Common Jyotish Terms – A Beginner’s Glossary
Why Learn These Terms?
If you've ever sat in an astrology consultation or read your own kundli, chances are you’ve come across words like Lagna, Rashi, or Dasha — and not fully understood them. These terms form the language of Jyotish (Vedic astrology), and knowing them helps you engage better with your own chart.
You don’t need to memorise everything. But knowing the basics can turn astrology from something mystical into something useful.
Essential Jyotish Terms to Know
Here are the most commonly used concepts in a reading:
Lagna (Ascendant)
The rising sign at the time of your birth. Sets the 1st house and affects how the rest of the chart is interpreted. Think of it as your outward personality.
Rashi (Zodiac Sign)
Each of the 12 signs (Aries to Pisces). Determines how planets behave when placed in them — fiery, practical, sensitive, etc.
Nakshatra (Lunar Constellation)
There are 27 nakshatras. Each planet in your chart also sits in one. They offer more detail than signs alone and play a big role in personality, compatibility, and prediction.
Dasha (Planetary Periods)
Time periods ruled by specific planets, showing what kind of events will unfold. A person in a Saturn dasha may experience growth through responsibility and discipline.
Rahu & Ketu (Shadow Planets)
They represent karma, life lessons, and spiritual direction. Not visible in the sky but powerfully felt in a chart.
Houses (Bhavas)
12 houses that map areas of life – career, marriage, health, money, etc. Their meanings shift depending on the ascendant.
Yoga
A combination of planets that creates a specific result. Example: Raj Yoga (royalty, leadership), Dhan Yoga (wealth).
More Advanced Terms (But Useful to Know)
Transit (Gochara)
The current position of planets as they move across the sky. Compared to your birth chart to make real-time predictions.
Retrograde (Vakri)
When a planet appears to move backward. Changes its effects – often delays or turns focus inward.
Debilitation & Exaltation
Planets behave differently depending on the sign they’re placed in. Each has one sign where it functions best (exalted) and one where it struggles (debilitated).
How This Helps You
When you start recognising these terms, your consultation becomes more meaningful. You can:
Ask better questions
Follow explanations more clearly
Notice patterns in your chart
For example, if someone says you’re in a Rahu-Moon dasha, you’ll know:
Rahu can bring confusion or foreign elements
Moon deals with emotions, mind, mother
The combo may trigger emotional instability or shifts in family dynamics
Understanding these words doesn’t require being an astrologer. It’s about being an informed client.
Want to Explore Your Own Chart?
We use this vocabulary to read your chart – but always translate it into real, everyday insights. You won’t be left with just terms and numbers. You’ll leave a session with understanding.