression).
What is the Shadow?
Everyone has Shadows. They have been acknowledged throughout history. The first scientific description of the Shadow was made by Carl Gustav Jung, who stated, “The less we are conscious of the Shadow, the darker and denser it becomes.”
Human Design and Gene Keys offer a new perspective on our Shadows. They systematize them, give them meaning and depth, and connect them with the spiritual and transcendental dimensions of our existence. Most importantly, they provide a clear and effective path for transforming Shadows.
Shadows represent the aspects of ourselves that we either fail to notice or actively reject. Each Archetype (Gene Code) carries a specific Shadow, manifesting as fear, anger, jealousy, oppression, resignation, or other challenging emotions. These Shadows are the source of our difficulties, illnesses, pain, and suffering. They often trigger fears, negative patterns, blockages, and aggressive behaviors that limit our lives.
We tend to see Shadows in others more easily than in ourselves. However, even when unrecognized, Shadows shape the “storylines” of our lives. Importantly, each Shadow hides a unique Gift and Genius. Shadows are essential materials for our inner growth—they present the life lessons we must face and the experiences that foster humility, empathy, and expanded awareness.
Acceptance of the Shadow:
Acknowledging and accepting our Shadows is essential for personal growth. This doesn’t mean expressing Shadows openly but recognizing them as part of our psyche. Acceptance is the gateway to understanding both ourselves and others.
Transforming Shadows into Gifts and Siddhis:
Once we recognize and accept a Shadow, we can consciously shift our behaviors and respond differently to life’s challenges. Each Gene Code offers a unique path for transforming its Shadow into a Gift and ultimately into a Siddhi.
Shadows are vibration. Nothing is random. Vibration isn’t only lightness, joy, or upliftment. Vibration is also the Shadow. It is the pain that trembles thick and deep. It is the fear that crystallizes inside the body. It is the shame that pulls us downward. It is everything we try to avoid, resist, or deny. And yet, vibration does not divide itself into good and bad. That division comes from us — through the lens of unconsciousness. Shadow work does not tell us to “just vibrate high and everything will be fine.” It tells us: everything vibrates.
Everything moves. Everything lives as frequency. And that means our shadows live too. They have a rhythm. They carry wisdom. They have a role. The shadow is not a mistake. It is not a blockage. It is a vibrational layer asking to be felt. We did not come here to eliminate our lower vibrations. We came to enter them — with presence, with honesty, with courage. Not to bypass them — but to transmute them. Every emotion we fear, every wound we bury, every belief that closes us — it’s a field of energy waiting to be acknowledged. It’s a space that holds medicine. Our shadows are gateways to alchemy. When we reject the shadow, we lower our frequency. When we embrace it — we raise it. Not through force. Not through fixing. But through allowing what is real, right now. Only what is truly seen can transform. Only what is fully met can be released.
This is not about constantly reaching for high vibes. It is about vibrating consciously — even when it’s heavy, even when it’s dense. Every shadow is light, folded in on itself. Every fear carries a spark of courage. Every shame calls us to authenticity. Every envy points to lost power. Every shadow is a message. A tone. A code. A frequency asking to be integrated. Understanding vibration is not about escaping to light or idealism. It’s about embracing the whole scale. From root to crown. From dark to bright.
What we call “low vibration” isn’t wrong — it’s simply unheard. The shadow doesn’t block evolution — it initiates it. It is through meeting ourselves in the depths that we gather true power for the heights. Without the shadow, the light becomes fragile. Without density, subtlety becomes a fantasy. Everything vibrates. Every feeling is a frequency. Every frequency is an invitation to harmony. Not to war. But to wholeness. We are not here to be perfect. We are here to be complete. As conscious beings, we learn to listen more deeply. To hear the trembling inside discomfort. To feel the notes that don’t fit our spiritual ideals. To welcome our shadows — not as flaws, but as teachers. Because the shadow holds the key to higher frequency. Not through avoidance, but through inclusion. Shadows sing too. And their song is what heals the field. Each of us is an instrument. Each of us holds notes that ring true — and others that are distorted, forgotten, silenced. But we’re not here to play just one song. We’re here to tune the full spectrum. Because true power does not come from how brightly we shine — but from how fearlessly we face our darkness.
Shadow work doesn’t say: avoid what feels heavy. It says: every vibration counts. Every emotion is alive. And every frequency can come home. We are not disconnected. We are not too broken to return. We are not too deep in shadow to become light. We are light — that chose to enter the shadow, so it could be met, and lifted, and loved again.
What is the Gift?
Gifts are our innate talents. They remain hidden beneath our Shadows and fears, only becoming accessible after we recognize and integrate the Shadow. The journey of transforming Shadows and discovering Gifts is at the heart of the Gene Keys approach. Living from our Gifts brings fulfillment, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose.
What is the Siddhi?
The Siddhi represents the highest potential of a Gene Code—our ultimate mastery. It is a transcendent state achieved through the deep transformation of Shadows and the full embodiment of our Gifts. Experiencing a Siddhi feels like time stands still—as if we are in “Heaven.” In many spiritual traditions, Shadows symbolize hell, while Siddhis represent Heaven—the ultimate state of love, fulfillment, and boundless potential.
Siddhis guide the evolution of humanity, leading us from eras defined by fear and survival toward higher states of consciousness, awakening, and enlightenment.
The Path of Self-Discovery: From Shadow to Gift to Siddhi
The journey begins with analyzing your personal Profile (Chart), which reveals your unique sequence of Gene Codes. By contemplating these Codes through the lens of Shadow, Gift, and Siddhi, you can uncover the underlying patterns shaping your life.
Understanding how each Code manifests in behavior, emotions, and life experiences is key. Whether or not a Code is actively present in your Chart, life will inevitably present opportunities to engage with its lessons—through relationships, work, health challenges, or financial situations.
The brilliance of Human Design and Gene Keys lies in their ability to offer a precise “map” of the self. No need for years of therapy, endless workshops, or guesswork—you can see your core challenges and gifts clearly laid out.
Working with Shadows is not easy—it demands determination, patience, and faith. But the rewards—Gifts, Siddhis, and a deeply fulfilling life—are immeasurable.
The Gene Keys Approach
The Gene Keys encourage self-discovery through four essential qualities:
- Contemplation – Observing yourself and taking full responsibility for your inner state. Everyday challenges become opportunities for growth.
- Inquiry – Asking deep, introspective questions and inviting inner wisdom to surface. Each life situation holds valuable lessons.
- Gentleness – Cultivating kindness toward yourself and others. Practice rest, mindful breathing, and moments of stillness throughout your day.
- Patience – Trusting the process of healing, even during difficult emotional moments. Develop compassion, curiosity, and honesty in your journey.
The Weekly Transit – Our Life Path
The Weekly Pulse is a cyclical energy that activates a specific archetypal trait within us—one of the 64 Gene Codes. Think of it as a “program” that highlights a universal theme for all people during that week.
Those born under a specific week carry that Gene Code in their Sun position (the conscious aspect of their Chart), which often defines their core life path. These individuals will spend their lives exploring and embodying that particular Archetype.
Contemplating a Gene Code
Contemplation is a path of self-inquiry—observing how a specific Gene Code manifests in your life. Whether or not the Code is active in your Chart, contemplating it offers valuable insights into your behavior, emotions, and life experiences.
Understanding the Codes of your loved ones is a powerful tool for building deeper, more compassionate relationships.
Contemplating the Codes in Practice
In my own practice, I keep a daily journal where I reflect on how specific Shadows, Gifts, and Siddhis show up in my life. It takes just a few minutes each day and has been invaluable for understanding myself and others.
I also participate in weekly Gene Keys and Human Design community sessions on Clubhouse (search for Gene Keys and Human Design groups). These gatherings explore the current weekly Code and offer a space for collective contemplation.
For deeper contemplation, I highly recommend the weekly audios by Richard Rudd, the founder of Gene Keys, available on genekeys.com in the Pulse section. You can also purchase all 64 audio contemplations or read Richard’s foundational book, Gene Keys: Unlocking the Higher Purpose Hidden in Your DNA, available on Amazon.
Knowledge Base – Descriptions of Codes and Archetypes
My reflections, combined with Richard Rudd’s contemplations, Ra Uru Hu’s descriptions of the Gates and Channels, and insights from the I-Ching, form the foundation of the content I share. These resources are freely available to all and serve as a guide—but each individual’s journey with the Codes is unique.
I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to explore their Gene Codes, work with their Shadows, and embody their Gifts and Siddhis. By doing so, we collectively contribute to making Earth a better place—for ourselves and for future generations.
This work becomes even more relevant in light of the upcoming changes expected in 2027. To learn more about these shifts, read this article.