Jyotish — The Science of Light
The 12 Vedic Rashis
Vedic astrology tracks the sky as it actually is — the sidereal zodiac aligned with the true star constellations. Your Vedic chart reveals your dharma, your karma, and the deeper pattern of your soul.
Vedic vs. Western Astrology
Vedic astrology (Jyotish) uses the sidereal zodiac — aligned with actual star constellations — while Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac aligned with seasons. The two systems are currently about 23°–24° apart, meaning your Vedic sign is often one sign earlier than your Western sign. Vedic astrology emphasizes the Moon sign (rashi) and rising sign (lagna) over the Sun sign.
All 12 Vedic Rashis
Mesha initiates each cycle of creation with raw, divine fire
Vrishabha builds beauty and abundance that endures
Mithuna bridges all dualities through the intelligence of Budha
Karka holds all life within the sacred vessel of the Moon
Simha radiates the divine light of Surya from the throne of the self
Kanya purifies and perfects in service of the divine order
Tula brings the justice of Shukra into all human relationship
Vrishchika transforms through the fire of Kundalini and the wisdom of Ketu
Dhanu aims at ultimate truth with Guru's boundless wisdom
Makara ascends with Shani's discipline to the summit of genuine dharma
Kumbha pours the waters of wisdom on the collective
Meena dissolves all separation into the infinite love of Guru
Rashis by Element (Tattva)
Rashis by Quality (Guna)
Vedic Astrology FAQ
What is the difference between Western astrology and Vedic astrology?
The primary difference is the zodiac system. Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac (aligned with seasons), while Vedic (Jyotish) uses the sidereal zodiac (aligned with actual star constellations). Due to precession of the equinoxes, these zodiacs are currently about 23–24° apart — your Vedic sun sign is often one sign earlier than your Western sun sign.
What is my Vedic rashi (sign)?
In Vedic astrology, 'rashi' primarily refers to the Moon sign, not the Sun sign. The Moon sign is considered more important for personality and emotional nature. To find your Vedic rashi, you need a birth chart using the sidereal (Lahiri ayanamsa) system.
What is ayanamsa in Vedic astrology?
Ayanamsa is the angular difference between the tropical and sidereal zodiacs — currently about 23°51' (Lahiri ayanamsa, the most commonly used). This is why Vedic signs are approximately 23–24° 'behind' Western signs.
What are the three qualities (gunas) of rashis?
The 12 rashis divide into: Chara (movable/cardinal — Mesha, Karka, Tula, Makara), Sthira (fixed — Vrishabha, Simha, Vrishchika, Kumbha), and Dwiswabhava (dual/mutable — Mithuna, Kanya, Dhanu, Meena). These qualities describe how each rashi initiates, sustains, or transforms energy.
How important is the rising sign (lagna) in Vedic astrology?
Extremely important. In Vedic astrology, the Lagna (Ascendant/Rising sign) is considered the most significant point in the chart — more so than the Sun sign. It determines the house structure, rules over the physical body, and colors the entire chart interpretation.