Overview
The zodiac, spanning 360º, is divided into 12 equal parts of 30º each, known as Rasis (signs). Each Rasi possesses unique properties, representing distinct aspects of life. They symbolize different qualities and characteristics, influencing personality, behavior, and experiences. Together, they form the foundation of astrological interpretation in Vedic astrology.
Śrī Vishnu, the Invisible, is the embodiment of Time itself. His divine form(Kaal Purush) is represented by the 12 Rāśis (zodiac signs), beginning with Aries. The 12 zodiac signs, in order, are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.
Classification of Rāśis
By Nature:
Movable, Fixed, Dual.
Movable Signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn): Represent activity, adaptability, and rapid change. Traits include flexibility, independence, reform, and dissatisfaction with stagnation.
Fixed Signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius): Represent steadiness, rigidity, and determination. These signs are slow but steady, accumulate resources, hold fixed opinions, and tend to stay in one place for a long time.
Dual Signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces): Represent a mix of movable and fixed traits. Traits include adaptability, multitasking, scholarly interests, communication skills, and a tendency to explore multiple options.
By Gender:
Male Signs (Odd-Numbered): Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius.
Traits: Active, extroverted, energetic, and outward-focused.
Female Signs (Even-Numbered): Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces.
Traits: Receptive, introspective, emotional, and inward-focused.
This alternating pattern emphasizes the balance of masculine and feminine energies throughout the zodiac, contributing to the dynamic interplay of characteristics in astrological analysis.
By Element/Temperament:
The zodiac signs are categorized based on temperament—Bilious (Pitta), Windy (Vata), Mixed (Vata-Pitta), and Phlegmatic (Kapha)—reflecting their intrinsic energies.
Bilious, Windy, Mixed, and Phlegmatic:
Bilious (Pitta): Energetic, ambitious, and fiery(Aries, Leo, Sagittarius).
Windy (Vata): Practical, grounded, and steady(Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn).
Mixed (Vata-Pitta): Intellectual, adaptable, and dynamic(Gemini, Libra, Aquarius).
Phlegmatic (Kapha): Emotional, intuitive, and nurturing(Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces).
Further, the zodiac signs are classified into four main elements—Fire, Earth, Air, and Water—each representing distinct qualities and characteristics. These elements influence how individuals express themselves, perceive the world, and interact with others.
Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
Fire signs are known for their passion, energy, and aggression. They are dynamic leaders who take initiative and inspire others with their brilliance and decisiveness.
Traits: Pioneering, active, spontaneous, self-centred, stubborn, impulsive, impatient.
Nature: They are always moving forward, driven by a desire to explore and take risks. Their energy is infectious, though they can sometimes act without considering the consequences.
Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
Earth signs are the embodiment of practicality, stability, and methodical thinking. They are patient, and persevering, and thrive in steady environments where they can build and grow over time.
Traits: Reliable, trustworthy, materialistic, slow to rise but resilient, grounded, and good planners.
Nature: Earth signs tend to focus on the tangible and the real, preferring realism over imagination. They are often successful in business and financial matters, as they possess excellent managerial and organizational skills.
Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)
Air signs are the thinkers and communicators of the zodiac, excelling in intellectual pursuits, learning, and expression. They are known for their quick minds and flexibility, embracing new ideas and exploring a variety of interests.
Traits: Sociable, friendly, communicative, adaptable, love harmony and beauty.
Nature: Air signs are always curious, enjoy lively conversations, and value freedom and movement. They tend to be excellent writers, speakers, and thinkers, and they often thrive in social environments.
Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)
Water signs are deeply emotional, intuitive, and sensitive individuals who connect with the world through their feelings. They are nurturing and imaginative, often guided by instinct and intuition.
Traits: Caring, introverted, secretive, dreamy, psychic, emotionally driven.
Nature: Water signs are nurturing and protective, preferring to keep their emotions close. They are intuitive and often seem to sense things others cannot. They tend to accumulate and protect their emotions, and they may lean toward introspection and retreat.
Each of the elements—Fire, Earth, Air, and Water—brings its own unique set of qualities and influences, shaping the way individuals navigate life. These elemental influences are foundational in Vedic astrology and help astrologers interpret personalities, behaviors, and life paths more accurately.
The Varna (class) system categorizes individuals into four groups based on their karma (work) and natural tendencies. Each Varna is linked to specific zodiac signs, reflecting their roles and attributes:
Brahmanas (Scholars): Represented by watery signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). They are seekers of knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual pursuits, often serving as priests, teachers, or advisors.
Kshatriyas (Warriors): Represented by fiery signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius). They embody courage, leadership, and valor, taking on roles as kings, soldiers, and protectors.
Vaisyas (Traders): Represented by earthy signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn). They are practical, resourceful, and industrious, excelling in trade, commerce, and providing services.
Sudras (Workers): Represented by airy signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius). They are skilled in physical tasks, adaptability, and working to support society through labor and craftsmanship.
Trigunas
In Vedic astrology, the Trigunas—Sattwa, Rajas, and Tamas—are three fundamental qualities that influence the nature and behavior of individuals. Each zodiac sign is associated with one of these qualities, reflecting its inherent traits:
Sattwa (Purity): Represents truthfulness, purity, and higher spiritual qualities.
Saattwik Signs: Cancer, Leo, Sagittarius, Pisces.
Rajas (Passion): Symbolizes energy, ambition, and a drive for action and change.
Raajasik Signs: Aries, Taurus, Libra, Scorpio.
Tamas (Darkness): Reflects inertia, ignorance, and a tendency toward materialism or lethargy.
Taamasik Signs: Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn, Aquarius.
Zodiac Sign, Ruling Planets and their Symbol
English | Vedic | Symbol | Ruling Planet |
Aries | Mesha | Ram | Mars |
Taurus | Vrishabh | Bull | Venus |
Gemini | Mithuna | Couple | Mercury |
Cancer | Karka | Crab | Moon |
Leo | Sinha | Lion | Sun |
Virgo | Kanya | Virgin | Mercury |
Scorpio | Vrischika | Scorpion | Mars |
Sagittarius | Dhanu | Archer | Jupiter |
Capricorn | Makar | Goat | Saturn |
Aquarius | Kumbha | Alligator | Saturn |
Pisces | Meen | Fishes | Jupiter |
Understanding these classifications allows astrologers to interpret personality traits, tendencies, and life patterns more accurately, aligning them with the cosmic order described in Vedic astrology.
Further blogs will discuss all the individual zodiac signs/Rashi in detail.
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