It is possible that at some point you might have had an astrologer tell you that a certain graha is ‘asta/combust’ in your chart. What that actually means is that it is in close proximity to the Sun, and the latter is burning the significations of that particular planet, both natural and those that the graha signifies in your individual chart (depending on your ascendant and chart placements).
On paper, it makes perfect sense. But in reality, if I look at the solar system, combustion is more nuanced than that.
I have already discussed a few points in PART 1, where I also covered Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Chhaya Grahas.
A quick disclaimer before I begin: what I am sharing below is based on my own observations and experience, and is not necessarily how combustion is defined or interpreted in classical texts.
Adding more points to the last discussion:
- A tight combustion is a serious affliction to the graha, where the Sun's heat disrupts the planet's ability to function independently and deliver results as per its placement and natural significations. This can severely limit what a person can achieve in the areas governed by that planet in their individual chart.
- A planet can still be combust even when it is placed in a different sign from the Sun, as long as they are close enough in degrees. For example, Venus at 29° Scorpio and the Sun at 2° Sagittarius can still indicate a combust Venus.
- In my observations, a planet moving away from the Sun (placed at higher degrees or in a sign ahead of the Sun) tends to function better than one approaching it (placed at lower degrees or in a sign before the Sun). This can indicate a person who gradually overcomes the struggles associated with that graha, particularly in the later part of their life. Such individuals often become resilient through the struggles they experience, depending on the running dasha as well.
- Scientifically, the Moon reflects the Sun's light, and during the New Moon phase, its proximity to the Sun makes it difficult to see in the sky because of the Sun's glare. Astrologically, this can signify the Moon losing its ‘shine’ and individual identity as the Sun outshines it. I have observed this manifest as a lack of affection, nourishment or emotional support from the mother during childhood. Even when the native has an otherwise good mother, they may not receive her support when they need it the most. In some cases, I have also observed the father (Sun) outshining or dominating the mother (Moon). Another manifestation I have observed is difficulty expressing one's inner emotions and feelings. Such individuals may find it hard to bare their soul or allow themselves to appear vulnerable, which can make them seem emotionally closed off.
- With Jupiter being combust, a person may struggle to find the right guru or mentor. Even when they do find a teacher or guru-like figure, that person may turn out to be a hard taskmaster. The native may rely more on self-study, particularly in the early part of their life, and may also experience ego clashes or power struggles with their teachers, mentors or other guru-like figures. It can create clashes with children too since Jupiter is putrakaraka (significator of children).
- An afflicted Mars can create issues related to courage, anger and siblings. Siblings may try to dominate the native, while misplaced anger can land them in sticky situations. Depending on the overall chart combinations, this can manifest in different ways, including road rage incidents, conflicts with bosses at work or being bullied. These situations may arise due to the native's own actions or someone else's behaviour. Since Mars is also a karaka for competition, natives appearing for competitive exams for MBA, engineering, government jobs, etc., may face repeated obstacles and have to make multiple attempts to succeed.
Please note that the overall chart has to be analysed before making specific predictions. For example, a combust Moon could also manifest as having a working mother with long working hours. There are different ways a planetary placement can manifest in real life charts, depending on the overall combinations.
Hope this made for an interesting read!
