Cazimi and combust are two variations of the conjunction aspect specifically with the Sun.

Cazimi occurs when a planet is within 17 arcminutes (17′) on either side of the Sun. When I say either side, I mean either ahead (left) or behind (right) of the Sun in a chart. For example, if the Sun is positioned at 13°05′, then a planet in cazimi would be positioned at 13°22 ahead (left) of the Sun, or if the Sun was at 20°29′, then the planet would be at 20°12′ behind (right) of the Sun.

Combust occurs when a planet is within 3 to 8° on either side of the Sun however this can vary depending on the planet such as stated in this Jyotish website in which the planets are considered to be combust within the following degrees:

• The Moon: within 12°
• Mercury: within 12 to 14°
• Venus: within 8 to 10°
• Mars: within 7°
• Jupiter: within 11°
• Saturn: within 15°

From personal experience, having a planet or planets that are in cazimi or combust causes one to have a warped perception of what the planet(s) signifies or is completely unaware of how that part of themselves manifests in the outer world.

On the flip side, though, the Sun can represent our soul, the light that keeps us alive and illuminates the mind hence why Mercury, the planet of the mind and mental activities, holds onto the Sun’s coattail and is never too far away, at most one sign away. In this case, a planet’s power or energy is not lessened but rather is refined and tuned to perfection as it basks in the presence of the soul, a reflection of the divine soul.

But considering the majority of the population of the world acts and views the world from the ego, there’s no need to consider the Sun as the soul for certain individuals.

The Sun represents our ego, that insatiable part of us that has a tendency to make everything about it, is destructive, and prone to tantrums and meltdowns like a child. The definition of ego and how it presents itself to the world varies by culture but in general, the ego is greedy, selfish, and close-minded.

If a planet is cazimi or combust to the Sun, the planet becomes under the influence or control of ego (or soul with enough practice and intention). In this case, the planet loses its autonomy and has its power/energy lessened.

So, when determining what it means when a cazimi or combust aspect occurs in a birth chart or in transit, consider the following:

1. Does the planet in aspect to the Sun have any attributes that is easily influenced by the ego? For example, for Venus it is beauty and money that can easily be influenced by the ego. For Mercury, it is the mind.
2. Does the planet in aspect share similar qualities as the Sun? For example, Venus and the Sun share the ability to illuminate someone or something.
3. Is the planet in aspect considered an enemy or friend to the Sun? This is based on Jyotish and will provide more context on what may transpire with this aspect. Read more about planetary friendships and enemies in this article.
4. Is there more than one planet involved in this aspect? This will drastically change the outcome.

Of course, the sign, house placement, material conditions, and the context of the chart overall will also affect how this aspect will be understood and manifest. So, take all that I said above and apply it in a way you see fit.