Basics of Astrology – Chapter 1:

Vedic astrology is an ancient practice that uses zodiac signs to help us understand how cosmic influences affect our lives; it has been around for thousands of years. This system helps us interpret the movements of celestial bodies in a detailed way. To truly learn astrology, one must grasp the significance of the twelve zodiac signs, as they form the backbone of astrological readings and predictions.

What Is Rashi in Vedic Astrology? How Do They Work?

The sky is divided into 12 parts called Rashi or zodiac signs. Each Rashi gets 30 degree space in the sky.

Rashi is a water element and each rashi shows distinct qualities based on their planetary rulers, nakshatras and planets situated in that sign. At Lunar Astro, before we even touch the planets, or nakshatra, we understand the energy and environment of signs. For example, Aries is a dry environment where we are in survival mode. But if you go to Taurus, it shows our family environment, our food habits, and our speech quality. Similarly each sign provides a distinct environment and the predictions will vary greatly as per the houses they are in and planets situated there.

12 Rashis And Their Qualities

In Code of Cosmos, our free astrology course, we have detailed out each sign and pending karma related to specific rashi. For the time being, let’s see some of the qualities of the zodiac signs here.

1. Aries (Mesha Rashi)

Aries is ruled by Mars who is also called Commander planet. Think of Aries’ sign as the stone age where there were little to no resources and people had to hunt to get food. Aries is a sign of new initiatives as whenever we start something new, we don’t have much resources at that time. Aries is a very straightforward and energetic sign, meaning if you have prominent Aries in your chart you won’t be able to sit at one place. You need to constantly move your body. Moreover, since Mars rules it, if Aries falls in 2nd house, or 2nd lord falls in Aries, you will be very straightforward in speech and will not mince your words.

2. Taurus (Vrishabha Rashi)

Ruled by the planet of beauty Venus, Taurus is the 2nd rashi in kalpurush kundli. Taurus is our perception, our values,our family background. If Taurus contains heavy malefics, then it’s possible that your family environment will not be conductive. For example, Rahu in the 2nd house can give lying tendencies and family can suffer due to unknown things. Taurus is our resource as it falls in 2nd to Aries. If Taurus is afflicted, you will find it hard to gather resources easily.3

3. Gemini (Mithuna Rashi)

Ruled by the prince of astrology Mercury, Gemini is a sign of passion and fun. What are we passionate about in life? What gives us joy? Gemini is a dual sign and carries a childlike enthusiasm. You will find whenever Gemini is prominent, the person cannot stop speaking because their subconscious mind is always overflowing with ideas. Gemini is an airy sign and is very good at idea generation but lacks the execution part.

Ruler: Mercury
Element: Air
Key Traits: Adaptable, curious, and communicative
Geminis are known for their dual nature and intellectual prowess. Learning astrology reveals how their mutable quality fosters flexibility and versatility.

4. Cancer (Karka Rashi)

Cancer is ruled by Moon and denotes our early education, our feelings, our mother and emotional body. Whenever a heavy planet like Saturn sits in Cancer, it can block your emotions and you will find it hard to express whatever you are feeling. Cancer is a watery sign and like water keeps flowing, the mood fluctuates here like flowing water. Hence, Cancerians got a nickname of being the moodiest people on the earth. Wherever Cancer is present in your chart, you take the decisions in that life area emotionally. It’s not a sign of logic. For example, if Cancer sits in 10th house, the person will choose profession because of comfort and emotions.

Ruler: Moon
Element: Water
Key Traits: Nurturing, sensitive, and intuitive
Cancer’s connection to the Moon emphasizes emotional depth and care. Those who learn astrology appreciate Cancer’s role in fostering empathy and familial bonds.

5. Leo (Simha Rashi)

Ruled by the king of the Solar System, Leo is a royal sign. And like a king whose main work is to plan for the welfare of his people, Leos are found in management positions where they overlook their people. It’s also the laziest sign as you can see the symbol of Leo is lion. Lions love to eat and sleep for a long time, it’s one of the peculiar traits of Leo dominant people. Leo is the natural 5th house of Kaal Purush kundli, and denotes our past life punya and our children. It also shows our vision. When the sun is weak in the chart, or the 5th house is filled with heavy planets or enemy planets like Saturn, the person finds it hard to interact with children. Infact, for Saturn in Leo, the children become responsible and not the joys.

Ruler: Sun
Element: Fire
Key Traits: Charismatic, confident, and regal
Leos shine with authority and creativity. To learn astrology fully, one must understand how the Sun’s radiance influences Leo’s leadership and warmth.

6. Virgo (Kanya Rashi)

Ruled by Venus, Libra is an airy sign and 7th house in kaal purush kundli. The main characteristics of Libra is partnership and balance. Whichever planet comes in Libra, it is constantly balancing its significations. Saturn gets exalted in Libra because the judge cannot be biased. Saturn who is called karma karak cannot be biased and has to give punishments as deserved. Libra is also a sign of marriage and denotes the quality of our married life. If planets like Mercury, Mars, Rahu come here, the marriage suffers as the agenda of these planets is not marriage. Rahu wants to always do something out of the box, and in marriage that leads to extra marital affairs. Similarly, Mars becomes extremely uncomfortable here as Mars wants to do his work by hook or crook and cannot adjust as per others.. Mercury is the planet of fun, and in Libra it can reduce the person’s capacity to take the responsibility of their partner.

Ruler: Mercury
Element: Earth
Key Traits: Analytical, practical, and diligent
Virgos excel in attention to detail and service. Learning astrology highlights Virgo’s capacity for organization and precision.

7. Libra (Tula Rashi)

Then comes the sign of Libra will find a partner to settle into their life through marriage, and many decisions will be made to make or worsen their native lives. Libra is the rasi of choice, offering opportunity to natives. We all have to make decisions in life, and the quality of those decisions depends on this factor. This rasi is also a form of interaction with others, such as marriage and spouse, social media, social gatherings, parties and events.

Ruler: Venus
Element: Air
Key Traits: Harmonious, diplomatic, and aesthetic
Libra seeks balance and beauty. Those who learn astrology find that Libra’s Venusian qualities enhance relationships and artistic endeavors.

8. Scorpio (Vrischika Rashi)

After settling in life – comes the time when someone is satisfied and finally leaves the body, or dissatisfied and wants to know more, or wants to change their life in bigger way. It shows the transformation you must go through in order to become It shows both sudden changes and small changes that ultimately lead to BIGGER CHANGE or commonly TRANSFORMATION.

Ruler: Mars (Ketu in classical texts)
Element: Water
Key Traits: Intense, transformative, and secretive
Scorpio’s depth and passion are unmatched. Learning astrology illuminates Scorpio’s potential for profound transformation and resilience.

9. Sagittarius (Dhanu Rashi)

After undergoing the transformation in the sign of Scorpio, one seeks the truth and finds the Guru which is represented by the sign of Sagittarius in Astrology. This is the rasi which shows Higher Education, Father, Guru. As you slowly learn the truth, seek long-term goals and enlist the help of your guru to advance your learning. This seems to indicate a principle to follow & anything to do with Sagittarius is always built on trust.

Ruler: Jupiter
Element: Fire
Key Traits: Adventurous, philosophical, and optimistic
Sagittarians are seekers of truth and higher knowledge. To learn astrology, one must recognize Sagittarius’ thirst for exploration and freedom.

10. Capricorn (Makara Rashi)

After going through the process of finding a true guide in Sagittarius, you start with a specific set of karmas with which you take birth on Earth. This is the rasi of hard work: you have to keep working for someone, for something, without expecting anything in return. Wherever the Capricorn sign is there, natives serve with great diligence. This is also a rasi where change doesn’t come easily because the native doesn’t like to try new things like Aries and follows tradition.

Ruler: Saturn
Element: Earth
Key Traits: Disciplined, ambitious, and patient
Capricorn symbolizes perseverance and long-term success. Learning astrology reveals Capricorn’s role in manifesting goals through steady effort.

11. Aquarius (Kumbha Rashi)

Finally, after we do a lot of hard work, desire fulfillment and many obsessions happen in this material world as this is the rasi for wish fulfillment. No matter where the Aquarius sign is, natives are so attached to these meanings that they will try to achieve it by any means necessary. Shortcuts and manipulation is commonly seen through this rasi as this has a major amount of subtle energy associated with Rahu.

Ruler: Saturn
Element: Air
Key Traits: Innovative, independent, and humanitarian
Aquarius embraces progressive ideas and individuality. Learning astrology underscores Aquarius’ capacity for societal change and forward-thinking.

12. Pisces (Meena Rashi)

After his desires are fulfilled in Aquarius, his body grows old and frail, and the time has come for Lord Yama’s arrival, so the natives must leave their bodies. When we leave the body, one must have faith and trust in God. This sign is very emotional and represents loss, giving, isolation and meditation. Pisces also paints life in the bedroom, sleep patterns, and the roof of the house.

Ruler: Jupiter
Element: Water
Key Traits: Compassionate, spiritual, and artistic
Pisces represents the spiritual culmination of the zodiac. Those who learn astrology understand Pisces’ deep connection to the mystical and unseen realms.

Zodiac signs help us understand astrological charts, which give insights into our personality, relationships, careers, and spiritual growth. Learning about each zodiac sign helps us see how planetary energies affect different parts of our lives. Understanding these signs is important when analyzing a natal chart, predicting future events, or advising clients.

By taking the time to learn astrology, we become more aware of our strengths, weaknesses, and life lessons. This awareness supports our personal growth and helps us connect with cosmic forces. Additionally, those who study astrology can help others on their life journeys, providing clarity and purpose.

The Role of Planets in Zodiac Signs

In Vedic astrology, each zodiac sign is linked to a planet, which influences its traits. For example, Mars rules Aries and Scorpio, giving them passion and courage. To learn astrology, you need to understand these planetary connections and how they affect people’s lives.

You also study where planets are located within the signs. This detail enhances interpretations, as each planet shows its energy in different ways depending on which sign it is in.For instance, Venus in Taurus enhances sensuality and comfort, while Venus in Aries fosters boldness in love and aesthetics.

Zodiac signs are key to Vedic astrology. They help us understand life better. Learning astrology is a journey that shows how the universe connects with our lives. As you study astrology, the zodiac signs can help you become more self-aware and find fulfillment and enlightenment.

Zodiac Signs