Chart hemisphere — Astrology glossary

Chart hemispheres divide the natal chart into halves to show where a person's planets cluster. The horizon splits it into an upper (southern) and lower (northern) half; the meridian splits it into an eastern and western half. A majority of planets above the horizon is read as an outward, public orientation, while a lower emphasis suggests a more private, inwardly focused life. An eastern weighting points to self-direction and initiative; a western one, to responsiveness and reliance on others. In a natal chart this matters as a quick read of overall temperament before any single placement is examined. For example, someone with most planets in the lower, eastern quarter is often described as building life from personal, foundational concerns rather than reacting to the wider world.