THE RASHIS: ZODIAC SIGNS IN VEDIC ASTROLOGY
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The twelve rasis (zodiac signs) represent distinct qualities of energy and seasonal archetypal patterns. Where Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac aligned with the equinoxes, Vedic astrology employs the sidereal zodiac, which maps to the actual constellations and accounts for precession. This creates approximately a 24-degree difference between the two systems (as of 2026).
Each rasi carries specific attributes: ruling planet (graha), element (tattva), modality (chara/sthira/dwiswabhava), and embedded nakshatras. Planetary exaltation and debilitation positions reveal where grahas express maximum strength or weakness, crucial for assessing planetary dignity in chart interpretation.
MESHA | ARIES
The Ram
Ruled by Mars (Mangala). Fire element (Agni). Moveable (Chara). Nakshatras: Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika (pada 1). Sun reaches exaltation at 10° Aries; Saturn reaches debilitation at 20° Aries. Initiatory force, courage, impulsive action, pioneering spirit.
VRISHABHA | TAURUS
The Bull
Ruled by Venus (Shukra). Earth element (Prithvi). Fixed (Sthira). Nakshatras: Krittika (padas 2-4), Rohini, Mrigashirsha (padas 1-2). Moon reaches exaltation at 3° Taurus. Stability, sensual pleasure, material accumulation, aesthetic refinement.
MITHUNA | GEMINI
The Couple
Ruled by Mercury (Budha). Air element (Vayu). Dual (Dwiswabhava). Nakshatras: Mrigashirsha (padas 3-4), Ardra, Punarvasu (padas 1-3). No planetary exaltations or debilitations. Communication, duality, intellectual curiosity, adaptability.
KARKA | CANCER
The Crab
Ruled by Moon (Chandra). Water element (Jala). Moveable (Chara). Nakshatras: Punarvasu (pada 4), Pushya, Ashlesha. Jupiter reaches exaltation at 5° Cancer; Mars reaches debilitation at 28° Cancer. Emotional depth, nurturing capacity, protective instinct, receptivity.
SIMHA | LEO
The Lion
Ruled by Sun (Surya). Fire element (Agni). Fixed (Sthira). Nakshatras: Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni (pada 1). No planetary exaltations or debilitations. Sovereignty, creative expression, dignity, radiant self-confidence.
KANYA | VIRGO
The Maiden
Ruled by Mercury (Budha). Earth element (Prithvi). Dual (Dwiswabhava). Nakshatras: Uttara Phalguni (padas 2-4), Hasta, Chitra (padas 1-2). Mercury reaches exaltation at 15° Virgo; Venus reaches debilitation at 27° Virgo. Discrimination, service, analytical precision, purification.
TULA | LIBRA
The Scales
Ruled by Venus (Shukra). Air element (Vayu). Moveable (Chara). Nakshatras: Chitra (padas 3-4), Swati, Vishakha (padas 1-3). Saturn reaches exaltation at 20° Libra; Sun reaches debilitation at 10° Libra. Balance, partnership, aesthetic judgment, diplomatic negotiation.
VRISHCHIKA | SCORPIO
The Scorpion
Ruled by Mars (Mangala) and Ketu (co-rulers). Water element (Jala). Fixed (Sthira). Nakshatras: Vishakha (pada 4), Anuradha, Jyeshtha. Moon reaches debilitation at 3° Scorpio. Transformation, psychological depth, occult knowledge, regenerative power.
DHANU | SAGITTARIUS
The Centaur Archer
Ruled by Jupiter (Guru). Fire element (Agni). Dual (Dwiswabhava). Nakshatras: Mula, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha (pada 1). No planetary exaltations or debilitations. Dharmic purpose, philosophical inquiry, optimism, higher knowledge.
MAKARA | CAPRICORN
The Sea-Goat
Ruled by Saturn (Shani). Earth element (Prithvi). Moveable (Chara). Nakshatras: Uttara Ashadha (padas 2-4), Shravana, Dhanishtha (padas 1-2). Mars reaches exaltation at 28° Capricorn. Discipline, worldly achievement, structure, endurance through limitation.
KUMBHA | AQUARIUS
The Water Bearer
Ruled by Saturn (Shani) and Rahu (co-rulers). Air element (Vayu). Fixed (Sthira). Nakshatras: Dhanishtha (padas 3-4), Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada (padas 1-3). No planetary exaltations or debilitations. Unconventional thinking, humanitarian vision, collective consciousness, detachment.
MINA | PISCES
The Two Fish
Ruled by Jupiter (Guru). Water element (Jala). Dual (Dwiswabhava). Nakshatras: Purva Bhadrapada (pada 4), Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati. Venus reaches exaltation at 27° Pisces; Mercury reaches debilitation at 15° Pisces. Dissolution of boundaries, spiritual surrender, compassion, mystical sensitivity.
Understanding rasi placements provides essential context for planetary expression, but complete interpretation requires synthesis with bhava position, nakshatra placement, and planetary relationships. To explore how these dynamics manifest in your chart, schedule a consultation.