What is a Mental Authority in Human Design?
Also known as an environmental authority
Human Design is a mystical system of self-discovery with practical applications. One such application is following what’s called your “inner authority” to make correct decisions for your life. When you do, things just work out better.
What’s wild is that in Human Design no one is designed to make decisions from their minds. Instead, there are seven different types of authorities. Only Projectors can have a mental authority. It is the rarest authority, only 0.5% of the population has it.
It is also called an environmental authority (you’ll see why in a moment) or it may be listed as “none” on some charts. The reason for “none” is because technically a mental authority is not considered an inner authority but an outer one. Meaning it’s not specifically located in the body but is process-based.
In other words, it’s not super straightforward how your decision-making works as a mental Projector. I’ll try to simplify it here.
1. Get into a good-feeling environment
With a mental authority, you are super sensitive. This is because all the centers below your throat center are open. You either have your mind (aka ajna) center connected to your crown center or to your throat center, or all three are connected. All mental Projectors have a defined mind.
An example of a design with a mental authority. All centers below the throat (brown) are open (white). mybodygraph.com
With six or seven centers open, you are very vulnerable to the influence of others and whatever space you’re in. This is called “conditioning” in Human Design. Which, in a nutshell, means picking up what is not yours and mistaking it as your own.
With this sensitivity in mind, with a mental authority it’s important to spend time in places and around people that feel good.
Your environment greatly affects your decision-making. Because of your sensitivity, you’re constantly tapping into the transient energies wherever you are.
Plant yourself in a space that feels nourishing whenever making a decision.
2. Talk it out
Don’t rush into decisions but rather talk decisions out loud (again, in a place that feels good). You need to take the time to verbally process because hearing your own voice will eventually bring you clarity. This takes patience.
After talking it out, if you sense an opportunity, person, job, etc. is not good for you, trust that. Also, as a Projector, be sure you feel invited in, recognized, and valued in the situation. If not, it’s also incorrect for you.
This process of talking things out usually involves using people you trust as “sounding boards.” When you do, be clear that you aren’t asking for their input or advice. It can help, however, to have your listener ask neutral questions that, like a good therapist, can help guide you to clarity faster. Or ask them to reflect back to you what you’ve said. Clarity for you comes in conversation, so don’t feel bad for being talkative! If you don’t have any trusted sounding boards to bounce your decisions off of, talk into a voice memo on your phone and listen back.
With such a strong mind, there is a tendency with a mental authority to rationalize a decision rather than trusting what has emerged when you heard your own voice. Your mind is going to want to explain or justify your decision. Or even try to talk you out of it for being nonsensical!
But you can’t explain it. You just know when you know it. You must trust the truth that you voiced and the clarity you reached through this process.
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You are a gifted visionary and leader
Mental Projectors are natural leaders and visionaries who are designed to use their powerful intellect to provide information and guidance to others (again, resist the temptation to use your agile mind to solve your own dilemmas). Your unique ideas, insights, and perspective are meant to inspire others and be transformative. You may not be for everyone, and that’s okay.
Questions to ask yourself
With a mental authority, it can be helpful to ask yourself the following questions.
How are the people around me impacting me?
Does my environment make me feel good or am I taking in energy that feels disruptive?
Do I trust the words that come out of my mouth?
Do I feel invited in and recognized by this person or opportunity?
Lastly, mental Projectors have the gift of deep sensitivity and awareness of others. Take time alone to rest, release the energies you’ve picked up and soothe your nervous system. Let the right people support you so you can share your gifts and intelligence with the world.
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Book a one-on-one reading with me to learn more about your unique Human Design.