Human Design Diaries #4: North Node
Your path to walk in this lifetime. What to embrace after 40.
Fourth in a five-part series of insights into Human Design and how the system has helped me navigate my career transition with more ease.
If you missed my earlier post on my intro to Human Design, take a look here.
North Node
This is one of my favourite aspects of Human Design and Astrology. The North Node - it represents your direction in life, the lessons you are here to learn and how you are called to step out of your comfort zone (the South Node), and into your highest potential.
Understanding your North Node qualities can help guide you on your true path. I see it as my internal compass, leading me in the right direction. Perfect for those of us seeking guidance at a crossroads.
Astrology
My North Node is in Leo in Astrology - meaning I am here to take the stage, be confident and brave, not be afraid to stand out, and lead from the heart. When I learnt that, I thought of myself on stage in front of hundreds of people, and I really didn’t like the idea ;-)
North Node in Leo also means embracing my creativity and self-expression, and sharing my unique gifts with the world. Whether that is on stage, on Substack, or in small groups, that is up to me. My design can provide ideas for me to experiment with, to see what works.
Human Design
In Human Design, the conscious North Node is more specific and goes into detail around the qualities and experiences that will guide you to your highest potential.
Just like your Conscious Sun, only one of the 64 gates will be your conscious North Node.
My conscious North Node is Gate 33: The Gate of Retreat.
Key words: reflection, wisdom, storytelling
This gate is all about retreat and reflection, having the ability to look back on experiences and share lessons and insights in a way that benefits others on a similar journey.
So, rather than taking to the stage in front of hundreds of people, (who knows, maybe I will do that one day, but it is not something I am currently striving for), I am here to share my experiences and help others do the same, like the archetype of a Wise Woman or a Sage sharing stories around a campfire.
I am here to embrace my role as a storyteller.
Starting this Substack, sharing my journey of a mid-life career shift and becoming a career mentor in sustainability suggests that I am heading on the right path. Doing this, even after 18 years in Banking, feels natural, easy, and enjoyable. I still find the accuracy of Human Design spooky!
I also have dreams of writing about Nature, the importance of it for balance and harmony in the World, sharing knowledge, inspiring a change in behaviours, and spreading hope that we can make a positive difference.
As I often say in my Human Design posts, the system is not a rule book, it is an experiment and a permission slip. Finding myself on this storytelling and mentoring path, and then finding out my North Node gate was almost like an affirmation, saying “yes, you’re on the right path, keep going”.
I can look back on some pretty difficult years - working intensely long hours, in some unpleasant environments, where I had no time (or energy) for family, friends, or hobbies - and see them as challenges I have overcome, lessons learnt and understanding for others in a similar position.
It has been important for me reflect on those years, before moving onto my next phase. My North Node years.
How has this helped me in my career transition?
It has given me confidence to take a new path, and provided me with the reassurance I needed to step into something completely different. Different and exciting (and yes, fear still creeps up)!
I can see that my journey is not just about moving forward, but taking the time to reflect and share the wisdom I have gained from my experiences. This has been eye-opening for me, allowing time to reflect is not the norm in the City, perhaps it should be.
It has encouraged me to embrace my role as a guide for others, using my stories and insights to help others find their own paths. There is value in where I have been, and I am here to understand and communicate that for the benefit of others.
Are you curious to know what your North Node means? Below is a selection of North Node gates I have covered in recent Human Design readings:
Gate 2: The Gate of the Receptive
Keywords: Guidance, Direction, Flow
My client is a Business Coach, looking to change her business model. The qualities she is here to embrace are:
trusting her intuition
providing subtle, intuitive guidance to help others find their own way, rather than leading from the front
surrendering, being open and receptive to the flow of life
Gate 23: The Gate of Assimilation
Keywords: Simplicity, Innovation, Communication
My client is a Project Manager, looking to change careers completely after becoming a Mum. The qualities she is here to embrace are:
simplifying complex concepts into clear, simple language that others can easily understand
bringing new ideas and perspectives into the world
transformation through the power of words
Gate 39: The Gate of Provocation
Keywords: Catalyst, Transformation, Awareness
My client is a Digital Marketer, looking to use her skills in sustainability. The qualities she is here to embrace are:
inspiring change by confronting the status quo, complacency and denial
dealing with emotional resistance and learning to navigate and understand emotional undercurrents
helping others break through barriers that hold back change
Human Design can offer many insights into how to live in alignment with your true self, empowering you to embrace your uniqueness. It is a tool for self-awareness, guiding you to make decisions that are aligned with your true nature rather than external expectations.
It is an experiment, not a rule book—it is about discovering what works best for you and learning to trust your own inner compass as you navigate life.
Find out your North Node and drop me a note in the comments (or reply to the email) if you’d like me to share what qualities you are here to embrace.
You can also book a 1:1 Human Design reading, where we can cover your North Node and so much more.
Look out for the last in my current Human Design Diaries series, when I will cover Authority, your decision-making strategy.
Perfectly explained, you make this all super relatable! xxx
You've encouraged me to look at my own human design, Caroline - so, thank you! What would you suggest if you're unsure of the time you were born?