Definition
Definition describes how many separate clusters of defined centers exist in your chart — centers linked only through active channels (both gate ends active across personality-design).
When centers connect, that circuitry is what remains reliable and consistent throughout life — the fixed part of your differentiation. Definition is distinct from types (Sacral/Throat/motor pattern) and from simply counting colored centers.
In teaching, definition (or its absence) leads to the mechanical core of the system: types and correct type-strategy / authority.
Five definition types
| Type | Clusters | ~Population | Experience (beginner) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 1 connected group | ~41% | Self-contained processing; internal flow |
| Split | 2 groups, no bridging channel | ~46% | Two parallel energies; gap until bridged |
| Triple split | 3 groups | ~11% | Needs variety; slower integration across contexts |
| Quadruple split | 4 groups | ~0.6% | Rare; complex integration; solitude helps |
| None | 0 defined centers | ~1% | reflector only — samples environment |
Introductory IHDS material also names four split styles among defined charts: single, split, triple split, and quadruple split — plus those without definition (Reflectors).
Single definition
All defined centers link through at least one continuous channel path. You can process internally without needing another person to “complete” the circuit for definition itself (bridging themes in splits are a separate study).
Split definition
Two defined islands with no channel between them. Many splits feel drawn to people whose gates / channels bridge the gap — distinguishing conditioning from correct bridging is a common advanced topic.
Triple and quadruple split
More clusters → more need for diverse people and places to activate all parts before clarity. Not “indecisive by flaw” — mechanical design for breadth before wholeness.
No definition
Only reflector charts (hd_type: Reflector, split_definition: Empty). All centers open; decisions use lunar process — see type-strategy and authority (strategy: Outer in calculate output).
AstroRust fields
humandesign.chart calculate exposes:
| Field | Meaning |
|---|---|
split_definition |
SingleDefinition, SplitDefinition, TripleSplit, QuadrupleSplit, or Empty |
splits |
Numeric split count used internally |
active_channels |
Count of defined channels contributing to definition |
Related: centers, channels, bodygraph, overview.
Sources
Definition types and their link to Type paraphrased from the IHDS introduction (intro_hd.md, Ra Uru Hu, 2004–2010).