Burnt by the Sun
A planet is combust when it falls within a certain orb of the Sun overwhelmed by solar brilliance and unable to express its independent qualities. In Hellenistic tradition, a planet within 8° of the Sun is combust. In Vedic tradition, combustion orbs vary by planet (Mercury within 14°, Venus within 10°, Mars within 17°, Jupiter within 11°, Saturn within 15°, Moon within 12°). A combust planet loses its significations the house it rules and occupies suffers weakened results.
Combustion Orbs by Planet
| Planet | Vedic Combustion Orb |
|---|---|
| Moon | Within 12° |
| Mars | Within 17° |
| Mercury | Within 14° (direct); 12° (retrograde) |
| Jupiter | Within 11° |
| Venus | Within 10° (direct); 8° (retrograde) |
| Saturn | Within 15° |
Combust vs. Cazimi
Paradoxically, when a planet is within 17' (minutes) of the Sun cazimi in Western tradition, directly in the Sun's heart it becomes exceptionally powerful rather than weakened. The solar light, instead of overwhelming, fully charges the planet. In Vedic astrology this is called 'moudh' but the exact degree conjunction at the Sun's core is sometimes treated favourably. Distinguish between broadly combust (weakened) and heart-conjunction (empowered) when interpreting Sun-conjunct placements.