Astrocartography is a unique form of astrology that offers insights into the best places to travel by mapping an individual’s birth chart onto a world map. This practice involves analyzing where the planets were positioned at the exact time and place of a person’s birth, and then determining how these planetary energies might influence different locations around the world. The concept is based on the idea that as individuals move from one place to another, the energies of their birth chart interact with the environments they encounter.
“Astrocartography is taking your birth chart and overlaying it on a map of the world to see which cities activate and bring out certain energies in your birth chart,” explains Lauren Ash, an astrologer and editor at Astrology.com. “Your birth chart represents the static moment you were born in the city you were born in, and if you never leave the place you’re born, it’ll operate very holistically. However, as we move, travel, go to college, or move for a job, we take the energy of our birth chart with us, and it interacts with these different cities in various ways.”
In simpler terms, astrocartography acts like a map that highlights where the energies of your planets are strongest. This can help you identify places that feel like home or energize you in specific ways. While your birth chart tells you about your personality, life path, and potential future, astrocartography helps you understand how different parts of the world could influence you based on your unique astrological setup. It is also sometimes referred to as locational astrology.
To begin exploring astrocartography, you need to know your exact birth time and place. This information allows astrologers to map out where the planets were at the moment of your birth and how those energies might manifest in different locations around the world. “While birth chart readings may help clients better understand their personality, astrocartography helps shed light on how you’ll feel activated in different areas of the world,” says Samantha Tatiana Costantino, a resident astrologer for Moxy Lower East Side.
Two key influences in astrocartography are the Moon and Venus. The Moon, one of the “big three” in astrology along with the Sun and Ascendant (or rising sign), is connected to your emotional world, intuition, and sense of security. In astrocartography, your Moon line can reveal places where you may feel especially emotionally grounded or at home. Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and relationships, points to locations where you might attract romance, enjoy social harmony, or build deep personal connections.
“You may feel very at home in the locations your Moon line runs through, or you may foster deep relationships in the locations your Venus line runs through,” says Costantino.
Melisine Alegre, a photographer and astrocartographer, describes the concept as looking down from the sky at how the planets are angled. The lines on the map represent where these planetary energies are strongest. “So basically, the idea is as if you were up in the sky and you were looking down at how the planets were angled and the line to the earth — that’s what that map is showing you,” she explains.
Another important aspect of astrocartography is the “relocated chart” or “relocation chart.” When you visit or move to a new place, your birth chart changes depending on your location. “A really important part of location astrology is also looking at your relocated chart,” says Alegre. This means that when you move to a new place, your chart’s energies might shift in new ways that can either support or challenge you.
Astrocartography isn’t just for big life decisions like moving or starting a new job — it can also be fun to use when planning vacations or adventures. “One of the really popular ways that people use astrocartography is to forecast where it might be a good place to go for certain activities,” says Ash. “So the hot trend right now is vacations and travel, but you can do this if you’re moving to another country, you can do this if you’re planning a honeymoon, or you can do this if you’re planning a city to go to college away from home. There are so many options for astrocartography, which is what makes it so fun.”
While it’s possible to explore astrocartography on your own, having an astrologer guide you can be helpful in fully understanding the complexities. Ash notes there are key factors astrologers focus on, including four main points in your chart: the Ascendant (how you present yourself to the world), the Descendant (your relationships with others), the IC (your home and comfort zone), and the Midheaven (your career and public life). These four points mark the main axes of a birth chart and represent the life areas where planetary influences tend to show up most strongly.
Jupiter, the planet of luck and expansion, is especially significant in astrocartography. “A Jupiter line on the relocated midheaven is going to bring new opportunities, expansion, knowledge, and are big places for you to put yourself out there,” says Ash. “That would be really good for someone who’s looking to move for work or go to a university outside of their hometown. There are a lot of opportunities to embrace a new worldview and see things in a different way.”
Jupiter is also known for being a planet of learning and growth, which can be especially helpful if you’re traveling or looking to expand your worldview. “Jupiter is a super expansive, abundant, benevolent energy with a deep desire to grow and learn,” says Costantino. “It’s also known to be a planet of luck. Looking to see where Jupiter is in your chart can indicate how you learn and express yourself, but it can also help to understand yourself as a traveler.”
In the end, astrocartography is a fun and unique way to plan your travels and explore how different places in the world might influence your experiences. Whether you’re heading on vacation or considering a big move, astrocartography can help guide your path, making it easier to choose locations that align with your energy and goals. So, the next time you’re planning a trip, let the stars guide you to exciting new destinations.
