Self-doubt?

[Flowergirl]

Hi everyone,

I have a question around self-doubt. What planets, or aspects or qualities etc in the natal chart can show self-doubt in a person?

Self doubt is defined as 'a lack of self-confidence or the feeling of not having confidence in yourself or your abilities.

Can it be the restrictions and struggles of Saturn, or the power-struggles of Pluto or the wounds of Chiron or valuing yourself of Taurus? I can't seem to pin this down to anything in particular in astrology. I am sure this can manifest in a great variety of ways but I am asking if there is generally a planet or whatever that generally indicates this? Thank you.

[Phil]

IMHO, hard aspects to Saturn can cause self-doubt.

[ethertwist]

Saturn in the 2nd house can potentially produce a lack of/or distorted view of self worth. Maybe challenging aspects between Saturn and the Sun (ego) or a hard aspect between Neptune and Mars or whatever the ruler of the chart may be? I could definitely see it being related to Chiron or maybe even the nodes as well. Self-doubt seems like it would be a byproduct of some area where we're not feeling sufficient or adequate in some way, so I'm sure it's more often revealed in the aspects than in any particular planet or placement. This is a very intriguing question!

[Vagabondgirl]

Ive often felt Im not good enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough, with ****** personality. So chose guys below myself as others have told me. Venus/Mars/Moon in virgo maybe? I have a well aspected saturn to this virgo stellium (sextile) in the 6th.

[Phil]

Saturn in the 1st house can also cause self-doubts...

[astrology02]

From my own personal experience saturn has the effect of creating self doubt or lack of confidence in a person.

I have Venus square saturn- I feel as though I don't deserve love and I don't have confidence in regards to love.

My sister has sun-opposition saturn- feelings of low self confidence, being never good enough etc.

Any planets that saturn comes into contact (particularly negative aspects) with will restrict it is someway.

Saturn-negative aspect (square, conjunction, opposition) to Sun: Sun is the basic ego of a person so saturn would be restricting it.

Saturn-Moon- Saturn would cause self doubt, restriction, when it comes to your emotions.

Saturn-Ascendant- could produce a very serious/shy person- Saturn would restrict how you deal with the public.

Satun-Venus- self doubts, low self esteem when it comes to love...feeling as though you don't deserve to be loved.

Also, I would look to see which planets are in retrogade at the time you were born. I have saturn in retrogade at the time I was born so that created self doubt. Also planets in retrogade is believed to be a karmic lesson that you must learn. My sister has mars in retrogade and she has problems with competition and represses her anger all the time- so that is a lesson she must learn. Venus in retrogade can produce feelings of self doubt because it is hard to express love and to be loved. So the karmic lesson for a person with retrogade venus would be that they need to learn how to be more open and accepting towards love.

Also planets in the 12th house can produce negative feelings of self doubt, low self confidence, because planets that are in this house I have found are hindered in some way.

One last point...as much as saturn is blamed for self doubt, low confidence etc...I have found that sometimes neptune can have this affect too.

Hopefully that wasn't too much rambling..sorry

[dhundhun]

Mercury retrograde and mercury as ruling planet.

[Lithuel]

In my youth (writes a 21 year old), I struggled greatly with depression. Because I was gay, and my parents did not accept that at all, there was an element of self-hatred in me until I learned to accept and love myself (about 3 years ago).

My Mars is in Cancer in 9th house, opposite Neptune in Capricorn within 8 minutes orb, and Neptune is conjunct Saturn within 1.5 degrees, and Saturn is perfectly sextile (down to the second) to Pluto in Scorpio in 1st house, Pluto then being trine Mars.

In addition, my Libra ascendant makes it even harder for me to assert my already debilitated Mars in its fall in Cancer, as I really want everybody to like me and to keep the peace. It wasn't until a few months ago that I started voicing most of my desires (little things like where to go out to eat, what movie to watch, what to do on Saturday afternoon, etc) that I had previously kept bottled-up out of a mistaken belief that others would like me more if they just always got what they wanted.

Oh, and that Libra Ascendant makes Mars the ruler of my Descendant (Aries), making that whole aspect configuration above apply strongly to my relationships. I'm striving to utilize the energy of the aspects in positive ways, but it can be very difficult.

[Lithuel]

Oh, I forgot to include that I have 5 retrograde planets: my Mercury in Gemini in the 8th house, as well as my Saturn/Uranus/Neptune in Cap in 3rd house and Pluto in Scorpio in 1st house.

In addition, my Mars is out of bounds at 24 degrees 13 minutes declined. http://www.soultranceformations.com/...ds_Planets.htm

[Flowergirl]

Thanks for your responses.

Originally Posted by ethertwist

Saturn in the 2nd house can potentially produce a lack of/or distorted view of self worth. Maybe challenging aspects between Saturn and the Sun (ego) or a hard aspect between Neptune and Mars or whatever the ruler of the chart may be? I could definitely see it being related to Chiron or maybe even the nodes as well. Self-doubt seems like it would be a byproduct of some area where we're not feeling sufficient or adequate in some way, so I'm sure it's more often revealed in the aspects than in any particular planet or placement. This is a very intriguing question!

I have been trying to figure this out for a few years now and decided to see if astrology can provide an answer. It sure has. I have sun oppose saturn in a t-square to my neptune (chart ruler). It is very difficult to be so unsure of my self and wavering in indecision before I am sure that what I want, is really what I want. And along comes some other quick thinking person with stronger convictions, convinces me and leads me astray. And then the frustrations of being led off course from what I truly desire and the resentment, regret and anger at myself and others afterwards. Phew... I guess what I am beginning to realise it that I feel totally inadequate to decide what I want and what is right for me and insufficient in discernment skills.

My Chiron is in Taurus, 2nd house and there are also self-worth issues is there of perhaps a different flavour.

This is indeed very intriguing.

[Lithuel]

Oh, and I forgot to include my Cancer Chiron in 9th is opposite my Cap Uranus in 3rd, with a 2 minute orb.

[ethertwist]

Originally Posted by Flowergirl

Thanks for your responses.

I have been trying to figure this out for a few years now and decided to see if astrology can provide an answer. It sure has. I have sun oppose saturn in a t-square to my neptune (chart ruler). It is very difficult to be so unsure of my self and wavering in indecision before I am sure that what I want, is really what I want. And along comes some other quick thinking person with stronger convictions, convinces me and leads me astray. And then the frustrations of being led off course from what I truly desire and the resentment, regret and anger at myself and others afterwards. Phew... I guess what I am beginning to realise it that I feel totally inadequate to decide what I want and what is right for me and insufficient in discernment skills.

My Chiron is in Taurus, 2nd house and there are also self-worth issues is there of perhaps a different flavour.

This is indeed very intriguing.

That Sun oppose Saturn square Neptune aspect definitely seems like the perfect cocktail for self-doubt, which you've identified as stemming from not trusting your own decision making capabilities. Since you have a mutable ascendant and/or Sun sign (Pisces, right?), that too can also lead you to second guessing yourself at times because you may tend to be more open and impressionable to the influence of others. From my own limited knowledge of T-squares, it would seem the answer may reside with that missing "leg" to find the necessary balance. What sign is opposite the sign of your natal Neptune? What is the planetary ruler of that sign doing in your chart and what qualities of that planet/sign can you potentially utilize as the antidote of self-doubt?

I preface the above by saying I'm no expert and I humbly defer to anyone else that may have more precise astrological input.

[Flowergirl]

Yes, Pisces is my ascendant and my sun is 8degrees conjunct with it in the first house. You can look at my chart here although I want to put one up with smaller orbs at some point.

It does seem like I have multiple influences in my chart for self-doubt.
Pisces sun
Pisces Asc
Sun oppose Saturn
Sun oppose Saturn in a t-square with Neptune
Saturn square Neptune
Asc oppose Saturn
Saturn retrograde
Saturn in Virgo perhaps?
Afflicted Mercury in Pisces in 12th house

For the t-square resolution: the opposite of my Neptune in Sag is Gemini which would be the planet Mercury. I do seem to have a huge lack of air in my chart... and my Mercury is afflicted. I don't have great mental abilities to balance the t-square either and end up with Pisces again. The only thing I can think of is to practise more meditation and better communication with others.

Do you have any suggestions on how I can remedy the self-doubt, if this is otherwise healable from an astrological point of view? Thanks for pointing these things out.

[yuanyelss]

My Mars is in Cancer in 9th house, opposite Neptune in Capricorn within 8 minutes orb, and Neptune is conjunct Saturn within 1.5 degrees, and Saturn is perfectly sextile (down to the second) to Pluto in Scorpio in 1st house, Pluto then being trine Mars.

[Lithuel]

Originally Posted by yuanyelss

My Mars is in Cancer in 9th house, opposite Neptune in Capricorn within 8 minutes orb, and Neptune is conjunct Saturn within 1.5 degrees, and Saturn is perfectly sextile (down to the second) to Pluto in Scorpio in 1st house, Pluto then being trine Mars.

What's your birthtime, astral sibling?

[ethertwist]

Originally Posted by Flowergirl

Yes, Pisces is my ascendant and my sun is 8degrees conjunct with it in the first house. You can look at my chart here although I want to put one up with smaller orbs at some point.

It does seem like I have multiple influences in my chart for self-doubt.
Pisces sun
Pisces Asc
Sun oppose Saturn
Sun oppose Saturn in a t-square with Neptune
Saturn square Neptune
Asc oppose Saturn
Saturn retrograde
Saturn in Virgo perhaps?
Afflicted Mercury in Pisces in 12th house

For the t-square resolution: the opposite of my Neptune in Sag is Gemini which would be the planet Mercury. I do seem to have a huge lack of air in my chart... and my Mercury is afflicted. I don't have great mental abilities to balance the t-square either and end up with Pisces again. The only thing I can think of is to practise more meditation and better communication with others.

Do you have any suggestions on how I can remedy the self-doubt, if this is otherwise healable from an astrological point of view? Thanks for pointing these things out.

I wish I had some sage advice to offer on how to remedy the self-doubt, but unfortunately, it's likely an extremely personal inner process that goes beyond the scope of astrology. What's interesting is that the missing "leg" is essentially your IC, which makes me think that the issue may have something to do with your roots, your past, your childhood, and/or the parent that you associate with the 4th house. Also, both your Sun and Saturn are in positive aspect to Uranus, so the qualities that are associated with that planet and of Aquarius might also give you a clue as to how to deal with your self-doubt. Uranus is like a higher octave of Mercury to me, which further emphasizes the need to weigh things more objectively, break from the expectations of others, see beyond the emotion, and trust your own unique instincts.

I hope that helps in some small way, but again, I'm no expert!

[Flowergirl]

No worries, you've been very helpful. I suppose the missing leg does fall on my IC and my mum is very much part of the self-doubt issues. I'll give it some more thought...

[Wames]

Originally Posted by astrology02

From my own personal experience saturn has the effect of creating self doubt or lack of confidence in a person.

I have Venus square saturn- I feel as though I don't deserve love and I don't have confidence in regards to love.

My sister has sun-opposition saturn- feelings of low self confidence, being never good enough etc.

Any planets that saturn comes into contact (particularly negative aspects) with will restrict it is someway.

Saturn-negative aspect (square, conjunction, opposition) to Sun: Sun is the basic ego of a person so saturn would be restricting it.

Saturn-Moon- Saturn would cause self doubt, restriction, when it comes to your emotions.

Saturn-Ascendant- could produce a very serious/shy person- Saturn would restrict how you deal with the public.

Satun-Venus- self doubts, low self esteem when it comes to love...feeling as though you don't deserve to be loved.

Also, I would look to see which planets are in retrogade at the time you were born. I have saturn in retrogade at the time I was born so that created self doubt. Also planets in retrogade is believed to be a karmic lesson that you must learn. My sister has mars in retrogade and she has problems with competition and represses her anger all the time- so that is a lesson she must learn. Venus in retrogade can produce feelings of self doubt because it is hard to express love and to be loved. So the karmic lesson for a person with retrogade venus would be that they need to learn how to be more open and accepting towards love.

Also planets in the 12th house can produce negative feelings of self doubt, low self confidence, because planets that are in this house I have found are hindered in some way.

One last point...as much as saturn is blamed for self doubt, low confidence etc...I have found that sometimes neptune can have this affect too.

Hopefully that wasn't too much rambling..sorry

Not rambling at all...thanks.

Do you take reception into consideration too? I ask because I have the Moon/Saturn square. However, Moon receives Saturn by rulership and Saturn receives Moon by its exaltation. I think this may help my erratic and unstable moon in libra and its placement in the 1st although Saturn is elevated and conjunct the MC. I can be painfully shy and I don't wear my heart on my sleeve. But not a confidence issue wrt emotions.

[astrologer50]

Originally Posted by Flowergirl

Yes, Pisces is my ascendant and my sun is 8degrees conjunct with it in the first house. You can look at my chart here although I want to put one up with smaller orbs at some point. [the link doesn't work]

It does seem like I have multiple influences in my chart for self-doubt.
Pisces sun
Pisces Asc
Sun oppose Saturn
Sun oppose Saturn in a t-square with Neptune [saturn to neptune can cause depression, fear of unknown and having your dreams/aspirations crushed in early childhood by father and/or authority figures]
Saturn square Neptune
Asc oppose Saturn
Saturn retrograde [can show missing, absent or ineffectual father in childhood]
Saturn in Virgo perhaps? [communications and practical matters shows where you lack confidence]
Afflicted Mercury in Pisces in 12th house [afflicted by what? mercury here shows you were not able to 'speak up' properly in childhood. this can make someone secretive and poss psychic ]

For the t-square resolution: the opposite of my Neptune in Sag is Gemini which would be the planet Mercury. I do seem to have a huge lack of air in my chart... and my Mercury is afflicted. I don't have great mental abilities to balance the t-square either and end up with Pisces again. The only thing I can think of is to practise more meditation and better communication with others.[ lack of air suggests 'sweeping statement syndrome' with not enough thought behind speech, can just blurt things out perhaps?]

Do you have any suggestions on how I can remedy the self-doubt, if this is otherwise healable from an astrological point of view? Thanks for pointing these things out.

You can use your mercury in pisces to intuitive perceive thoughts, communications with others. If it's afflicted by neptune it suggests, mis-communications and if afflicted by uranus would add argumentativeness...

Saturn in 7th suggests you may well look for 'father figure' old types in relationships, and these should be more successful after your first saturn return.

How to attach a chart as thumbnail
http://www.astrologyweekly.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12126

[Ruka_5]

Originally Posted by Lithuel

In my youth (writes a 21 year old), I struggled greatly with depression. Because I was gay, and my parents did not accept that at all, there was an element of self-hatred in me until I learned to accept and love myself (about 3 years ago).

My Mars is in Cancer in 9th house, opposite Neptune in Capricorn within 8 minutes orb, and Neptune is conjunct Saturn within 1.5 degrees, and Saturn is perfectly sextile (down to the second) to Pluto in Scorpio in 1st house, Pluto then being trine Mars.

In addition, my Libra ascendant makes it even harder for me to assert my already debilitated Mars in its fall in Cancer, as I really want everybody to like me and to keep the peace. It wasn't until a few months ago that I started voicing most of my desires (little things like where to go out to eat, what movie to watch, what to do on Saturday afternoon, etc) that I had previously kept bottled-up out of a mistaken belief that others would like me more if they just always got what they wanted.

Oh, and that Libra Ascendant makes Mars the ruler of my Descendant (Aries), making that whole aspect configuration above apply strongly to my relationships. I'm striving to utilize the energy of the aspects in positive ways, but it can be very difficult.

Oh, absolutely.

When I saw the thread title the first sign that came to mind, was Libra; the whole 'people-pleasing' thing. Libra can give a tendency too towards caring too much what other people think, which can lead to a lot of self-doubt.

I'd throw in Virgo too because of the whole perfectionist, critical thing.

[astrologer50]

Libra like gemini and pisces are all restless, procrastinating and indecisive and I have a saying for Librans. "They used to be indecisve, now they can't make their minds up."

Libra rising can be smooth talking charmers, one of my brothers has this, and in his youth, when I walked in a room, heads turned, like bees around a honeypot. Every sign, Asc has it's positives and negatives. We really need to see the chart for a proper evaluation though...

Beginning to Study Astrology
http://www.astrologyweekly.com/forum/showpost.php?p=154469&postcount=10
http://www.soulhealing.com/tutorialwest.htm
http://www.astrologyweekly.com/learn-astrology/astrology-glyphs.php

How to attach a chart as thumbnail
http://www.astrologyweekly.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12126

[Ruka_5]

Originally Posted by astrologer50

Libra like gemini and pisces are all restless, procrastinating and indecisive and I have a saying for Librans. "They used to be indecisve, now they can't make their minds up."

Libra rising can be smooth talking charmers, one of my brothers has this, and in his youth, when I walked in a room, heads turned, like bees around a honeypot. Every sign, Asc has it's positives and negatives. We really need to see the chart for a proper evaluation though...

I think it's more that Libras want so badly to please everybody and be liked by everyone and have peace that a lot of times their frantic efforts to try and accomplish that comes across to others as insincerity or charm for charm's sake.

[astrologer50]

they may well be people pleasers BUT they can also be arguementative if to bored and incredibly diplomat, even when they want to say something poignant, they can *usually* wrap it up in words to cause the least amount of offense....