Vedic Astrology believes that the planetary combination as formed at a particular time impacts the way of life of different people in different ways. The difference in the nature of impact depends upon the Zodiac Sign of a person. Zodiac as depicted through its literal meaning refers to �circle of life�. Vedic Astrology considers the existence of twelve Zodiac Signs which have been segmented at an equal angle of 30 degree of celestial longitude from each other, starting from the Zodiac Sign of Aries. Indian Astrology associates Zodiac Signs on the basis of constellations. The twelve Zodiac Signs as considered by astrology in the established order are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.
Deciding Zodiac Sign
Zodiac Sign of a person is determined on the basis of the time, day, and date of the birth of a person. Vedic Astrology believes existence as something which is constantly changing, and thus dynamic in nature. Each moment which passes through holds a certain set of planetary combination, which is decisive in deciding the Zodiac Sign as well as fate of a person.
Different Aspects of Zodiac Sign
Zodiac Sign as drawn for a person is ruled by an astrological planet. The astrological planet ruling a Zodiac Sign is considered as the ruler of the Zodiac Sign. Other than this, different astrological planets pass through each Zodiac Sign and reside there for a certain time. The nature association as developed in between the Zodiac Sign and the planets results in creating either a good impact or an ill effect. Also, each of the Zodiac Signs is associated to a certain time period, and all those born within that time period is considered to be allied with the relative Zodiac Sign. Take a look at the below table to get a precise view of the twelve Zodiac Signs, their Sanskrit names, their ruling planet, and the time period of birth with which they are associated.
| Zodiac Sign | Sanskrit Name (Zodiac Sign) | English Name (Zodiac Sign) | Ruling Planet | Period of Birth |
| Aries | Me?a | The Ram | Mars | March 21 � April 20 |
| Taurus | V??abha | The Bulls | Venus | April 21 � May 20 |
| Gemini | Mithuna | The Twins | Mercury | May 21 � June 21 |
| Cancer | Karka?a | The Crab | Moon | June 22 � July 22 |
| Leo | Si?ha | The Lion | Sun | July 23 � August 23 |
| Virgo | Kanya | The Maiden | Mercury | August 24 � September 22 |
| Libra | Tula | The Scales | Venus | September 23 � October 22 |
| Scorpio | V?scika | The Scorpion | Mars | October 23 � November 22 |
| Sagittarius | Dhanus | The Archer | Jupiter | November 23 � December 21 |
| Capricorn | Makara | The Sea-Goat | Saturn | December 22 � January 20 |
| Aquarius | Kumbha | The Water Carrier | Saturn | January 21 � February 19 |
| Pisces | Mina | The Two Fish | Jupiter | February 20 � March 20 |
Elements of Zodiac Signs
Apart from this, each Zodiac Sign is also associated with a certain element of its own which defines the basic nature of the Zodiac nature. A total of four elements have been defined in the form of Fire (Tejas), Earth (Prithvi), Air (Vayu), and Water (Jala). This concept of four elements of Zodiacs Signs was formerly given by the great Greek philosopher, Empedocles, who belonged to the fifth century BCE. Each of these four elements is defined to be of equal age, and equal significance, but different in nature, and character. As per Indian astrology, one more element is considered and accepted apart from the above mentioned four elements. The fifth elements is of space. Fire element belongs to the Zodiac Signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Earth element belongs to the Zodiac Signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Air element belongs to the Zodiac Signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Water element belongs to the Zodiac Signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
Significance of Zodiac Sign
Each of the twelve Zodiac Signs as identified and accepted by Vedic Astrology, defines for a certain specific characteristic or trait, which is reflective in the nature of the people belonging to that particular Zodiac Sign. Zodiac Sign is also the decisive factor for determining Sun Sign and Moon Sign of a person. Zodiac Sign is also a reflection of what all intrinsic qualities, features, nature, character, and persona, a person of a particular Zodiac Sign is destined to possess. In more general aspects, Zodiac Sign of a person also impacts the day to day life of a person, the way of life, and the different aspects of one�s life. Zodiac Sign of a person is also the base of Horoscope Matching or Gun Milan, which is an intrinsic ritual needed to be performed, more prominently before taking decisions on marriage, in order to determine compatibility and thus the probable aspect of success of relationship of two individuals. Of later, Zodiac Sign compatibility test has also gain a lot of significance in love relationships and romantic relationships as well. As a part of one�s routine life, going through the daily or weekly horoscope is nothing, but the picture of what one�s Zodiac Signs and planetary combinations depict for one�s life.