How to Find Your Rashi and Nakshatra

Co-authored by Stina Garbis and Glenn Carreau

Last Updated: November 27, 2022 Fact Checked

Rashi and Nakshatra are two of the most critical aspects of Vedic astrology, used to reveal details of your personality, daily life, and future. So, as you learn more about this ancient practice, getting to know your Rashi and Nakshatra is a great place to start! Here's a detailed guide to finding your Rashi and Nakshatra, including recommended calculators and important astrological details about each sign.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

How to Find and Interpret Your Rashi

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Rashi is the equivalent of a moon sign. In Vedic astrology, the sky is depicted as a 360-degree circle divided into twelve sections (Rashis) corresponding to each zodiac sign. The term Rashi literally means "collection," referring to the groups of stars that compose each section of the sky and subsequent zodiac sign. Therefore, your moon sign depends on which Rashi the moon was located at the time of your birth.
- Rashi is used to divine information about a person's actions, behaviors, and overall personality traits.
- A Moon sign (Rashi) carries greater weight in Vedic astrology than the sun. This is the reverse of western astrology, which considers a person's Sun sign to represent their core personality. ^{[1]
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Use an online calculator to find your Rashi sign. Enter your birth date, time, and location into the calculator and ensure that your information is accurate. Rashi changes every 2.5 days, so a calculator can help you pinpoint which Rashi your moon is placed in. Alternatively, you could visit a Vedic astrologist and have them make the calculation for you.
- To find your Rashi, try a site like https://aaps.space/rashi-finder/ or https://www.bachpan.com/rashi-calculator.aspx .
- If you're not sure of something, ask a parent or consult your birth certificate to be sure.
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Rashi can also be determined using your name. In Hindu culture, names can be chosen based on a person's Rashi, with the first few letters corresponding to a particular sign. For instance, a name beginning with "Gha" would have the Mithuna Rashi—otherwise known as a Gemini moon sign. Consult a chart or use a name calculator to determine your Rashi sign using just your name.
- Try a site like http://www.astrosage.com/calculators/naamrashi.asp .
- Keep in mind that this method of finding your Rashi is only recommended if you don't know your birth information. Using your birth date is more accurate.
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Mesha (Aries), Simha/Sinh (Leo), and Dhanu (Sagittarius) are fire Rashis. Common characteristics of Vedic fire signs include passion, boldness, and lots of confidence. These signs can be overly impulsive and aggressive, but they're also among the most driven and motivated Rashis. ^{[2]
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- Mesha Rashi, or Aries, is courageous and energetic. Someone with a Mesha Rashi will be self-assured but also short-tempered and impatient.
- Simha Rashi, or Leo, is a natural leader. This sign's confidence and fearlessness are undeniable, though they can also be prone to arrogance.
- Dhanu Rashi, or Sagittarius, is wise, free-spirited, and loves to learn new things. They can also be erratic and straightforward to the point of bluntness.
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Mithuna (Gemini), Tula (Libra), and Kumbha (Aquarius) are air Rashis. Air is the element that rules intellect and communication in Vedic astrology, making air signs among the most eloquent and clever Rashis. However, air Rashis also risk being too analytical, making them seem aloof to other people.
- Mithuna Rashi, or Gemini, is quick-witted and extremely social. They can make conversation with anyone but appear inconsistent because of their dual nature.
- Tula Rashi, or Libra, strives for balance in all things. They are friendly and diplomatic, skilled at negotiating and mediating to solve conflicts.
- Kumbha Rashi, or Aquarius, are freedom-loving air signs with lofty goals. They tend to put the well-being of society above their own needs, which means this sign can sometimes neglect their closest relationships.
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Vrishabha (Taurus), Kanya (Virgo), and Makara (Capricorn) are all earth Rashis. In Vedic astrology, the earth element symbolizes strength and fertility. Those with an earth Rashi are likely practical, stable, and sensual, with a hands-on approach to life and lots of endurance. ^{[3]
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- Vrishabha Rashi, or Taurus, puts a lot of value on material wealth because they want a stable home life and strive to provide for loved ones.
- Kanya Rashi, or Virgo, is polite, intelligent, and even-tempered. This sign tends to be highly educated and skilled at analyzing the world around them.
- Makara Rashi, or Capricorn, is the most ambitious of the earth Rashis. They're reliable and loyal, but their main goals are self-improvement and professional success.
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Karka (Cancer), Vruschika (Scorpio), and Meena (Pisces) are the water Rashis. Water is the element of emotions, making water Rashis more sensitive and intuitive than other signs. They can be oversensitive but have a strong desire to nurture and connect emotionally to the people they care about.
- Karka Rashi, or Cancer, is a kind and caring sign that tends to avoid conflict at all costs. They can get their feelings hurt easily but find solace in friends and family.
- Vruschika Rashi, or Scorpio, is the most intense of the water Rashis. They're highly intuitive and ambitious, and they hold grudges easily.
- Meena Rashi, or Pisces, is highly sensitive to other peoples' emotions. At times they can be vague and distant, preferring to live in their imaginations rather than the real world.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

How to Find and Interpret Your Nakshatra

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Nakshatra is your birth star. In Vedic astrology, your Nakshatra provides an analysis of where your mental energy is directed, how your mind works, your sense of intuition, and your emotional self. Each section of the sky is further subdivided into 27 lunar constellations—or Nakshatras. As a subdivision of Rashi, "Nakshatra" refers to the constellation that the moon crossed when you were born.
- Nakshatras are one of the aspects unique to Vedic astrology.
- Some astrologists recognize a 28th Nakshatra, Abhijit. However, to find your Nakshatra, use the default 27.
- Nakshatras are organized by temperament since the "mood" of a Nakshatra determines the attitude of anyone under that star.
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Use an online calculator to find your Nakshatra. A Nakshatra reading generally requires year, month, day, time (with AM/PM included), and city or town of your birth. The moon moves into a different Nakshatra every day, so your information should be as precise as possible. Finding a Nakshatra involves pinpointing the position of the Moon within one constellation at the time of your birth, so it's easier to let a calculator do the work!
- A site like https://horoscopes.astro-seek.com/nakshatra-vedic-astrology-online-calculator or https://aaps.space/nakshatra-finder/ can help you find your Nakshatra.
- Just like Rashi, you can verify any information using your birth certificate or asking a parent.
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Rohini, Uttara Phalguni, Uttarashada, and Uttarabhadrapada are fixed Nakshatras. Someone with a fixed Nakshatra is generally emotionally stable and physically fit, with a firm, driven, and determined nature. They're able to complete long-lasting tasks like building homes, planting trees, or tending farms. ^{[4]
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- Rohini Nakshatra is located in Taurus. It's associated with growth, creation, and fertility; those born under it typically have strong family values and artistic sensibilities.
- Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra is located in Leo and Virgo. People born under this star are generous, dependable, self-reliant, and creative; they'll usually try to forge their own path in life.
- Uttarashada Nakshatra is located in Sagittarius and Capricorn. Anyone born under this star is optimistic, dutiful, and deeply concerned with the betterment of society.
- Uttarabhadrapada Nakshatra is located in Pisces. This star represents wisdom and compassion, and people born under it will likely be drawn to humanitarian causes.
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Swati, Punarvasu, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha, and Shravana are movable Nakshatras. Those with movable birth stars tend to be fast-moving and positive, but sometimes shallow as well. They can start new projects but may struggle to finish them. Movable Nakshatras are all about major life changes, like taking a trip, buying a car, or changing career paths.
- Swati resides entirely in Libra. Swati natives are typically charming, diplomatic, and flexible but prone to indecisiveness.
- Punarvasu falls in both Gemini and Cancer. Those born under this star are optimistic and ambitious, interested in higher learning, and love coming up with new ideas.
- Dhanishta resides in Capricorn and Aquarius. People with this star sign are charitable, adventurous, and often find prosperity in their lives.
- Shatabhisha resides in Aquarius and focuses on solving the mysteries of life. Shatabhisha natives are curious, independent, and extremely perceptive.
- Shravana is located in Capricorn. Those under this Nakshatra seek knowledge by listening to others; Shravana natives are usually wise, ambitious, and highly educated.
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Purva Phalguni, Purvashadha, Purvabhadrapada, Bharani, and Magha are fierce Nakshatras. These Nakshatras predict aggressive, bold, and sometimes harsh behavior. Someone with a fierce Nakshatra is more inclined to engage in destructive acts, like demolishing a building or confronting an enemy.
- Purva Phalguni is located entirely in Leo. This star focuses on beauty and luxury; people born under it tend to be affectionate and expressive, though they can also be vain and pretentious.
- Purvashadha falls in Sagittarius. This star sign is associated with power and fearlessness; Purvashadha natives are inspiring, independent, assertive, and confrontational.
- Purvabhadrapada resides in Aquarius and Pisces. People with this star sign are idealistic and free-spirited, often focusing on advancing society somehow.
- Bharani is located in Aries. Bharani natives are energetic, creative, and strong.
- Magha falls solely in Leo. This is a Nakshatra of power, pride, and ambition, though people from this sign also have a solid moral code.
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Ashwini, Pushya, and Hasta are swift Nakshatras. These birth stars give energy, vigor, and adaptability to those born under them. People with swift Nakshatras tend to be creative and grasp new ideas quickly; they're skilled at sporty activities, fine arts, and selling goods. ^{[5]
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- Ashwini is located in Aries. Those born under Ashwini are clever, honest, forthright, and focused on self-improvement.
- Pushya falls within the Cancer sign. A Pushya native has strong family and community values; they're kind-hearted, generous, and sincere.
- Hasta resides in Virgo. Those born under Hasta tend to be practical, smart, hard-working, and skilled with their hands.
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Mrigashirsha, Chitra, Anuradha, and Revati are the gentle Nakshatras. People born under these stars are sweet-natured and tender and prefer to focus on communication and making new friends. They're often quite artistic, specializing in music and dance. ^{[6]
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- Mrigashirsha falls in Gemini. People with this Nakshatra are soft-spoken and charming, with lots of natural curiosity and a passion for gathering knowledge.
- Chitra is located in Virgo and Libra. Chitra Nakshatras are creative, captivated by all forms of beauty, and can be perfectionists at times.
- Anuradha resides in Scorpio. People born under this star are resilient and intelligent, with a natural gift for leadership.
- Revati falls in Pisces. Revati natives are optimistic, nurturing, and social, always ready to help out someone in need.
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Vishakha and Krittika are mixed or ordinary Nakshatras. These star signs contain aggressive and stabilizing elements, and as a result, people born under them tend to display that mixed behavior. Ordinary Nakshatras are also associated with fire and predict skill in fire-based activities like welding, melting, or preparing medicines.
- Vishakha falls in Libra and Scorpio. People born under this star are passionate and brave, with the innate drive to pursue their goals in life.
- Krittika resides in Aries and Taurus. This is the Nakshatra of fire and purification; Krittika natives are typically adventurous, strong-willed, and intelligent, with a fiery disposition.
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Ardra, Ashlesha, Jyeshtha, and Mula are sharp Nakshatras. These Nakshatras are known for their aggressive and destructive tendencies. People born under them can be confident but ultimately difficult to deal with unless they handle their negative impulses responsibly.
- Ardra is located in Gemini. Ardra natives are inquisitive have a knack for research, but they can be so opinionated that they intimidate other people.
- Ashlesha falls in Cancer. Those with the Ashlesha Nakshatra are intuitive, insightful, and highly protective of people in their inner circle.
- Jyeshtha resides in Scorpio. Jyeshtha natives are intelligent, brave, and generous, with a mind for helping the less fortunate, but they may also have a lot of inner conflicts.
- Mula is located in Sagittarius. People born under Mula are on a constant quest for the truth and skilled at investigation and exploration.