Hemispheres are “halves” of the astrological chart. If we divide the chart along the Ascendant – Descendant axis, we get two halves, or hemispheres; the Northern and the Southern hemisphere. If we divide the chart along the Midheaven – Nadir axis, we also get two halves; the Eastern and the Western hemisphere. Each hemisphere contains six houses. Based on the characteristics and life areas the houses represent, each hemisphere has its own specifics.
Knowledge of the specifics of each hemisphere is useful for birth chart analysis because the distribution of the planets across the hemispheres tells us where their energy is focused and in what kind of way the individual expresses the energy of the planets in their life.
Northern hemisphere
Houses 1 – 6
The Northern hemisphere consists of the houses in the bottom half of the chart. This is the so-called night part of the chart because the Sun transits these houses between sunset and sunrise. The common significance of the houses in the Northern hemisphere is that they represent concrete things about the individual; their physical body, their personal property and finances, their home, family and kids, as well as their routine, work, and health. The main focus of this hemisphere is personal development.
If a chart is Northern hemisphere dominant, this tells us that the individual is more introverted. They tend to be subjective and highly introspective thinkers. They find the most meaning in their personal life. They love to spend time in the family circle, with their loved ones. For their personal development, they need the feeling of safety, as well as a lot of privacy. They can also be very creative. They mostly prefer to learn and work independently.
On the negative side, this individual tends to keep a lot to themselves. Due to their strong need for privacy, they don’t easily reveal themselves to others, so it is difficult to get to know them. Their achievements usually don’t get a wide recognition because they find it difficult to establish contacts with new people due to their introverted nature. They are also too focused on their personal life and not very interested in anything outside of their closest circle.
Southern hemisphere
Houses 7 – 12
The Southern hemisphere consists of the houses in the upper half of the chart. This is the so-called day part of the chart because the Sun transits these houses between sunrise and sunset. The common significance of the houses in the Southern hemisphere is that they represent the individual’s activity in the world; their personal relationships and partnerships, their personal beliefs, career and reputation, their social contacts, as well as their humanitarian pursuits. The main focus of this hemisphere is activity in the world.
If a chart is Southern hemisphere dominant, this tells us that the individual is more extraverted. They tend to be more objective in their thinking. They find the most meaning in their career and public life, as they also tend to be highly ambitious. They are focused on creating their public identity. They like to cooperate with others and they tend to be socially active. As a rule, they need a lot of social contact. They also have a need for personal expression.
On the negative side, the individual has a lack of privacy, meaning all their actions somehow become public knowledge. They also have a strong need for validation and acceptance from others, which is the reason they often adapt their opinions and actions to the prevailing opinion or the current social atmosphere. They put a lot of importance on material and professional achievements. They can also have problems with overconfidence and lack of introspection.
Eastern hemisphere
Houses 10 – 3
The Eastern hemisphere consists of the houses on the left half of the chart. This is the so-called morning part of the chart because the Sun transits these houses between midnight and midday. The common significance of the houses in the Eastern hemisphere is that they represent the individual’s personal interests and self-realization. The main focus of this hemisphere is on the individual and their personal needs.
If a chart is Eastern hemisphere dominant, this tells us that the individual is very independent and self-sufficient. Typically, they are individualistic and have a strong personality, meaning they tend to keep to themselves and don’t feel the need to constantly interact with their surroundings. The individual is naturally self-initiative and wants to write their own story. They also have good leadership skills, along with being a doer who is not afraid of taking risks. It is very important to the individual that they gain rich personal experience.
On the negative side, the individual tends to be too self-reliant and has trouble asking for help when they need it. They rely heavily on their personal experience, which also means they find it difficult to understand another person’s point of view if it doesn’t match with their own. They don’t usually care too much about other people’s opinions. Equally, they find it hard to follow others’ instructions or initiatives. The fulfilment of their personal needs always comes first, which is why the individual can also have egotistic tendencies.
Western hemisphere
Houses 4 – 9
The Western hemisphere consists of the houses on the right half of the chart. This is the so-called afternoon/evening part of the chart because the Sun transits these houses between midday and midnight. The common significance of the houses in the Western hemisphere is that they represent the individual’s cooperation with others and the establishment of personal relationships. The main focus of this hemisphere is on other people and their personal needs.
If a chart is Western hemisphere dominant, this tells us that the individual is highly adaptable to their surroundings because they tend to really care about harmonious relationships with others. Before making a personal decision, the individual thinks a lot about how it is going to affect others. They also tend to learn from other people’s personal experience. Interacting with others is highly stimulating to the individual; they find it easy to work with others and they make good teammates. It is important to the individual that they are of help. Because of this, they can always rely on the kindness of others whenever they need help themselves.
On the negative side, the individual tends to constantly adapt to others, often at their own expense. As a consequence, they can rely on others’ opinions too much. They can be passive and prefer to follow others, rather than lead themselves. When it comes to making compromises, they can be too permissive. They often turn to other people for motivation and encouragement. It is very important they constantly interact with others because the individual’s identity usually develops through their interactions with others.
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