Quadrants on a birth chart describe the areas created when the chart is divided into four pieces by the meridian and the horizon. Each quadrant describes a tendency to either place importance on your inner or outer self and also the role that fate and personal decisions may play in your life.
Which quadrant is dominant for you, and what does that mean for your life? Keep reading to find out!
What are the 4 quadrants in astrology?
Reading quadrants in astrology has to do less with interpreting each planet and more to do with interpreting the overall pattern of planet placement.
In the example above, you can see that there are two lines that cross through it, and divide it into four parts, each containing three houses.
The line between the Ascendant and Descendant (AC and DC) is called the horizon line.
It always is always drawn horizontally on the chart and splits it into the northern and southern hemispheres.
In astrology, the line between the Midheaven and Imum Coeli (MC and IC) is called the meridian.
The meridian divides the chart into two halves, the right side and left side also called the eastern and western hemispheres.
Depending on the house system used, the line may not be perfectly vertical, as seen in the example above.
The meridian and horizon divide the chart into four parts which are the quadrants.
But what does each quadrant mean in astrology?
Quadrant 1
The first quadrant in a birth chart is all about the development of the self.
This quadrant is focused both on creating your own destiny, or free will, while also fostering internal personal growth.
This area it encompasses is Houses 1-3, The House of Self, The House of Money, and the House of Communication.
These houses are centered around figuring out who you are as a person, developing your sense of self-worth, and figuring out how to express your thoughts and ideas to the world.
One question that could describe the navigation of the first quadrant is “Who am I?”
Quadrant 2
The second quadrant in a birth chart is about learning more about yourself through your interactions with others.
This quadrant emphasizes introspection and also a cooperative feeling of going with the flow and learning to fit into the lives of others.
This quadrant includes Houses 4-6, The House of Home, The House of Children, and the House of Servants.
All of these houses share the qualities of thinking of others when making decisions, and acting for the purpose of others.
There is also a sense of being dependent on whatever or whoever comes into your life and being able to adjust to it.
A question that could describe the second quadrant is “How can I be of help?”
Quadrant 3
In the chart, the third quadrant is focused on the community and the outside world and finding your place within it.
Quadrant 3 stresses being flexible in relation to your role in society.
Houses 7-9, The House of Marriage, The House of Death, and the House of Long Journeys are encompassed in this quadrant.
All focus on being able to be empathetic to the feelings, ideas, or thoughts of others.
The ideals of other people, cultures, and society are evaluated, but not judged in this quadrant.
The question “What do you think and why?” could describe the sentiment of the third quadrant.
Quadrant 4
The fourth quadrant concentrates on using your skills and determination to make a difference in society or humanity.
This quadrant places importance on the public parts of one’s life, rather than the introspective parts, and also on driving yourself forward in your life.
This quadrant includes Houses 10-12, The House of Career, The House of Friends, and The House of Troubles.
The theme of these houses is to use your skills and gifts in a way that benefits society.
There is ambition there, but it is projected outward into the world rather than inward for yourself.
One question that could describe the fourth quadrant is “How can I make a difference?”
How do I read birth chart quadrants?
When considering the quadrants in your natal chart and if any have emphasis, simply look for many planets bunched up in one area of your chart.
In the example chart above, you can see that this individual is planet heavy in quadrant 3 of the chart, making this their dominant quadrant.
Also, the Sun and Moon are two planets that carry extra importance in your chart so if they are in the same quadrant, that could suggest an influential quadrant, as well.
However, quadrants have to be kept in perspective.
The placements of your planets and houses and zodiac signs collectively describe your personality and experience in life.
But, if there is a pattern in your chart where most planets are in one area, quadrants offer you a glimpse into the big picture about how your life may unfold, but not be able to fill in many details.
