Quadrant — Astrology glossary

A quadrant is one of the four sections of the natal chart created by its two main axes: the horizon (Ascendant–Descendant) and the meridian (Midheaven–Imum Coeli). Together they cut the chart into four quarters, each spanning three houses and combining a hemisphere from each axis. The quadrants are read as developmental zones: the first concerns self and instinct, the second resources and creation, the third relationships and exchange, the fourth society and purpose. In a natal chart, noting which quadrant holds the most planets gives a fast sense of where life energy concentrates. For example, someone with a heavily tenanted fourth quadrant, houses ten through twelve, is often described as oriented toward public contribution and collective concerns rather than personal beginnings.