Combustion

Definition

Combustion is a debilitating planetary condition in which a planet falls within approximately eight degrees of the Sun and is overwhelmed by solar light to the point of losing its independent power of expression. A combust planet is said to be blinded by the Sun's radiance, unable to see clearly or act on its own behalf. The planet becomes absorbed into solar significations and loses the capacity to function as a distinct astrological factor. Traditionally, combustion was considered one of the most severe afflictions a planet could suffer, stripping it of strength, visibility, and effectiveness regardless of its sign or aspect condition. The condition is most damaging when the planet is within one degree of the Sun, which paradoxically becomes the special condition of Cazimi — where instead of destruction, the planet is elevated into the very heart of the Sun's power. Between one and eight degrees, the combust planet is weakened but still operative in a suppressed or distorted form. Planets ruling important houses in a natal chart that are combust often describe areas of life where the native struggles to assert themselves or where matters are obscured from view. Combustion is directional — a planet applying toward the Sun is said to be more afflicted than one separating from it.

Worked Example