Cosmic energies are defined in astrology and occult work in general as either masculine (positive; objective; active; conscious; outgoing; hot; dry; penetrative; creative; electric; bright; yang) or feminine (negative; subjective; passive; subconscious; inward-looking; cool; moist; receptive; nourishing; magnetic; dark; yin). Each sign has been assigned a polarity, starting from Aries (masc.) and alternating between masculine and feminine in zodiacal order. The interaction between the two polarities maintains and develops the harmony and wellbeing of the cosmos and its inhabitants. The polarity of any relationship is the balance between the masculine and feminine forces at work.

Any diametric opposition is considered a polarity. For example, the opposite pole of Aries is Libra, even though both are masculine signs. In this way opposing signs are considered harmonious, as Aries (fire) is aided by Libra (air), Taurus (earth) by Scorpio (water) and so on. Hence the first and seventh houses are the individual personality and bodily image, versus the partnership relations, respectively.

The point opposite to the Sun's placement in a natal chart is called its polarity. This is useful in relationship analysis.

There is also the idea that the Sun (masculine) is one pole of the life-force and the Moon (feminine) is the other. According to Alan Leo, their relationships in the chart determine the harmony or otherwise of the native's life.