Venn diagram showing "The 3 Gunas" with circles labeled Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.

The Three Gunas in Astrology

Just as the three levels of touch in Polarity Therapy (light, deep, and rhythmic) align with different aspects of energy movement in the body, the gunas in astrology describe how energy moves and manifests in space. Understanding these dynamics can help balance and harmonize both body and consciousness, guiding healing through astrology and energetic bodywork.

In both Polarity Therapy and Vedic philosophy, energy moves in three primary ways—through rajas (activity), tamas (stability), and sattva (harmony). These correspond to the three astrological modalities:

  • Cardinal Signs → Rajasic (Active, Initiating)

  • Fixed Signs → Tamasic (Stable, Grounding)

  • Mutable Signs → Sattvic (Adaptable, Integrative)

The four manifested elements—fire, earth, air, and water—further shape the expression of these modalities, adding distinct energetic qualities to each sign. Fire is dynamic and passionate, Earth is structured and grounded, Air is intellectual and connective, and Water is intuitive and fluid. The interaction of modality and element creates a unique energy signature for each zodiac sign, influencing how it moves, stabilizes, or adapts.

Four elements design with fire, water, air, and earth against a starry background.

Rajasic – Cardinal Signs (Action-Oriented, Initiating, Dynamic)

Signs: Aries (Fire), Cancer (Water), Libra (Air), Capricorn (Earth)
Rajasic energy is active, fiery, and initiating—it propels movement, change, and new beginnings. These signs act as catalysts in the zodiac, pushing forward new cycles and generating momentum. Like the light rocking touch in Polarity Therapy, which stimulates energy flow, cardinal signs bring activation but require direction to avoid dispersing their force.

  • Aries (Fire): The raw spark of life, initiating action with instinctive drive.

  • Cancer (Water): Emotional initiation, protective and nurturing, moving through cycles of feeling.

  • Libra (Air): Social initiation, seeking balance and harmony in relationships.

  • Capricorn (Earth): Structural initiation, grounding ambitions into long-term foundations.

Tamasic – Fixed Signs (Stabilizing, Rooted, Resistant to Change)

Signs: Taurus (Earth), Leo (Fire), Scorpio (Water), Aquarius (Air)
Tamasic energy is dense, solid, and preserving—it resists movement and seeks to maintain structure. Fixed signs hold energy, anchor power, and sustain force. Like deep sustained pressure in Polarity Therapy, they create stability but can become stagnant if unbalanced.

  • Taurus (Earth): Rooted in material security, steady and enduring in its approach.

  • Leo (Fire): Centered in self-expression, radiating strength and creative vitality.

  • Scorpio (Water): Emotionally intense, holding transformative energy beneath the surface.

  • Aquarius (Air): Fixed in vision and ideals, channeling intellectual and revolutionary energy.

Sattvic – Mutable Signs (Adaptable, Integrative, Harmonizing)

Signs: Gemini (Air), Virgo (Earth), Sagittarius (Fire), Pisces (Water)
Sattvic energy is harmonizing, integrating, and fluid—it refines, transforms, and prepares energy for the next cycle. Mutable signs facilitate change, allowing energy to adapt and adjust. Like rocking and rhythmic touch in Polarity Therapy, they promote flow and release.

  • Gemini (Air): Quick-witted and communicative, constantly processing and exchanging ideas.

  • Virgo (Earth): Precise and analytical, refining and perfecting physical and mental processes.

  • Sagittarius (Fire): Expansive and adventurous, seeking wisdom and broader perspectives.

  • Pisces (Water): Fluid and transcendent, dissolving boundaries in deep emotional or spiritual connection.