What is Zodiac?

1. Zodiac (Rāśi Chakra)

The Zodiac in Vedic astrology is a 360° celestial belt divided into 12 equal signs (Rāśis) through which the Sun, Moon, and planets move.

Each sign occupies 30° of the zodiac.

The 12 Rāśis (Zodiac Signs)are:

• Mesha (Aries)
• Vrishabha (Taurus)
• Mithuna (Gemini)
• Karka (Cancer)
• Simha (Leo)
• Kanya (Virgo)
• Tula (Libra)
• Vrischika (Scorpio)
• Dhanu (Sagittarius)
• Makara (Capricorn)
• Kumbha (Aquarius)
• Meena (Pisces)

2. Lagna (Ascendant)

Lagna (Ascendant) is the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the exact time of birth.

It is the starting point of the birth chart (Kundli) and determines the arrangement of the 12 houses.

3. Grahas (Planets)

In Vedic astrology, celestial influencers are called Grahas.

There are 9 grahas (Navagraha):

• Surya (Sun)
• Chandra (Moon)
• Mangala (Mars)
• Budha (Mercury)
• Guru (Jupiter)
• Shukra (Venus)
• Shani (Saturn)
• Rahu
• Ketu

4. Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

The zodiac is also divided into 27 star constellations called Nakshatras.

Each Nakshatra spans 13°20′ of the zodiac and is important for predicting life events and personality.

Example Nakshatras:

• Ashwini
• Bharani
• Krittika
• Rohini

etc.

5. Bhavas (Houses)

A Vedic birth chart contains 12 houses called Bhava (Astrological House). Each house represents different areas of life:

1. Self & personality
2. Wealth
3. Courage & siblings
4. Home & mother
5. Intelligence & children
6. Enemies & health
7. Marriage & partnerships
8. Transformation
9. Dharma & fortune
10. Career
11. Gains
12. Loss & liberation

Zodiac System Used

Vedic Astrology

Vedic astrology uses the Sidereal Zodiac.

• Based on the actual position of stars in the sky.
• The zodiac signs are fixed with respect to the constellations.
• Used in traditional Indian astrology and ancient scriptures.

Western Astrology

Western astrology uses the Tropical Zodiac.

• Based on the Earth's seasons and the position of the Sun relative to the equinox.
• The zodiac signs are not aligned exactly with the star constellations.

👉 Because of this difference, a person's sign may change between systems.

DIFFRENCE BETWEEN THE VEDIC AND WESTERN ASTROLGY

Feature	Vedic Astrology	Western Astrology
Zodiac	Sidereal	Tropical
Focus	Karma & destiny	Personality
Moon Importance	Very high	Moderate
Nakshatras	Used (27)	Not used
Prediction Method	Dasha system	Transits & aspects

Natal Chart (Birth Chart)

A Natal Chart, also known as a Birth Chart, is a map of the sky at the exact time and location of birth. It is used for personal astrological readings.

Zodiac Signs Table