Combust Neptune in the Natal Chart

There are endless debates among astrologers regarding combust planets. Some see such a position as a serious affliction and misfortune for the native, while others perceive a hidden potential that demands a special approach for realization. In essence, both are correct, but interpretation depends on the nuances of the conjunction with the Sun: whether the planet is ahead of, behind, or at the very heart of the Sun. However, personal planets are much easier to master than the outer ones.

Neptune is, by its very nature, a complex planet, dissolving consciousness and immersing the native in illusions. This might not seem like a major problem, but in reality it hinders sound decision-making, and a single mistake can sometimes cost an entire lifetime. Combustion amplifies this influence, making it more specific. The person may become a fraudster and an egoist due to a distorted perception of reality, in which they are always the victim and everyone else is the aggressor.

Characteristics of Combust Neptune

Natives with this position are innately self-centered and aim to obtain desired benefits by taking on the role of a sufferer. Even if everything turns out well for them later, they are used to playing the part of the poor victim, but depending on the positions of other planets, there may be wolf’s teeth or a fox’s grin beneath this sheep’s clothing.

Such people are very cunning, although they never admit this even to themselves. They see themselves as victims of circumstance and the treachery of others, and their view of the world is highly subjective.

For example, when they lie around dreaming instead of practicing, preparing for exams, or collecting documents for a visa, and then more organized and proactive people get what they want instead, the pain of rejection and ruined plans is projected onto the winners. In their reality, it is they who are wronged and deprived, not those who earned what they desired.

This attitude—lying around dreaming and wondering why happiness passed by—is typical of combust Neptune’s influence. Overcoming it is extremely difficult. It requires strong will and clear thinking. This is easier if Mercury, Saturn, and even Venus are in Earth signs, or if Earth predominates in the chart’s element balance. An abundance of Water negates any attempt to escape from illusions.

Moreover, the native sins by imposing their distorted view of reality on others. Such a husband may insist to his wife that she never does any housework or cooks him dinner, even if he eats it with appetite every day in a clean apartment. A woman with combust Neptune, after a personal quarrel with a colleague, may go around convincing others that the latter is a devious traitor plotting to ruin the company. The most unpleasant part is that they truly believe it, and may not have any psychiatric disorders, but act this way as if swept up by a Neptunian current.

Three Types of Neptune Combustion

Another important feature is that the native can easily convince others of the validity of their inadequate assessment. This is fine if used in creativity—literature, theater, cinema, photography, music, and painting—where it harms no one. But more often, this gift is used in the spheres of life represented by the Houses Neptune rules.

If this concerns relationships, the native can easily brainwash family members into believing they are worthless and useless, even if in reality they contribute nothing but stress; if it is about finances, they may find themselves neck-deep in debt, presenting themselves as an exiled prince who could easily repay everything with interest—just as soon as they reclaim their throne.

Of course, not every native with combust Neptune is a fraudster and shameless egoist, but given the chance, they rarely miss an opportunity. Moreover, they pull it off so gracefully that it appears as if justice has prevailed, rather than the native having begged for what they wanted through crocodile tears as a fake victim.

Much depends on the planet’s position:

1. Neptune combusts ahead of the Sun within eight degrees, with Neptune at a higher degree than the Sun. The native acknowledges their innate tendency to distort reality and manipulate others’ consciousness through images. At the highest level of development, they become a poet or film director, though are unlikely to create highly spiritual works. Their art caters to the audience’s demands, with the goal of profit. In the worst case, these are the creators of totalitarian cults, able to instill ideas that crowds follow, chasing after a false guru. Outwardly, it may seem as if the native is founding a new religion—be it a sect, a business, or a psychological movement—but in reality, their motives are purely self-serving.

2. Combust Neptune occurs behind the Sun, with Neptune at a lower degree than the luminary. The native does not understand what is happening to them. They are their own worst enemy, victim, and, involuntarily, an aggressor to loved ones. The person lives in a distorted reality that they genuinely believe in and cannot be persuaded otherwise. This world is full of fears, suspicion, and self-pity. They feel everyone envies and wants to harm them, though this is far from the truth.

3. Neptune combusts at the very heart of the Sun—Kazimi. The native is aware of their hypnotic influence on others. They possess the gift of empathy and skillfully manage consciousness, usually with the intent to help. These are outstanding psychologists, addiction specialists, doctors, actors, writers, musicians, and psychics. At the worst, they are master con artists, nearly impossible to catch in the act.

Sometimes, natives with combust Neptune cannot change anything, because they do not see the problem, blaming others for being prejudiced instead.

Karmic Reasons for Combust Neptune

In a past life, the native persecuted people with different beliefs. They may have banned theatrical productions and burned books as a religious fanatic, or conversely, believed it was necessary to destroy members of other faiths. They had no mercy for themselves or others and could betray loved ones for the sake of an idea in which they believed.

Now they have the chance to become a gifted priest or artist, if they let go of self-pity and, through an act of will, learn to think clearly and practically. It is also necessary to give up Neptunian forms of dependency, such as alcohol and smoking.  ✓