Last updated:

12 Zodiac Signs in Vedic Astrology

The 12 zodiac signs (Rashis) in Vedic astrology each represent a 30-degree arc of the celestial ecliptic, ruled by a specific planet and associated with distinct personality traits, strengths, and life patterns. Explore every sign below.

Zodiac Signs by Element

Fire Signs

Action, energy, leadership

Earth Signs

Stability, practicality, material

Air Signs

Intellect, communication, social

Water Signs

Emotion, intuition, spirituality

About Vedic Zodiac Signs

In Vedic astrology (Jyotish Shastra), the zodiac is divided into 12 equal signs of 30 degrees each, called Rashis. Unlike Western astrology which primarily uses the Sun sign, Vedic astrology places greater emphasis on the Moon sign (Chandra Rashi) — where the Moon was positioned at birth — as it governs the mind, emotions, and personality.

Each Rashi is ruled by one of the seven visible planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn). The sign occupied by a planet influences how that planet expresses its energy. For example, Mars in its own sign Aries expresses bold leadership, while Mars in Cancer (sign of debilitation) may struggle with assertion.

Your Vedic birth chart contains all 12 signs distributed across 12 houses, but your Ascendant (Lagna), Moon sign, and the signs where key planets are placed carry the most significance. Use Jyotir AI's birth chart calculator to discover which signs influence your life most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 12 zodiac signs in Vedic astrology?

The 12 zodiac signs (Rashis) in Vedic astrology are: Aries (Mesha), Taurus (Vrishabha), Gemini (Mithuna), Cancer (Karka), Leo (Simha), Virgo (Kanya), Libra (Tula), Scorpio (Vrishchika), Sagittarius (Dhanu), Capricorn (Makara), Aquarius (Kumbha), and Pisces (Meena). Each sign spans 30 degrees of the zodiac and is ruled by a specific planet.

How is Vedic zodiac different from Western zodiac?

Vedic astrology uses the Sidereal zodiac (aligned with actual star constellations), while Western astrology uses the Tropical zodiac (aligned with seasons). Due to precession of equinoxes, there is approximately a 23-24 degree difference between the two systems. This means your Vedic Sun sign or Moon sign may differ from your Western sign. Vedic astrology also emphasizes Moon sign (Rashi) over Sun sign for personality and predictions.

Which zodiac sign is most important in Vedic astrology?

In Vedic astrology, three signs matter most: (1) Moon sign (Rashi) — your emotional nature and mind, considered the primary sign in Vedic tradition, (2) Ascendant (Lagna) — your outward personality and life path, the most important for predictions and house analysis, (3) Sun sign — your soul nature and ego. Unlike Western astrology which focuses mainly on Sun sign, Vedic astrology gives equal or greater importance to Moon sign and Ascendant.

How do I find my Vedic zodiac sign?

To find your Vedic zodiac sign accurately, you need your exact birth date, time, and place. Use a birth chart calculator like Jyotir AI that uses Swiss Ephemeris for precise calculations. Your Moon sign (Rashi) is determined by which zodiac sign the Moon was in at your birth — this changes every 2.5 days. Your Ascendant (Lagna/Rising sign) changes approximately every 2 hours, making accurate birth time essential.

Discover Your Sign

What Does Your Birth Chart Say?

Your zodiac sign is just the starting point. Get a complete AI-powered Vedic astrology reading with planetary positions, yogas, doshas, and personalized predictions.

Get Free AI Astrology Reading