Rashi
A zodiac sign — one of the twelve 30-degree divisions of the sidereal zodiac.
Rashi is the Sanskrit word for a zodiac sign. The ecliptic is divided into twelve equal 30-degree segments, from Mesha (Aries) through Meena (Pisces), each ruled by a planet and carrying an element and quality.
In everyday Indian usage 'your rashi' usually means your Moon sign — the sign the Moon occupied at birth — because the Moon governs the mind and emotions. This differs from Western astrology's habit of leading with the Sun sign. Your daily 'rashifal' (horoscope) is normally written for the Moon sign.
The rashi chart (D1, or Rashi Kundali) is the primary chart; divisional charts like the navamsa refine it. Reading a rashi well means weighing its ruler, the planets sitting in it and the houses it governs — not just the sign's keyword traits.
See this in your own chart
Ideas like this make far more sense against a real birth chart. Generate your free kundli — real astronomy, no sign-up — or read the longer guides for the full picture.
Related terms
Or browse the full glossary.