Vedic Astrology Glossary

Zodiac sign

The twelve signs of the zodiac, from Mesha (Aries) to Meena (Pisces). In Vedic astrology, your Rashi typically refers to your Moon sign rather than Sun sign. Each Rashi spans 30° of the zodiac and is associated with specific elements, qualities, and planetary rulers. The Rashi your Moon occupies at birth reveals your emotional nature, instincts, and how you experience life from within.

House

The twelve houses of the horoscope, each governing different areas of life. Bhava literally means "state of being" or "becoming." The first Bhava represents self and body; the seventh represents partnerships; the tenth represents career and public standing. In the Whole Sign system used traditionally (and by VedaSight), each Bhava corresponds exactly to one Rashi, with the Ascendant's sign becoming the entire first house.

Planet (literally "that which seizes")

The nine celestial bodies considered in Vedic astrology: Sun (Surya), Moon (Chandra), Mars (Mangal), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter (Guru), Venus (Shukra), Saturn (Shani), and the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu. The word Graha suggests that these cosmic forces "seize" or influence our consciousness. Each Graha carries specific energies that color whatever house and sign they occupy in your chart.

Lunar mansion or star

The 27 segments of the zodiac, each spanning 13°20'. The nakshatras form a more refined map than the signs alone, revealing subtle layers of personality, karma, and life themes. Each nakshatra has its own ruling deity, symbol, and planetary lord. Your Moon's nakshatra is particularly significant—it determines your dasha sequence and reveals your deeper emotional nature. The word comes from "naksha" (map) and "tra" (guard).

Planetary period

The timing system that makes Vedic astrology predictive. The most common system, Vimshottari Dasha, divides life into major periods (Mahadashas) ruled by each planet, ranging from 6 to 20 years. These are subdivided into sub-periods (Antardashas) and sub-sub-periods (Pratyantardashas). Your dasha sequence begins based on your Moon's nakshatra at birth. During each period, that planet's themes become prominent in your life.

The difference between tropical and sidereal zodiacs

Due to Earth's precession (axial wobble), the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology has drifted from the actual constellations by about 24°. The ayanamsa is this difference. Vedic astrology uses the sidereal (star-based) zodiac and must account for this offset. Several calculation methods exist; Lahiri ayanamsa, endorsed by the Indian government and used by VedaSight, is the most widely accepted standard.

Birth chart or horoscope

The diagram mapping planetary positions at the moment of birth. Also spelled Kundali. In North India, the chart is drawn as a diamond pattern with twelve triangular sections. In South India, a square grid format is used. The Kundli shows which planets occupied which signs and houses at your birth, forming the foundation for all astrological analysis. "Matching Kundlis" for marriage compatibility remains a common practice.

Planetary combination

Special configurations of planets that modify the chart's interpretation. Unlike the physical practice of yoga (same word, different meaning), astrological Yogas are patterns—a planet in its own sign, two planets conjunct, certain house relationships—that produce specific effects. Some Yogas are highly auspicious (Raja Yoga for success, Dhana Yoga for wealth), while others indicate challenges. Classical texts describe hundreds of Yogas.

Lunar day

One of 30 lunar phases based on the angular distance between Sun and Moon. Each Tithi spans 12° of separation. The 15 Tithis of the waxing Moon (Shukla Paksha) lead to full Moon; the 15 of the waning Moon (Krishna Paksha) lead to new Moon. Tithis are essential for choosing auspicious timing (Muhurta) and understanding the day's energy. Certain Tithis are considered favorable for specific activities.

Vedic almanac (literally "five limbs")

The daily astrological calendar showing five key elements: Tithi (lunar day), Vara (weekday), Nakshatra (Moon's constellation), Yoga (Sun-Moon angular relationship), and Karana (half of a Tithi). The Panchang guides traditional observances, festival timing, and the selection of auspicious moments for important activities. Consulting the Panchang before beginning significant undertakings remains common practice throughout India.

Ascendant or rising sign

The zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the exact moment of birth. The Lagna is the starting point of the chart—it becomes the first house and determines the house positions of all other signs and planets. While the Moon sign reveals your inner nature, the Lagna shows how you meet the world and how others perceive you. The Lagna changes approximately every two hours, making accurate birth time essential.

Planetary transit

The current movement of planets through the zodiac relative to your birth chart. Gochara analysis combines with dasha periods to refine predictions. A transit gains significance when it occurs during the dasha of the same planet—for example, Saturn transiting your Moon sign becomes especially impactful during Saturn Mahadasha. The famous Sade Sati (Saturn's 7.5-year transit around the Moon) is a Gochara phenomenon.