Last Updated on August 12, 2024 by Tejaswini

Mars is considered to be combust when he is within 17deg from the Sun. He has become combust since 11^th Sept and will remain so till 24^th Jan 2024 (dates are from drikpanchang). In this time frame, he will be moving with the Sun in the signs from Virgo to Sagittarius.

Sun and Mars are both highly active energies and they’re being so close together for so long will generally create more issues than solutions. All of Mars’s qualities will be slowly absorbed by the Sun causing significant problems for all of us. Both are heat, passion, confidence, etc but the quality of their energies is different. Sun is the king, a royal leader, he feels entitled and above the general public, he has high self-ego, is selfish, has a regal confidence etc. And Mars is the superhero, he is the commander, a leader of soldiers, he is competitive, likes invading, he can strategise, is pioneering, has the physical and mental ability to sustain confrontations, etc. Overall, the Sun combusting Mars is not a good energy. It will lead to an increase in feelings of entitlement, being above the law, rule-breaking, arguments, fights, invasions, ie no holds barred selfish behaviour, etc at all levels.

We will see this typical combust energy everywhere, even in sports and other competitive events. Just open the newspapers, see what is going on in the world today, an exact reflection of these selfishly aggressive energies. Or just observe the undercurrents are going on in your office and home. Or observe your thoughts. Wherever there is a conflict of interest, expect a rising in tension and overt escalation. Globally, international tensions will increase. Ongoing wars will intensify and new wars/ diplomatic spats will begin. All the international borders /seas /lands which are contested will see some action, either full out aggression or diplomatic spats. Separatist movements will gain momentum and terrorist activity will also increase. All the national governments will respond to these existential threats in a heavy handed, crush at all costs sort of strategy. At the local levels, accidents, rash behaviour, arguments etc will increase. Weather will blow hot and cold, rains will continue but spaced with intermittent hot days, which will cause ill-health. (Sept – Oct is the peak season for dengue in India.) The general health will be affected by fevers, blood related diseases, basically pitta disorders, reduced immunity etc.

Sun and Mars will be exactly conjunct on 19^th Nov in Scorpio, ie he will be completely combust on this day. Be especially careful for a few days before and after this date, ie avoid major decisions and changes. Another critical date is 4^th Oct when Mars and Ketu will be exactly conjunct in Libra. Very high levels of fiery energies will be expressed on these days.

And the planet who generally saves us from such messes, Jupiter, is unable to do much. He is being aspected by Saturn till May 2024. He is also in the Guru chandal combination which will remain active till mid-Jan, ie till Rahu and Jupiter separation is less then 15deg.

Mars will give sensible results when he enters Capricorn in Feb 2024. Then he will be exalted and free from other negative influences. But after that when he enters Aquarius to be conjunct with Saturn, they will trigger other issues. (As the planets keep moving and the situations keep changing and we are required to face them the best we can.)

The predictions for the signs are based only on the position of Mars and Sun in this time frame. These brief predictions are as per the Moon sign but if you have a stronger ascendant sign (check ashtakvarga) then you can blend the results. And they will also be modulated as per your birth chart, transit chart and the power of the other planets. Especially if your birth chart is very strong or if you are going through a favourable dasha the negative impacts are lesser.

Aries and Scorpio are the worst affected as their ruler is unable to adequately support them in this time frame. These two signs should be especially careful as there will be unexpected issues – legal, personal, professional, health etc in this time frame. There will be new events and sudden changes which escalate very fast.

Mars is a benefic for Aries, Cancer, Leo and Scorpio ascendants. If he is well placed in the birth chart, transit chart and if you are in a favourable Dasha now then you might be able to derive some benefit from the close conjunction of Sun and Mars, by channelising their energy sensibly.

Especially for Leo ascendant, your Lagnesh has started evaporating your Yogesh. In your birth chart if the Sun and Mars have significant power and are well placed, then this combustion time will give you certain positives. You will gain confidence, endurance and succeed in your ambitions and projects. But guard against overdoing things and avoid hurting your loved ones in this time.

Aries – Bad to worse time frame. You will feel suffocated and unable to act as per your plans. Interference from others will make you irritable and confrontational. Work and home both fronts will be stressful. This is not a time for risky ventures but do keep an eye for calculated risks. One of two opportunities may come your way. Avoid being overcautious or overaggressive, try to be reasonable in your actions.

Taurus – Average to bad time frame. Health will be a concern, so try to have adequate diet and rest. You will have to work hard in your profession but the gains will be limited. Personal life will be disturbed because of temporary separations from the family. Budgeting will be necessary as anticipated gains may be delayed. Review everything you do and commit to plans only after you have satisfied yourself about their viability.

Gemini – Average to good time. There will be arguments with the friends and family. Otherwise business and money will be good, long term investments can be considered. Health will be average. Keep your head cool and respond to challenges sensibly, overall things will remain in control.

Cancer – Average to bad time. Stress will increase in your professional and personal life. Projects may be delayed and gains may not materialise. This is not a good time to change jobs or start new relationships. You will feel tired due to your non-stop activities and lack of rest. Mental stress and unknown fears will cause anxiety. Personal health should be a priority in this time frame so diet, rest and the daily puja routine should be adopted.

Leo – Average time overall. You will feel overconfident about things so act only after thinking things over as you might make serious mistakes now. There will be hurdles, but you can use the power of Sun + Mars to get your work done. But budgeting will be necessary as cash flow may be hindered. In case you have a business then one-one relationships with your suppliers/ buyers may cause stress. In personal life, do not ignore your loved ones.

Virgo – Bad to worse time. Health will be an issue, so if you have any chronic problems take your medicines, proper diet and rest. Relationships will be in stress and both personal and professional life can suffer. Businessmen need to be alert regarding cash flow. Do not trust the wrong person and such past errors in judgment can start causing problems now. Changes may be forced on you and you will need your intelligence active to manage things in this time.

Libra – Average to bad time. Do not trust others unnecessarily, in personal/ professional life both, else you will suffer losses because of these people. Avoid arguments, do not pick fights with others and learn to let go. Keep an eye on your finances. Lack of sleep and over work can lead to health issues so diet and rest are important.

Scorpio – Bad to worse time. Your past failures in the professional life will cause trouble. Profession will cause stress, expected promotions etc may be delayed. Money will be adequate but there will be sudden expenses. Not a good time for changes of any sort. Try to be reasonable about things, do not escalate conflicts from your side. Your egoistic behaviour can create new enemies and new confrontations.

Sagittarius – Average time to good time. You might be required to take up new projects or new job or some sort of a change will be forced on you. You will feel confident but avoid overconfidence. Plan first and then act else things will get messed up. Budgeting is necessary especially for businessmen. Health will be good. Overall things will remain in control as long as you keep yourself in balance.

Capricorn – Average to bad time. You will feel frustrated as your projects will not take off as expected. You will be blamed for any failures and your hard work will not be appreciated. Professional life will cause stress which will spill over on your personal life. Be careful in relationships, business and personal both, do not let others suppress your growth.

Aquarius – Bad to worse time. Budgeting is essential. There will be monetary losses so be prepared. Health, profession, personal life will be turbulent so adequate care is required. Not a good time for new ventures, try to maintain yourself the best you can in this time.

Pisces – Average time which can become bad as stagnation will be felt in every part of life. Professional life will be busy but you will not feel interested. Life will seem tedious overall. Personal life will be dull, loved ones will not support you. Health will cause issues, so diet and rest is important. Try to keep your energy and confidence up else things will become worse. Take up some hobby etc to motivate your mind, else lethargy will take over.

Remedies as always are only the two, Mantra and Daana (index page).

A a general common sense precaution, even if the situation is provocative, try to keep calm by doing regular pranyam (at least the basic Anulom-Vilom), or Soham with your breath. Keeping the mind stable allows the intelligence to function which leads to solutions rather than escalations.

Also do take up a daily puja routine, do some regular activity, eg worship of your Kuldevata/ Ishtadevata/ Satguru, do Sandhyavandanam, do Agnihotra, give Arghya to the Sun, give water to the Tulsi plant, give daan regularly (can be as simple as leaving a few sugar grains for black ants), recite a mantra daily, do Dhyan, read the Bhagwat Gita, Mahabharat, Ramayan, Upanishads etc anything which you can do regularly for 5mins in the morning and evening. The merit generated by these daily actions is the foundation energy of your life. Make your energy body stronger and more auspicious so that you can go through your prarabdha karma without getting unduly affected. The energy of this daily routine will help you better handle the crises in your life, to make the necessary behavioural or attitudinal changes so that you do not get stressed by the ever changing landscape around you.