Rashi refers to the twelve signs of the zodiac, each a 30° division of the 360° ecliptic. In Vedic astrology the most important Rashi is the Chandra Rashi — the Moon sign, the sign occupied by the Moon at your birth. This is different from the Western Sun sign, and it is why a person's Vedic 'sign' often differs from the one they know from newspaper horoscopes. The Moon governs the mind and emotions, so the Chandra Rashi describes your inner nature.

The 12 Rashis and Their Telugu Names

The twelve Rashis are 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). Each Rashi spans two-and-a-quarter Nakshatras, is associated with an element (fire, earth, air, water), a quality, and is ruled by a planet — for example Mesha and Vrishchika by Mars, Karka by the Moon, Simha by the Sun.

Sidereal vs Tropical: The Ayanamsa

Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, fixed against the actual stars, while Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac, tied to the seasons. The difference between them — currently about 24° — is called the Ayanamsa. Because of it, the Vedic Rashi of a planet is usually one sign behind its Western position, which is another reason your Chandra Rashi may surprise you. Mana Panchangam uses the Lahiri Ayanamsa, the Indian government standard.

Why the Moon Sign Is Central

Because the Moon rules the mind, the Chandra Rashi is the starting point for most Vedic predictions: daily and monthly rashiphalalu (horoscopes) are read from the Moon sign, the Vimshottari Dasha unfolds from the Moon's Nakshatra, and Sade Sati and Gochara (transits) are judged relative to the Moon sign. Knowing your true Chandra Rashi — rather than your Sun sign — is the first step to a meaningful Vedic reading.