What is Rashi? Zodiac Signs in Vedic Astrology
A Rashi is one of the twelve sidereal zodiac signs in Vedic astrology, each spanning exactly 30 degrees of the ecliptic. Unlike the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology, Vedic Rashis are anchored to the fixed stars, with the difference accounted for by the Ayanamsa. The twelve Rashis form the backdrop against which all planetary positions are mapped in the Kundli.
The Twelve Rashis
Mesha (Aries), Vrishabha (Taurus), Mithuna (Gemini), Karka (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), Vrishchika (Scorpio), Dhanu (Sagittarius), Makara (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius), and Meena (Pisces). Each has a ruling planet, element (fire, earth, air, water), and quality (cardinal, fixed, mutable) that define its character.
Rashi Lordship
Each Rashi is owned by a Graha: Mars rules Aries and Scorpio, Venus rules Taurus and Libra, Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo, Moon rules Cancer, Sun rules Leo, Jupiter rules Sagittarius and Pisces, and Saturn rules Capricorn and Aquarius. The strength and placement of the Rashi lord profoundly affects the results of that sign and the house it represents.
Rashi and Planetary Dignity
A planet's relationship with the Rashi it occupies determines its dignity. It can be in its own sign, exaltation, debilitation, a friend's sign, or an enemy's sign. This dignity strongly influences how effectively the planet can deliver its results and is a key factor in evaluating Yogas.
Rashi in Daily Life
Your Moon Rashi (the sign the Moon occupies at birth) determines your Nakshatra-based Dasha starting point and is the reference for transit predictions. It is also the basis for the daily, weekly, and monthly horoscope readings most people are familiar with.