The 12 Rashi (Zodiac Signs): Traits and Characteristics

In Vedic astrology, a Rashi is a zodiac sign, one of twelve 30-degree divisions of the sky measured along the path the Sun appears to travel. The twelve Rashi run from Mesh (Aries) through Meen (Pisces) and form the backbone of Nepali and Hindu horoscope reading.

Each Rashi carries a ruling planet, an element, and a cluster of personality traits that astrologers use to describe temperament and tendencies. Your moon sign, the Rashi where the Moon sat at your birth, is the one most often used in Nepali astrology, not the Sun sign popular in Western columns.

This guide lists all twelve Rashi with their English names, ruling planets, and elements, then walks through the traits of each sign so you can understand what your Rashi is said to mean.

What are the 12 Rashi in order?

The twelve Rashi run in a fixed sequence beginning with Mesh and ending with Meen, mirroring the twelve constellations of the sidereal zodiac. Each sign spans exactly 30 degrees, and each is governed by one of the classical planets, with the Sun and Moon ruling a single sign each.

Notice that the four elements, fire, earth, air, and water, repeat three times across the wheel. Signs sharing an element are said to share a broad temperament, while a sign's ruling planet adds its own flavour. To know which Rashi is yours, you generally need your birth date, time, and place, which feed into your birth chart and Kundali matching.

What traits are linked to each Rashi?

Each Rashi is associated with a recognisable set of qualities drawn from its element and ruling planet. These descriptions are traditional and meant as broad temperament sketches, not fixed rules; real personality depends on the whole chart, upbringing, and choice. Below are the headline traits of all twelve signs.

Mesh (Aries) and Vrishabh (Taurus)

Mesh, ruled by fiery Mars, is described as bold, energetic, and quick to start things, with a competitive, pioneering streak and occasional impatience. Vrishabh, ruled by Venus and grounded in earth, is steady, patient, and pleasure-loving, valuing comfort, loyalty, and material security, though it can be stubborn once a position is set.

Mithun (Gemini) and Karkat (Cancer)

Mithun, an airy sign ruled by Mercury, is curious, talkative, and adaptable, with a quick wit and a love of variety that can tip into restlessness. Karkat, the watery sign ruled by the Moon, is emotional, nurturing, and deeply attached to home and family, sensitive to mood and protective of loved ones.

Simha (Leo) and Kanya (Virgo)

Simha, ruled by the Sun, is confident, warm, and naturally drawn to leadership and recognition, generous yet proud. Kanya, an earthy sign ruled by Mercury, is analytical, practical, and detail-focused, valuing service, health, and order, sometimes to the point of being overly critical of itself and others.

Tula (Libra) and Vrischik (Scorpio)

Tula, an airy Venus-ruled sign, seeks balance, harmony, and fairness, is socially graceful, and can struggle to decide. Vrischik, the watery sign ruled by Mars, is intense, passionate, and determined, with strong willpower and a private nature; it feels deeply and is famously loyal but slow to forget a wrong.

Dhanu (Sagittarius) and Makar (Capricorn)

Dhanu, a fiery sign ruled by Jupiter, is optimistic, philosophical, and freedom-loving, drawn to travel, learning, and big ideas. Makar, an earthy sign ruled by Saturn, is disciplined, ambitious, and patient, building success step by step through hard work and a strong sense of responsibility.

Kumbha (Aquarius) and Meen (Pisces)

Kumbha, an airy sign also ruled by Saturn, is independent, humanitarian, and original, valuing ideas and community over convention. Meen, the watery sign ruled by Jupiter, is compassionate, imaginative, and intuitive, emotionally sensitive and drawn to art, spirituality, and helping others, sometimes at the cost of clear boundaries.

How are Rashi used in daily astrology?

In Nepali practice, your moon Rashi is the basis for the daily, weekly, and monthly horoscope you read in newspapers and apps. Astrologers track how transiting planets move through your Rashi and the signs around it to forecast favourable or challenging periods for the days ahead.

The Rashi also anchors deeper readings. It pairs with the 27 Nakshatras to pinpoint the Moon's exact position, which matters for naming ceremonies and detailed predictions. In marriage, the Rashi of both partners feeds the Ashtakoot 36-gun matching, and Mars placement determines Manglik Dosha. To follow how your sign is doing today, start with the daily Rashifal horoscope, available in the Nepali Calendar (Katigate) app.

Explore more on Nepali Calendar (Katigate)

• Daily Rashifal

• Today's Panchang

• Nepali holidays & festivals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rashi based on the Sun sign or the Moon sign?

In Nepali and Indian Vedic astrology, your Rashi usually means your moon sign, the zodiac sign the Moon occupied at your birth. Western horoscope columns use the Sun sign instead, so the same person can have a different sign in each system. Vedic readings rely mainly on the Moon Rashi.

How do I find out my Rashi?

Your Rashi is determined by your exact birth date, time, and place, which fix where the Moon sat in the zodiac. A simple way is to calculate your birth chart using these details, either with an astrologer or an app. Many people in Nepal also know their Rashi from their birth-name's first syllable.

Do two people with the same Rashi share the same personality?

Not exactly. Sharing a Rashi means sharing broad temperament traits tied to that sign's element and ruling planet. But a full chart also includes the Sun, ascendant, Nakshatra, and all planetary placements, so two people of the same Rashi can differ greatly in personality, timing of events, and life path.

Which Rashi are most compatible for marriage?

Vedic astrology does not rank fixed pairs as best; instead it scores compatibility through Ashtakoot Kundali matching, which compares both charts across eight factors for up to 36 points. Element and Rashi lord harmony help, but the gun-milan score, doshas, and Mars placement give a far more reliable answer than sign alone.