Meaning
One of the 12 zodiac signs used in Vedic astrology.
Etymology
From Sanskrit rāśi (heap, collection) — each sign is a 30° 'collection' of the zodiac.
Detailed Explanation
Rāśi is the Sanskrit term for zodiac sign. The Vedic zodiac consists of 12 rāśis, each spanning exactly 30° of the ecliptic. They are: Mesha (Aries), Vrishabha (Taurus), Mithuna (Gemini), Karka (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), Vrishchika (Scorpio), Dhanu (Sagittarius), Makara (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius), and Meena (Pisces). Each rāśi has a ruling planet (rāśi lord), an element (fire, earth, air, water), a modality (moveable, fixed, dual), and specific significations.