Here is the Vedic astrology chart of the popular TV talk show
host Oprah Winfrey. Notice how Venus is within 10 degrees of
her Sun. This is called combustion in Vedic astrology,
which is said to harm or 'burn up' the planet because of its
proximity to the heat of the Sun. In Oprah's case Venus is considered
deeply combust because it is within 1 degree.
When a planet is combust it harms the external significations
of the planet, but not the internal. It's a misconception that
combustion entirely harms the planet. For instance, when Mercury
is combust it can increase intelligence, which is an internal
signification of Mercury, but the skin, nerves, lungs may be
harmed, which are external significations. Venus combust, on
the other hand, can increase creativity, but it can also harm
marriage. It is not uncommon to see people with combust Venus
that have delayed marriages, or unconventional relationships,
like homosexual relationships.
In Oprah's case she has never been married, which is unusual
for someone so admired and successful. However, she has had
a long term relationship, since 1986, with Stedman Graham, a
motivational speaker and CEO of a management & marketing
consulting firm. It is rumored that the couple hardly see each
other because of their independent lifestyles and busy schedules.
Combustion can be tricky to interpret correctly. For instance,
in Oprah's chart Venus rules her 10th house of career. No one
could justify saying that her career has been harmed because
Venus is combust. She's had a phenomenal career. The Oprah Winfrey
Show has remained the number one talk show for 19 consecutive
seasons. Also, no one could claim that her beauty has been harmed,
which is an external signification of Venus. She won the Miss
Black Tennessee beauty pageant at age 18. Obviously there are
other factors that modify combustion. Notice, how Venus is involved
in multiple raja yogas, or royal combinations of planets, formed
with the Sun and Jupiter as the rulers of the 10th, 1st and
5th houses respectively. Venus also exchanges signs with an
exalted Saturn in Libra. Viewing the chart from the alternate
lagnas, the Moon and Sun, Venus is again involved in raja yogas,
which reinforces Venus's strength. Combustion is just one factor
that needs to be considered in the analysis of the chart as
a whole.
Copyright 2006. Vaughn Paul
Manley. All Rights Reserved. |
