In horary astrology, a planet’s relationship to the Sun greatly affects its strength and effectiveness in delivering results.
Three classical conditions are studied: Cazimi, Combustion, and being Under the Sun’s Beams. Each describes how close a planet is to the Sun and what that means for its power.
1. Cazimi — “In the Heart of the Sun”
Definition:
A planet is considered Cazimi when it is within 17 minutes (1/3 of a degree) of the Sun, in exact conjunction.
Meaning:
- The planet is strengthened, not weakened, despite being so close to the Sun.
- Think of it as “empowered by the Sun” — the Sun’s light gives it authority, clarity, and focus.
- Cazimi planets often act decisively and successfully.
Example:
Mercury Cazimi in Aries in a horary chart about a contract.
✅ Mercury is exceptionally clear, clever, and effective — messages or negotiations succeed quickly.
Practical Tip:
Cazimi is rare and indicates a moment of exceptional clarity, opportunity, or authority.
2. Combustion — “Burned by the Sun”
Definition:
A planet is combust when it is within 8°30’ of the Sun (traditional orb varies slightly).
Meaning:
- The planet is overpowered by the Sun’s rays.
- Its natural qualities are weakened or “burned.”
- Combust planets cannot act freely, often creating misunderstandings, delays, or failures.
Example:
Venus combust in Leo during a love question.
⚠ Interpretation: The querent’s desires may be blocked; romantic communication may fail.
Practical Tip:
- A combust planet may still act, but the results are delayed, hidden, or flawed.
- Strong aspects or dignities can mitigate combustion, but the planet is never at full strength.
3. Under the Sun’s Beams — Between Combust and Cazimi
Definition:
A planet is Under the Sun’s Beams when it is between 17’ and 8°30’ from the Sun.
Meaning:
- The planet is weakened, but not as severely as in combustion.
- Its action is restricted, often resulting in partial success or subtle influence.
Example:
Mars 5° from the Sun, applying to trine Venus.
Interpretation: Mars’ energy is less direct, perhaps delayed or complicated in its impact.
Practical Tip:
- Planets Under the Sun’s Beams are not useless — their efforts can succeed if supported by dignities or other aspects.
- Always check the Moon’s aspects and reception for timing and resolution.
4. Planetary Strength and Interpretation
Condition | Orb | Effect | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cazimi | < 17’ | Strengthened | Clear, decisive, empowered action |
| Combust | < 8°30’ | Weakened | Confusion, delays, diminished influence |
| Under the Sun’s Beams | 17’–8°30’ | Mildly weakened | Partial success, restricted action |
5. Example Case: Cazimi Mercury
A querent asks: “Will my proposal be accepted?”
- Mercury is Cazimi in Gemini, applying to Jupiter.
✅ Outcome: Communication is clear, persuasive, and highly effective. - The proposal succeeds quickly and with authority.
6. Example Case: Combust Venus
A querent asks: “Will my romantic invitation be accepted?”
- Venus is combust in Leo, applying to the Moon.
⚠ Outcome: Emotions are obscured or misunderstood. - Delay or confusion in the romantic outcome is likely.
7. Timing and the Sun’s Influence
- Cazimi planets often indicate immediate results or decisive outcomes.
- Combust planets suggest delays, misunderstandings, or partial successes.
- Under the Sun’s Beams planets act slowly or partially, often requiring external help to manifest fully.
8. Emotional and Symbolic Implications
- Cazimi → confidence, clarity, authority.
- Combustion → frustration, pressure, obstacles.
- Under the Sun’s Beams → restraint, subtlety, testing.
The querent’s emotional experience is directly tied to the Sun’s effect on the significators.
9. Integration with Horary Judgment
- Check if the planet is Cazimi, combust, or under the beams.
- Consider essential dignity (rulership, exaltation, triplicity, term, face).
- Factor in reception and aspects to judge success.
- Combine with timing from the Moon — a weakened planet may act later than expected.
10. Final Insight
Understanding Cazimi, Combustion, and Under the Sun’s Beams allows horary astrologers to evaluate a planet’s capacity to act, its clarity, and the likelihood of success or failure.
- Cazimi: maximum strength, decisive outcomes.
- Combust: obstacles, miscommunication, partial success.
- Under the Sun’s Beams: restricted influence, subtle delays.
