Vedic Astrology · Glossary
Planetary Combustion (Asta)
अस्त
A planet is combust (Asta) when it is too close to the Sun, its light obscured, weakening its ability to deliver results.
Combustion (Asta, meaning 'set' or 'extinguished') occurs when a planet comes within a certain angular distance of the Sun, causing its light to be overpowered by the Sun's brilliance. In Vedic astrology, each planet has a different combustion threshold (measured in degrees of longitude from the Sun): Moon within 12°; Mars within 17°; Mercury within 14° (12° when direct, 14° when retrograde — retrograde planets are less easily combust); Jupiter within 11°; Venus within 10° (8° when direct, 10° when retrograde); Saturn within 15°. The Moon's combustion is called Amavasya (new moon). A combust planet is weakened — it tends to lose its independence, becoming subservient to the Sun's energy. The planet may struggle to deliver its significations. However, combustion in Vedic astrology has a nuanced view: some authorities like Neelakantha consider a combust planet to actually be energised by proximity to the Sun, gaining a kind of 'solar fire' quality. A combust Venus is associated with excessive passion and difficult love relationships; a combust Mercury with impaired communication or nervous tendencies.
Examples
- ◆Venus at 5° Gemini, Sun at 10° Gemini = Venus is combust (within 5° of Sun), weakening Venusian significations
- ◆Moon at 11° Taurus, Sun at 4° Taurus = Moon within 7° of Sun, deeply combust (severe Amavasya effect)
- ◆Jupiter at 8° Leo, Sun at 20° Leo = Jupiter within 12° of Sun but outside the 11° threshold = not combust
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What does combustion mean in astrology?
Combustion (Asta) occurs when a planet is too close to the Sun, within a specific degree threshold that differs by planet. A combust planet loses strength — its qualities are overpowered by the Sun's energy, making it less able to deliver results for the areas of life it governs. The Moon's combustion (Amavasya, new moon) is the most commonly discussed.
Is a combust planet always negative?
Classically, combustion weakens a planet. However, some Vedic authorities argue that a combust planet gains intensity from Sun proximity — particularly for intellect (combust Mercury) and determination. The practical effect depends on which planet is combust, the planet's natural strength, and the house it occupies. A combust benefic (Venus, Jupiter, Mercury) in its own sign or exaltation is weakened but still functions. A combust malefic (Saturn, Mars) near the Sun can create sudden, intense results.
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