How to Avoid Auspicious Work During Planetary Rise and Set (Combust Planets): An Easy Method to Identify Combust Planets in the Panchang

Sometimes an auspicious muhurta looks perfect in the panchang: the tithi is good, the nakshatra is fine, yet a marriage proposal or the opening of a new shop does not yield the expected results. Often the cause is a planet that is asta (combust) at that time, and which we tend to overlook. In this article we will understand what an asta planet is, how to identify it in the panchang and the kundli, and what a practical method is for checking it before a marriage or starting something new.

What is an asta planet and why does it matter?

In astrology, a planet is called asta when it comes so close to the Sun that it is no longer visible separately in the sky. Its light is overpowered by the Sun's brilliance, so by traditional reckoning its strength and independent expression are considered weakened. When a planet enters within the Sun's range it becomes "asta," and when the distance increases it begins to "rise" (udit) again.

In practice, this means an asta planet hesitates or delays in delivering the results of the matters it signifies. For example, if Venus is asta, hastiness or delay is often seen in matters related to love, marital happiness and beauty. If Jupiter is asta, obstacles may arise in decisions about marriage, children and financial expansion. If Saturn is asta, work related to karma and stability moves slowly.

Therefore, when choosing a muhurta for an auspicious event, do not look only at tithi, nakshatra and yoga. Also check whether the planet whose results relate to your work is asta.

How to identify an asta planet in the panchang: a step-by-step method

Most panchangs give planetary positions in a section called "graha sphuta" or "graha sthiti." However, the word "asta" is not always written directly. So follow this method:

1. Note the Sun's sign and degree. Look at the Sun's sign-degree on that day's page of the panchang. Example: the Sun at 12° Pisces.
2. Look at each planet's sign and degree. Extract the degrees of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
3. Calculate the difference. Find the angular distance between the planet and the Sun. If it falls within the limit given below, the planet is considered asta.
4. Also check retrograde status. Some planets give a different effect when retrograde (vakri), so note "vakri" if the panchang mentions it.

General limits of combustion

The approximate limits recognised in traditional texts and by most modern astrologers are as follows (there may be slight variation according to local panchang tradition):

• Moon: within about 12° of the Sun (relevant around the full and new moon)
• Mars: within about 17°
• Mercury: within about 14° (within 12° when retrograde)
• Jupiter: within about 11°
• Venus: within about 10° (within 8° when retrograde)
• Saturn: within about 15°

Note that these limits are traditional estimates, not absolute scientific rules. So when the decision is serious, such as fixing a marriage, seek confirmation from an experienced astrologer.

Understanding through an example

Suppose you need to fix a marriage date and the panchang shows the Sun at 12° in Pisces. At the same time Venus is at 18° in Pisces. The difference is about 6°. Since Venus's limit is 10°, Venus is asta. If that date has been chosen, hesitation is anticipated in matters of marital happiness and relationships. Conversely, if Venus is at 5° Aries while the Sun is at 12° Pisces, the difference is very large and Venus is considered udit (rising).

Similarly, for starting a business, check Jupiter's position. Suppose the Sun is at 20° Virgo and Jupiter at 25° Virgo. The difference is 5°, which lies within Jupiter's 11° limit. In such a case it would be prudent to re-examine this day before opening a new shop, making an investment or seeking promotion.

Checklist for marriage and new ventures

Before finalising any auspicious date, follow this sequence:

1. In the panchang, check tithi, nakshatra, yoga and karana, and avoid Rahu Kaal, inauspicious ghatis and similar periods.
2. Determine the significator planet of the work. For marriage, Venus and Jupiter; for business, Mercury and Jupiter; for land and buildings, Mars; for enduring undertakings, Saturn.
3. On that day, calculate the difference between that planet and the Sun, and compare it with the limit.
4. If the planet is asta, look for the next suitable date when it has risen.
5. If the planet is vakri, consider its effect and the nature of the work.
6. Also confirm the condition of that planet and its house in the kundli.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on the panchang of a single day. Planetary motion is slow, so look at the position over several weeks.
• Checking all planets by the same rule. Each planet has its own combustion limit.
• Treating combustion as the sole deciding factor. Consider the overall condition of the kundli as well.

Is an asta planet always an obstacle?

No. An asta planet does not mean that the work will certainly fail. It is only a signal that the results of that planet's significations may come slowly, or require more patience and effort. The planet's aspects in the kundli, its own sign or exaltation/debilitation, and the support of other planets also determine the outcome. So treat combustion as one factor, not as the final verdict.

Many families shift the date of major decisions such as marriage because of an asta planet, so that their minds remain at ease. This is a convenient and respectful outlook, provided it is not allowed to become a source of fear.

Making your own check easier

Calculating by hand is not everyone's cup of tea, and there is scope for error. By viewing today's panchang on Ramagya, you can quickly understand the planetary position and muhurta of the day. If you wish to see which planet holds special importance for you in your birth chart, create a free kundli and check the house positions. When considering possible marriage dates, the kundli matching tool is also useful. To learn the general characteristics of the planets, visit the Navagraha page, and for the nakshatras see the Nakshatra page. And if you want a complete muhurta-based analysis, the astrology calculators are a useful resource.

If you want to understand the basics of the panchang, read What is Panchang? An explanation of the five limbs of the Hindu calendar. For other aspects of auspicious time, What is Rahu Kaal and how to avoid it in auspicious work? will also help, and to identify it from the daily panchang see What should not be done during Rahu Kaal? An easy method to identify Rahu Kaal from the daily panchang. For timing remedies related to Shani and Rahu-Ketu, you may read When to perform Navagraha Shanti Puja? How to identify auspicious time for Shani, Rahu-Ketu.

To view festivals and fasting days alongside muhurta, the Hindu festivals and vrat list is also useful.

Conclusion

Recognising an asta planet refines the choice of an auspicious muhurta. Checking the difference between the Sun and the planet in the panchang, identifying the significator planet of the work, and comparing against the limit are three steps that are largely sufficient. An asta planet is not a final barrier, but a sign that the day calls for greater attention and patience. It is prudent to check this before a marriage or starting something new, and if in doubt, do consult an experienced astrologer. With an understanding of asta planets, you can choose the right time thoughtfully and without undue anxiety.

Frequently asked questions

What is an asta planet and how do I identify it?

When a planet comes very close to the Sun and its separately visible brightness is overpowered, it is called asta. Note the sign-degrees of the Sun and the planet in the panchang, calculate their difference, and compare it with the traditional limit for that planet.

Should marriage be avoided when a planet is asta?

It is not a absolute prohibition. It is a signal that the results of that planet may come slowly. Also consider the overall condition of the kundli and the support of other planets, and seek an astrologer's confirmation if in doubt.

Which planets become asta most quickly?

The Moon, Mercury and Venus stay closest to the Sun, so they become asta relatively quickly. Mars, Jupiter and Saturn become asta gradually as they approach the Sun from a distance.

Is "asta" written directly in the panchang?

Most panchangs give planetary sign-degrees, but writing "asta" directly is not necessary. Calculating the difference in degrees yourself is therefore the most reliable method.

How long does an asta planet's condition last?

It depends on the planet's speed. The Moon moves from asta to udit within a few days, while the condition of Saturn and Jupiter can change over several weeks or months. So check the position over a few days before deciding.

Image credit: Astrology, Make Up, Enlightenment, Blog, Creative Commons — astrologyphotographywesildssharon, via flickr (BY 2.0), obtained from Openverse.