In Indian culture and Vedic Astrology, a Rashi refers to the zodiac sign in which the Moon is positioned at the time of a person’s birth. Unlike Western astrology, which uses the Sun sign, Vedic astrology (Jyotisha) relies on the Moon sign, also known as the Janma Rashi.
There are 12 Rashis in total, with each one representing one of the 12 zodiac constellations. Each Rashi has its own name in Sanskrit, English, ruling planet, personality features, lucky colours and much more.
This guide provides the names of all 12 Rashis in English, along with important information about each of them.
All 12 Rashi Names in English
Below is a table containing the names of the 12 Rashis in English, along with their Sanskrit names, symbols, and ruling planets.
| No. | Rashi Name (Sanskrit) | English Name | Symbol | Ruling Planet |
| 1 | Mesh | Aries | Ram | Mars |
| 2 | Vrishabha | Taurus | Bull | Venus |
| 3 | Mithuna | Gemini | Twins | Mercury |
| 4 | Karka | Cancer | Crab | Moon |
| 5 | Simha | Leo | Lion | Sun |
| 6 | Kanya | Virgo | Maiden | Mercury |
| 7 | Tula | Libra | Scales | Venus |
| 8 | Vrishchika | Scorpio | Scorpion | Mars / Ketu |
| 9 | Dhanu | Sagittarius | Archer | Jupiter |
| 10 | Makara | Capricorn | Sea-Goat | Saturn |
| 11 | Kumbha | Aquarius | Water Bearer | Saturn / Rahu |
| 12 | Meena | Pisces | Fish | Jupiter / Ketu |
Mesh Rashi — Aries
Mesh is the first Rashi in the zodiac cycle and marks the beginning of the Vedic astrological year. Since the hot planet of Mars governs this planet, those born under the Mesh Rashi possess qualities of courage, enthusiasm, and pioneering nature.
Personality Characteristics:
- Strong and enthusiastic with a competitive spirit
- Inclined towards leadership with an inclination towards initiating action
- Tendency to act impulsively but bounce back easily
- Truthful and forthright when it comes to expression
Vrishabha Rashi — Taurus
Vrishabha is the second zodiac sign, governed by Venus, which symbolizes love, beauty, and indulgence. Individuals who belong to this zodiac sign are grounded and dependable and are appreciative of the joys of life.
Personality Characteristics:
- Highly patient, reliable, and practical
- Aesthetic appreciation for luxury
- Loyal in relationships
- Averse to changes; may be possessive
- Diligent and highly enduring
Mithuna Rashi — Gemini
Mithuna is the third rashi, represented by twin stars signifying the dual personality traits of people born under Gemini. People under the influence of the planet Mercury, which signifies intellect and communication, tend to be intelligent, witty, and social.
Personality Characteristics:
- Intelligent, versatile, and witty
- Good communicator and storyteller
- Adaptable but inconsistent at times
- Social with an interest in new experiences
Karka Rashi — Cancer
Karka is the fourth Rashi and the last one governed by the Moon. People born in Karka are thus extremely intuitive, emotional, and closely attached to their homeland and family members. Like crabs, they have a hard exterior but a soft core.
Personality Characteristics:
- Very nurturing and empathetic in nature
- Closely associated with their family members
- Good at memorising things and highly intuitive
- Moody and tends to withdraw when upset
Simha Rashi — Leo
Simha is the fifth Rashi, governed by the Sun. It is only right that people born under the Simha Rashi have a natural inclination to stay right at the centre of all things.
Personality Characteristics:
- They are confident, charismatic, and commanding
- Warm-hearted and generous
- Full of pride and honour
- Tend to dominate or hog the limelight
- Extremely loyal to their loved ones
Kanya Rashi — Virgo
Kanya is the sixth Rashi, also governed by Mercury. But, while the dual-sign Gemini uses its energies of communication, Kanya uses it to analyse, be precise and serve.
Personality Characteristics:
- Analytical, systematic and diligent
- Very organised, good attention to details
- Service-minded and modest
- Self-critical and critical of others
- Trustworthy and reliable
Tula Rashi — Libra
Tula is the Rashi of the number seven, which symbolises justice and balance. As Tula is associated with Venus, people born under the Tula zodiac sign are diplomatic, charming, and love peace.
Personality Characteristics:
- Diplomatic, just, and cooperative
- Highly aesthetic sense
- Indecisiveness because of considering all perspectives on the matter
- Charming and social everywhere
- Conflict-avoiding even at a great cost
Vrishchika Rashi — Scorpio
Vrishchika is the eighth Rashi and is among the most powerful and mysterious of all signs. Governed by Mars in Vedic astrology and related to transformation, individuals born under the sign of Scorpio are very passionate and perceptive.
Personality Characteristics:
- Highly passionate and perceptive personality
- Incredibly determined and resourceful
- Shy and private
- Protective yet jealous at times
- Very transforming and regenerating
Dhanu Rashi — Sagittarius
Dhanu is the 9th Rashi, and the ruling planet here is Jupiter, which symbolises wisdom, expansiveness, and luck. The natives of Rashi Dhanu have a philosophical attitude toward life and are always ready for an adventure.
Personality Characteristics:
- Positive, adventuresome, and philosophical
- Love of travel, freedom, and study
- Straightforward in speech, even blunt at times
- Energetic and generous
- Sometimes restless and unwilling to commit
Makara Rashi — Capricorn
Makara is the tenth Rashi and is governed by the planet Saturn, which symbolises discipline, karma, and organisation. Individuals born under Capricorn are ambitious, disciplined, and relentless when it comes to success. They are considered to be the hardest-working among all the zodiac signs.
Personality Characteristics:
Disciplined and ambitious
Practical and patient
Highly responsible
Reserved, and at times, may appear to be cold
Loyal to those they trust
Kumbha Rashi — Aquarius
Kumbha, the eleventh rashi, is governed by the planets Saturn and Rahu, the North node. Though the water-bearer symbol suggests otherwise, Aquarius is an air sign, implying that water in this case refers to the flow of ideas. People born under the rashi of Kumbha are innovators, idealists, and individualistic people.
Personality Characteristics:
- Progressive and innovative personality
- Very independent and original
- Very friendly but emotionally detached at times
- Belief in social justice and equality
Meena Rashi — Pisces
Meena represents the last of the Rashis, marking the end of the complete zodiac cycle. Jupiter is the governing planet for Pisces, while Ketu is its nakshatra. Meena people are dreamy, caring, and very empathic souls.
Personality Characteristics:
- Empathic, compassionate, and selfless
- Imaginative and artistic
- Spiritual and introspective
- Escapist or idealistic tendencies
- Fluid and adaptable like water
Vedic Rashi vs Western Sun Sign: Key Differences
Most people are astounded to know that there is a mismatch between their Vedic Rashi, which is based on their Moon sign, and the Western zodiac sign based on their Sun sign. This is because:
- Western astrology takes into consideration the position of the Sun at the time of your birth.
- Vedic astrology considers the position of the Moon at your time of birth, and it shifts every 2.5 days.
- In addition, the Vedic system uses the Sidereal zodiac (based on the stars), while Western astrology employs the Tropical zodiac (season-based).
- The difference creates a gap of 23 degrees, which means Vedic signs are usually a sign behind Western signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Rashi in English?
A. Rashi is defined as the Sanskrit translation of the word zodiac sign. It is also known as the moon sign in some languages. In Hindi astrology, there are a total of 12 zodiac signs/rashis.
Q. How to know the rashi of any individual?
A. Rashi is calculated using your date, time and place of birth. It can also be calculated using a Vedic birth chart calculator available on many Vedic astrology websites across the internet.
Q. Which rashi is considered the best and the most powerful?
A. No single rashi is considered the best or the most powerful. Every rashi has its unique strengths and positives.
Q. Are two people with the same rashi considered compatible with each other?
A. Yes, it is possible for two individuals with matching Rashis to be compatible if they share common values and characteristics. Yet, it should be noted that the study of Vedic compatibility takes into account a number of other aspects apart from just the matching Rashi.
