In Jyotisha, or Vedic astrology, a rashi is a zodiac sign used to describe the placement and rulership of planets. Most contemporary Jyotisha systems use a sidereal zodiac, which differs from the tropical zodiac common in modern Western astrology because their reference points are defined differently.
Twelve rashis and their rulers
The twelve rashis correspond to Mesha (Aries), Vrishabha (Taurus), Mithuna (Gemini), Karka (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), Vrischika (Scorpio), Dhanu (Sagittarius), Makara (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius) and Meena (Pisces). Traditional graha rulerships usually employ Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn; the lunar nodes receive a different treatment than physical planets.
Sidereal calculations and ayanamsha
A sidereal chart requires a chosen ayanamsha to relate the celestial reference frame to zodiacal longitudes. Different ayanamsha conventions can slightly alter exact positions. A tropical Sun sign and a sidereal rashi can differ, so the calculation method should be visible when comparing readings.
Rashis within a complete chart
The Ascendant sign (lagna), Moon sign, graha placements, houses and nakshatras all contribute to chart interpretation. Rashi alone cannot determine a complete personal profile or timing judgment; dashas and transits belong to separate predictive layers.
Explore the wider tradition
Return to the Vedic Astrology guide to connect rashis, grahas, bhavas, nakshatras and dasha timing techniques.