Combust Planets in Vedic Astrology
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Combust Planets or Aast Grahas in Indian Vedic Astrology
In Indian Vedic Astrology, a planet is said to be combust or Aast (अस्त) when it comes very close to the Sun and loses its visibility in the sky. The proximity to the Sun causes the planet’s energy to be weakened or overshadowed, thereby influencing the way it delivers its results in a horoscope.
What is Combustion or Aast?
Combustion is an astronomical and astrological condition in which a planet appears very close to the Sun in the sky and is no longer visible to the naked eye. Astrologically, such a planet is believed to lose its strength and effectiveness, especially in delivering its positive traits.
Planets That Can Become Combust
All planets except Rahu, Ketu (shadow planets) and the Sun itself can become combust. The combustion degrees vary for each planet and are measured by their angular distance from the Sun.
Approximate Combustion Degrees
- Moon – within 12 degrees from the Sun
- Mercury (Budh) – within 14 degrees (varies based on speed)
- Venus (Shukra) – within 10 degrees
- Mars (Mangal) – within 17 degrees
- Jupiter (Guru) – within 11 degrees
- Saturn (Shani) – within 15 degrees
Astrological Significance of Aast Grahas
When a planet is combust, its capacity to give favorable results diminishes. The combustion can affect different areas of life depending on the planet involved:
- Combust Mercury: Communication issues, confusion, poor decision-making
- Combust Venus: Relationship problems, reduced creativity or financial instability
- Combust Mars: Aggression, impatience, physical or health-related issues
- Combust Jupiter: Lack of wisdom, blocked growth, spiritual confusion
- Combust Saturn: Delays, frustrations, lack of perseverance
Impact in the Birth Chart
The impact of a combust planet depends on various factors:
- The house it rules and its placement
- The dignity of the Sun in the chart
- Aspects from benefic or malefic planets
- Its role in the Dasha (period) and Antardasha
Are Combust Planets Always Bad?
Not necessarily. In some charts, a combust planet may still give good results, especially if it is conjunct the Sun in its own sign or exaltation sign. The proximity to the Sun can also represent a “purification” or intensification of the planet’s core qualities.
Remedies for Combust Planets
- Chanting planetary mantras (e.g., "Om Shukraya Namaha" for Venus)
- Offering water to the Sun (Surya Arghya) at sunrise
- Donating items related to the combust planet
- Wearing gemstones (only after consultation with a learned astrologer)
In conclusion, Combust Planets (Aast Grahas) represent a subtle yet important dynamic in Vedic Astrology. Their interpretation requires careful analysis of the entire chart and should not be considered entirely malefic without context. With proper understanding and remedies, the effects of combust planets can be managed and transformed positively.