What are Rashis?
Rashi (Sanskrit: राशि) are the 12 signs of the sidereal zodiac in Vedic astrology. Unlike Western astrology which uses the tropical zodiac, Vedic astrology is based on the actual position of constellations in the sky.
Each rashi occupies 30 degrees of the zodiacal circle and has its ruler (grahapati), element, quality, and unique characteristics that influence personality and destiny.
12 Rashis
Mesha
मेष (Aries)
Fire, cardinal sign. Ruled by Mars. Symbolizes beginning, initiative, and action.
Vrishabha
वृषभ (Taurus)
Earth, fixed sign. Ruled by Venus. Symbolizes stability and material values.
Mithuna
मिथुन (Gemini)
Air, mutable sign. Ruled by Mercury. Symbolizes communication and intellect.
Karka
कर्क (Cancer)
Water, cardinal sign. Ruled by Moon. Symbolizes emotions and nurturing.
Simha
सिंह (Leo)
Fire, fixed sign. Ruled by Sun. Symbolizes power and creativity.
Kanya
कन्या (Virgo)
Earth, mutable sign. Ruled by Mercury. Symbolizes service and analysis.
Tula
तुला (Libra)
Air, cardinal sign. Ruled by Venus. Symbolizes balance and partnership.
Vrishchika
वृश्चिक (Scorpio)
Water, fixed sign. Ruled by Mars. Symbolizes transformation and depth.
Dhanu
धनु (Sagittarius)
Fire, mutable sign. Ruled by Jupiter. Symbolizes wisdom and expansion.
Makara
मकर (Capricorn)
Earth, cardinal sign. Ruled by Saturn. Symbolizes discipline and achievement.
Kumbha
कुम्भ (Aquarius)
Air, fixed sign. Ruled by Saturn. Symbolizes innovation and humanism.
Meena
मीन (Pisces)
Water, mutable sign. Ruled by Jupiter. Symbolizes spirituality and compassion.
Key Concepts
Sidereal Zodiac
Unlike the tropical zodiac of Western astrology, the sidereal zodiac accounts for the precession of Earth's axis and shows the actual position of planets relative to stars. The difference is about 24 degrees (Ayanamsha).
Rashi Rulers
Each rashi has its ruler (grahapati) - a planet that is most harmonious with the energy of that sign. The position of the ruler in the chart is crucial for interpretation.
Rashi Qualities
Rashis are divided into three qualities: Chara (movable), Sthira (fixed), and Dwisvabhava (dual). This determines the nature of actions and the way the sign's energy manifests.
Rashi Compatibility
In Vedic astrology, partner compatibility is analyzed through the Kuta system (Ashtakuta), which considers the Moon's position in the rashis of both partners and gives a score from 0 to 36.