The Twelve Rashis: A Vedic Astrological Perspective
In the ancient system of Vedic astrology, or Jyotish, the 12 sun signs, known as Rashis, form the fundamental framework for understanding an individual's life path, personality, and karmic tendencies. Unlike Western astrology which primarily focuses on the Sun's position, Vedic astrology places greater emphasis on the Moon’s Rashi, which is the zodiac sign where the Moon was positioned at the time of birth. This lunar placement is believed to govern the mind, emotions, and inner self.
The zodiac is a 360-degree celestial belt divided into 12 equal parts of 30 degrees each, with each part constituting a Rashi. These Rashis are not merely symbolic representations but are considered to be a map of the cosmos at the moment of birth, influencing various aspects of life.
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Aries
April 14 - May 15
Vedic Astrology: Mesha
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. It is a Fire sign and is ruled by Mars. Its symbol is the ram.
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Taurus
May 16 - June 14
Vedic Astrology: Vrishabha
Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac. It is an Earth sign and is ruled by Venus. Its symbol is the bull.
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Gemini
June 15 - July 15
Vedic Astrology: Mithuna
Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac. It is an Air sign and is ruled by Mercury. Its symbol is the twins, or a couple.
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Cancer
July 16 - Aug 16
Vedic Astrology: Karkata
Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac. It is a Water sign and is ruled by the Moon. Its symbol is the crab.
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Leo
Aug 17 - Sept 16
Vedic Astrology: Simha
Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac. It is a Fire sign and is ruled by the Sun. Its symbol is the lion.
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Virgo
Sept 17 - Oct 16
Vedic Astrology: Kanya
Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac. It is an Earth sign and is ruled by Mercury. Its symbol is a virgin or a young girl.
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Libra
Oct 17 - Nov 16
Vedic Astrology: Tula
Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac. It is an Air sign and is ruled by Venus. Its symbol is the scales or balance.
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Scorpio
Nov 17 - Dec 15
Vedic Astrology: Vrischika
Scorpio is the eighth sign of the zodiac. It is a Water sign and is ruled by Mars (and Pluto in Western astrology). Its symbol is the scorpion.
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Sagittarius
Dec 16 - Jan 13
Vedic Astrology: Dhanu
Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the zodiac. It is a Fire sign and is ruled by Jupiter. Its symbol is the centaur or archer.
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Capricorn
Jan 14 - Feb 12
Vedic Astrology: Makara
Capricorn is the tenth sign of the zodiac. It is an Earth sign and is ruled by Saturn. Its symbol is the goat or the crocodile.
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Aquarius
Feb 13 - Mar 14
Vedic Astrology: Kumbha
Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac. It is an Air sign and is ruled by Saturn (and Uranus in Western astrology). Its symbol is the water bearer.
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Pisces
Mar 15 - Apr 13
Vedic Astrology: Meena
Pisces is the twelfth sign of the zodiac. It is a Water sign and is ruled by Jupiter (and Neptune in Western astrology). Its symbol is the fish.
