Variable and Transformation

Variable is the key to understanding how we, as nine-centered beings, are designed to operate at the deepest cognitive level. It’s a framework that reveals the mechanics of our differentiation—how our brains, bodies, and awareness are uniquely configured to navigate the world. Variable is rooted in the interplay of leftness and rightness, which are the two fundamental orientations of cognition. These orientations shape how we process information, interact with our environment, and ultimately, how we fulfill our potential.

At its core, Variable is made up of four key aspects:  the Sun/Earth placements on both the Design and Personality sides—and the Design and Personality Nodes. These four components are what we call the “Independent” and “Dependent” Variables. The Nodes represent the Independent Variable, which is tied to our environment and how we interact with it. The Sun/Earth placements represent the Dependent Variable, which influences our inner cognition and awareness. Together, these four aspects in all possible combinations of Leftness and Rightness create 16 possible Variable configurations.

Leftness and Rightness: The Binary of Cognition

The foundation of Variable lies in the duality of leftness and rightness. Leftness is strategic, focused, and active. It’s about doing, analyzing, and engaging with the world in a linear, methodical way. Rightness, on the other hand, is receptive, passive, and open. It’s about observing, absorbing, and allowing the world to come to you. These orientations are not just mental—they extend to how we eat, how we move, how we see, and how we interact with others.

For example, a left-oriented brain is active and thrives on structured, consistent input, whether it’s food, information, or activity. A right-oriented brain is passive and operates more efficiently, requiring less input and thriving in a more relaxed, open-ended environment. This distinction is crucial because it shows us how we are designed to function optimally, both physically and mentally.

PHS and Rave Psychology: The Path to Transformation

Variable is deeply connected to the Primary Health System (PHS) and Rave Psychology, which are pillars of transformation in Human Design. PHS focuses on the body—how we nourish it, how we align it with the correct environment, and how we reduce resistance in our physical life. Rave Psychology focuses on the mind—how we decondition from the not-self and align with our true cognitive potential.

The Four Transformations

Variable is linked to the Four Transformations—which provides a step-by-step process for aligning your body and mind with your true nature. These transformations are:

Determination (PHS): This is about how you nourish your body. It’s the first step in aligning with your Variable and reducing resistance in your physical life.

Environment (PHS): This is about where you place your body. Being in the correct environment allows your vehicle to thrive and supports your cognitive process.

Perspective / View (Rave Psychology): This is about how you see the world. It’s the lens through which your mind operates, shaped by your Variable orientation.

Motivation (Rave Psychology): This is about how you express your outer authority. It’s the culmination of the transformation process, where your unique awareness becomes a gift to yourself—and possibly the world.

Living Your Variable

Understanding your Variable is not about changing who you are—it’s about aligning with who you’ve always been. It’s about recognizing the mechanics of your design and living in a way that supports your differentiation. For someone with a lot of rightness, this might mean letting go of the pressure to be strategic or productive and embracing a more relaxed, observational way of being. For someone with a lot of leftness, it might mean embracing structure and focus—where strategies are used to find advantages.

The beauty of Variable is that it’s not prescriptive—it’s descriptive. It doesn’t tell you what to do, it shows you how you’re designed to operate. And when you align with your Variable, you begin to experience life with less resistance, greater clarity, and a deeper sense of purpose. It’s not an overnight process—it’s a lifelong experiment. But the rewards are profound, because Variable is the key to unlocking your true potential as a differentiated being.

In essence, Variable is the roadmap to your uniqueness. It’s the foundation of how you’re designed to think, feel, and interact with the world. And when you live in alignment with your Variable, you not only transform your own life—you contribute to the evolution of humanity as a whole.

Want to unlock a deeper layer of your design? Variable reveals the orientation of your mind and body, showing you how you’re uniquely wired to take in information and engage with the world. Through the Four Transformations—PHS (your optimal diet and environment) and Rave Psychology (your correct perspective and motivation)—you’ll discover practical ways to align your lifestyle and mindset with your design. Explore these advanced insights with myBodyGraph Advanced Analysis to see how living your Variable can transform your life.