Rashis

Rashis, in Hindu astrology, are the twelve astrological signs of the zodiac used in Jyotisha. Each rashi spans 30 degrees of the ecliptic and carries symbolic associations, a natural element, and a planetary ruler. The rashis, in order, are Mesha (Aries), Vrishabha (Taurus), Mithuna (Gemini), Karka (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), Vrishchika (Scorpio), Dhanus (Sagittarius), Makara (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius), and Meena (Pisces). In a birth chart, the positions of planets within these signs are used to interpret personality traits, tendencies, and life patterns, as well as to anticipate timing through transits and dashas. Rashis are distinct from nakshatras, the lunar mansions, which subdivide the zodiac for finer analysis. Each rashi corresponds to an element: fire for Mesha, Simha, and Dhanus; earth for Vrishabha, Kanya, and Makara; air for Mithuna, Tula, and Kumbha; and water for Karka, Vrishchika, and Meena. Traditional planetary rulers are: Mars (Aries), Venus (Taurus), Mercury (Gemini), Moon (Cancer), Sun (Leo), Mercury (Virgo), Venus (Libra), Mars (Scorpio), Jupiter (Sagittarius), Saturn (Capricorn), Saturn (Aquarius), and Jupiter (Pisces). Rashis underpin horoscopy, and are used in compatibility assessments and in guiding personal and spiritual interpretations within Hindu astrology.