In this article, I would like to examine the subject of the planets in terms of the three basic energies of the Universe. Such an approach may seem slightly unusual, but it is very practical, and the information submitted in this way is much easier to learn.
There are three Gunas of material nature, three basic energies in the material world that create, maintain and destroy the Universe: passion (Rajas), goodness (Sattva) and ignorance (Tamas). Guna is a Sanskrit term that literally means «strand», but this is a superficial translation. There is a more accurate and profound translation, given in the “Yoga Sutras”, which are the basis of Eastern psychology: gunas are «that which underlies all qualities.» Gunas penetrate through everything: thoughts, words, deeds, actions… Everything in this world is under their influence.
The planets can also influence us through one of the gunas or through a combination of them. We are always free to choose which of the three Gunas should influence us, and our karma is decided as a result of that choice.

If a person acts, thinks, or communicates with others in ignorance or passion, there is a dramatic deterioration in karma. If a person draws forth the quality of goodness as it relates to a specific planet and lives in harmony with its principles, the influence of this planet will begin to grow more beneficial and bring health, happiness, and success, even if the planet was weak at his or her birth.
In accordance with the psychology of yoga, gunas determine the inherent, essential structure of all things. We can say therefore that the qualities of each substance are dependent on the gunas.

From the natal chart, it is impossible to determine exactly what guna a planet is in, because it depends on many premises, in particular, a person himself by his behavior chooses the guna in which a planet is, or more precisely, in what guna a planet influences him. It is this behavior that can show how favorable or unfavorable the influence of a certain planet will be. The position of the planet in the gunas can be determined only approximately. If the planet is weak, affected, then it is usually in Ignorance, the person is already born with the ignorant influence of this planet over him. If the planet is located well and strongly, then it is initially at least in the Passionate guna.

If a person has a planet completely in the guna of Ignorance, it is important to raise it at least to Passion, to develop the qualities of that planet in Passion, and then little by little to cultivate Sattva.
Sometimes strong planets, especially harmful ones, can do much damage to their horoscope owner and through him to others. Therefore, it is recommended not to overly strengthen the unfavorable planets in the kendras (corner houses of the natal chart), as they will surely be manifested in a person’s character. For example, Hitler had a strong cold Saturn and a powerful fiery Mars and Sun, which coupled with the affected and oppressed Venus and Moon caused him enormous rigidity.
Initially the Sun, the Moon and Jupiter are in Goodness, Mercury and Venus in Passion, Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu in Ignorance. It is desirable to temper those planets in Ignorance and Passion, especially if they are in a strong position in the chart, while heightening and maintaining the Goodness planets in their state of Sattva.

It is also very important to remember that one planet in the person’s chart may be in one particular guna and another planet in another guna. Moreover, the effect of the planets is usually mixed. It can change even over the course of one day, depending on our thoughts, behavior, environment, etc.
The more we are under the Sattvic influence of this planet, the more harmonious, healthy and happy we can become. If even one planet dominates with the ignorant influence then this planet can seriously ruin our lives, bring much illness and suffering in its sphere of influence.