Rashi 9 of 12
Dhanu rashi (धनु): Sagittarius
Dhanu is the ninth sign of the Vedic zodiac, equivalent to Sagittarius. In Jyotish tradition it is a dual fire sign ruled by Jupiter.
- Sanskrit name
- Dhanu (धनु)
- English
- Sagittarius
- Symbol
- A bow, or an archer
- Element
- Fire (Agni)
- Modality
- Dual (Dvisvabhava)
- Ruling planet (traditional)
- Jupiter (Guru (Brihaspati))
- Classical gender
- Masculine (odd sign)
- Exalted here (tradition)
- None of the seven classical planets
- Debilitated here (tradition)
- None of the seven classical planets
- Sun in this sign
- Roughly mid-December to mid-January (sidereal)
How the tradition describes Dhanu
Dhanu is a dual fire sign ruled by Jupiter, the planet the tradition links with teachers, wisdom and dharma. It is described as idealistic, optimistic and interested in learning, philosophy, faith and travel.
The same writing names bluntness and over-confidence as the other side. Dhanu means "bow", and the sign is usually drawn as an archer.
These are descriptions handed down in Jyotish writing, not measured personality traits. A full chart in the tradition weighs many factors, so no single sign is meant to describe a whole person.
Nakshatras in Dhanu
Each rashi spans nine nakshatra padas (quarters of a lunar mansion). Dhanu contains:
- Mula: all four padas
- Purva Ashadha: all four padas
- Uttara Ashadha: pada 1
See the 27 nakshatras for their deities, ruling planets and traditional naming syllables.
Compatible signs in tradition
In Vedic matching, sign compatibility comes mainly from the Bhakoot koot of guna milan, which compares two people's moon signs. Moon signs that are 1/1, 3/11, 4/10 or 7/7 from each other receive the full 7 points. For Dhanu those are Dhanu itself and:
The other signs fall 2/12, 5/9 or 6/8 from Dhanu and receive no Bhakoot points: Makara (Capricorn), Mesha (Aries), Vrishabha (Taurus), Karka (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Vrishchika (Scorpio). Some texts describe conditions that cancel this, for example when both signs share a ruling planet.
The Graha Maitri koot compares the signs' ruling planets. In the classical Parashari table, Jupiter's natural friends are Sun, Moon, Mars.
Bhakoot is only 7 of 36 points, and the full method also uses both birth nakshatras. These rules are a cultural convention; they do not show whether two people will get along, and they should not decide a relationship.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dhanu rashi in English?
Dhanu (धनु) is the Vedic name for Sagittarius, the ninth sign of the zodiac. In Vedic astrology it is measured in the sidereal zodiac, so it does not line up exactly with the Western Sagittarius.
Who is the ruling planet of Dhanu rashi?
By Jyotish tradition, Dhanu is ruled by Jupiter (Guru (Brihaspati)). Vedic astrology uses only the classical planets as sign rulers.
Which nakshatras fall in Dhanu rashi?
Each rashi covers nine nakshatra padas (quarters). Dhanu contains Mula (all four padas), Purva Ashadha (all four padas), Uttara Ashadha (pada 1).
Which rashis match Dhanu in guna milan?
In the Bhakoot koot of guna milan, moon signs that are 1/1, 3/11, 4/10 or 7/7 from each other receive the full 7 points. For Dhanu those are Dhanu itself and Kumbha (Aquarius), Meena (Pisces), Mithuna (Gemini), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra). Bhakoot is only 7 of the 36 points; a full match also uses both birth nakshatras, and AstroConnect does not present any score as a prediction.