Welcome to this comprehensive guide on Tamil zodiac signs. If you are a language learner, understanding cultural concepts is as important as learning vocabulary. In Tamil Nadu, astrology, known as ஜோதிடம் (Jōtiṭam), plays a significant role in daily life, and the concept of zodiac signs, or ராசி (rāsi), is central to it. This article will help you master the names of all twelve zodiac signs in Tamil and understand their meanings. By the end, you’ll not only know the words but also grasp a key part of Tamil tradition.

Unlike Western astrology, which is based on the solar calendar, Tamil astrology primarily follows the lunar calendar and the position of the Moon at the time of birth. Your ராசி is determined by the zodiac house the Moon was in when you were born. This is why you will often hear people ask, “உங்க ராசி என்ன?” (Unga rāsi enna? – What is your zodiac sign?).

The 12 Tamil Zodiac Signs (ராசி) and Their Meanings

Let’s dive into the names of the twelve zodiac signs, or ராசி, in Tamil. For each sign, we will provide the Tamil name, its pronunciation, and a brief description of its characteristics according to Tamil astrology.

1. Aries (மேஷம் – Mēṣam)

The first sign of the zodiac, Aries, is called மேஷம் (Mēṣam) in Tamil. Its symbol is a ram. People born under this sign are believed to be strong, courageous, and proactive. The ruling planet for மேஷம் is Mars, which is known as செவ்வாய் (Sevvāy) in Tamil.

2. Taurus (ரிஷபம் – Riṣabam)

Known as Taurus in English, this zodiac sign is called ரிஷபம் (Riṣabam) in Tamil. Its symbol is the bull, representing strength, stability, and determination. Individuals with this ராசி are often considered practical and grounded. The ruling planet for ரிஷபம் is Venus, or சுக்கிரன் (Sukiran) in Tamil.

3. Gemini (மிதுனம் – Miṯunam)

The sign of the twins, Gemini, is called மிதுனம் (Miṯunam). This sign is associated with communication, adaptability, and intellectual curiosity. It is governed by the planet Mercury, known as புதன் (Buthan) in Tamil.

4. Cancer (கடகம் – Kaṭakam)

In Tamil, the Cancer sign is referred to as கடகம் (Kaṭakam). Its symbol is the crab, representing intuition, emotional depth, and a protective nature. The ruling planet for கடகம் is the Moon, which is called சந்திரன் (Chandiran) or நிலா (Nilā) in Tamil.

5. Leo (சிம்மம் – Simmam)

Leo, the lion, is known as சிம்மம் (Simmam) in Tamil. This sign is linked to leadership, courage, and a vibrant personality. It is ruled by the Sun, called சூரியன் (Sūriyan) in Tamil.

6. Virgo (கன்னி – Kanni)

The sign Virgo is called கன்னி (Kanni), which also means “maiden” in Tamil. This sign is associated with perfectionism, practicality, and attention to detail. Its ruling planet is Mercury, or புதன் (Buthan).

7. Libra (துலாம் – Tulām)

Libra, represented by the scales, is called துலாம் (Tulām) in Tamil. It symbolizes balance, justice, and harmony. The ruling planet for துலாம் is Venus, or சுக்கிரன் (Sukiran).

8. Scorpio (விருச்சிகம் – Viruccikam)

The intense sign of Scorpio is called விருச்சிகம் (Viruccikam) in Tamil. Its symbol is the scorpion. People with this ராசி are often seen as passionate, resourceful, and secretive. It is ruled by Mars (செவ்வாய் – Sevvāy).

9. Sagittarius (தனுசு – Taṉusu)

Known as Sagittarius in English, this sign is called தனுசு (Taṉusu) in Tamil. The symbol is an archer, representing a love for freedom, adventure, and a philosophical mind. The ruling planet is Jupiter, or குரு (Guru) in Tamil.

10. Capricorn (மகரம் – Makaram)

Capricorn is known as மகரம் (Makaram) in Tamil. Its symbol is the sea goat. This sign signifies discipline, ambition, and a hard-working nature. Its ruling planet is Saturn, called சனி (Saṉi) in Tamil.

11. Aquarius (கும்பம் – Kumbam)

Aquarius is called கும்பம் (Kumbam) in Tamil. The word literally means “a pot” or “a water bearer.” This sign is associated with originality, humanitarianism, and independence. It is ruled by Saturn (சனி – Saṉi).

12. Pisces (மீனம் – Mīṉam)

The last sign, Pisces, is called மீனம் (Mīṉam) in Tamil, which literally means “fish.” This sign is linked to compassion, creativity, and intuition. The ruling planet for மீனம் is Jupiter (குரு – Guru).

Connecting Rasi to Tamil Culture and Language

Beyond just knowing the names, understanding the context is key to truly learning the language. The concept of ராசி is deeply intertwined with other astrological terms in Tamil culture.

Nakshatram (நட்சத்திரம்) – The Birth Star

In Tamil astrology, your ராசி is just one part of the puzzle. Your நட்சத்திரம் (nakṣattiram), or birth star, is considered equally, if not more, important. There are 27 Nakshatrams in Tamil astrology, and each one is associated with a specific ராசி. For instance, the star அஸ்வினி (Aswini) falls under மேஷம் (Mēṣam) ராசி.

Jothidam (ஜோதிடம்) – The Science of Astrology

The entire system is called ஜோதிடம் (Jōtiṭam), which translates to astrology. A person who practices astrology is called a ஜோதிடர் (Jōtiṭar). When someone gets their horoscope read, it is called ஜாதகம் பார்த்தல் (Jātakam pārttal). The word ஜாதகம் (Jātakam) itself refers to the birth chart or horoscope.

Rasi and Tamil Months (தமிழ் மாதங்கள்)

The Tamil zodiac calendar, like the Tamil months and calendar, is based on the positions of celestial bodies. The Sun’s entry into each zodiac sign marks the beginning of a new period in the astrological calendar. For example, when the Sun enters the மேஷம் (Mēṣam) sign, it marks the start of the Tamil New Year, known as புத்தாண்டு (Puttāṇṭu). Understanding the link between Tamil zodiac signs and the Tamil months is crucial for a deeper cultural immersion.

Key Tamil Vocabulary for Astrology Learners

Here is a table of essential Tamil words related to zodiac signs and astrology that you can use to expand your vocabulary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tamil Zodiac Signs

Q1: What is the difference between Western and Tamil Zodiac Signs?

The primary difference lies in how they are calculated. Western astrology is based on the Sun’s position, while Tamil astrology (and Hindu astrology in general) is primarily based on the Moon’s position at the time of birth. The dates and specific characteristics may also vary.

Q2: How do I find my Rasi (ராசி)?

To find your ராசி, you need your exact date, time, and place of birth. An astrologer (ஜோதிடர்) can use this information to determine your Moon sign. You can also use an online Tamil astrology calculator.

Q3: What does the Tamil word ‘Rasi Palan’ mean?

ராசி பலன் (Rāsi palan) means “zodiac predictions” or “horoscope forecast.” It refers to the astrological predictions for a person’s life based on their zodiac sign.

Q4: Are Rasi and Nakshatram the same?

No, they are not the same. ராசி (rāsi) refers to one of the 12 zodiac signs, while நட்சத்திரம் (nakṣattiram) refers to one of the 27 birth stars. A ராசி is a larger division of the sky, and each ராசி contains a certain number of நட்சத்திரம்.

Q5: Is it important to know my Tamil zodiac sign?

For many people in Tamil Nadu, knowing their zodiac sign is very important. It is used in daily life for things like finding an auspicious time for an event, understanding one’s personality traits, and in the process of marriage alliance matching (திருமணம் – Thirumaṇam).

Q6: What is the Tamil word for horoscope?

The Tamil word for horoscope is ஜாதகம் (Jātakam). This word is also used to refer to a person’s birth chart.

Q7: Can I use this article to learn Tamil?

Yes, absolutely. This article is designed for Tamil language learners. We have included Tamil words, their English translations, and easy-to-follow pronunciations to help you build your vocabulary and understand the cultural context of Tamil astrology.

Q8: What are the Tamil names for the planets?

In Tamil astrology, the planets are called கிரகங்கள் (kirakaṅkaḷ). Here are the names of the main planets:

• Sun – சூரியன் (Sūriyan)
• Moon – சந்திரன் (Chandiran)
• Mars – செவ்வாய் (Sevvāy)
• Mercury – புதன் (Buthan)
• Jupiter – குரு (Guru)
• Venus – சுக்கிரன் (Sukiran)
• Saturn – சனி (Saṉi)
• Rahu – ராகு (Rāku)
• Ketu – கேது (Kētu)

Q9: How are Tamil zodiac signs related to the Tamil New Year?

The Tamil New Year, புத்தாண்டு (Puttāṇṭu), traditionally begins when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of மேஷம் (Mēṣam) or Aries. This typically falls in the middle of April each year.

Q10: Where can I find more resources for learning Tamil?

You can find many more resources for learning Tamil on our blog! For beginners, we recommend starting with our guide on Basic Tamil Words to build a strong foundation. You can also explore our other articles on pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.