Combust Pluto in the Natal Chart

Combustion of a planet occurs within eight degrees of the Sun, though sometimes the orb is extended to seventeen degrees, but in this case there is no slavish dependence on the luminary. The Sun literally engulfs the planet, making it invisible to the world and taking over its functions. This always points to a controlling parent in the child’s life, who does not allow either the positive or negative qualities of the combust planet to manifest, suppressing them from birth.

In the case of Pluto, we can speak of power, aggression (both healthy and excessive), a thirst for admiration and pleasure, a need for fame—all of which the native cannot fully express, and so they end up tormenting themselves internally, feeling that their desires are wrong, wild, or sinful. Afflicted Pluto always draws a person into the Karpman triangle: victim–persecutor–rescuer, with the first two being their personal emotional rollercoaster.

Characteristics of Combust Pluto

The term should not be understood literally. The planet is simply invisible in the Solar rays, being too close to the Sun. However, with the outer planets, things are more complicated. Pluto can be significantly more powerful than the Sun, and the Sun struggles to contain it.

This is expressed in the fact that the classic transfer of all its functions to the luminary does not actually make the person stronger. The native may simply not be able to handle such intensity of passion. For example, if Pluto is combust in Leo, the person is meant to rule an empire, and without this, they fall into vanity, aggressively attack those who disagree with them, and assert themselves by manipulating the feelings of those close to them—in other words, they are internally exploded by a huge flow of repressed energy.

Yes, much is given to the native, but much is also required. This is a sign that the power, fame, and wealth the native seeks must be understood correctly, from the perspective of higher justice, and above all, used for the benefit of both themselves and others. Unfortunately, this is usually not the case.

Combust Pluto distorts the sense of justice. The stronger it is, the more the native demands submission and admiration. Any independent opinion or decision from loved ones or subordinates—anyone of lower status—is perceived as a personal challenge and an act of deep ingratitude.

The native believes that others are only significant because they have been singled out from the crowd by the native, and therefore are obliged to live by the native’s beliefs, values, and desires. If they have their own dreams, preferences, or aspirations, the native feels betrayed. This is what the native perceives as injustice.

And if a spouse or employee cannot withstand their total control and imposed lifestyle, they are considered traitors—and nothing can convince the native otherwise.

Deep down, the native believes they were born a king, and everyone else is merely an audience in awe of their talents and uniqueness.

Three Types of Pluto Combustion

With any type of combustion, the native experiences difficulties, ranging from mild discomfort to deep emotional crisis. Pluto already creates many issues to prevent the native from staying in their comfort zone, forcing them into a constant process of transformation, growth, and striving upwards. However, combustion restricts them in both feelings and experiences, and they are often stubborn enough to retreat into the shadows when fate gives them opportunities to improve their life—continuing to repeat the same mistakes.

There are three main types of Pluto combustion:

1. Ahead of the Sun within eight degrees, with Pluto at a higher degree. In this case, the native is fully aware of having an advantage of dark power over gentle and harmless people. They know how to manipulate others, take pleasure in such power, and can take what belongs to others without remorse, by various means. They do not suffer from their heavy energy and may even take pride in their ability to foresee the future, cast curses, ruin destinies, or throw others off-balance with ambiguous remarks.

2. Behind the Sun, also within eight degrees, but with Pluto at a lower degree. Here, the native becomes a victim of more powerful people—those with state or magical power. Problems rain down on them, they destroy their own life through reckless actions, and then run from the consequences. For example, being greedy attracts the wrath of an influential person, or an outburst in front of a boss leads to losing a job. The native suffers from this state but cannot change anything.

3. At the very heart of the Sun—Kazimi. The native is aware of their power over minds and souls, but aims to use their gift productively, without forgetting about their own financial well-being and fame. They control flows of money, the moods of the masses, and can lead others with their ideas.

With such a position, the native always faces a choice between power and submission. A sense of permissiveness can go to their head, but this creates a boomerang effect, where the ruler easily becomes a supplicant or even a prisoner. It is always vital to remain aware of why and for what purpose one exerts influence over others—whether there is self-interest involved, or if all will benefit.  ✓