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A Projector's Reflection on Purpose & Patience | in Light of Human Design & Vedic Wisdom

Author :: Jess Marie, CVC, CAHC, INHC, RYT 🌻

As I reflect on my Human Design Reading Session with Adriana Keefe, I'm filled with a sense of profound fulfillment, validation, understanding, and renewed purpose. This experience has not only illuminated my path as a Projector but also beautifully complements my Vedic background, creating a harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and new-age insights.

When I decided to explore Human Design, my intention was clear: to dive deep into the core of my Being, to understand the intricate workings of my nature, and to recognize both the gifts & limitations that shape my journey through life. This wasn't just about collecting information; it was about gaining more wisdom to nourish a deeper relationship with my Self.

As a Projector in Human Design, I've always sensed that I operate differently from many others around me. This reading was an opportunity to validate & understand these differences, not as flaws or shortcomings, but as integral aspects of my unique design.

This reading was not an end point, but a new beginning of a path towards living even more authentically & aligned with my higher Self, honoring my unique gifts, and navigating life's challenges with greater ease & grace. By understanding the intricacies of my Projector nature, I can step more fully into my power to offer my gifts to the world in a way that feels natural & fulfilling.

The Vedic Roots of Human Design

Human Design, a system of Self understanding developed by Ra Uru Hu in the 1980s, draws from various esoteric traditions, including Vedic philosophy. While Human Design is a modern synthesis, its incorporation of Vedic concepts provides depth & richness to its framework. Here's how Human Design utilizes & adapts key elements from Vedic philosophy ::

1. The Bodygraph & Chakra System

The Human Design bodygraph, a core component of the system, bears a striking resemblance to the Vedic chakra system. While not identical, both systems map energy centers in the body:

  • The Head & Ajna centers in Human Design correlate with the Crown (Sahasrara) & Third Eye (Ajna) chakras.

  • The Throat center aligns with the Throat (Vishuddha) chakra.

  • The G center corresponds to the Heart (Anahata) chakra.

  • The Splenic center relates to the Sacral (Svadhisthana) chakra.

  • The Root center connects to the Root (Muladhara) chakra.

These correlations allow Human Design to tap into ancient understandings of energy flow & balance within the body.

2. The I Ching & Vedic Numerology

Human Design uses the I Ching, which, while Chinese in origin, shares philosophical parallels with Vedic numerology. Both systems use numbers to represent cosmic principles. The 64 hexagrams of the I Ching used in Human Design echo the significance of numbers in Vedic thought, where numbers are seen as fundamental to the universe's structure.

3. Prana & Life Force Energy

The concept of defined & undefined centers in Human Design relates to the Vedic understanding of prana (life force energy). Defined centers in Human Design are seen as consistent sources of energy, similar to how certain chakras might be more active or balanced in Vedic thought.

4. Karma & Life Purpose

Human Design's concept of incarnation crosses and life purpose resonates with the Vedic ideas of karma & dharma. Both systems seek to understand an individual's unique path & purpose in life.

5. Cycles & Planetary Influences

The use of planetary positions in calculating a Human Design chart echoes Vedic astrology's emphasis on celestial influences. Both systems recognize the impact of cosmic cycles on human life & personality.

6. Non-Self & Maya

Human Design's concept of the "not-Self" or conditioned Self parallels the Vedic notion of maya (illusion). Both ideas suggest that we often live according to false identities or societal conditioning rather than our true nature.

7. Meditation & Self Realization

While Human Design doesn't explicitly prescribe dhyana (meditation), its emphasis on following one's inner authority & strategy aligns with Vedic practices of Self inquiry & meditation for Self realization.

8. Types & Gunas

The different types in Human Design (Generators, Projectors, Manifestors, Reflectors) can be seen as relating to the Vedic concept of gunas or qualities of nature (sattva | rajas | tamas). Each type in Human Design, like the gunas, represents a different way of interacting with and experiencing the world.

9. Authority & Inner Wisdom

Human Design's emphasis on following one's inner authority resonates with the Vedic concept of antaryamin, or the inner guide. Both systems encourage trusting one's inner wisdom over external conditioning.

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Ra Uru Hu synthesized these concepts with other systems (including the I Ching, the Kabbalah, and quantum physics) to create a unique approach to Self understanding. Human Design can be seen as an evolution of these ancient wisdom traditions, adapting them for the modern era. It offers a bridge between the timeless insights of Vedic philosophy and contemporary understandings of human potential & consciousness.

I’ve gained a a deep appreciation of both the ancient wisdom that informs Human Design and the innovative ways it applies these concepts to personal growth & Self discovery.

My Projector Nature

Learning that I'm a Projector in Human Design can be compared to finding a missing piece of a puzzle I've been trying to solve for years! It explained so much about my energy patterns, my way of interacting with the world, and why I often felt out of sync with the relentless pace of our society.

As a Projector, I've discovered that my strength lies not in sustained physical energy, but in my ability to see deeply into others, as well as systems. This resonates strongly with the Vedic concept of drishti (inner vision). Just as ancient seers used their drishti to perceive the underlying truths of the universe, we Projectors have the gift of penetrating insight that can guide & illuminate the path for others.

The Art of Waiting for the Invitation

One of the most transformative aspects of this session was understanding the importance of "waiting for the invitation." In Human Design, this is the key strategy for Projectors, but I realized it's not passive waiting – it's an active state of being ready & aligned.

This concept beautifully aligns with the Vedic principle of kshama (divine patience). In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna teaches Arjuna about the importance of right action at the right time. As a Projector, my right action is to be prepared, to cultivate my wisdom, and to trust that the right invitations will come when I'm aligned with my dharma (life purpose).

Embracing Rest & Rejuvenation

Perhaps the most validating aspect of the session was the emphasis on the need for rest & Self care. As a Projector, I learned that I operate best in focused bursts of energy, typically 2-4 hours, followed by necessary “downtime”; this explained why I often felt drained or low energy when trying to maintain the constant productivity our society often demands.

This rhythm aligns perfectly with the Vedic understanding of the gunas, particularly the interplay between rajas (activity) & tamas (rest). As Projectors, we embody this dance between focused action & deep rest. Our periods of rest aren't laziness – they're essential for recharging our unique energy and gaining the clarity needed for our insightful work.

My Role in Community

Understanding my role as a Projector has given me a new perspective on my place in community. Like the Brahmin caste in Vedic society, who were valued for their wisdom & guidance rather than physical labor, Projectors offer invaluable insights & direction.

I now see that my tendency to deeply investigate topics (my 1/3 profile) is not just a personal quirk, but a valuable gift. It's akin to the Vedic tradition of svadhyaya (deep study & contemplation). By embracing this aspect of my Self, I offer well-researched, thoughtful perspectives to my community when invited to do so.

Navigating Emotions & Decision-Making

Learning about my emotional authority in Human Design was particularly enlightening. The need to ride the waves of my emotions before making decisions resonates with the Vedic understanding of the mind as a flowing river of consciousness.

This reminds me of the concept of viveka (discernment) in Vedic philosophy. As a Projector with emotional authority, my challenge & gift is to cultivate this discernment, to observe my emotional landscape without being swept away by it, and to make decisions from a place of clarity & inner knowing.

My Unique Gifts & Characteristics

One of the most powerful realizations from this session was understanding that my unique way of Being is not something to be fixed or changed, but to be embraced & refined. This aligns beautifully with the Vedic concept of svadharma (one's own duty / nature).

As a Projector, my svadharma includes ::

  • Insightful Leadership:

    • Offering deep insights & guidance when invited; Offers invaluable direction & insights when in alignment with my true nature

    • A natural ability to guide & lead others efficiently

    • Cultivating & sharing wisdom, much like the rishis of Vedic tradition

  • Intellectual Capacity:

    • Deep intellectual thinking abilities, often being "one step ahead" in projects, discussions, debates, etc.

    • With a 1/3 profile, I have a strong inclination to research & understand topics deeply

    • Tendency to learn through experimentation & resilience in the face of both successes & failures

    • Discerning approach to communication, carefully considering when & how to express my thoughts

    • Strong desire to share knowledge but may experience Self doubt about the completeness of my understanding

  • Energy Patterns & Sensitivity:

    • Valuing & prioritizing rest & rejuvenation

    • Absorbing energy from those around you, necessitating time alone to recharge

    • Capable of intense bursts of creativity, followed by a need for restorative activities in nature or quiet introspection

    • Prefers deep, meaningful interactions & projects over constant activity or superficial engagements

    • Attuned to the importance of finding supportive individuals & communities that resonate with my energy

  • Emotional Authority:

    • My decision-making process is influenced by emotional clarity, requiring time to experience emotional waves before making choices

    • Ability to see deeply into others & systems provides valuable insights and problem-solving capabilities

    • Takes time to process experiences & information before acting or making decisions

  • Identity & Divinity:

    • Trusting in the divine timing of invitations & opportunities

    • With a defined G center, I have a clear vision of my life and a strong sense of identity

    • My open spleen center suggests a tendency to absorb others' fears & anxieties, leading to a cautious approach to risks & health matters

the vedas x Human Design

As I've gone deeper into my reading with Adriana, I've discovered fascinating parallels between my Projector Human Design type and my predominant Vata dosha of my constitution in Ayurveda. This connection has provided me with a richer understanding of my nature & needs.

Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, Vata is composed of air & ether elements, governing movement, creativity, flexibility, and change. Projectors often have a predominance of Vata dosha. As a Projector with a predominance of Vata dosha, I recognize these qualities within my Self ::

  1. Quick-thinking & Creative: My Projector's ability to see deeply into systems aligns perfectly with Vata's quick, creative mind. This synergy allows me to offer unique insights when invited.

  2. Adaptable & Flexible: Just as Vata adapts to change, I find my Self naturally adjusting my approach based on the energy & needs of those around me.

  3. Variable Energy Levels: The Vata tendency towards variable energy resonates strongly with my Projector nature. I've learned to honor my need for rest after periods of intense focus, understanding it's not laziness but a natural rhythm.

  4. Environmental Sensitivity: Both Vata types & Projectors are highly sensitive to their environment. This sensitivity, while sometimes challenging, is also the source of my deep insights and ability to 'read' situations.

  5. Potential for Overwhelm: When out of balance, Vata can lead to anxiety or overwhelm. As a Projector, I've experienced this when I've pushed against my nature, trying to maintain constant productivity instead of honoring my need for rest & invitation.

Understanding these Ayurvedic connections has helped me develop strategies to maintain balance, such as establishing routines, prioritizing rest, and creating a calm environment. These practices support both my Vata nature and my effectiveness as a Projector.

Vedanta

Vedanta is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy. The term "Vedanta" literally means "the end of the Vedas" and refers to the Upanishads, which are the philosophical conclusions of the Vedas. Exploring Vedanta has provided me with profound insights that deeply resonate with my Projector nature. Here are some key concepts that have illuminated my path ::

  1. Atman & Brahman: Vedanta teaches that the individual Self (Atman) is ultimately identical with the universal consciousness (Brahman). As a Projector, this concept reinforces my innate ability to see deeply into others & systems. It reminds me that my insights come from a place of deep connection & unity.

  2. Maya & Projector Vision: The concept of Maya, or illusion, aligns beautifully with the Projector's ability to see beyond surface appearances. Just as Vedanta encourages us to pierce the veil of Maya, my Projector nature allows me to perceive the underlying truths in situations & people.

  3. Sakshi (Witness Consciousness): This Advaita Vedanta concept of pure awareness observing without involvement resonates deeply with my role as a Projector. It reminds me that my greatest gift is in seeing & understanding, not necessarily in doing. This understanding has helped me embrace my natural state of Being an observer & guide.

  4. Non-Dualism & Interconnectedness: Advaita Vedanta's teaching of non-dualism supports my Projector's intuitive understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. It reinforces the value of my ability to see patterns & connections that others might miss.

  5. Atma-vichara (Self-Inquiry): The practice of continually asking "Who am I?" aligns perfectly with the Projector's journey of Self discovery. It has been a powerful tool in understanding my unique gifts & purpose, helping me navigate the sometimes challenging path of being different in a generator-dominated world.

  6. Karma, Dharma, and the Art of Invitation: Vedanta's emphasis on understanding one's dharma (purpose / duty) and performing actions without attachment to results beautifully complements the Projector's strategy of waiting for invitation. This helps me trust in the divine timing of invitations and offer my wisdom without forcing outcomes.

  7. Jnana Yoga (The Path of Knowledge): This Vedantic path, focusing on intellectual & spiritual studies, resonates strongly with my Projector's inclination towards deep understanding. It has encouraged me to trust in my love for learning and see it as a spiritual practice.

  8. Dhyana & Energy Management: Vedantic dhyana (meditation) practices have been invaluable in helping me access my inner wisdom and manage my energy as a Projector. They provide a way to clear the mental clutter and tap into the deep well of insights that is my birthright as a Projector.

Integrating these Vedantic concepts with my understanding of Human Design has been empowering. It's helped me see my Projector nature not just as a set of traits, but as a spiritual path. The Vedantic idea of being a "witness" particularly resonates with my role as a Projector: just as the witness in Vedanta observes without getting entangled, I'm designed to observe & understand deeply, offering my insights when invited.

Professional Integration

As a Projector in the field of Vedic Counseling, my unique design brings both profound gifts and important considerations to this sacred work.

  • The Projector's natural ability to see deeply into others aligns beautifully with the Vedic tradition of darshana (clear seeing). Unlike Generators who might be tempted to push through multiple sessions in a day, my Projector nature reminds me to honor the sacred rhythm of energy management: typically working in focused & intention periods of session followed by necessary restoration. This natural cadence allows me to maintain the depth & clarity of insight that my clients seek.

  • The Projector's strategy of waiting for invitation takes on special significance in Vedic Counseling: when clients come through genuine invitation, whether through referral or their own inner guidance, there's an natural openness to receive the deeper insights I'm designed to share. This alignment creates sessions of profound depth & transformation, where my ability to see into others' nature can fully serve their journey of Self-discovery.

Just as the ancient rishis shared wisdom with those who were ready to receive it, my Projector design helps ensure that Vedic knowledge is transmitted when there is true receptivity.

In my Innovation Consulting work, being a Projector offers a unique advantage in seeing into the systems & structures that drive organizational behavior.

  • My natural tendency to observe & understand before acting helps me perceive patterns that others might miss in their rush to implement solutions. This capacity for deep seeing, combined with the Projector's gift for efficiency, allows me to guide organizations toward innovations that are both transformative & sustainable.

  • The Projector's need for rest & recharge time, which initially might seem at odds with the fast-paced business world, actually serves as a crucial element in my consulting practice, for these periods of restoration allow me to process the complex systems I observe & develop deeper insights that serve my clients better than continuous activity would allow.

When I honor these rhythms, my contributions to innovation projects become more focused & impactful.

In both roles, my Projector design calls me to work differently than the Generator majority. Rather than maintaining constant availability, I've learned to structure my practice around my natural energy patterns. This might mean fewer sessions per day in my Vedic Counseling practice, and more focused, strategic engagements in my Innovation Consulting work. What might appear as limitations to some are actually the very boundaries that enable me to offer my deepest gifts.

  • The sensitivity that comes with being a Projector also influences how I navigate both professional spaces. In Vedic Counseling, it allows me to attune deeply to the subtle energetic patterns in my clients' lives. In Innovation Consulting work, this same sensitivity helps me perceive the underlying currents of organizational culture & resistance to change. By honoring this sensitivity rather than trying to override it, I can use it as a powerful tool for guidance & insight in both fields.

  • Perhaps most importantly, my Projector nature reminds me that my greatest contribution comes not from doing more, but from seeing more clearly and sharing those insights when invited. This understanding has transformed how I approach both my Vedic Counseling & Innovation Consulting practices work: moving from a paradigm of constant output to one of strategic, aligned engagement. Like the Vedic concept of yukta-vairagya (skilled detachment), this approach allows me to be fully present & impactful in my work while maintaining the energetic boundaries essential for a Projector's well-Being.

Moving Forward :: personal Integration

This experience of connecting Human Design with The Vedas has given me a rich, multifaceted understanding of my nature. It's shown me that being a Projector is not just a “design type”, but a unique way of Being - one that carries deep wisdom & potential for both personal growth and service to others. As I continue on this path, I'm filled with gratitude for these ancient teachings that so beautifully illuminate & support my Projector's journey.

For my fellow Projectors, I encourage you to embrace your nature. Trust in the wisdom of your design, just as our Vedic ancestors trusted in the cosmic order. Remember that your periods of rest are sacred, your insights are valuable, and your unique way of Being is essential to the balance of our communities.

I'm grateful for this journey of Self discovery, and I’m excited to continue exploring the beautiful synergy between Human Design & the Vedas. Together, these paths of knowledge are helping me step more fully into my role as a Projector, offering my unique gifts to our community with clarity, purpose, and joy.


As we navigate this modern world with its relentless pace, let's remember the timeless wisdom that honors different types of energy & contribution. Whether through the lens of Human Design or the Vedas, the message is clear: embracing one’s true nature is the path to fulfillment & purposeful living.


discover your unique way of Being

If you're interested in Human Design, I highly recommend scheduling a Human Design Reading Session with Adriana Keefe!

If you're interested in the integration of Human Design & The Vedas for well-Being, be sure to seek care from a qualified Vedic professional (like me! 🌻) to learn more about this ancient & effective approach.



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