A lot of calculations are required to make a Janma Kundali or vedic birth-chart. The most important factors of these are : rashi, houses, planets and nakshatras. Vedic Jyotish just can’t be imagined without these four base pillars.

In this webcast we will discuss only the Rashi. We will discuss what are the rashis of the zodiac, and how they impact you. The 12 rashis are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.

What is rashi

The zodiac is actually an imaginary band in the sky which spans 360 degrees around, and is 9 degrees in width. All the rashis and other astrological elements are a part of this zodiac.

There are 12 rashis or signs in the zodiac, and each rashi has a span of 30 degrees. Every rashi is owned by a certain planet.

Rashis are star clusters in a particular shape

The first rashi in the zodiac is Aries, and the last one is Pisces. According to vedic astrology, Aries begins right opposite to the star Chitra which means Aries is 180 degrees away from Chitra. This is the Nirayan method of astrology which is used for Vedic astrology.

Rashis are actually a cluster of stars which are named after the shapes which ancient seers saw in them. For example, the Aries rashi is shaped like a ram. Taurus like a bull, and Gemini like a couple. Cancer is shaped like a crab and Leo like the head of a lion.

Virgo is shaped like a girl sitting in a boat holding a light in one hand and wheat plant in the other. Libra is shaped like a set of scales and Scorpio like a Scorpion.

Sagittarius is a centaur holding a bow in his hands. Capricorn is shaped like a crocodile, and aquarius like a man holding a water pitcher. Pisces is shaped like two fishes who have got each other’s tales in their mouths.

The importance of each rashi

Every rashi has some special qualities, and the person born in that rashi will share many of those qualities. Out of the 12 signs, Cancer is ruled by Moon, and Leo by Sun. All the other planets rule 2 rashis each. Mars rules Aries and Scorpio. Venus rules Taurus and Libra. Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo. Sagittarius and Pisces are governed by Jupiter, and Saturn rules Capricorn and Aquarius.

A person born under a rashi gains some of its qualities. Like if the rashi is a fiery sign than the person might have a fiery temper. If it is earthy than the person will be very patient and can bear a lot. If it is windy then the person will be creative and will be always seeking new pursuits. If it is watery, then the person will be very sensitive, and yet at the same time have great powers of adaptation.