Quick answer
This glossary explains common Vedic astrology vocabulary in plain language. Terms such as Lagna, Nakshatra, Dasha and Bhava appear throughout Moon Sign guides. Use the links below when you want a fuller explanation.
Ayanamsa
The angular difference used to convert tropical longitudes into sidereal (Vedic) longitudes. Moon Sign methodology uses Lahiri Ayanamsa in its calculation layer.
Antardasha
A sub-period within a larger Mahadasha in systems such as Vimshottari Dasha.
Ascendant
The rising sign at birth; also called Lagna in Vedic astrology.
Bhava
A house in the birth chart describing a life area.
Birth Chart
A map of planetary positions and related factors at birth date, time and place; also called Kundali.
Dasha
A planetary period system used for timing themes across life chapters.
Graha
A planetary or nodal influence used in chart interpretation (including Rahu and Ketu).
Janma Kundali
Another name for the natal birth chart calculated from birth details.
Jyotisha
The traditional name for Vedic astrology as a knowledge system.
Kundali
Common term for a Vedic birth chart.
Lagna
The Ascendant or rising sign at birth.
Mahadasha
The major planetary period in Vimshottari and related Dasha systems.
Moon Sign
The zodiac sign occupied by the Moon at birth.
Nakshatra
One of 27 lunar mansions used for finer lunar interpretation and Dasha starting logic.
Panchang
A traditional calendar framework covering lunar day and related timing factors. This site focuses on chart concepts rather than full Panchang services.
Rashi
A zodiac sign. In popular speech, Rashi often refers to the Moon Sign.
Rahu
The north lunar node used in Vedic interpretation.
Ketu
The south lunar node used in Vedic interpretation.
Transit
Current planetary movement relative to the natal chart.
Vimshottari Dasha
A widely used 120-year planetary period sequence in Vedic astrology.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rashi always the Moon Sign?
In many everyday conversations yes, but technically Rashi means a zodiac sign. Context matters.
What is Ayanamsa in simple terms?
It is the adjustment that helps produce sidereal (Vedic) zodiac positions from tropical astronomy.
Where should beginners start?
Begin with Vedic astrology, then birth chart and Moon Sign.