In this episode, we explore the relationship between the true self and the not-self, and how these two experiences of self interact in daily life. Rather than treating the not-self as something to eradicate, we examine how it operates through identification, attention, and the stories we tell about ourselves, and what happens when we stop feeding those narratives.

Throughout the conversation, we reflect on the problems that arise when others point out our not-self tendencies, how recognizing the natural life force is more empowering than vigilance against what's wrong, and why deconditioning is less about catching ourselves and more about disidentifying with the story of brokenness. We close with a look at our upcoming monthly workshop series, beginning June 19th, going center by center to examine our lived relationship with each area of the BodyGraph. We hope you enjoy the conversation.

To connect with the hosts, visit:

• Amy Lee, Human Design Analyst & Guide at holiatry.com
• John Cole, Human Design Analyst & Guide at metamorphicsystems.com

For more information about the Human Design Collective and to support our work, please visit: https://humandesigncollective.com/podcast/

For Human Design courses and workshops, visit: https://courses.humandesigncollective.com

Human Design Collective Podcast music "Stars of the Unexpected" by Meg Ruby and Anders Parker. For more information, visit:

• megruby.com
• andersparker.com

Maria Mateus is a longtime astrologer who has studied traditional and modern systems of astrology working within the lineage of ancient hermetic astrology, while developing her own techniques through years of research and empirical study. Her approach focuses on the foundational grammar and principles of the astrological language, bringing clarity to concepts that have been lost or obscured in modern practice.

In this episode, Maria explores the principle of light in astrology, examining how the sun and moon function as a fundamental duality that structures the entire chart. We discuss the ancient concept of sect, the solar principle as selective and forward-moving versus the lunar principle as inclusive and reflective, and how understanding light as consciousness deepens the reading of any chart. The conversation covers the role of planets as reflectors of light, the relationship between spirit and soul, the Lunar Nodes, and the recent Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Aries.

Her grounded, terrestrial approach to astrology and commitment to hermetic principles come through clearly in this conversation. We hope you enjoy it.

To connect with Maria:

• Web

To connect with the hosts, visit:

• Amy Lee, Human Design Analyst & Guide at holiatry.com
• John Cole, Human Design Analyst & Guide at metamorphicsystems.com

For more information about the Human Design Collective and to support our work, please visit: https://humandesigncollective.com/podcast/

For Human Design courses and workshops, visit: https://courses.humandesigncollective.com

Human Design Collective Podcast music "Stars of the Unexpected" by Meg Ruby and Anders Parker. For more information, visit:

• megruby.com
• andersparker.com

In this episode, we explore the open areas of the chart and the lived experience of the undefined centers. Rather than treating openness as a problem to fix, we look at how the whole BodyGraph includes both consistent definition and receptive space, and how our relationship to these open areas evolves over time through awareness and experience.

Drawing from personal examples, we examine what it means to live with inconsistency, how openness can move from overwhelm or comparison toward adaptability and spaciousness, and why boundaries and self-awareness become essential in navigating conditioning. We also explore the difference between a completely open center and an undefined center with activations, including how dormant potentials shape experience and learning.

Throughout the conversation, we reflect on how undefined centers function in relationship, how expectations and “should” thinking create unnecessary suffering, and how honoring one’s own capacity brings a greater sense of ease. Ultimately, this episode invites a more integrated view of openness, not as lack, but as a dynamic field of perception, learning, and flexibility that can deepen self-understanding over time.

To connect with the hosts, visit:

• Amy Lee, Human Design Analyst & Guide at holiatry.com
• John Cole, Human Design Analyst & Guide at metamorphicsystems.com

For more information about the Human Design Collective and to support our work, please visit: https://humandesigncollective.com/

For Human Design courses and workshops, visit: https://courses.humandesigncollective.com

Human Design Collective Podcast music "Stars of the Unexpected" by Meg Ruby and Anders Parker. For more information, visit:

• megruby.com
• andersparker.com