Rasi

Rasi, in Indian or Vedic astrology, refers to a zodiac sign or “sign” on the celestial sphere. The term comes from Sanskrit and is commonly transliterated as Rashi or Rashi/Rasi in English. The ecliptic is divided into 12 equal segments, each corresponding to a Rasi, and together they form the basis of the Jyotisha (Hindu astrology) system.

The 12 rashis are Mesha (Aries), Vrishabha (Taurus), Mithuna (Gemini), Karka (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), Vrischika (Scorpio), Dhanus (Sagittarius), Makara (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius), and Meena (Pisces). Each Rasi is associated with a ruling planet, a modality (cardinal, fixed, or mutable), and an element (fire, earth, air, or water), which together are used to describe personality traits, tendencies, and life patterns.

In Jyotisha, a person’s Rasi is often determined by the position of the Moon (the Moon sign) at birth, though the ascendant or Lagna is also central to the birth chart. Predictions and interpretations about temperament, career, health, and relationships are typically made by examining the placements and aspects of planets within the Rashis, as well as the cycles and transits that affect them.

Rasi-based analysis is distinct from, but complementary to, Nakshatras (lunar mansions) and other divisional charts. In contemporary practice, Rasi continues to play a foundational role in horoscopy, matchmaking, and personal astrology within Indian traditions.