Question 1

What is combust in astrology?

Accepted Answer

In Vedic Astrology, a planet is said to be combust (Astangata in Sanskrit) when it comes too close to the Sun. The Sanskrit word Astangata means 'body hidden' — the planet is eclipsed or concealed by the Sun's brilliance, much like stars become invisible at sunrise. It does not mean the planet is 'burned' — it means it has gone into hiding.

Question 2

What is the meaning of combust in astrology?

Accepted Answer

Combust (Astangata) means that a planet's significations become hidden or concealed in a person's life. For example, if Venus is combust, matters of love, relationships, or marriage may become elusive — a loved one may be 'lost from sight.' The planet's qualities are not destroyed but eclipsed. It changes the direction of how that planet expresses itself.

Question 3

Which planets can be combust?

Accepted Answer

The five true planets — Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn — can become combust when they are within a certain degree range of the Sun. The Moon is sometimes considered for Astangata within 12 degrees. Rahu and Ketu, being shadow planets (lunar nodes), do not become combust. The Sun itself, being the cause of combustion, cannot be combust.

Question 4

What are the combustion degrees for each planet?

Accepted Answer

The standard combustion thresholds are: Mars within 17 degrees of the Sun, Mercury within 14 degrees (12 degrees if retrograde), Jupiter within 11 degrees, Venus within 10 degrees (8 degrees if retrograde), and Saturn within 15 degrees. When a planet falls within these ranges, it is considered combust.

Question 5

Is combust the same as burning in Vedic Astrology?

Accepted Answer

No. According to Pandit Sanjay Rath, combustion (Astangata) and burning are entirely different concepts. The Sun causes Astangata — it hides or eclipses the planet. Only Mars and Ketu can actually 'burn' other planets. Mars burns with visible, physical fire (external burning), while Ketu burns with invisible fire (internal burning). The English word 'combustion' is a mistranslation of Astangata.

Question 6

Does a combust planet give bad results?

Accepted Answer

A combust planet is hidden, not destroyed. Whether the result is good or bad depends on context. 'Hidden' (chhipa) means the planet's significations can be recovered through remedies. 'Lost' (lupt) means the significations are permanently unavailable. An astrologer must assess which applies. Combustion changes the direction of a planet's expression — for instance, a combust Atmakaraka means spiritual practices may not bear fruit without the right remedies.

Planet	Direct Motion	Retrograde
Mars (Mangal)	17°	—
Mercury (Budha)	14°	12°
Jupiter (Guru)	11°	—
Venus (Shukra)	10°	8°
Saturn (Shani)	15°	—

Combust Planet Calculator

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