Astrocartography 101: Planets, Angles, and Lines (Oh My)
The most essential component of astrocartography is interpreting the astromap. Read on to discover how to read yours and finally understand which places in the world unlock your fullest potential!
What even is astrocartography?
Astrocartography was popularized in the 1970s by astrologer Jim Lewis. The concept combined traditional astrological concepts with geographical mapping, allowing individuals to explore how planets in their natal chart shifted as they were “reborn” in various locations throughout the world.
The most potent visual manifestation of this process is an astrocartography map, or “astromap”, like the one pictured below. With the modern popularity of nomadic and transient lifestyles, astromaps have become a popular tool for those looking to travel in alignment and intentionality.
each line on an astromap represents a natal planet intersecting with a cardinal angle (typically corresponding with the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses)
Planets, angles, and lines (oh my)
Generally speaking, astrocartography lines “activate” the planet’s archetypal energy in that area. In other words, one’s internal and external experiences take on the theme of the planets within radius.
The angle that the planet coincides with represents the domain of life that it takes place in. Keywords for each planet and angle can be found below:
Cardinal Angles:
Ascendant (AS/AC): expression, personality, appearance, development
Lower Midheaven (IC): home, family, foundations, private life
Descendant (DC/DS): relationships, partners, collaborators, lovers
Midheaven (MC): career, reputation, authority, roles, persona
Planets:
Sun Line: vitality, self-expression, identity, confidence, purpose
Moon Line: emotions, intuition, habits, family, comfort
Mercury Line: communication, intellect, adaptability, education, networking
Venus Line: magnetism, receptivity, beauty, relations, creativity
Mars Line: motivation, ambition, assertiveness, competition, conflict
Jupiter Line: expansion, growth, luck, optimism, travel opportunities
Saturn Line: structure, restriction, responsibility, hard work, success
Uranus Line: innovation, rebellion, unpredictability, excitement, unconventionality
Neptune Line: imagination, compassion, spirituality, escapism, confusion
Pluto Line: transformation, power, intensity, depth, starting over
So for example, someone living on their Saturn Ascendant line might recognize themselves as more stoic, strict, or hard working. The energy can be very ambitious, but often bogged down by the many limitations and detours encountered on the road to success.
Generating your astromap (for free)
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 my clients
Your astromap will display your personal astrocartography lines and general interpretations. You can also apply basic meanings using the keyword guide above. If consulted properly, astrocartography can provide useful information in:
Relocation Decisions: Moving to a new city or country? Identify the locations that align with the lifestyle you’re looking for.
Travel Planning: Use astrocartography to time and select the destinati0ns that best align with your desired experiences
Personal Growth: Seek out the environments that foster your personal and spiritual goals for the current chapter of your life
Relationship Insights: Compare your astrocartography map with that of a partner to understand potential relationship dynamics.
Onward, cosmic sailor!
Remember, while free websites and general keywords are a great place to start exploring your own astrocartography, professional readings will always provide the most accurate information. This is because each astrocartography line is actually unique based on the placement, aspects, and essential dignity of each planet in your birth chart!
For example, on the surface, a Venus Desendant astrocartography line may seem like a great place to find love or marriage. However, it could actually come in the forms of stalking, obsession, or abuse in a chart where Venus is in the 12th house conjunct Pluto and squaring Mars!
So I recommend using free websites and online resources like this blog simply as a starting point as opposed to something you make major decisions with.
Well, what are you waiting for? Go explore!
Lauren Victoria, LPC
is a licensed mental health professional specializing in depth psychology, astrology, and tarot. Follow her on Instagram at @mutedearthwellness