What is a rashi in Vedic astrology?

A rashi is a zodiac sign, most importantly the sign the Moon occupied at birth (the moon sign). Vedic astrology gives the moon sign central importance because the Moon governs the mind and emotions.

What are the 12 rashis and their English names?

Mesha (Aries), Vrishabha (Taurus), Mithuna (Gemini), Karka (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), Vrishchika (Scorpio), Dhanu (Sagittarius), Makara (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius) and Meena (Pisces).

How is a rashi different from a sun sign?

The rashi is the moon sign and shapes emotional nature; the sun sign reflects vitality. Vedic astrology leads with the moon sign, whereas Western astrology leads with the sun sign.

Vedic Astrology Guide

The 12 Rashis (Moon Signs) in Vedic Astrology

In Vedic astrology a rashi is a zodiac sign — most importantly the sign the Moon occupied at birth, your moon sign. Unlike Western astrology, which leads with the Sun sign, Jyotish gives the Moon sign central importance because the Moon governs the mind and emotions. Below are all twelve rashis with their English names, ruling planets, element and defining traits.

Rashi (Sanskrit)	English	Ruling planet	Element	Key traits
Mesha	Aries	Mars	Fire	Bold, pioneering, energetic — quick to start, driven by initiative.
Vrishabha	Taurus	Venus	Earth	Steady, patient, sensual — values comfort, stability and loyalty.
Mithuna	Gemini	Mercury	Air	Curious, communicative, versatile — quick-minded and adaptable.
Karka	Cancer	Moon	Water	Nurturing, sensitive, protective — deeply tied to home and family.
Simha	Leo	Sun	Fire	Confident, generous, dignified — natural leaders who value respect.
Kanya	Virgo	Mercury	Earth	Analytical, precise, service-minded — practical and detail-oriented.
Tula	Libra	Venus	Air	Balanced, diplomatic, refined — seeks harmony and fairness.
Vrishchika	Scorpio	Mars (Ketu)	Water	Intense, determined, private — deep feeling and strong will.
Dhanu	Sagittarius	Jupiter	Fire	Optimistic, philosophical, free — drawn to truth and higher learning.
Makara	Capricorn	Saturn	Earth	Disciplined, ambitious, responsible — patient builders of lasting things.
Kumbha	Aquarius	Saturn (Rahu)	Air	Independent, humanitarian, original — thinks ahead of the crowd.
Meena	Pisces	Jupiter	Water	Compassionate, imaginative, spiritual — intuitive and empathetic.

Rashi names in English

The twelve rashis map directly to the familiar zodiac signs: Mesha is Aries, Vrishabha is Taurus, Mithuna is Gemini, Karka is Cancer, Simha is Leo, Kanya is Virgo, Tula is Libra, Vrishchika is Scorpio, Dhanu is Sagittarius, Makara is Capricorn, Kumbha is Aquarius, and Meena is Pisces.

Moon sign vs Sun sign vs Ascendant

Your rashi (moon sign) shapes your emotional nature and instinct; the Sun sign reflects the soul and vitality; and the ascendant (lagna) — the sign rising on the eastern horizon at birth — shapes the body and life direction. A full reading weighs all three. To know your exact rashi you need your birth date, time and place.

Consult on your rashi and chart

Your rashi is one thread in a full birth chart. For a personal reading of how your moon sign, dasha and transits shape your life, Dr. R.P. Sharma consults in Faridabad and online across India and abroad, at a flat fee of ₹5,100.

Try it: Find your Vedic moon sign — free calculator, no signup.