Vedic Astrology comprises 12 Zodiac signs like every other branch of Astrology.
The use of Vedic Astrology in the past was far more generalized than finding day-to-day readings.
Ancient people used it to predict religious dates to perform different rituals. Vedic Astrology signs don’t only show the personality traits of different people born under them.
They also let us explore different dimensions of how this universe works.
How do Vedic Astrology signs work?
With the birth of astrological knowledge, when humans learned to read astronomical bodies, they have used constellations to read hidden aspects of nature.
Vedic Astrology is not a new or “created” branch of Astrology but it’s an extension of actual and ancient Astrology.
In the hierarchy of passing down the knowledge, the Astrology practiced in the subcontinent became ” Vedic Astrology”.
Vedic Astrology is considered one of the most reliable forms of Astrology and has proven its authenticity over time through precise findings. With expertise, it’s like a key to mystic learning. Only a maestro knows how to harness the power of this knowledge for the betterment of humanity.
The twelve signs of Vedic Astrology are ;isted below. Each sign corresponds with the Western Zodiac starting from Mesha with Aries till Makara with Capricorn.
Vedic Sign (in Sanskrit) |
Western Sign |
| Mesha | Aries |
| Vrishaba | Taurus |
| Mithuna | Gemini |
| Karkata | Cancer |
| Simha | Leo |
| Kanya | Virgo |
| Tula | Libra |
| Vrishchika | Scorpio |
| Dhanu | Sagittarius |
| Makara |
Capricorn |
| Meena | Pisces |
If all these signs are correspondent to Western Zodiac signs, how is Vedic Astrology different from Western Astrology?
Differences between Vedic and Western Astrology
Well, this question has different and simultaneous answers.
As we are discussing signs here so keeping that aspect in focus, we will discuss how Vedic Astrology is different.
Vedic Astrology uses the sidereal system as a primary reference, unlike Western Astrology which uses a tropical system to draw personality charts.
What is a sidereal and tropical Zodiac system?
With all the knowledge in hand, we know that the Sun, Moon, and planets move through a specific path in the sky.
Planets never deviate from this path and move through them repeatedly. However, this path, called the ecliptic, is different for different Zodiac .
Some Zodiacs like Karkata (Cancer) have a small ecliptic journey whereas others like Kanya (Virgo) have a large ecliptic journey.
Paths of some Zodiacs like Kumbha and Meena (Aquarius and Pisces) even overlap a little while moving through their constellations. T
his marks the beginning of constellational Astrology which is based on uneven constellation that lies in the path of the Moon, Sun, and planets.
Even when all the constellations vary in size and are not perfectly aligned with the Zodiacs themselves.
However, Mesopotamian astrologers standardized the Zodiacs by dividing them into 12 parts (Zodiacs) thirty degrees apart each.
So the sidereal Zodiac system is “the idealized division of the ecliptic into 12 signs of 30 degrees each that are roughly aligned with the constellations”.
This is how the sidereal Zodiac works. The main center for Vedic Astrological knowledge is the position of planets and their rough alignment with constellational paths.
Western Astrology is a relatively new variation of ancient Astrology.
The concept of tropical Astrology was generated when modern astrologers divided Zodiacs on basis of four seasons.
The start of seasons begins with cardinal signs and the end of the seasons coincided with mutable signs.
Different seasons were symbolized to read different personality aspects of Zodiacs.
Western Astrology is based on a system of when the Sun reaches its northern and southern hemispheres and how days and nights are equally divided. (equinoxes and the solstices).
It starts from the first day of spring coinciding with the first Zodiac Aries (mesha) and so on.
Zodiacs are measured from here each thirty-degree apart.
Summer coincides with the first degree of Cancer (Karkata) and fall with Libra (Tula).
Now we know that the Vedic Astrology system works on the sidereal system and Western Astrology work on the tropical system.
Both systems are blended in many ways and astrologers have derived methods from both systems to predict the nature of Zodiacs.
Why Vedic Astrology is better than Western Astrology?
This is not wise to say that one branch or approach of Astrology is better than another.
They simply use different approaches to read different aspects of one’s life. Vedic is more reliable because it focuses on your individual personality and how your life is affected by the movements of planets.
Vedic Astrology is basically focused on the person and his karma and dharma.
Taking a reading is like adding up a more broad spectrum to your life while reading different aspects.
Vedic Astrology signs characteristics
The twelve Zodiac signs of Vedic Astrology don’t only help to find the individual characteristics but also their attitude towards life.
Apart from their individual performance and traits, Zodiac signs are also divided into groups.
First, they are categorized as fixed and moveable signs.
Fixed and moveable Zodiac signs in Vedic Astrology
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The fixed signs represent strength and determination. These are Vrishaba (Taurus), Simha (Leo), Vrishchika (Scorpio), and Kumbha (Aquarius).
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Moveable signs represent flexibility, freedom, and change. These are Mesha (Aries), Karkata (Cancer), Simha (Libra), and Makara (Capricorn).
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Some signs represent qualities of both fixed and moveable signs. These are called dual signs and represent philosophical and scholarly aspects of one’s life.
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Dual signs are good at multitasking and their diverse nature allows them to become open to learning and communication. Mithuna (Gemini), Kanya (Virgo), Dhanu (Sagittarius), and Meena (Pisces) are dual signs.
Vedic signs on basis of elemental qualities
Vedic signs are also grouped on basis of four elements.
Each element possesses certain qualities that dominate a Zodiac sign falling under that element.
These elements are fire, earth, wind, and water.
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Fire signs are fiercely passionate, energetic, and dominant. Positively they represent brilliance, decisive nature, activeness, and one’s ability to take dominance over life. When negative traits are considered, these signs show anger, aggression, stubbornness, impatience, and a self-centered personality. Mesha, Simha, and Dhanu are fire signs in Vedic Astrology.
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Earth signs are patient, logical, and practical. Positively, they represent fertility, patience, and growing nature. They make good and reliable beings. On the other hand, when negative traits are in dominance, these signs are sluggish, lazy, resilient, and materialistic. Varishbha, Kanya, and Makara are earth signs.
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Air signs represent intellectual qualities. These beings are good learners, born travelers, and sociable and friendly people. They have flexible nature and enjoy balance and harmony in life. In negative traits, these people can be selfish and materialistic. Overall they have a pleasant existence and one enjoys being with them. Mithuna, Tula, and Kumbha are air signs.
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Water signs are mature in terms of relationships. These are more emotional which makes them caring, sensitive, and passionate. These people are usually introverts and have a secretive nature. Their extra caring nature makes them possessive and sometimes they end up losing things and people because of their overprotective nature. Karkata, Meena, and Vrishchika are watery signs.
The Meaning of Vedic Astrology signs
Here is an Individual representation of each Vedic sign.
Mesha (April 13–May 14)
Mesha, which coincides with Aries in modern Astrology is the first sign of Vedic Astrology.
Being a fiery and moveable sign, Mesha is an emblem of passion, freedom, and achievement.
The people born under the Mesha sign are outspoken and even rude sometimes. These people can’t settle for less than the highest rank.
Their ruling planet Mangala (Mars) makes them fierce.
They have remarkable passion and energy which can be channeled as ambition, courage, and determination.
However, their impulsive and impatient nature can trigger negativity in their life.
Vrishaba (May 15–June 14)
Vrishbha corresponds to Taurus in modern Astrology.
People born under this sign are known as responsible, loyal, and practical beings.
Vrishaba is a symbol of beauty and is considered the most beautiful of all the Zodiac.
They are sensual and attractive and have a great aesthetic sense.
Their facial features are distinctively sharp and impressive.
Vrishbha people make good managers and are capable of handling large finances.
Mithuna (June 15–July 14)
The planet Budha (Mercury) rules Mithuna and equals Gemini.
Budha is related to scholarly things so it gives people insight, sharp intellect, and occupations like writing, teaching, or creative fields.
People born under Mithuna are not very trustworthy and usually have a hypocritical nature.
Karkata (July 15–August 14)
The sign Cancer coincides with Karkata in Vedic Astrology.
The ruling planet is Moon which makes Karkata people wanderers by nature. They are emotional and sensitive beings who value family and relationships.
Karkata people are good organizers and love to help. If they don’t get their desired response, they will lock themselves into a shell that is hard to break.
Their nature could be introvert or extrovert based on their surroundings. Overall they make good and helping friends.
Simha (August 15–September 15)
Simhas/Leos are born leaders. Their ruling planet is Surya(Sun).
Like the Sun, they shine and their qualities make them entrepreneurs. When people have Simha in their ascendant, it gives them fame and love of other people.
They are creative and dominant from a very early age.
Their courage is exemplary and their tales of bravery exceed their name.
They are confident, determined, and great achievers. These people know what they desire and work hard to achieve their dreams.
Kanya (September 16–October 15)
The most organized of all the signs
Kanya matches Virgo in modern Astrology. These people are thinkers.
Being an earthly sign, Kanya represents gentle and nurturing nature. Although they can be extremely irritable due to their overthinking but when handled with love, they have tender and fragile souls.
Tula (October 16–November 14)
Tulas are known for their balanced nature. T
hey know how to keep their life, work, and relationships in balance. Tulas corresponds to Libra in modern Astrology.
These people have great passion for being just and fair.
They want to keep everything in harmony and peace.
Tulas makes great judicial representatives.
Their life seems ideal to most people around them.
Vrishchika (November 15–December 14)
Vrishchika or Scorpios are deviant and dark.
They indulge in unnecessary fights and have a lot of anger issues. T
heir personality is usually arrogant and rude.
On a positive note, they are ambitious and passionate about their dreams.
Vrishchika is the most poisonous of all the signs.
They believe in revenge and can wait for years to make the plan worthy of action.
One needs to be careful if they have a Vrishchika enemy because they never forgive.
They are involved in occults and usually have a persona that is popular for the wrong reasons.
Vrishchika tends to make a lot of enemies and their commanding nature repels people.
Dhanu (December 15–January 13)
Dhanu is ruled by Brihaspati(Jupiter) which gives them wisdom and love for adventure.
They are Sagittarius in modern Astrology and tend to follow paths that lead to truth-seeking.
Dhanus have a talkative nature and are the center of attraction in most gatherings. T
hese people have spiritual insight and are optimistic.
They are straightforward and have a clear opinion about things. T
heir dual nature makes it easy for them to adjust to changing environments.
Makara (January 14–February 11)
Makara which represents Capricorn in modern Astrology is the calmest and quiet of all signs.
They are considered professional and productive.
Their hard-working nature allows them to achieve success both in their professional and personal life.
They invest in relationships and value quality life.
Makara makes rational decisions and is usually introverted.
Kumbha (February 12–March 12)
Kumbha represents Aquarius in modern Astrology.
Kumbha is both rational and rebellious.
They fight for what is right and are mostly involved in social work.
People born under this sign make good friends but are not involved in in-depth romantic relationships.
They welcome newness in life.
This is a sign of inventions that symbolizes new and breakthrough changes.
Meena (March 13–April 12)
Meena in Vedic is Pisces in modern Astrology.
Born under the influence of Varun(Neptune) these people are very emotional, sensitive, and family-oriented
They value emotional bonds that usually lead to heartbreaks.
Meenas have compassionate and romantic nature that makes them sensitive too.
In this article, we have discussed Vedic Astrology signs in detail because it is important for Vedic Astrology chart interpretation.
Especially while drawing birth charts of individuals this helps in getting more precise readings about their personality.
(Also read Vedic Astrology houses).
Vedic Astrology is different from modern Astrology but they both have many commonalities too.
Sometimes taking a reading from both gives a broader spectrum to get a clear picture.