Simha rashi (Leo): ruler, element and keywords
Simha (Leo) is the fifth rashi, ruled by the Sun, of fire element and fixed quality.
What it is
Simha's symbol is the lion. Its lord is Surya (Sun), the sign in which the Sun has its own dignity. Ketu is also commonly placed here by some schools.
How it is worked out or read
Simha spans 120 to 150 degrees sidereal. Magha, Purva Phalguni and Uttara Phalguni (first quarter) fall in this sign.
Where it appears on this site
Simha appears as a planet's sign in the birth chart. See the Simha page.
The Sun's own sign
Simha is ruled by the Sun and is a fixed fire sign. Its symbol is the lion, and the traditional character is read as strong, proud and expressive. The Sun is own-signed here, which the texts take as a sign of confidence and self-expression when the Sun is well placed. When Simha is the Lagna, the reader looks at the Sun's house, its aspects and its relation to Mars and Jupiter, the planets that the classical texts most often pair with the Sun in matters of authority and fortune.
Reading the fifth and ninth from Simha
A Simha Lagna places Kanya, Tula and the other signs around the chart in a fixed order, and the reader can look at the fifth house, which is Dhanu, and the ninth, which is Mesha. These houses concern children, creativity and fortune, and a reader who connects them to the Sun can see how the sign's themes of pride and generosity might show up there. The reading should always test these connections against the planets actually placed in the houses.
Simha and self-expression
Simha's lion symbol is read as self-expression, confidence and the wish to be seen. A person with a strong Simha emphasis may show generosity and warmth, and also a need for recognition. The reader can describe this as a natural presence, while noting that the classical texts also warn of pride when the sign's energy is not balanced.
The Sun's own sign
Simha is the Sun's own sign, so the Sun is comfortable here. The reader may check the Sun's house and aspects to see how that comfort is used in a life. A strong Sun in Simha is read as clear, dignified and direct.
Simha in the ninth and fifth
From a Simha Lagna, the fifth house falls in Dhanu and the ninth in Mesha, and the reader may consider how the Sun's position affects the themes of children, creativity and fortune. The Sun's dignity in those houses shows how well the sign's qualities reach them.
Simha in a chart without planets
When Simha holds no graha, the Sun, its lord, carries its themes into the chart, and the house it occupies takes on the sign's tone of confidence and visibility. A reader can look at the Sun's house to see where the person is most seen, and at the house Simha occupies to see which area of life carries the wish for recognition.