Introduction
Simha is the fifth sign of the zodiac, covering 120°–150° of the sidereal zodiac. Simha's symbol is the lion, and tradition links it with confidence, generosity and leadership. Its lord is the Sun, its element is fire, its nature is fixed, and it is an odd (male) sign. It holds Magha 1,2,3,4, Purva Phalguni 1,2,3,4 and Uttara Phalguni 1 (nakshatra padas).
In North India, when someone says "my rashi is Simha", they mean the Moon sign (chandra rashi): the sign the Moon was in at birth. The first letter of a name, daily rashifal and kundli matching are all read from this Moon sign.
Note that sidereal Simha does not match the Western Leo dates; the FAQ below explains why.
Nature
As a fire sign of fixed nature ruled by the Sun, Simha is seen by tradition as confident, dignified and big-hearted. People with the Moon here are thought to take pride in their work and their people, to enjoy carrying responsibility, and to bring warmth wherever they are. Respect and appreciation energise them.
Still, this is only a tendency, not a verdict on any person. Two people with the same Moon sign can be very different, because the lagna, nakshatra, houses and dasha all shape the picture.
Strengths and things to keep in mind
Strengths: tradition associates this sign with self-confidence, generosity, the ability to lead, and standing by one's word.
Things to keep in mind: Self-respect can sometimes look like pride, and criticism can sting. Making room for other views, and sharing credit, only adds to this dignity.
Both sides belong to the same temperament; neither is a flaw.
Work and interests
Tradition associates Simha with themes such as work that involves leadership, management, creativity or being in front of people: running a team or organisation, administration, the arts and the stage, education, and fields where responsibility and recognition go together. This does not fix one profession; for work, the 10th house, the dasha and the whole chart are read.
Relationships
Tradition sees Simha as a generous, loyal way of connecting. People with this Moon sign are thought to give freely to those they love and to value respect and appreciation in a relationship. Listening closely to a partner, and celebrating their wins too, keeps the bond warm. The real picture of relationships comes from the 7th house, its lord, Venus and the whole chart, not from the sign alone.
When Simha is the lagna
The lagna and the Moon sign are different things. The lagna is the sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth. It changes about every two hours, so it needs an accurate birth time and place, while the Moon stays in one sign for about two and a quarter days.
When Simha is the lagna, the Sun becomes the lagna lord, and its placement matters for the whole chart. Tradition links a Simha lagna with a confident, dignified outlook that takes on responsibility. Your Moon sign and lagna can be the same or different; each says its own thing.
Name syllables
In the avakahada chakra tradition, Simha has nine name syllables: मा, मी, मू, मे, मो, टा, टी, टू, टे. Each belongs to one nakshatra pada:
- Magha: pada 1: मा, pada 2: मी, pada 3: मू, pada 4: मे
- Purva Phalguni: pada 1: मो, pada 2: टा, pada 3: टी, pada 4: टू
- Uttara Phalguni: pada 1: टे
At a naming, the syllable is chosen from the nakshatra pada of the Moon at birth. Use the name-letter calculator to find yours.