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. However, if the dispositors of the combust planets are powerfully placed, beneficially aspected and are functional benefic planets, the impact of weakness of the combust planets may be a little less.

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.

The pertinent questions may be (1) whether there is any difference in the degree of suffering caused by a combust planet when both the combust planet and the Sun are functional benefic planets; (2) whether the sufferings are more if the Sun causes combustion to the planets being a functional malefic planet; and (3) whether there is any difference when the planet is completely in conjunction with the Sun or the planet has just entered the zone of combustion. The views of the author are as follows:

In case of situation at (1) 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 Kavach or gem stone for the concerned planet in an auspiciously elected time. In case of (2) 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. In case of (3) there is a difference when the planet is in the starting zone of combustion and when it is in single degree conjunction with the Sun. 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.

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/Ketu 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.