“While
a lot has been written on Sun-Venus conjunctions, not much
is available on the effects of a combust Venus on the natal
chart. There is also a varying cut-off point for this aspect,
depending on the authors.”
Kevin Answers:
Teri,
Any planet conjunct the Sun will be combust.
The classical breakdown is from 8° to 15° from the
Sun is “under the beams,” which is an accidental
debility; from 17’ to 8° from the Sun is combust,
which is a more serious debility; and less than 17’
of arc is a condition called cazimi (the heart of the Sun),
which is an accidental dignity.
Combustion is considered to be an accidental
debility for several reasons. First of all, planets conjunct
the Sun can’t be seen—literally. They will rise
and set with the Sun, and therefore will not be visible in
the sky. Planets under the Sun’s beams are less debilitated,
because they can be seen in certain situations. The other
consideration when a planet is combust is that it is being
burned by the heat of the Sun.
It’s perhaps worth mentioning that while
in Western Astrology, the Sun is considered to be a generally
benefic planet, in Eastern and Vedic astrology, the Sun is
a malefic influence because it has the tendency to burn things.
That being said, I’m afraid I’m
not going to be making a significant contribution to the Sun-Venus
interpretation oeuvre. I’m very hesitant to consider
debilitating factors such as combustion in the context of
a natal chart. I’m sure that most of the interpretations
of Sun conjunct Venus talk about how one’s self expression
and desire to relate to others are closely linked. The only
thing I might venture to add to this is that since Venus is
hidden from view, that the person with the Combust Venus might
have a difficult time outwardly expressing his or her artistic,
love, and creative needs. It is also possible that these needs
may tend to be overlooked because they are overshadowed by
the Sun’s desire for individual expression.
As long as I’m talking off-the-cuff here,
it would be interesting to consider this aspect taking into
account the relative strengths of the Sun and Venus. With
the Sun and Venus combust in Leo, I would say that Venus is
simply going to have to ride on the Sun’s coattails.
The Sun is not only out front, but Venus also reports directly
to the Sun. On the other hand, what about the Sun and Venus
combust in Taurus? or in Libra? Here we have a very strong
Venus, one that rules the Sun, in fact, but that does it from
behind the scenes.
As you can see, I’m perfectly willing to explore the
issue of combustion in the natal chart with respect to the
combust planet being hidden or overshadowed by the Sun. I
draw the line, however, at considering that planet to be damaged
(or burned) in any way. Those judgments I reserve entirely
for event or horary charts.
