The 12 Rashis (十二星座)
In Jyotish, the zodiac is divided into 12 Rashis (signs) of 30° each, calculated using the Sidereal system (as opposed to the Western Tropical system). The primary difference is the Ayanamsa — the precession correction — with Lahiri being the standard in Indian government and most traditional schools.
The Twelve Signs
- Mesha (மேஷம் - Aries): Ruled by Mars. Fire, Movable. Exaltation of Sun (10°). Cardinal energy, initiative, courage.
- Vrishabha (ரிஷபம் - Taurus): Ruled by Venus. Earth, Fixed. Exaltation of Moon (3°). Stability, sensuality, material values.
- Mithuna (மிதுனம் - Gemini): Ruled by Mercury. Air, Dual. Communication, intellect, versatility.
- Kataka (கடகம் - Cancer): Ruled by Moon. Water, Movable. Exaltation of Jupiter (5°). Nurturing, emotions, home.
- Simha (சிம்மம் - Leo): Ruled by Sun. Fire, Fixed. Authority, creativity, self-expression.
- Kanya (கன்னி - Virgo): Ruled by Mercury. Earth, Dual. Exaltation of Mercury (15°). Analysis, service, perfection.
- Tula (துலாம் - Libra): Ruled by Venus. Air, Movable. Exaltation of Saturn (20°). Balance, partnership, justice.
- Vrischika (விருச்சிகம் - Scorpio): Ruled by Mars (co-ruled Ketu). Water, Fixed. Transformation, depth, occult knowledge.
- Dhanu (தனுசு - Sagittarius): Ruled by Jupiter. Fire, Dual. Philosophy, higher learning, dharma.
- Makara (மகரம் - Capricorn): Ruled by Saturn. Earth, Movable. Exaltation of Mars (28°). Ambition, structure, karma.
- Kumbha (கும்பம் - Aquarius): Ruled by Saturn (co-ruled Rahu). Air, Fixed. Innovation, humanitarianism, detachment.
- Meena (மீனம் - Pisces): Ruled by Jupiter (co-ruled Ketu). Water, Dual. Exaltation of Venus (27°). Spirituality, dissolution, compassion.
Sign Classification
Signs are classified by Element (Fire, Earth, Air, Water — paralleling Wu Xing but with a four-element model), Quality (Movable/Chara, Fixed/Sthira, Dual/Dvisvabhava), and Gender (odd signs masculine, even signs feminine). Each sign has specific exaltation (Uchcha), debilitation (Neecha), and Moolatrikona degrees that determine planetary dignity.