Reading a Vedic astrology birth chart (also called a Janma Kundli or horoscope) involves understanding how the positions of planets at the time of your birth influence various aspects of your life. Vedic astrology, or Jyotish Shastra, is rooted in the sidereal zodiac and uses specific divisional charts, planetary periods (dashas), and precise house-based interpretations.

The houses and signs are positioned in a counterclockwise direction in the diamond (North Indian) Chart.

For example, in the birth chart D1 (rasi chart), Cancer is the sign of the Ascendant. Cancer is indicated by the number 4 (the 4th Sign of the natural order of the zodiac). The Moon is placed in the 2nd House, in the sign of Leo (5 - the fifth sign). Continuing in a counter-clockwise direction, the Sun and Mercury are conjunct in the 5th house, in Scorpio (the 8th sign), etc.

In a birth chart, the 12 houses represent different areas of life. Each house governs specific themes, experiences, and aspects of your personality:

1. 1st House (Ascendant) – Self, identity, physical appearance, first impressions

2. 2nd House – Money, possessions, values, speech, self-worth

3. 3rd House – Communication, siblings, short travel, courage

4. 4th House – Home, family, roots, emotional foundation

5. 5th House – Creativity, romance, children, self-expression

6. 6th House – Health, work, service, routines, enemies

7. 7th House – Marriage, partnerships, relationships, contracts

8. 8th House – Transformation, shared resources, secrets, inheritance

9. 9th House – Higher learning, philosophy, travel, religion

10. 10th House – Career, status, public image, authority

11. 11th House – Friendships, social groups, hopes, gains

12. 12th House – Isolation, spirituality, subconscious, losses, liberation

Each house works with the planets and signs within it to paint a full picture of your life.
Learn more at Adit Astrology Forum, where we explore house meanings in depth through charts, examples, and community discussion.