The 12 Rashis

Aries (Mesha) is the first sign of the zodiac, symbolised by the Ram, ruled by fiery Mars and belonging to the Fire element, a movable, pioneering sign of courage and fresh beginnings.

Taurus (Vrishabha) is the fixed Earth sign of the zodiac, symbolised by the Bull and ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty, comfort and love.

Gemini (Mithuna) is the Air sign of the Twins, ruled by Mercury, the planet of intellect, speech and exchange, making it the zodiac's great communicator and quick-witted connector.

Cancer, the Karka rashi, is ruled by the Moon, carries the symbol of the Crab, and belongs to the Water element, a sign of feeling, memory and protective tenderness.

Leo, known in Sanskrit as Simha and in Hindi as सिंह, is the fixed fire sign symbolised by the Lion and ruled by the Sun, the luminary of vitality and selfhood.

Virgo, the Maiden, is an Earth sign ruled by Mercury, a sign of discernment, service and quiet, methodical care.

Libra, called Tula in Sanskrit, is the Scales of the zodiac, an Air sign ruled by Venus and the only sign of balance whose very symbol is an object rather than a creature.

Scorpio, the Vrishchika rashi, is the Water sign of the Scorpion, ruled by the fierce and courageous Mars, blending deep emotion with unshakeable resolve.

Sagittarius, the Dhanu rashi, is the Archer ruled by wise, expansive Jupiter and carries the warmth of the Fire element, a sign of seekers, teachers and far-travelling minds.

Capricorn (Makara) is the Earth sign of the Sea-goat, ruled by steady Saturn, a Movable, ambitious sign that climbs from the depths to the summit with patience and quiet resolve.

Aquarius (Kumbha) is the Water-bearer, an Air sign ruled by disciplined Saturn, a sign of clear thought, social conscience and quiet, fixed conviction.

Pisces (Meena), the twelfth rashi, is a Water sign ruled by Jupiter and symbolised by a pair of fish, a tender, intuitive and boundlessly compassionate sign.