It appears that everywhere you go, narcissistic traits or characteristics are highlighted. Whether they are covert or grandiose narcissists, it’s hard to tell whether or not narcissism is generally on an uptick or if it’s become a trend to identify people as narcissists. Nevertheless, narcissism is an actual personality disorder. With the help of astrology, there are some aspects and positions that could indicate a leaning toward narcissistic traits. It’s important to note that there is no one astrological indicator or aspect which confirms specific conditions such as narcissism. However, there are some particular energies that can increase the occurrence of common characteristics that could be associated with narcissism. This overview offers an astrological perspective on narcissism.
In any case, narcissism can make it difficult for people to have healthy relationships. While everyone has some sort of self-seeking behaviors which help them to maintain their identities and get where they want to be in life, narcissism is unique in that there are specific traits that make these individuals overly concerned with boosting the image of the self at the detriment of others.
The Traits of Narcissism
The following are some general traits that are believed to be common among narcissists. Again, it is important to note that narcissism, formally known as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), is an actual psychological disorder. While the narcissist label is common in this current climate, an official diagnosis of narcissism is done by a licensed mental health professional that has the expertise and knowledge to identify the character traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder.
Some characteristics of narcissism can include self-aggrandizement, general arrogance, an overinflated ego, lack of empathy, envy, vengefulness, a need for admiration, a desire for power, and compulsive lying just to name a few.
The Astrological Indicators For Narcissism
The following are some astrological indicators that are believed to be associated with narcissism. Please note there isn’t any single astrological sign or aspect which confirms the existence of any particular disorder or behavior. The natal chart of an individual would have to be viewed in totality to determine the possibility of narcissism.
Challenged Sun Placements
Given that the son rules ego expression, it should come as no surprise that challenged sun placements could potentially present narcissistic personality traits. Challenging sun aspects featuring oppositions and squares can lead to a negative expression of solar energy. Given that one of the traits associated with narcissism is an inflated ego. Everyone has an ego. However, there are some people who are a bit more invested in fulfilling ego expression where there is a tendency to bolster one’s own self-worth as of utmost importance.
Some specific challenged sun placements include Sun-Jupiter which could represent possibly overdoing the ego as anything Jupiter touches expands. Likewise, challenged Sun-Pluto energy seeks to gain power and control through negative means to support ego expression.
In astrology, the sun is related to the sign of Leo. Leo is known for wanting to be seen, admired, and adored. The negative expression of Leo energy can also show up as the desire to be in the spotlight at all costs even to the point of eclipsing someone else’s shine. In a true form of narcissism, this can show up as stealing other people’s ideas, being envious of other people’s abilities, and/or natural light, and competing to obtain attention.
Too Much Jupiter
As mentioned above, too much Jupiter can also show up as a form of narcissism within the new chart. Whenever Jupiter goes overboard due to a hard aspect, there tends to be mismanagement of the energy associated with the planet Jupiter. For example, Sun-Jupiter can lead to overexpression of ego identity. With Venus-Jupiter, there is a tendency to promise too much when it comes to love or money. With Moon-Jupiter, we have the ability to be a bit too emotional and over-expressive.
Whenever there is a need to be more this can lead to over-exaggerating the self in an effort to make oneself seem far more important. In astrology, Jupiter is related to the sign of Sagittarius, and one of Sagittarius’ negative traits is its exaggeration and at times haughty disposition. Oftentimes, there is self-aggrandizement to the point of needing others to see them the way they see themselves which is not always possible.
Mars & Me, Me, & More Me
Negative aspected Mars energy can also be an indicator of possible narcissism. With Mars energy, there is an aggressiveness and desire to be number one. When uncontrolled, this can lead to an overwhelming desire to beat everyone out in an attempt to gain the top spot. In addition, negatively aspected Mars energy can lead to a significant amount of selfishness. Since everything is about fulfilling personal desires, the narcissistic individual uses others as instruments for self-fulfillment.
The Balance Between Self-Love & Narcissism
While there is a tendency nowadays to label everyone as a narcissist, it is important to note that there is a difference between positive expressions of self-love and narcissism. Self-love affirms the self without necessarily bringing down others or making oneself more important than others. It is possible to love the self without elevating oneself above others which often happens with narcissism. In reality, there are many people if not most who have some form of self-interest. However, it becomes a problem when this self-interest is maximized to a point where others are used as tools in the desire to be self-affirmed.
Caution With Narcissism Diagnosis
Everyone is not a narcissist. Again, in order to be officially diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, this has to be done by a qualified mental health professional. Personality disorders vary, and it is possible that what we see as narcissism is something else. Maybe the “supposed” narcissist has unhealed traumas that need to be addressed. Perhaps they have another personality disorder. Maybe they just have bad characteristics that only they can identify and rectify.
However, not everyone is a narcissist, and for those who are choosing to use astrology to identify personality traits, it is important to be mindful of using astrology in a responsible manner. There isn’t just one particular astrological trait or marker that can effectively say that a person is narcissistic or not. Again, a total review of a natal chart could assist in providing information about whether a person has the capacity to carry traits that are linked to narcissism.
Nevertheless, given that narcissism has been a hot topic over the past few years, even astrology has its place in helping people learn more about their own personal characteristics and use this information to become self-aware.
