"HOW TO JUDGE COMBUST PLANETS IN ASTROLOGY"

The readers are well aware that planetary strengths are one of the
important tools of predictive astrology. Amongst the various sources of
planetary weakness, the greatest is the state of combustion. The combust
planets lack necessary power to protect and/or promote the significations
and the houses ruled by them. Although there is very condensed mention of
this subject in astrological texts and commentaries, the same carries a very
deep meaning and has to be viewed in the form of a very useful hint.

Whenever in a nativity a planet is combust, the native suffers with

regard to the general significations and the significations of the house
ruled by such a combust planet in such a manner that the suffering
becomes memorable. It is like a tragedy or a serious setback, during
the operational sub-period of such a combust planet. In case the
functional malefic planets are conjunct with or aspect the most effective
point of the houses, whose lords are combust, the significations of the
said house(s) are almost totally destroyed. In case the main period of
such a planet does not operate then the results of the significations
supposed to be provided by the combust planet are not enjoyed by the
native. In case the main period operates and whenever the malefic
planets transit the most effective point of the moolatrikona sign ruled
by the combust planet, tragic happenings occur pertaining to the
significations ruled by the planet. Sometimes the combust planets, when
they are functional benefics, do bless temporarily the significations
ruled by them to cause sufferings on a later date by snatching it away.

The only saving factor is the close aspect/conjunction of the strong

functional benefic planet. When in addition to some other planets,
Jupiter of the most benefic planet, being a functional benefic is also
combust then there is very little saving grace. If the dispositor of the
combust planet is powerfully placed, beneficially aspected and is a
functional benefic planet, the impact of weakness of the combust
planet(s) may be a little less. If the dispositor of the combust planet is
weak and badly placed and no strengthening measure has been used, the
person suffers setbacks and serious problems. When the Sun causes
combustion to a planet in its own mooltrikona sign, both the Sun and the
combust planet become weak due to weakness of dispositor.

The results of the combust planet(s) are magnified due to the influence
of the Sun but the combust planets are vulnerable to damages due to
natal and transit afflictions both in the sub-periods of the combust
planets and when the combust planets are transited by the functional
malefic planets. To reduce this vulnerability it is imperative to
strengthen these combust planets by wearing a special power Kavach and
a gem stone for the concerned planet in an auspiciously elected time.

The Sun would carry additional malefic effects for his being lord of
dusthana especially if the longitudinal difference between the Sun and
the combust planet is less than five degrees.
The power of the combust planet is very weak when it is in complete
conjunction with the Sun and it is under the transit affliction. However,
a combust planet in its own/exaltation sign or a sign from which it
aspects its own sign does retain some power to do good. If a planet is
combust and becomes lord of the ascendant of a divisional chart,
whenever the functional malefic planets transit such planets in D-I the
indications of the divisional chart either end or are badly
damaged.According to the experience of the author, whenever the prime
significator(s) is (are) combust and the lord of the navamsa ascendant is
also combust, the marriage of the native whether a boy or a girl,
whether rich or poor, beautiful or otherwise, is invariably delayed.
Thus, denying the marital bliss in the peak years of life, delaying the
fruits of the marital life that is delayed progeny and in case the period
of such a planet operates, it results in the marital discord.

Now the question is how we can minimize the effects of combust planets
on the human lives. It has two main zones; (1) the physical ailments and
(2) other significations of the planets. For significations we can take
preventive measures. For example, for a person in whose natal chart
Mercury is combust he can and should avoid speculation, gambling etc.
The planets that are combust but not functional malefics can be made
strong by use of a Kavach or a Special Power Kavach. The planets that
are combust and at the same time are functional malefics also have to
be propitiated by charities. The last of all is psychological understanding
to cope with the weak areas instead of straining to remove the weakness
and then suffer mental disturbance.

The author has closely observed natal charts with combust planets and
has found that in case the period of such a combust planet operates, it
gives unfavorable results through inordinate delays, denials and
sufferings caused by the transit planetary influences. In case the main
period of such a combust planet does not operate, its sub-period in the
main periods of the functional malefic planets results in delay in the
general growth of the individual and serious health problems. Of course,
it goes without saying that whenever the sub-period of combust planets
is clubbed by unfavorable transits or in the main periods of functional
malefic planets, the combust planets really gives very bad results. It
does not promote or protect its own general and particular significations.
On the other hand, it causes strenuous sufferings to the native. The
learned readers would find the efficacy of this point of view in the
analysis of horoscopes. It acts as a very powerful predictive tool
because one finds horoscopes with combust planet(s) in majority of
cases.

In the sub-periods of functional benefic planets, which are in the state

of combustion, the significations ruled not only lack protection but the
same are also inordinately delayed, denied or damaged. To augment the
strength of the combust planets the natives are recommended to wear
planetary Kavach in auspiciously elected times to (i) protect the
significations ruled by these planets during transit afflictions; and (ii) to
promote the significations of these planets. During the sub-period of
combust Moon, the mental peace of the person is lost. One's mother or
wife may not enjoy good health. There are problems in acquisition and
maintenance of property. The people try to avoid the person. If such a
combust Moon is under the close influence of Rahu or the lords of the
eighth and twelfth houses, the person gets involved in many vices and
loses mental peace. One is vulnerable to epileptic fits, lungs and mental
disorders. During the sub-period of combust Mars one is angry and
suffers from injuries due to rashness and muscular disorders. One
suffers from blood impurities, hypertension and multiple boils. If such a
combust Mars is under the exact or close affliction of Rahu one becomes
vulnerable to Cancer. During the sub-period of combust Mercury one is
confused, sensitive and slow in decision making. One suffers from over
confidence or lack of confidence and nervous pressures. The peace of
mind is disturbed. One becomes vulnerable to convulsions, paralysis,
body-aches, breathing problems and skin diseases if the combust
Mercury is under the influence of Rahu, especially from the malefic
houses. During the sub-period of combust Jupiter one suffers from liver
disorders and fevers. One cannot concentrate on studies. There are
obstructions in one's spiritual pursuits. One becomes selfish. One
suffers on account of problems to one's male progeny and husband. If
such combust Jupiter is badly placed and is under the severe affliction
of Rahu/Ketu or the lords of the eighth or twelfth houses, one becomes
vulnerable to liver cirrhosis, jaundice and diabetes. During the sub-
periods of combust Venus, one faces loss of comforts. One's wife
suffers from ill-health. In the case of females they suffer from urinary
infections, malfunctioning of uterus and fallopian tubes. One becomes
vulnerable to skin problems, eye-diseases and renal problems if combust
Venus is severely afflicted by Rahu/Ketu or the most malefic planet.

During the sub-periods of combust Saturn one has to struggle more for
success. One may suffer from bone fractures, pain in legs or spinal
problems. One may get involved in leading the low class people or
laborers. One does not enjoy good social respect.One is vulnerable to
vices and loss of reputation and the particular significations of the
planet when (i) Rahu/Ketu is closely conjunct with the Sun or any other
planet, (ii) the Sun or any other planet forms close mutual aspect with
Rahu/Ketu during the sub-periods of Rahu/Ketu and the planet(s)
involved. During the sub-period of combust lord of the first house one
suffers from health problems and loss of status. The combust lord of
the first house when severely afflicted by Rahu/Ketu or the most
malefic planet makes one vulnerable to addictions, serious health
problems and loss of status. During the sub-period of combust lord of
the second house one loses wealth, status, suffers on account of
inharmonious marital relationship and male progeny. The combust lord of
the second house when severely afflicted by Rahu/Ketu or the most
malefic planet makes one vulnerable to the diseases of eyes, thyroid,
problems to teeth, problem of speech and results in sorrows on account
of tragedy to male relations. During the sub-period of combust lord of
the third house one faces isolation and one's younger brothers face
troubles. The combust lord of the third house when severely afflicted
by Rahu/Ketu or the most malefic planet makes one vulnerable to the
breathing problems, mental retardation and financial losses through
business ventures. During the sub-period of combust lord of the fourth
house one loses mental peace and properties. One's mother and
education suffer. The combust lord of the fourth house when severely
afflicted by Rahu/Ketu or the most malefic planet makes one vulnerable
to the loss of assets, loss of parents, cardiac disorders and unhappiness
through marital discord. During the sub-period of combust lord of the
fifth house one's concentration is lost and one suffers unhappiness on
the performance of children. The combust lord of the fifth house when
severely afflicted by Rahu/Ketu or the most malefic planet makes one
vulnerable to the loss of children, losses through speculative
investments, gambling, liver cirrhosis, stomach disorders, spinal
inflammations and gall bladder problem. During the sub period of
combust lord of the sixth house one suffers from ill-health arising out
of acidity, inflammation of intestine, renal disorders, etc. The combust
lord of the sixth house when severely afflicted by Rahu/Ketu or the
most malefic planet makes one vulnerable to losses through thefts,
fires, litigation and cheatings. During the sub-period of combust lord of
the seventh house one suffers from problems in marriage, partnerships
and in foreign lands. The combust lord of the seventh house when
severely afflicted by Rahu/Ketu or the most malefic planet makes one
vulnerable to marital discord, cheating in partnership business and
suffers from severe difficulties in foreign lands. During the sub-period
of combust lord of the eighth house one suffers from obstructions and
delays and one's life is threatened. The combust lord of the eighth
house when severely afflicted by Rahu/Ketu or the most malefic planet
makes one vulnerable to fatal accidents and one's father may suffer
financial setbacks and severe health problems. One also faces divorce in
marital relationship. During the sub-period of combust lord of the ninth
house one's father suffers from problem and the person gets setbacks
in life. The combust lord of the ninth house when severely afflicted by
Rahu/Ketu or the most malefic planet makes one vulnerable to physical
handicap and prolonged health problems. During the sub-period of
combust lord of the tenth house one gets persistent professional
setbacks and has to move away from his native place. The combust lord
of the tenth house when severely afflicted by Rahu/Ketu or the most
malefic planet makes one vulnerable to arthritis, government action, loss
of reputation and sufferings on account of one's child(ren). During the
sub-period of combust lord of the eleventh house one faces loss of
income and trouble to friends and elder brother(s). The combust lord of
the eleventh house when severely afflicted by Rahu/Ketu or the most
malefic planet makes one vulnerable to blood Cancer, isolation and
penury. During the sub-period of combust lord of the twelfth house one
faces separation in marital relationships and loss of comforts. The
combust lord of the twelfth house when severely afflicted by Rahu/Ket
or the most malefic planet makes one vulnerable to drug addiction,
imprisonment and prolonged hospitalisation. It is imperative to seek
astrological help through preventive horoscope analysis and strengthen
one's combust and other weak planets to avert setbacks in life. It is
also necessary to perform propitiatory astrological remedial measures
for the afflicting planets to enjoy a peaceful life. The readers may
refer to frequently answered questions on Combust Planets in my book,
Systems' Approach for Interpreting Horoscopes.The following charts
show the delay in marriage due to combustion of the seventh lord as a
main factor amongst other things. Birth: October 10, 1945, 2230
hrs.The sign
Gemini rises in
the ascendant
and Rahu and
Ketu are the
functional
malefic planets.
The lord of the
seventh house
which is the
prime
determinant for
marriage and is
the significator
for husband is
weak as it is
combust. The
lord of the
fourth house,
Mercury is
weak as it is in
the state of
combustion and
is in old age. The lord of the house of the family, the Moon, is
debilitated and is badly placed in the sixth house and is in its sign of
debilitation in D-IX, as well. Rahu-Ketu axis is close to the most
effective points of the houses occupied and afflicts the houses occupied
and aspected. Saturn, the lord of the house of fortune, is weak as it is
placed in the state of infancy and its dispositor is debilitated and badly
placed. The weak Jupiter becomes the lord of the ascendant of D-IX.
All the significator planets for marriage are weak. The marriage was
delayed and the native was finally duped in a marital alliance by a
person who was already keeping a woman as permanent mistress in the
sub-period of the debilitated second lord, the Moon, of the natal chart
placed in the sixth house. Due to the weakness of the lords of the
fourth and seventh houses due to combustion, the native could not save
her marriage in spite of her best efforts.

Birth: January 20, 1985, 1040 hrs.

The sign Pisces
rises in the
ascendant and
the Sun, Venus,
Saturn, Rahu
and Ketu
become
functional
malefic planets.
Jupiter is
utterly weak as
it is combust,
in the state of
infancy and is
also in its sign
of debilitation.
Jupiter is
closely conjunct
with the lord of
the sixth house
and is severely
afflicted by
the exact
aspect of Rahu. The Sun becomes the prime significator of health in
this case. The significator of longevity, Venus, is weak as it is badly
placed in the chart. Mars is weak as it is badly placed in the chart and
is closely afflicted. The Moon is weak as it is in the state of combustion
and its dispositor is utterly weak. Saturn ruling the twelfth house is in
exact conjunction with Ketu. Mercury is weak due to the utter weakness
of its dispositor. There are exact afflictions and all the functional
benefic planets are weak. The child had frequent ill health during his
childhood retarding his educational pursuits. This later on culminated in
restricted avenues for his profession. The success in his professional
life will be eluding. Whenever the lord of the tenth house in badly weak
and afflicted the life span of the native is also short. The lord of the
eighth and twelfth both signifying longevity in addition to the life giving
planets in this case are weak.

Birth: March 5, 1987, 1929 hrs.

The sign Virgo
rises in the
ascendant and
Saturn, Mars,
Sun, Rahu and
Ketu are the
functional
malefic planets.
The lord of the
ascendant,
Mercury is
weak as it is
combust and
located in the
sixth house.
Mercury
primarily rules
health and
longevity. The
Moon is weak
as it is badly
placed in the
chart and is in
old-age. The Sun ruling the twelfth house and becoming significator for
longevity is badly placed. Mars is in its own sign in the eighth house.
Both Jupiter and Venus are strong in the

chart. In ashthamsa (D-VIII), Ketu and Rahu occupy the fourth house.
The child died at the age of few months in the sub-period of Rahu and
the main period of the badly placed Sun during the stationary transit
influence of Rahu/Ketu axis operating at birth due to the weakness of
significator of longevity in infancy.
Birth: August
26, 1955,1420.

The sign
Scorpio rises in
the ascendant
and Mars,
Venus, Rahu
and Ketu are
the functional
malefic planets.
Jupiter and
Saturn become

primedeterminant planets for marriage Jupiter is weak as it is placed in

its sign of debilitation in navamsa and its dispositor is weak. Saturn is
weak as it is badly placed in the chart and its dispositor is weak and
afflicted. Venus, the lord of the twelfth house, rules the continuity of
married life. Venus and Mars are combust and are mutually conjunct
with each other indicating conflicts in marital relationships. The Moon is
weak as it is placed in its sign of debilitation. Mercury is weak as it is
placed in the state of old-age. Saturn, the lord of the ascendant in
navamsa occupies its sign of debilitation in D-IX and is closely
influenced by Rahu/Ketu axis. The significator for husband, Jupiter too,
occupies its sign of debilitation in navamsa. The combustion and
affliction of Venus and the utter weakness of Saturn and Jupiter did
not bless the native with marital happiness. Her two marriages ended in
divorce. The first survived for a few months and the second for a few
days. The native could not compromise with the immoral character of
the spouse. Both the divorces took place in the main period of Venus
and the sub-period of Jupiter. The tenth lord, the Sun, occupies its
own sign in the main chart and is strong. The tenth house does not have
any close malefic aspect. Two functional malefic planets are placed in
the tenth house. In dasamsa no mooltrikona sign rises in the ascendant.
Therefore, the main impact in this chart is of the lord of the tenth
house of the main chart, the Sun. The job held by the native is affluent
so far as the financial income is concerned but does not possess the
authority as signified by the sign Leo and its lord in the tenth house.

COMBUSTION (ASTANGATA, DAGDHA, MOUDYA) & ITS

IMPLICATIONS
It is said in the classics that a planet would be more powerful when they are
radiant. If you look at the zodiac, the point rising in the horizon is called
ascendant (the first house) and the point at mid heaven is called the 10th
house. The belt of zodiac from ascendant to descendant across the 10th
house is called visible half of the zodiac. 10th is regarded as most powerful
kendra. Similarly, a special muhurta when sun transits in the mid heavens is
called Abhijit. The results of Abhijit muhurta is beyond the scope of this
article. When a planet is opposite to Sun, it would be visible when the sun
sets and also when the sun rises. A planet in such a condition is said to be
auspicious. When a planet comes closer to sun, it would set and rise along
with sun and hence are lusterless. Such a position is called combustion.
Combustion is caused due to certain longitudinal distances from Sun and it is
necessary that both Sun and the combust planet be in the same sign.
Combustion is deemed to be bad at it would rob away the effects of the
planet. The combustion distance varies from planet to planet. Mars,
Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn come at distance of 17˚, 14˚ (12˚ when
retrograde), 11˚, 10˚ (8˚ when retrograde) and 15˚on either side of Sun,
they are subjected to combustion. On the other hand, when the planets
come close to Moon, it is called Samagama. In Prashna chart, association of
Moon with the significator implies quick and pleasing results. Nodes do not
have combustion as they are not radiating planets but merely mathematical
points. Generally speaking, combustion is a phenomena most talked about in
muhurtas (election astrology) than natal horoscopy - as if the combust
planets hit at the person for selecting a combust muhurta and spare the man
born in combust circumstances! Uttara Kalamrita says, " (Natural) Benefic
planets if combust, lose their potency, while (natural) malefics become more
mischievous". If you look into your Panchanga (Indian conventional
Ephemeris), you will find that suitable muhurtas for inauguration of house,
business expansion, marriage etc., would not available during the period of
combustion. Combustion goes by several names - asta or moudya, astangata
and dagdha. Moudya means foolishness. Astangata and dagdha mean 'burnt
up'. That means the combust planet would behave like a fool during this
period as so the name. Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra says," If ascendant
lord is in debilitation, combustion or in enemy sign, there will be diseases.
(Sloka 1-2, "Effects on Tanu Bhava). This stanza highlights the importance
of combustion in natal horoscopy. There are two only moudhyas which have
been given importance  of Venus and Jupiter. When Jupiter is combust,
Upanayana (reborn-ceremony) is not conducted. Unfortunately the other
planets do not enjoy such respect! On the similar argument, when Mercury
is combust, you panchanga should have mentioned that certain days as not
good for education, journalism and court dealings. When Saturn is combust,
it should have told you not to take up a labour contract!
A combust Venus is supposed to cause losses in business. This means when
you go to buy a pair of shoes you will meet loss, the shop keeper also incurs
losses. Losses and losses everywhere. Since Mercury and Venus move close
to Sun, the phenomenon happens frequently, say every year. In that case, it
is wise to examine the trading activities during that time. In my humble
experience, such period of combustion marked in the Panchanga has not
brought about slacking trade activities, divorces etc., It is possible that you
will not loose any amount nor the shop keeper gains - as the shops could
closed due to various natural or national causes. Such a situation, as viewed
from the national fiscal point, is not good at all! Yes, when combustion is
going on, it is possible we get across such a time. However, the distance of
combustion should be taken as 3˚ 20' or less on either side of Sun. It is wise
not to do any business transaction, conduct marriages, house warming
ceremonies during that time.
"If the planets forfeit their strength as a result of combustion the native
will enter the holy order, that is, he will become a saint" (sloka 5 "Ascetism
Yogas" Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra). Well, not all is bad with combustion!
Suppose you have a strong Venus in the chart, the effect of combustion is
less. By combustion, the planet looses his strength to Sun. In the event Sun
is a benefic like 5th lord, 9th lord, 10th or 11th lord etc., then how can such
a combustion effect you? You will make good tidings through the
significances of Venus and the matters represented by Sun will flourish.
Despite this, the natural signficances (beauty, artistic nature, refinement of
the native) would suffer due to combustion. Other attributes should also be
considered. "If 11th Lord is exalted, though in combustion there will be
many gains". (sloka 2, "Effects of Labha Bhava" -Brihat Parasara Hora
Shastra).
You need not panic that you were born when Venus was combust nor that you
should not conduct your beloved daughter's marriage during the entire
period shown in your panchanga as sukra moudhya. It is suffice to avoid the
muhurtas during the time when Venus comes close to Sun by 3˚20' or less.
Generally, in panchangas only the combustion of only Jupiter and Venus are
published. It is understandable that combustion of Mercury is not given
much importance by panchanga makers, it happens quite often! I suggest to
avoid combustion period of other planets, Mars, Mercury and Saturn for the
muhurta for the events signfiifed by these planets. In these cases also, 3˚
20' or less on either side of Sun is suggested. It is prudent to view the
possible results of combustion based on the functional role of the combust
planets, in addition to natural significances.