Hemispheres: A chart, the basic circle, can become two hemispheres or four quadrants. These are used to refine your understanding of your astrological make-up. It can hint at whether you’re a mostly private or mostly public person, or whether you’re an individualist or a collaborator with your life’s work.

There’s a quirk with the naming that comes with an alert: Up is down and right is left. North is South and East is West. The hemispheres are the opposite of what we’re used to seeing on a map.

When you draw a line from the AC to the DC, the upper half of the circle is the southern hemisphere, and the lower half is the northern hemisphere.

The Southern hemisphere is above the horizon and is the realm of public life and image. It is associated with qualities that are out in the open and easily visible. When the majority of planets are in the upper half of a chart, the personality is extroverted, approachable, and receptive. If it’s a packed southern hemisphere, one is at home on the public stage and is preoccupied with broader social concerns.

The Northern hemisphere is below the horizon, and is the realm of private, contemplative and self-focused pursuits. This hemisphere is associated with characteristics that are not easily seen. If most of one’s planets are in the northern hemisphere, you’re likely a self-contained person who prefers to keep a low profile.

When you draw a line from the IC to the MC, the right half of the circle is the western hemisphere while the left half is the eastern hemisphere.

The Western hemisphere is associated with behavior that is responsive to others. When the majority of planets are located on the right-handed side of the horoscope the individual is at their best in partnership or collaboration with others.

The Eastern hemisphere is associated with behavior that is self-directed. When the majority of planets are located on the left-hand side of the horoscope, the individual is someone who works well alone and is likely to move ahead independently.