What is my zodiac sign in Vedic astrology?
In Vedic (Indian) astrology, "your sign" or rashi usually means your Moon sign: the sign the Moon was in when you were born. The Moon stands for the mind and feelings, so Indian astrologers, horoscopes and kundli matching all start from it. Western horoscopes use the Sun sign instead.
Why my sign may differ from my Western sign
Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, measured against the fixed stars, while Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac tied to the seasons. Today the two are about 24 degrees apart, so your sidereal Sun sign is often one sign earlier than your Western one: a Western Aries is often a Vedic Pisces. The calculator uses the Lahiri ayanamsa, the standard in India.
Your three signs
- Moon sign (rashi): your emotional nature and the sign used for Indian horoscopes and matching.
- Sun sign: your core self, will and vitality, in the sidereal zodiac.
- Rising sign (lagna): your body, outlook and the start of every house in the chart. It changes about every two hours, so it needs the birth time.
The Moon changes sign about every two and a half days, so on those days the birth time decides it. Learn more in our chapter on the twelve signs, or find your nakshatra next.
Questions people ask
What is my zodiac sign in Vedic astrology?
In Vedic astrology your sign, or rashi, is usually your Moon sign: the sign the Moon was in at your birth. It is the sign used for Indian horoscopes and kundli matching.
Why is my Vedic sign different from my Western sign?
Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, measured against the stars, and Western astrology the tropical zodiac. They are about 24 degrees apart today, so the Vedic sign is often one sign earlier.
Do I need my birth time to find my zodiac sign?
For the Moon sign, usually only on the days the Moon changes sign. For the rising sign (lagna), yes: it changes about every two hours.