In Indian/Vedic astrology (Jyotish), the 12 Rashis (zodiac signs) are classified using only four Tattvas/elements: Agni (Fire), Prithvi (Earth), Vayu (Air), and Jala (Water).
- Fire (Agni/अग्नि): Mesha (Aries), Simha (Leo), Dhanu (Sagittarius)
- Earth (Prithvi/पृथ्वी): Vrishabha (Taurus), Kanya (Virgo), Makara (Capricorn)
- Air (Vayu/वायु): Mithuna (Gemini), Tula (Libra), Kumbha (Aquarius)
- Water (Jala/जल): Karka (Cancer), Vrishchika (Scorpio), Meena (Pisces)
This matches the Western zodiac elements exactly (Fire, Earth, Air, Water).Why No Metal?
- Metal is not part of the ancient Indian Pancha Mahabhuta (five great elements).
- Vedic/Hindu cosmology uses: Prithvi (Earth), Jala (Water), Agni (Fire), Vayu (Air), Akash (Space/Ether).
- Metals (like gold, iron) are considered part of Prithvi (Earth) – they come from the ground/minerals.
- Metal as a separate element comes from Chinese Wu Xing (five phases: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) – a completely different system.
- Indian astrology borrowed the four-element classification from Greco-Babylonian/Western traditions, not the Chinese one.
Why No Space/Akash?
- Akash (Space/Ether) is the fifth Mahabhuta in Vedic philosophy.
- However, in Rashi classification, Akash is not assigned to any sign.
- Reason: Akash is the most subtle, all-pervading element – it exists equally in every Rashi (like space surrounds everything).
- It’s present everywhere but doesn’t define the “active” qualities of signs (which are based on the four tangible elements for personality/temperament).
- Some texts say Akash is linked to sound/vibration and is beyond triplicity grouping.
In hybrid systems (like some modern Indian numerology sites blending Lo Shu + Vedic), you see mismatches because:
- Lo Shu Grid → Chinese (has Metal, no Akash/Space).
- Rashi rulers → Vedic/Western (has Akash in philosophy, but not in sign elements; no Metal).
Pure Jyotish sticks to four for Rashis – Akash is universal, not sign-specific.