Jathagam Guide - Part 2: 12 Rashis & 9 Planets

ஜாதகம் வழிகாட்டி - பாகம் 2: 12 ராசிகள் & 9 கிரகங்கள்

Welcome to Part 2 of the comprehensive Jathagam (ஜாதகம்) guide. In this part, we dive deep into the 12 Rashis (Zodiac Signs) and 9 Navagrahas (Planets) - the fundamental building blocks of Vedic Astrology.

The 12 Rashis - 12 ராசிகள்

What is a Rasi?

Rasi (ராசி) or Rashi (राशि) means “heap” or “collection” in Sanskrit - referring to a group of stars forming a constellation.

In Vedic Astrology:

• The zodiac (360°) is divided into 12 equal parts of 30° each
• Each part is called a Rasi (Zodiac Sign)
• Your Janma Rasi (ஜன்ம ராசி) = Birth sign = Where Moon was at your birth
• Your Lagna (லக்னம்) = Ascendant = Rising sign on eastern horizon

Why Moon Sign (Rasi) is Important:

• In Western astrology: Sun sign is primary
• In Vedic/Tamil astrology: Moon sign (Rasi) is primary
• Moon changes signs every 2.5 days (Sun takes 1 month)
• Moon represents mind, emotions, and mental tendencies
• All Dasha calculations and most predictions are based on Moon’s Rasi

Quick Reference: 12 Rashis Overview

Rasi Classifications - ராசி வகைப்பாடுகள்

1. By Element (Pancha Bhuta) - பஞ்ச பூதம்

The 12 Rashis are grouped into 4 elements (Tatvas):

Compatibility by Element:

• Fire + Fire = Too much heat, conflicts
• Fire + Air = Excellent - Air fans fire
• Fire + Water = Steam - can work with effort
• Fire + Earth = Difficult - earth smothers fire
• Earth + Earth = Stable but boring
• Earth + Water = Fertile combination
• Air + Air = Good intellectual connection
• Air + Water = Moderate compatibility
• Water + Water = Very emotional, can be overwhelming

2. By Quality (Guna) - குணம்

The 12 Rashis are divided into 3 qualities:

Quality Compatibility:

• Movable + Fixed = Moderate - One initiates, other maintains
• Movable + Dual = Good - Both adapt
• Fixed + Fixed = Difficult - Both stubborn
• Fixed + Dual = Good - Balance of stability and flexibility
• Dual + Dual = Excellent - Both flexible

3. By Gender - பாலினம்

Note: All Fire and Air signs are masculine (active, outgoing). All Earth and Water signs are feminine (receptive, introspective).

Detailed Rasi Characteristics - விரிவான ராசி குணங்கள்

1. Mesha Rasi (Aries) - மேஷ ராசி

மேஷம் - The Ram (ஆட்டுக்கடா)

Personality Traits:

• Natural leaders and pioneers
• Energetic, enthusiastic, and impulsive
• Quick to anger but also quick to forgive
• Competitive and ambitious
• Direct and honest in communication
• Impatient with delays
• Love challenges and new beginnings

Career Inclinations: Military, police, sports, engineering, surgery, entrepreneurship

Health Concerns: Headaches, accidents, fevers, eye problems

Compatible Rashis: Leo (சிம்மம்), Sagittarius (தனுசு), Gemini (மிதுனம்), Aquarius (கும்பம்)

2. Vrishabha Rasi (Taurus) - ரிஷப ராசி

ரிஷபம் - The Bull (காளை)

Personality Traits:

• Steady, reliable, and patient
• Love comfort, luxury, and beauty
• Possessive about relationships and belongings
• Stubborn and resistant to change
• Practical and grounded approach
• Good with finances and material resources
• Artistic and appreciate fine arts

Career Inclinations: Banking, finance, agriculture, music, arts, jewelry, beauty industry

Health Concerns: Throat infections, thyroid issues, neck pain, weight gain

Compatible Rashis: Virgo (கன்னி), Capricorn (மகரம்), Cancer (கடகம்), Pisces (மீனம்)

3. Mithuna Rasi (Gemini) - மிதுன ராசி

மிதுனம் - The Twins (இரட்டையர்)

Personality Traits:

• Excellent communicators and writers
• Curious, adaptable, and versatile
• Quick-witted and intelligent
• Dual nature - can see both sides
• Restless and need mental stimulation
• Social butterflies, love networking
• Can be superficial or inconsistent

Career Inclinations: Journalism, writing, teaching, sales, marketing, media, communications

Health Concerns: Respiratory issues, anxiety, nervous disorders, shoulder/arm problems

Compatible Rashis: Libra (துலாம்), Aquarius (கும்பம்), Aries (மேஷம்), Leo (சிம்மம்)

4. Karka Rasi (Cancer) - கடக ராசி

கடகம் - The Crab (நண்டு)

Personality Traits:

• Highly emotional and sensitive
• Nurturing and caring like a mother
• Strong attachment to home and family
• Moody and changeable (like the Moon)
• Intuitive and psychic abilities
• Protective shell (like crab)
• Good memory, especially for emotions

Career Inclinations: Hospitality, cooking, nursing, childcare, real estate, psychology

Health Concerns: Digestive issues, emotional disorders, breast-related issues, water retention

Compatible Rashis: Scorpio (விருச்சிகம்), Pisces (மீனம்), Taurus (ரிஷபம்), Virgo (கன்னி)

5. Simha Rasi (Leo) - சிம்ம ராசி

சிம்மம் - The Lion (சிங்கம்)

Personality Traits:

• Natural leaders with commanding presence
• Proud, dignified, and self-confident
• Generous and warm-hearted
• Love attention and recognition
• Creative and dramatic
• Loyal but demanding respect
• Can be arrogant or dominating

Career Inclinations: Politics, management, entertainment, government positions, luxury brands

Health Concerns: Heart problems, back pain, blood pressure, fever

Compatible Rashis: Aries (மேஷம்), Sagittarius (தனுசு), Gemini (மிதுனம்), Libra (துலாம்)

6. Kanya Rasi (Virgo) - கன்னி ராசி

கன்னி - The Virgin/Maiden (கன்னிப்பெண்)

Personality Traits:

• Detail-oriented and analytical
• Perfectionist tendencies
• Practical and methodical approach
• Service-oriented and helpful
• Critical of self and others
• Health-conscious and hygiene-focused
• Modest and humble

Career Inclinations: Healthcare, analysis, accounting, editing, research, nutrition, administration

Health Concerns: Digestive disorders, intestinal issues, anxiety, nervous tension

Compatible Rashis: Taurus (ரிஷபம்), Capricorn (மகரம்), Cancer (கடகம்), Scorpio (விருச்சிகம்)

7. Tula Rasi (Libra) - துலாம் ராசி

துலாம் - The Balance/Scales (தராசு)

Personality Traits:

• Diplomatic and fair-minded
• Love harmony and balance
• Social, charming, and graceful
• Artistic and appreciate beauty
• Indecisive (weighing both sides)
• Partnership-oriented
• Avoid confrontation

Career Inclinations: Law, diplomacy, arts, design, counseling, public relations, fashion

Health Concerns: Kidney problems, lower back pain, skin issues, diabetes

Compatible Rashis: Gemini (மிதுனம்), Aquarius (கும்பம்), Leo (சிம்மம்), Sagittarius (தனுசு)

8. Vrishchika Rasi (Scorpio) - விருச்சிக ராசி

விருச்சிகம் - The Scorpion (தேள்)

Personality Traits:

• Intense and passionate
• Mysterious and secretive
• Strong willpower and determination
• Transformative nature (death and rebirth)
• Excellent investigators and researchers
• Loyal but vengeful if betrayed
• Psychic and intuitive abilities

Career Inclinations: Research, investigation, surgery, psychology, occult sciences, detective work

Health Concerns: Reproductive issues, piles, urinary problems, hidden diseases

Compatible Rashis: Cancer (கடகம்), Pisces (மீனம்), Virgo (கன்னி), Capricorn (மகரம்)

9. Dhanus Rasi (Sagittarius) - தனுசு ராசி

தனுசு - The Archer/Bow (வில்)

Personality Traits:

• Optimistic and positive outlook
• Love freedom and adventure
• Philosophical and truth-seeking
• Honest and straightforward (sometimes blunt)
• Love travel and exploration
• Generous and jovial
• Can be restless or tactless

Career Inclinations: Teaching, philosophy, religion, law, travel industry, higher education, publishing

Health Concerns: Liver problems, hip/thigh injuries, sciatica, obesity

Compatible Rashis: Aries (மேஷம்), Leo (சிம்மம்), Libra (துலாம்), Aquarius (கும்பம்)

10. Makara Rasi (Capricorn) - மகர ராசி

மகரம் - The Crocodile/Sea-Goat (மகரம்)

Personality Traits:

• Ambitious and career-oriented
• Disciplined and hard-working
• Patient and persistent
• Conservative and traditional
• Responsible and dutiful
• Can be pessimistic or cold
• Respect for authority and hierarchy

Career Inclinations: Management, government, construction, mining, traditional businesses, politics

Health Concerns: Joint problems, arthritis, bone issues, depression, skin dryness

Compatible Rashis: Taurus (ரிஷபம்), Virgo (கன்னி), Scorpio (விருச்சிகம்), Pisces (மீனம்)

11. Kumbha Rasi (Aquarius) - கும்ப ராசி

கும்பம் - The Water Bearer/Pot (குடம்)

Personality Traits:

• Humanitarian and socially conscious
• Innovative and progressive thinkers
• Independent and unconventional
• Intellectual and scientific bent
• Friendly but emotionally detached
• Value freedom and individuality
• Can be unpredictable or rebellious

Career Inclinations: Technology, social work, astrology, science, aviation, NGOs, research

Health Concerns: Circulatory problems, ankle injuries, varicose veins, nervous system issues

Compatible Rashis: Gemini (மிதுனம்), Libra (துலாம்), Aries (மேஷம்), Sagittarius (தனுசு)

12. Meena Rasi (Pisces) - மீன ராசி

மீனம் - The Fish (மீன்)

Personality Traits:

• Highly spiritual and intuitive
• Compassionate and empathetic
• Artistic and creative imagination
• Dreamy and otherworldly
• Emotional and sensitive
• Self-sacrificing nature
• Can be escapist or unclear boundaries

Career Inclinations: Spirituality, healing, arts, music, film, charity work, counseling

Health Concerns: Foot problems, addiction issues, immune system weakness, lymphatic issues

Compatible Rashis: Cancer (கடகம்), Scorpio (விருச்சிகம்), Taurus (ரிஷபம்), Capricorn (மகரம்)

The 9 Navagrahas - 9 கிரகங்கள்

What are Navagrahas?

Navagraha (நவக்கிரகம்) = Nava (9) + Graha (Planet/Celestial body)

In Vedic Astrology, there are 9 primary planets (Grahas):

• 7 physical planets: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn
• 2 shadow planets: Rahu (North Node), Ketu (South Node)

Important Notes:

• Sun and Moon are called “planets” in astrology (though astronomically they’re not)
• Uranus, Neptune, Pluto are NOT used in traditional Vedic astrology
• Rahu and Ketu are mathematical points (lunar nodes), not physical bodies
• Each planet rules certain areas of life (Karaka)

Quick Reference: 9 Navagrahas Overview

Understanding Rahu & Ketu - Lunar Nodes Explained (ராகு & கேது)

What Are Rahu and Ketu? The Shadow Planets

Rahu (ராகு/राहु) and Ketu (கேது/केतु) are NOT physical planets. They are:

• Mathematical points in space
• Lunar Nodes - intersection points where Moon’s orbit crosses the ecliptic (Sun’s apparent path)
• Called Shadow Planets or Chhaya Grahas (छाया ग्रह)
• Always exactly 180° apart (opposite each other)
• Move retrograde (backwards) through the zodiac

Key Fact:

• Rahu = North Lunar Node (उत्तर पात/வட பாகு)
• Ketu = South Lunar Node (दक्षिण पात/தென் பாகு)
• They are the head and tail of the celestial serpent (see mythology below)

The Astronomy of Lunar Nodes - How Eclipses Happen

Understanding Orbital Mechanics:

graph LR
    subgraph "Solar System View - Not to Scale"
        Sun["☉ SUN
(சூரியன்)"]
        Earth["🌍 EARTH
(பூமி)"]
        Moon["🌙 MOON
(சந்திரன்)"]
        
        Sun -.->|"Ecliptic Plane
(Sun's apparent path
சூரிய பாதை)"| Earth
        Earth -.->|"Moon's Orbit
(Tilted 5°
சந்திர வட்டம்)"| Moon
    end
    
    subgraph "Lunar Nodes - Intersection Points"
        Rahu["⬆️ RAHU
(North Node / ராகு)
Ascending Node
Moon crosses ecliptic
UPWARD ↗️"]
        Ketu["⬇️ KETU
(South Node / கேது)
Descending Node
Moon crosses ecliptic
DOWNWARD ↙️"]
        
        Rahu -.->|"Always 180° opposite"| Ketu
    end
    
    subgraph "Eclipse Conditions"
        NewMoon["🌑 New Moon
(அமாவாசை)"]
        FullMoon["🌕 Full Moon
(பௌர்ணமி)"]
        
        NewMoon -->|"Near Rahu/Ketu"| SolarEclipse["☀️🌑 SOLAR ECLIPSE
(சூரிய கிரகணம்)
Sun blocked by Moon"]
        FullMoon -->|"Near Rahu/Ketu"| LunarEclipse["🌕🌍 LUNAR ECLIPSE
(சந்திர கிரகணம்)
Earth's shadow on Moon"]
    end

Detailed Explanation:

1. Moon’s Tilted Orbit:

• Moon orbits Earth at a 5° tilt to the ecliptic (Sun’s path)
• Most months, Moon passes above or below the Sun/Earth’s shadow
• Only when Moon is near the nodes can eclipses occur

2. The Nodes:

• Rahu (North Node): Point where Moon crosses ecliptic going NORTH (upward) ⬆️
• Ketu (South Node): Point where Moon crosses ecliptic going SOUTH (downward) ⬇️

3. Eclipse Mechanics:

• Solar Eclipse: New Moon + Sun near Rahu or Ketu = Moon blocks Sun
• Lunar Eclipse: Full Moon + Moon opposite Sun near nodes = Earth’s shadow on Moon
• Eclipses happen ~2 times per year when Sun aligns with the nodes

4. Retrograde Motion:

• Nodes move backwards through the zodiac
• Complete one cycle through 12 signs in ~18.6 years
• Currently (2026), Rahu in Pisces, Ketu in Virgo (approximately)

Mythological Story: The Serpent’s Head and Tail

The Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean) Legend:

The Story:

1. Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) churned the cosmic ocean for Amrita (अमृत) - nectar of immortality
2. When Amrita appeared, a demon named Svarbhanu (स्वर्भानु) disguised himself as a Deva
3. He sat between Surya (Sun) and Chandra (Moon) to drink the nectar
4. Sun and Moon recognized him and alerted Lord Vishnu
5. Vishnu cut Svarbhanu in half with his Sudarshana Chakra
6. But Svarbhanu had already drunk the nectar, so he became immortal
7. His head became Rahu (still hungry, angry, vengeful)
8. His tail became Ketu (the body without head, spiritual, detached)

Eternal Enmity:

• Rahu and Ketu eternally chase Sun and Moon (who exposed them)
• When they “catch” Sun/Moon → Eclipses happen
• Rahu “swallows” Sun/Moon during eclipse
• But being just a head, Sun/Moon emerge from his severed neck

Symbolism:

• Rahu = The hungry head → Desires, obsessions, material cravings, illusions
• Ketu = The detached body → Spirituality, moksha, past life karma, renunciation

Visual Representation: Eclipse Geometry

graph LR
    subgraph "Solar Eclipse - சூரிய கிரகணம்"
        S1["☀️ SUN"] -->|"Light blocked"| M1["🌑 MOON
(at Node)"]
        M1 --> E1["🌍 EARTH
(sees darkness)"]
        R1["RAHU/KETU
at this point"] -.-> M1
    end
    
    subgraph "Lunar Eclipse - சந்திர கிரகணம்"
        S2["☀️ SUN"] --> E2["🌍 EARTH
(casts shadow)"]
        E2 -->|"Shadow falls on"| M2["🌕 MOON
(at Node)"]
        R2["RAHU/KETU
at this point"] -.-> M2
    end

Why Eclipses Don’t Happen Every Month:

• New Moon happens every 29.5 days
• Full Moon happens every 29.5 days
• BUT Moon is only near Rahu/Ketu nodes ~2 times per year
• Hence, eclipses are rare events

Astrological Significance of Rahu & Ketu

Rahu (ராகு) - The Dragon’s Head:

Characteristics:

• Obsession, ambition, desires
• Illusions, confusion, deception
• Foreign influences, foreign travel
• Technology, innovation, modernity
• Sudden gains or losses
• Materialistic, worldly
• Addictions, obsessions, fears

Positive Effects:

• Success in foreign lands
• Fame, power, political success
• Technological skills
• Out-of-the-box thinking
• Sudden wealth

Negative Effects:

• Mental confusion, anxiety
• Addictions, obsessions
• Illegal activities, scandals
• Fear, phobias
• Unexpected problems

Exaltation: Gemini/Taurus (various opinions) Debilitation: Sagittarius/Scorpio (various opinions) Friendly: Mercury, Saturn, Venus Enemies: Sun, Moon, Mars

Ketu (கேது) - The Dragon’s Tail:

Characteristics:

• Spirituality, detachment, moksha
• Past life karma, liberation
• Mysticism, occult knowledge
• Isolation, renunciation
• Sharp intelligence, intuition
• Spiritual, otherworldly
• Sudden events, unpredictability

Positive Effects:

• Spiritual enlightenment
• Moksha, liberation
• Psychic abilities, intuition
• Deep research abilities
• Healing powers
• Discrimination, discernment

Negative Effects:

• Confusion, lack of direction
• Accidents, sudden losses
• Isolation, loneliness
• Health issues (mysterious)
• Detachment from family
• Incomplete projects

Exaltation: Sagittarius/Scorpio (various opinions) Debilitation: Gemini/Taurus (various opinions) Friendly: Mercury, Saturn, Venus Enemies: Sun, Moon, Mars

Rahu-Ketu Transit Cycle

Duration:

• Rahu and Ketu spend ~18 months in each sign
• Complete zodiac cycle: ~18.6 years
• Always move retrograde (backwards)

Current Transit (2024-2025 approximate):

• Rahu in Pisces (மீனம்) - increased spirituality, foreign connections
• Ketu in Virgo (கன்னி) - focus on health, service, detachment from perfectionism

Important Periods:

Rahu Kalam - Daily Timings (ராகு காலம்)

Rahu Kalam is a 90-minute inauspicious period each day ruled by Rahu:

Note: Times vary by location and season. Use Panchangam for exact timings.

Remedies for Rahu and Ketu

For Negative Rahu Effects:

• Chant “Om Rahave Namaha” (ॐ राहवे नमः) 108 times
• Wear Hessonite (Gomed/கோமேதகம்) gemstone
• Donate black items on Saturdays
• Worship Goddess Durga
• Feed crows, help the needy
• Avoid alcohol and non-vegetarian food during Rahu Kalam

For Negative Ketu Effects:

• Chant “Om Ketave Namaha” (ॐ केतवे नमः) 108 times
• Wear Cat’s Eye (Vaidurya/வைடூரியம்) gemstone
• Donate multicolored blankets
• Worship Lord Ganesha
• Practice meditation, spiritual studies
• Keep a dog, donate to animal shelters

During Eclipses (கிரகண காலம்):

• No eating or drinking during eclipse
• Take bath after eclipse ends
• Chant mantras, prayers
• Pregnant women should stay indoors
• Don’t start any new work

Kaal Sarpa Dosha - Rahu-Ketu Connection

When all 7 planets are hemmed between Rahu and Ketu, it creates Kaal Sarpa Yoga (காலசர்ப்ப தோஷம்).

Effects:

• Life struggles, obstacles
• Delayed success
• Relationship issues
• Health problems
• Fear, nightmares

Remedy:

• Perform Kaal Sarpa Dosha Puja
• Worship at Rahu-Ketu temples (Thirunageswaram, etc.)
• Chant Rahu-Ketu mantras

(Detailed explanation in Part 4B: Doshas article)

Planetary Ownership of Rashis - ராசி அதிபத்தியம்

Each planet owns (rules) certain Rashis:

Concept of “Own House” (சொந்த வீடு): When a planet is in its own sign, it’s comfortable and strong. Like being in your own home.

Example:

• Mars in Aries = Very strong (own house)
• Venus in Taurus = Very comfortable and strong
• Sun in Leo = Maximum power and authority

Summary - Part 2A

What We Covered

✅ 12 Rashis Complete:

• All zodiac signs with Tamil/Sanskrit names
• Elements (Fire, Earth, Air, Water)
• Qualities (Movable, Fixed, Dual)
• Gender classification
• Detailed characteristics of each Rasi
• Body parts, directions, compatible signs

✅ Introduction to 9 Navagrahas:

• Quick reference table
• Days of week association
• Metals, gemstones, colors
• Rasi ownership by planets

Coming in Part 2B (Continuation)

In the second half of Part 2, we’ll cover:

📖 Detailed Navagraha Characteristics:

• Each planet’s significations (Karaka)
• Personality when strong in chart
• Areas of life governed

📖 Planetary States:

• Exaltation (உச்சம்) - Strongest position
• Debilitation (நீசம்) - Weakest position
• Moolatrikona (மூலத்திரிகோணம்) - Own throne
• Friend/Enemy/Neutral positions

📖 Planetary Relationships:

• Natural friendships
• Natural enmities
• Neutral planets
• Temporary friendships

📖 12 Bhavas (Houses):

• What each house represents
• Kendras, Trikonas, Dusthanas
• House significations

📖 Introduction to Doshas:

• Chevvai Dosham preview
• 7½ Sani overview