Learn Vedic Astrology

A beginner's guide to the foundations of Jyotish Shastra — the “science of light.”

The 12 Rashis (Zodiac Signs)

A rashi is a 30° slice of the sidereal zodiac. Vedic astrology uses twelve rashis: Mesh (Aries), Vrishabh (Taurus), Mithun (Gemini), Karka (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), Vrischika (Scorpio), Dhanu (Sagittarius), Makara (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius) and Meena (Pisces). Your moon sign— the rashi where the Moon was at your birth — is considered far more important in Jyotish than your sun sign.

The 27 Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

Each rashi is divided into 2¼ nakshatras, giving 27 lunar mansions of 13°20' each. Your janma nakshatra (the nakshatra of your natal Moon) determines your dasha sequence, your compatibility score, and many personality traits. Examples include Ashwini, Bharani, Rohini, Mrigashira, Pushya, Magha, Chitra, Anuradha and Revati.

The 9 Grahas (Planets)

Vedic astrology uses nine grahas: Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (north lunar node) and Ketu (south lunar node). Each rules specific houses, careers, relationships and remedies.

The 12 Bhavas (Houses)

A Kundli has twelve houses, each representing an area of life: self, wealth, courage, home, children, health, marriage, longevity, fortune, career, gains and losses. The Ascendant (Lagna) is the rashi rising on the eastern horizon at your birth and defines the 1st house.

The Vimshottari Dasha System

Vimshottari is the dasha system most Vedic astrologers use. It divides 120 years among the nine grahas: Ketu 7, Venus 20, Sun 6, Moon 10, Mars 7, Rahu 18, Jupiter 16, Saturn 19, Mercury 17. Your current Mahadasha tells you which planet is currently “in charge,” and the Antardasha (sub-period) refines the picture month by month.

Lal Kitab — practical remedies

The Lal Kitab is a 20th-century body of work famous for its inexpensive, household upayas — feeding crows on Saturdays, donating jaggery, wearing specific gemstones, planting trees. Jyotish AI surfaces the most relevant Lal Kitab remedy at the end of every reading.