The Sidereal Zodiac (Nirayana)
In Vedic astrology, the zodiac is divided into twelve equal 30-degree signs known as Rashis. Unlike the tropical calendar which drifts away from actual celestial constellations over centuries, Vedic astrology anchors each Rashi to the actual stars in the sky.
Aries (Mesha)
Element & Nature: Fire / Cardinal (Chara).
Planetary Lord: Mars (Mangal).
Key Qualities: Pioneering, Courageous, Energetic, Direct, Impulsive.
Taurus (Vrishabha)
Element & Nature: Earth / Fixed (Sthira).
Planetary Lord: Venus (Shukra).
Key Qualities: Steadfast, Sensual, Resourceful, Patient, Grounded.
Mithuna (Gemini)
Element & Nature: Air / Dual (Dwisvabhava).
Planetary Lord: Mercury (Budh).
Key Qualities: Intellectual, Curious, Adaptable, Communicative, Quick.
Cancer (Karka)
Element & Nature: Water / Cardinal (Chara).
Planetary Lord: Moon (Chandra).
Key Qualities: Intuitive, Nurturing, Protective, Empathetic, Devoted.
Leo (Simha)
Element & Nature: Fire / Fixed (Sthira).
Planetary Lord: Sun (Surya).
Key Qualities: Noble, Magnanimous, Authoritative, Creative, Proud.
Virgo (Kanya)
Element & Nature: Earth / Dual (Dwisvabhava).
Planetary Lord: Mercury (Budh).
Key Qualities: Analytical, Discerning, Service-oriented, Meticulous.
Libra (Tula)
Element & Nature: Air / Cardinal (Chara).
Planetary Lord: Venus (Shukra).
Key Qualities: Harmonious, Diplomatic, Just, Aesthetic, Relationship-focused.
Scorpio (Vrischika)
Element & Nature: Water / Fixed (Sthira).
Planetary Lord: Mars & Ketu.
Key Qualities: Intense, Transformative, Perceptive, Resilient, Secretive.
Sagittarius (Dhanu)
Element & Nature: Fire / Dual (Dwisvabhava).
Planetary Lord: Jupiter (Guru).
Key Qualities: Philosophical, Truth-seeking, Optimistic, Expansive.
Capricorn (Makara)
Element & Nature: Earth / Cardinal (Chara).
Planetary Lord: Saturn (Shani).
Key Qualities: Pragmatic, Disciplined, Ambitious, Patient, Enduring.
Aquarius (Kumbha)
Element & Nature: Air / Fixed (Sthira).
Planetary Lord: Saturn & Rahu.
Key Qualities: Visionary, Egalitarian, Unconventional, Philosophical.
Pisces (Meena)
Element & Nature: Water / Dual (Dwisvabhava).
Planetary Lord: Jupiter (Guru).
Key Qualities: Mystical, Compassionate, Transcendent, Imaginative, Surrendered.