What is Rashi? Understanding Your Moon Sign
Rashi (राशि in Sanskrit), also known as Moon Sign, is the zodiac sign in which the Moon was positioned at the exact moment of your birth. In Vedic astrology, your Rashi is considered far more significant than your Sun Sign (Western zodiac) because the Moon governs your mind, emotions, instincts, and subconscious patterns.
While your Sun Sign represents your outer personality and ego, your Rashi reveals your inner world - how you process emotions, your automatic reactions, your comfort zones, and what you need to feel emotionally secure. This is why Vedic astrology uses Rashi as the foundation for compatibility analysis, daily horoscopes, and life predictions.
12 Rashis and Their Characteristics
1. Aries (Mesh)
Element: Fire | Lord: Mars
Courageous, energetic, pioneering
2. Taurus (Vrishabha)
Element: Earth | Lord: Venus
Stable, loyal, practical
3. Gemini (Mithun)
Element: Air | Lord: Mercury
Communicative, versatile, witty
4. Cancer (Karka)
Element: Water | Lord: Moon
Nurturing, emotional, intuitive
5. Leo (Simha)
Element: Fire | Lord: Sun
Confident, generous, dramatic
6. Virgo (Kanya)
Element: Earth | Lord: Mercury
Analytical, helpful, meticulous
7. Libra (Tula)
Element: Air | Lord: Venus
Diplomatic, harmonious, fair
8. Scorpio (Vrishchik)
Element: Water | Lord: Mars
Intense, passionate, transformative
9. Sagittarius (Dhanu)
Element: Fire | Lord: Jupiter
Optimistic, adventurous, philosophical
10. Capricorn (Makar)
Element: Earth | Lord: Saturn
Disciplined, ambitious, responsible
11. Aquarius (Kumbha)
Element: Air | Lord: Saturn
Innovative, humanitarian, independent
12. Pisces (Meena)
Element: Water | Lord: Jupiter
Compassionate, artistic, spiritual
Frequently Asked Questions About Rashi
What is my Rashi?+
Your Rashi is the zodiac sign where the Moon was positioned at the time of your birth. You can find it using our free Rashi Calculator above by entering your date of birth.
Is Rashi same as Zodiac Sign?+
Not exactly. In Western astrology, 'zodiac sign' usually refers to Sun Sign (where the Sun was at birth). In Vedic astrology, Rashi specifically means Moon Sign. Additionally, Vedic calculations use the Sidereal zodiac, which is about 23° different from the Western Tropical zodiac.
Why is Rashi more important than Sun Sign in Vedic astrology?+
In Vedic philosophy, the Moon represents Mann (mind) and emotions, which are the foundation of your thoughts, decisions, and actions. Since most of life's happiness comes from mental peace and emotional balance, understanding your Rashi is more practically useful than knowing your Sun Sign.
How is Rashi used in marriage matching?+
Rashi compatibility is the basis of Gun Milan (Ashtakoot system) for arranged marriages. The bride's and groom's Rashis are analyzed across 8 parameters (Kootas) to generate a compatibility score out of 36. A score of 18+ is generally acceptable, while 28+ indicates excellent compatibility.
Can my Rashi change?+
No, your Rashi is fixed based on your birth moment. However, the Moon transits through all 12 Rashis approximately every 27 days, which creates changing influences in your life. These transits (called Gochar) affect your daily moods and experiences.