Astrocartography 101: Navigating Your Cosmic Travel Guide
Astrocartography (also known as locational astrology) is a modern field of astrology exploring how planets influence unique life experiences across the world. Once you learn to read your astromap, astrocartography can help you locate where to live or travel to experience the most support in career, relationships, home life, and personal growth!
The History of Astrocartography
Astrocartography was popularized by astrologer Jim Lewis in the 1970s. The concept innovated traditional astrological concepts by combining them with geographical mapping, allowing individuals to explore how different locations around the world influence their lives based on their natal charts. Using this technique, one can determine the planetary energies active in various regions, providing key insights on the best places to live, work, or travel. Mapping out these planetary lines on a global scale creates an astrocartography map, or “astromap”, like the one pictured below. And with the modern popularity of nomadic and transient lifestyles, astromaps have become a popular tool for those seeking to align their external environment with their internal desires.
““...astromaps have become a popular tool for those seeking to align their external environment with their internal desires.””
a basic astrocartography map (astromap) with lines representing a planet intersection with the cardinal angles (typically corresponding with the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses)
Planetary Lines and Angles
Generally speaking, astrocartography lines activate a planet’s archetypal energy in that area. The angle that it coincides with (AC, IC, DC, or MC), represents the domain of life that it takes place in. Keywords for each planet and angle can be found below:
Sun Line: vitality, self-expression, identity, and confidence, purpose, notoriety
Moon Line: emotions, intuition, habits, family, comfort, self-care
Mercury Line: communication, intellect, adaptability, education, networking, knowledge
Venus Line: love, beauty, relationships, creativity, money
Mars Line: motivation, ambition, assertiveness, competition, conflict
Jupiter Line: expansion, growth, luck, abundance, optimism, travel opportunities
Saturn Line: structure, discipline, responsibility, hard work, success
Uranus Line: innovation, change, unpredictability, excitement, unconventionality
Neptune Line: imagination, empathy, spirituality, dreams, creativity, confusion
Pluto Line: transformation, power, intensity, psyche, growth, starting over
Key words for each angle can be found below:
AC (ascendant) Line: expression, personality, appearance, development
IC (imum coeli) Line: home, family, foundations, private life, environment, early childhood,
DC (descendant) Line: relationships, partners, collaborators, friends, lovers
MC (midheaven) Line: career, reputation, status, public roles, persona
While these general interpretations are a great place to start exploring your own astrocartography map, be aware that the most accurate astrocartography reading will consider each planet’s and angle’s placement in your natal chart to provide more specific meanings.
For example, on the surface, a Venus DC astrocartography line may seem like a great place to find love or marriage. However, it could actually be one of the worst places to do so if in your birth chart, Venus is in a difficult dignity, house placement, or aspect!
“...the most accurate astrocartography reading will consider each planet’s and angle’s placement in your natal chart...”
It will always be best to book an astrocartography reading with a professional for best results!
How to Use Astrocartography
To research your own astrocartography, you will need your date, time, and city of birth. You can use free websites like AstroSeek or AstroClick to generate free astromaps and general interpretations.
AstroClick Travel is my favorite free astrocartography resource, however I use Solar Fire software for professional readings
Your astromap will display various planetary lines across the globe. Although some free websites do not offer information on paran lines, local space lines, or cyclocartography, you can still find basic meanings of the lines using the keyword guide above. If consulted properly, astrocartography can provide useful information in:
Relocation Decisions: If you're considering moving to a new city or country, astrocartography can help you identify locations that will support your intentions and well-being.
Travel Planning: Use astrocartography to time and select vacations or business trips destinations that align with your desired experiences
Personal Growth: Understanding the planetary influences on different locations can guide you in seeking out environments that foster your personal and spiritual development.
Relationship Insights: By comparing your astrocartography map with that of a partner, you can discover places that may enhance your relationship dynamics.
So…are you intrigued?
Book a 45 or 90 minute astrocartography reading here!
Lauren Victoria, NCC, LPC is a licensed mental health professional and certified sound & vibration healer who specializes in spiritual counseling, astrology readings, and psychological tarot. Learn more about her on Instagram at @mutedearthvirgo