The planets are very powerful in nature and we all are under their influence. If these planets are weak or imbalanced they can make life miserable. In order to strengthen weak planets havan is performed. These Audumber sticks are offered during fire ceremony (Havan), to pacify the ill effects of Shukra or to strengthen the good effect of the planet.
Shukra, the Sanskrit for "clear, pure" or "brightness, clearness", is the name the son of Bhrigu and Ushana, and preceptor of the Daityas, and the guru of the Asuras, identified with the planet Venus (with honorific,Shukracharya). He presides over 'Shukra-var' or Friday. He is of white complexion, middle-aged and of agreeable countenance. He is described variously mounted, on a camel or a horse or a crocodile. He holds a stick, beads and a lotus and sometimes a bow and arrow.
He is Rajas in nature and represents wealth, pleasure and reproduction.
In Astrology, there is a dasha or planetary period known as Shukra Dasha which remains active in a person's horoscope for 20 years. This dasha is believed to give more wealth, fortune and luxury to one's living if a person has Shukra positioned well in his horoscope as well as Shukra being an important benefic planet in his/her horoscope.