Vedic Astrology · Glossary
Combustion (Astangata / Moudyami)
अस्तंगत / मौड्यमी
When a planet comes too close to the Sun in the zodiac, its individual qualities are said to be 'burnt away' by solar heat — temporarily weakening its significations.
Combustion (Astangata or Moudyami in Sanskrit) refers to the condition when a planet is too close to the Sun in the zodiac. The Sun's intense energy 'burns' the planet, reducing its ability to independently express its qualities. Each planet has a specific orb within which it is considered combust: Moon within 12°, Mars within 17°, Mercury within 14° (12° for retrograde), Jupiter within 11°, Venus within 10° (8° retrograde), Saturn within 15°. A combust planet is weakened but not entirely nullified — it often indicates that the planet's significations (health of body part, sibling, spouse, guru, etc.) may need more conscious attention during that period. Combustion is especially significant when it affects the Lagna Lord or the Atmakaraka.
Examples
- ◆Venus combust the Sun: Venus is within 10° of the Sun — relationship matters and aesthetic sensibilities may require more conscious nurturing
- ◆Jupiter combust: spiritual guide's authority is less clear; independent wisdom must be cultivated rather than received
- ◆Mercury is most often combust (due to its proximity to the Sun) — this is less alarming than combustion of outer planets
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when a planet is combust in astrology?
In Vedic astrology, a planet is combust when it comes within a specific angular distance of the Sun. The Sun's intense light 'burns' the planet, weakening its independent expression. The orb varies by planet: Moon within 12°, Mars within 17°, Mercury within 14°, Jupiter within 11°, Venus within 10°, Saturn within 15°. A combust planet's significations (marriage for Venus, guru for Jupiter, siblings for Mars) need more conscious attention.
Is a combust Moon bad?
A combust Moon (within 12° of the Sun) occurs during the waning crescent and new moon phases. In Vedic astrology, this weakens the Moon's ability to independently provide emotional security, intuition, and maternal connection. It can indicate emotional challenges or a complex relationship with the mother. However, it is not uniformly 'bad' — the chart context, Lagna, and Dasha periods modify the results significantly.
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