Definition

Pronunciation: RAH-shee

Also spelled: Raashi

Sign; heap; zodiacal sign

About Rashi

Rashi refers to the twelve zodiacal signs through which the grahas move. These are the same twelve signs as in Western astrology (Aries through Pisces), but Jyotish uses the sidereal zodiac, which accounts for the precession of the equinoxes and aligns with the actual constellations.

Each rashi has: an element (*tattva*), a modality (*guna*), a ruling planet (*lord*), and specific characteristics. The signs provide the environment or context in which planets express themselves - a planet's nature is modified by the sign it occupies.

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). Understanding rashis helps interpret how planetary energies manifest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rashi mean?

Sign; heap; zodiacal sign

Which tradition does Rashi come from?

Rashi is a key term in jyotish.

How is Rashi used in practice?

Rashi refers to the twelve zodiacal signs through which the grahas move. These are the same twelve signs as in Western astrology (Aries through Pisces), but Jyotish uses the sidereal zodiac, which accounts for the precession of the equinoxes and aligns with the actual constellations.