In ancient times, oils were derived from the various herbs associated with each planet and burned in special lamps to reduce the malefic effects of those planets. These fragrant oils were considered a gentle, everyday remedy — one that anyone could use at home.
Burning these oils as a vapour in your home is highly beneficial, as the aroma is believed to help balance the planetary energies reflected in your birth chart. Here are the traditional oils associated with each planet.
Planetary Oils at a Glance
| Planet | Traditional Oil or Aroma |
|---|---|
| Sun (Surya) | A mixture of clove, frankincense and musk; or pure sunflower oil |
| Moon (Chandra) | Camphor, or sweet fern |
| Mercury (Budh) | A mixture of clove, incense, or wood moss |
| Venus (Shukra) | Strawberry, or green lily oil |
| Jupiter (Guru) | Aloes and the gum of the ash tree ground together; or jasmine |
| Saturn (Shani) | Ground poppy seeds with a few drops of cinnamon or bergamot oil |
Sun (Surya)
A mixture of clove, frankincense and musk — or simply pure sunflower oil. Warm, resinous and radiant, these aromas reflect the Sun’s qualities of vitality, authority and confidence.
Moon (Chandra)
Camphor, or sweet fern. Cool and cleansing, camphor has long been associated with the Moon’s calming, purifying influence over the mind and emotions.
Mercury (Budh)
A mixture of clove, incense or wood moss — fresh, sharp aromas suited to Mercury’s domain of intellect, communication and quick thinking.
Venus (Shukra)
Strawberry or green lily oil. Sweet and beautiful fragrances naturally reflect Venus, the planet of love, beauty, luxury and harmony.
Jupiter (Guru)
Aloes and the gum of the ash tree, ground together — or jasmine. Expansive, uplifting aromas that mirror Jupiter’s qualities of wisdom, growth and good fortune.
Saturn (Shani)
Ground poppy seeds with a few drops of cinnamon or bergamot oil. Grounding and earthy, these suit Saturn’s disciplined, steady nature.
How to Use Astrological Oils
The aromas of these oils are wonderful, and quite different from the usual incenses. They can be used in several ways:
- As a vapour — the traditional and most common method, filling the home with the planetary fragrance. Use an oil burner, diffuser or aroma lamp designed for the purpose.
- As a perfume or cologne — worn on the body, where properly diluted and skin-safe.
- In a lamp — as in ancient practice, burned in a dedicated lamp.
Safety note: use only a proper oil burner or diffuser. Never place oils directly on a hot light bulb or any heated electrical fitting — essential oils are flammable and this can be a genuine fire risk. Keep burners away from curtains and out of reach of children, and dilute oils properly before any contact with skin.
Which Oil Should You Use?
These oils are also considered very helpful for maintaining harmony with your spouse and in relationships generally. However, the right oil for you depends on your favourable and unfavourable planets in your birth chart. Strengthening a planet that is already troublesome for your chart is not always desirable — so it is best to know which grahas need support before choosing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are astrological oils?
Astrological oils are fragrant oils derived from herbs traditionally associated with each planet. Burned as a vapour, they are believed to reduce the malefic effects of planets and balance the energies of the birth chart.
Which oil is used for Saturn (Shani)?
Ground poppy seeds with a few drops of cinnamon or bergamot oil are the traditional aroma associated with Saturn — grounding, earthy fragrances that suit Shani’s disciplined nature.
Which oil is associated with the Moon?
Camphor, or sweet fern, is traditionally associated with the Moon. Camphor’s cooling, purifying quality reflects the Moon’s calming influence over the mind and emotions.
How do you use astrological oils at home?
Use them as a vapour in a proper oil burner or diffuser, or wear them as a perfume where skin-safe. Never place oils on a hot light bulb, as essential oils are flammable.
