What is Astrocartography?
A few years ago, I came across a reel on Instagram that made me stop mid-scroll. A woman was talking about how different parts of the world can hold different energy because of something called Astrocartography. I had heard of energetic power spots in the world, like Sedona and the vortices there, but this was something different and completely new to me. Intrigued because of my own love for travel, I naturally began to dive into the rabbit hole of the topic. Much like all things I binge, I began to try learning as much as I could about it.
Astrocartography, as I discovered, is term that was coined by Jim Lewis in the 1970s that showcases the influence of locational astrology for an individual on a map. Locational astrology is the study of how planetary energies can influence different experiences in other parts of the world for an individual. The easiest way to think about it is if you were to take your own birth chart, which charts the position of planets in the sky based on the ecliptic, and maps out its positioning on a birth chart in different parts of the world. The astrocartography map shows this by mapping when the planets would align with the angles of your chart, the Ascendent (AC), the Descendent (DC), Imum Coeli (IC), and Medium Coeli/Midheaven (MC).
Astrology 101:
An example of the tropical zodiac natal chart which is cast based on the exact time, date, and location of birth. The angles are determined by the birth information because the AC is the degree/sign of the constellation that is rising in the East at the time of birth. The MC is the highest point in the sky, the DC is the point in the constellation setting in the West, and the IC is the unseen point on the other side of Earth.
In the Placidus system (as shown), the AC is the beginning of the 1st house, the IC is the beginning of the 4th house, the DC is the beginning of the 7th house, and the MC is the beginning of the 10th house. The angles change due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis and will vary based on the time of year and the location.
The position of each planet is calculated based on the location relative to the earth’s seasons, with the equinox beginning in Aries.
You can see here in this chart, Uranus (♅) sits on the AC. This means the birth location would have a Uranus AC line running through it.
An example of an Astrocartography map showing the planetary lines and parans (crossings) across the world. Obtained from Matrix Horizons software.
Lewis was not the first to discover the influence of locational astrology, however he did revolutionize how it was utilized by mapping out the angular planetary lines on a map. In a way, it simplified viewing the strength of a planetary influence in a certain part of the world would be because the planet on the angle would create a greater energetic influence. In addition to the angular planets, the astrocartography map can also show where planetary crossings circumnavigate the world. These have a smaller impact on the energy felt in an area since they are more limited in their latitudinal range, but they are still important.
As someone who lives between three planetary lines and has traveled to many other parts of the world, I can confidently say these planetary lines do have a strong impact on the types of experiences you’re likely to encounter. Despite what the influencers of the IG or Tiktok world may say though, they are, however, not the only thing to consider, and it certainly is not something I’d recommend attempting to interpret on your own if you don’t have a solid understanding of astrology.
At its core, it comes back to the natal chart and the relocated chart. Your entire natal chart will shift (including the angles) when you go to a different location in the world. The planetary degrees and signs won’t change, but the houses may and you may see new aspects made to the angles. In my opinion, an astrocartography reading is incomplete without 1) understanding the natal chart and the aspects present there and 2) reading the relocated chart to see which houses are activated. Other influences include progressions and transits.
In general, planetary lines show how different cosmic energies might affect you in specific locations around the world. Each planet brings its own unique influence, but these should also be interpreted with consideration to the aspects these planets make in your natal chart too. Below is a generalization, but I’ll be posting more in the coming weeks about how these specific energies have shown up for me in my travels to better showcase the influences.
PLANETARY LINES
Sun Line: Boosts confidence and helps you express your true self. Great for personal development, though you might become too focused on how others see you.
Moon Line: Increases emotional awareness and intuition. Depending on your birth chart, these places can feel either comforting or emotionally overwhelming.
Mercury Line: Enhances communication skills and intellectual activities. Perfect locations for writing, studying, or networking.
Venus Line: Attracts love, beauty, and artistic inspiration. These places feel harmonious but might make you less motivated to work hard.
Mars Line: Gives you energy, drive, and passion, though it might also make you more irritable or confrontational.
Jupiter Line: Opens doors to opportunities, growth, and adventure, but watch for tendencies toward excess.
Saturn Line: Builds discipline and structure, though these places might feel challenging or restrictive.
Uranus Line: Sparks innovation and unexpected changes. Good locations for breaking routines and embracing new ideas.
Neptune Line: Deepens creativity and spiritual connection, though it may cloud your judgment.
Pluto Line: Triggers profound transformation through intense experiences.
Chiron Line: Helps heal old wounds and supports personal growth.
Moon's Node Line: Connects you with your soul's purpose and karmic lessons.
ANGLES
Ascendant (AC): Shapes how others perceive you in this location.
Descendant (DC): Influences your relationships and partnerships.
Midheaven (MC): Affects your career path and public recognition.
Imum Coeli (IC): Connects with your sense of home, family roots, and emotional foundation.
