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In 2020, I found myself at a retreat in Hawaii, surrounded by fellow writers and palm trees. I never considered myself an “island type,” but this was the first time in my life that I ever felt truly relaxed. Of course, Hawaii has great natural beauty. But I’ve seen many beautiful places. By the end of the week, I felt something profound shifting within me. Hawaii transformed my life. I’ve never been the same.

It turns out that the energy of Hawaii aligned beautifully with my natal chart (a natal chart, aka a birth chart, is a unique map of the celestial bodies’ positions at the time of your birth). This is known as astrocartography or relocation astrology.

What is Astrocartography?

Astrocartography, also referred to as relocation astrology, shows the type of energy you may experience in different parts of the world based on your natal chart. 

Although it’s alleged that this practice has been around for some time, it gained popularity with American astrologer Jim Lewis, who wrote a book called . Astrologer states,” Astrocartography is a tool that can transcend your journey or move with specific energy.”

An astrocartographer uses your birth chart to create a map of the globe with lines crisscrossing countries. Each line has a planetary symbol assigned, such as the Sun for vitality and self-expression or the Moon for emotions and intuition, symbolizing different facets of your life and personality. These lines can indicate if the location is favorable or not.

Many people use astrocartography to plan moves or brainstorm vacations and travel. Depending on the planetary line, you can shift your energy, start over, find new love, or experience emotional transformation. For example, Hawaii falls on my “Moon line,” which indicates an emotional connection and the possibility of deep change. In other words, it was the perfect place to be if I needed to shift my gears!

How to Get Started

1. It’s wise to have a goal in mind before you begin. For example, are you looking to move to a place that might enhance your career? Or are you planning a romantic vacation? This way, you can focus on the line that will help you manifest your desires.
2. Next, you need an astrocartography map. You can use a free site such as or . Some software programs, such as Time Passages, offer astrocartography features (look under Display and click on AstroMaps). 
3. Gather the birth information you’ll need: birth date, birth city, and birth time (you may need your birth certificate if you can’t ask your parents).
4. Input your details and cast your map.

Once you have your relocation chart, it’s time to interpret it! At first, it may look confusing. All those lines!  But rest assured, it’s not as complicated as you think! 

How to Read an Astrocartography Map

1. First, simply focus at the very top of the map. Across the top row, notice that there are planetary symbols, including Venus, Saturn, Pluto, Mars, Uranus, Neptune, Mercury, and Jupiter—as well as the Sun and the Moon. 
2. In the second row, beneath the planet symbols, you’ll see letters; these represent the four “cardinal points,” which are like a compass for your life. They include The Ascendant, The IC (Imuni Coeli), The Descendant, and The MC (Midheaven). 
3. Choose a planet line and follow the trail through the map. As you do this, pay attention to which countries and cities it crosses. These places were influenced by the planets at the time of your birth
4. Now, think about your goals. Are you looking for a place to call home? A place to travel for adventures? Read the brief descriptions of each of the planet lines below to see which one aligns with your goals.
5. Now, find and follow the planet line through the map. As you do this, pay attention to which countries and cities it crosses. 

The Planet Lines

• Sun: If your Sun line runs through a location, you’ll feel “at home.” This is a place where you can be yourself or your best version. The Sun line also brings vitality, success, confidence, and overall good vibes.
• Moon: Moon lines indicate a place that touches you on a deep, emotional level. If you travel, move, or live on a Moon line, you’ll experience a profound connection. It’s an excellent place to start a family. The Moon is also changeable, so locations on Moon lines can create the perfect conditions for making life changes.
• Mercury: Mercury lines are connected to mental stimulation. Go here to meet new people, take classes, write a novel, or learn to speak a language. You’ll be more curious and inclined to see all the things in Mercury line locations.
• Venus: If you’re looking for love, visit your Venus line. It’s the perfect place to meet your true love! The Venus line can also bring abundance, comfort, success, and money. You’ll also appear more attractive in these locations.
• Mars: Looking for excitement and adventure? Find out where Mars lines cross the globe! Places on your Mars line are full of activity, so expect plenty of action. It’s a fabulous line for ambitious pursuits or when you wish to develop leadership skills. However, the energy can be aggressive and angry. You’ll need to be careful that you don’t lose your cool or do something impulsive.
• Jupiter: Jupiter is the planet associated with luck and expansion, so it only makes sense that your Jupiter line locations will be where to go if you want to attract more of the good stuff. Find Jupiter, and you’ll know where you can steer your fortune in your favor!
• Saturn: Saturn is a hard taskmaster, so generally, it’s not considered one of the better places to visit or live. Serious Saturn wants you to be responsible, so there may be lessons in these locations. It can be helpful if you need to grow up. Nothing will mature you faster than hanging out in a Saturnian location.
• Uranus: Uranus line locations bring exciting changes and surprises. If you want to walk on the wild side, this is where to go. It’s unpredictable, so you’ll need to be ready for sudden shifts or unexpected events, both good or not.
• Neptune: Neptune governs spirituality and creativity, so travel to Neptune places if you want to connect to the divine or your imagination. It also has escapist tendencies, the ideal location for the trip of your dreams! Neptune is not practical, though, which means something about it might feel like a mirage.
• Pluto: Pluto lines bring transformation. If you feel stuck in a rut, follow your Pluto line and find a location. Like Saturn, it’s not easy, but the end result is a new you. Pluto can be volatile, so you’ll want to protect your energy if you live on this line!

For example, let’s say you choose the Venus line because you want to plan a romantic trip. As you trace the Venus line, you notice it goes through Barcelona. You can choose that location or anywhere within a 600-mile orb. Keep in mind, if you are looking for a place to live, picking a spot directly on the line could be challenging! You’ll get all the good and bad energies of that planet. According to Jim Lewis, if you’re west of the line, the energy will be more potent in a positive way.

You may also want to consider focusing on planets that are well-aspected in your natal chart. For example, my natal Moon is at a harmonious angle with my natal Mars. In contrast, my Sun is locked in a harsh aspect with Saturn. Therefore, it would be wiser for me to choose destinations centered on my Moon line rather than my Sun line (see why Hawaii worked out so well for me?).

The Cardinal Points

Also, pay attention to the letters next to the planetary symbols, the cardinal points, or the four angles of the chart. (Learn more about the angular houses of the Zodiac.)

• AC (Ascendant) - the Ascendant is the image you present to the world.
• IC (Imum Coeli) - this is your root, home, and family.
• DC (Descendant) - the Descendant is connected to your relationships.
• MC (Midheaven) - the Midheaven is your career and status.

The combination of your planetary line plus the cardinal point adds additional information. For example, my Moon line is connected to my IC, which explains why I felt so serene in Hawaii (of course, the chill island groove didn’t hurt!).

The Paran Lines

Finally, consider the paran lines. These are the horizontal lines crossing the map parallel to each other. These paran lines have a beginning point where two AC (Ascendant), IC (Imum Coeli), MC (Midheaven), or DC (Descendant) lines intersect. According to Lisa Stardust, “They are the energies of the planets in the angular houses that are concentrated in the region.” In other words, they are intense! With that intensity may come challenges, so you may want to keep some distance from the origin point if you want ease. 

For example, Hawaii isn’t close to any paran lines. In contrast, Alaska, which also falls on my Moon line, is on my Pluto paran line. This combo promises emotional volatility and transformation. No thanks! I’ll take island life!

AC - Planets on the Ascendant bring new flavors to your personality. For example, if the Moon is on your AC, you might feel more emotional in that location. It might bring out your sensitivity.

IC - Planets on the IC impact your home or family. For example, if the Sun is on your IC line, your home life would be warm and inviting, a place where you can be yourself.

MC - Planets on the MC affect your career and public image. If Venus is on your MC, you’ll look cute, attract good things, and be a shining star in your industry.

DC - Planets on the DC will have something to say about your relationships. In fact, if Venus lands on your DC, this is where to go to find love.

What if the location you want to visit or live in doesn’t have any planetary lines running through it? For example, I live in Wisconsin, and my astrocartography chart is line-free in that area. Lisa Stardust cautions, “Don’t let the stars hold you back from living your life. Sometimes, you have to explore for your own sake and knowledge.” 

Astrocartography is meant to provide insight into influences in your life and spark reflection. As Lisa says, “It’s your life, and you want to be happy and have fun.”