Rashi — Vedic Astrology Explained

Definition & classical context

Rashi (Sanskrit: rāśi, meaning "heap" or "accumulation of stars") refers to the twelve signs of the sidereal zodiac used in Vedic astrology: 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 rashi spans exactly 30° and is ruled by one of the seven traditional planets (the Sun rules Leo, the Moon rules Cancer, Mars rules Aries and Scorpio, Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo, Jupiter rules Sagittarius and Pisces, Venus rules Taurus and Libra, and Saturn rules Capricorn and Aquarius).

In Jyotish, the rashi in which a graha is placed significantly colours that planet's expression and the areas of life it governs. A planet in its own sign (svarashi) or in its sign of exaltation (uchcha) is considered strong and able to deliver its significations with full potency. A planet in its sign of debilitation (nicha) or in the sign of an enemy planet is considered weakened and may produce more challenging results.

Unlike Western astrology, which uses the tropical zodiac (aligned to the seasons), Vedic astrology uses the Nirayana or sidereal zodiac, aligned to the actual constellations. The two zodiacs are offset by approximately 23–24° (the ayanamsa), meaning that a person's "sun sign" in Western astrology often differs from their Vedic rashi. In Jyotish, the Moon sign (Chandra rashi) and the ascendant (lagna) are considered more significant personality indicators than the Sun's rashi.

Related terms

• Lagna

  The ascendant — the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth, setting the foundation of the entire birth chart.
• Nakshatra

  One of 27 lunar mansions dividing the zodiac into equal 13°20′ segments with distinct mythological and psychological qualities.
• Kundli

  The Vedic birth chart — a snapshot of the sky at the precise moment and place of birth.
• Ayanamsa

  The angular difference between the tropical and sidereal zodiacs, used to convert Western chart positions to the Vedic system.
• Gochar

  Planetary transit — the current real-time movement of planets through the zodiac and their relationship to natal chart positions.