Planetary Combustion in Vedic Astrology: How It Affects You
- Kundliguru
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
In the cosmic design of Vedic astrology, every planet radiates a specific energy that shapes our personality, behavior, and destiny. But what happens when that energy is overshadowed—quite literally—by the Sun?
This phenomenon is known as planetary combustion, or Asta in Vedic astrology.
What Is Planetary Combustion?
A planet is said to be combust when it comes too close to the Sun in the zodiac, within a certain degree range. This varies depending on the planet:
Mercury: within 14 degrees
Venus: within 10 degrees
Mars: within 17 degrees
Jupiter: within 11 degrees
Saturn: within 15 degrees(Specific combustion ranges may vary slightly across different texts and schools of thought.)
When this happens, the Sun’s intense rays overpower the combust planet, reducing its ability to function independently. Symbolically, the combust planet loses its light and power, and that energy is instead absorbed or dominated by the Sun.
What Happens When a Planet Is Combust?
Think of combustion as a power shift—the planet in question becomes weakened, and its natural qualities and significations get dimmed or suppressed. Meanwhile, the Sun temporarily "takes over" the planet's domain.
Example: Combust Jupiter
Suppose Jupiter is in your Dasha (major period) and is transiting a favorable Nakshatra in your birth chart. Normally, this would bring blessings related to Jupiter: wisdom, expansion, wealth, or spiritual guidance.
But if Jupiter is combust during this time, it becomes weak and ineffective. The Sun now governs Jupiter’s power, and if the Sun is transiting an unfavorable Nakshatra, then even a strong Jupiter Dasha may not yield the desired results. The guidance, clarity, and abundance promised by Jupiter get overridden by the Sun’s unfavorable influence.
General Impact of Combust Planets
Here’s how combustion can influence the planets:
☿ Combust Mercury
Affects speech, communication, and intellect.
May cause misunderstandings or mental confusion.
Can create anxiety, especially in Mercury Mahadasha.
♀ Combust Venus
Affects relationships, pleasures, beauty, and artistic talents.
Could lead to relationship imbalances or dissatisfaction in love life.
May diminish creativity or enjoyment.
♂ Combust Mars
Affects courage, energy, drive, and anger.
Can create frustration or suppressed aggression.
Diminishes leadership qualities.
♃ Combust Jupiter
Affects wisdom, faith, children, and finances.
Spiritual growth may feel blocked.
Misjudgments and lack of clarity are common.
♄ Combust Saturn
Affects discipline, responsibility, and longevity.
Can create restlessness, burnout, or loss of patience.
In Saturn Dasha, may delay progress or cause stress.
Sun: The Dominator During Combustion
During combustion, the Sun acts as the dominant force. So the Sun’s strength, Nakshatra, sign placement, and dignity become crucial. If the Sun is in a favorable Nakshatra or house, then the results may still come through, albeit via solar themes—such as authority, ego, power, or identity.
But if the Sun is weak or afflicted, then the combust planet's positive outcomes may remain unrealized or even cause challenges.
Is Combustion Always Negative?
Not necessarily. While combustion generally weakens the planet’s free expression, in certain charts or yogas, it may intensify internal experiences—especially spiritual or karmic ones. Also, if a planet is in its own sign or exalted, its combustion may be less harmful.
For example, combust Venus in Pisces (its exaltation sign) still carries a lot of beauty and compassion, though it may not express itself outwardly as easily.
Final Thoughts
Planetary combustion is a subtle but powerful factor in Vedic astrology. It teaches us that outer light can sometimes dim inner power, especially if we are not conscious of where our energy is going.
So, if you’re running a Dasha of a combust planet, don’t just assess that planet—look at the Sun. Where it is, what it’s doing, and how it’s influencing your chart may hold the key to understanding why certain things in life feel blocked, delayed, or unusually intense.
