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What is astrocartography? -

Astrocartography, or locational astrology, is a system that was pioneered in the 1970s by professional astrologer Jim Lewis.

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How does it work? -

Astrocartography involves comparing your astrological birth chart—a blueprint of where the planets were located on the astrological wheel, at the time you were born—to a map of the globe.

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How does it work? -

Once you have your birth chart, you can begin to look at your astrocartography map. It's possible to get your birth chart calculated online for free in seconds, as many websites offer this service. Alternatively, consult an astrologer.

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The birth chart/natal chart -

To discover your birth chart, you need to know the exact time you were born. The location is also necessary to formulate the chart.

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The birth chart/natal chart -

The birth chart shows the position of the planets, as well as the houses, degrees, and the relationships between the planets and luminaries.

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The birth chart/natal chart -

It provides insight into your astrological wiring; the areas of life where you have favorable or challenging aspects, and the dominant energetic themes you are working with in this lifetime.

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Calculating the chart -

Many of the websites that offer birth chart calculations can provide a basic astrocartography map, too. Or else, find an astrologer specializing in astrocartography.

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Why do it? -

Perhaps you're planning your next big vacation or travel adventure, but you're not sure where to go. Or you'd like to relocate somewhere and you're curious about what astrology has to say about it.

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Why do it? -

Maybe you'd like to investigate where you've lived in the past, and why in some places life felt effortless, while in others you faced more difficulties.

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Where to go? -

Life might feel wonderful to you in a certain location, while for someone else the same aspect of life could be incredibly challenging.

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Where to go? -

In one place your career will be supported, while in another place your love life or health and fitness will experience ease. It depends on the interaction of your planets with the place.

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Reading the chart -

When you look at the astrocartography map, it shows lines running over countries and oceans. Some sites use different color lines to represent each planet, making it easier to identify the planetary line.

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Reading the chart -

Lines run vertically or curve across the map. Each is related to a planet and its position in the sky when you were born, and holds a different energy.

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Planetary lines -

Planetary lines emanate their own unique energy, fitting the archetype of that planet. It's what you'd experience when you're near that line geographically.

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Sun line -

Along your sun line, you're likely to feel a boost to your personal confidence. You could experience a brighter mood, feeling at ease and in sync with yourself.

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Mercury line -

The messenger planet, Mercury could encourage your communication and self expression. Travel and intellectual pursuits are supported here.

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Venus line -

One of the 'fun' lines, under Venus the themes of love, creativity, and money will dominate. Your personal magnetism is also heightened.

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Moon line -

The moon represents our emotional world. Being on/near your moon line might have you feeling more sensitive, allowing you to get in touch with your more vulnerable side.

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Mars line -

The ruler of action, sex, and energy, there is plenty of excitement and passion to be experienced on/near your Mars line. But there can also be increased competitiveness and combativeness.

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Jupiter line -

Considered the luckiest planet of the zodiac, under benevolent Jupiter's line you could expand your good fortune and sense of abundance. However, you also might need to watch your waistline—Jupiter's theme of "expansion" can play out in many different ways. You've been warned!

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Saturn line -

The disciplinarian planet, life on your Saturn line could see you facing challenges, enforcing boundaries, and accepting the responsibilities of adulthood. Life here could be a bit of a slog. However, it won't go unnoticed: Saturn bestows gifts on those who do the work.

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Uranus line -

Uranus is the revolutionary, associated with sudden changes, eccentricity, freedom, and electricity. Life certainly won't be dull or uninspiring on/near your Uranus line, but there could be constant upheaval.

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Neptune line -

Dreams, intuition, and spirituality will be heightened on Neptune's line, making it great for creatives. However, Neptune is also the planet of illusion and escapism, so you have to make sure your imagination doesn't run too wild here.

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Pluto line -

Pluto demands transformation and rebirth through addressing the deep-seated psychological issues in your life, making life on this line emotionally challenging.

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Rising or ascendant (AC) line -

Your rising sign represents the way you perceive reality and approach the world in front of you. If you travel to your Sun AC line, you might perceive yourself in a way that gives you more confidence and energy.

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Descendant (DC) line -

Your descendant line is associated with the house of partnership in your birth chart. For example, your Venus DC line could be a powerful place to find love.

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IC/Imum coeli -

The home, family, and security are represented by the IC line. Along the Moon IC line, you could be drawn towards deep meditation and introspection.

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MC/Medi-coeli (Midheaven) -

The midheaven in your chart has to do with your career and reputation; what your aspired, peak level of success looks like. On your Saturn MC, you might have to face challenges head-on, but find yourself reaping the rewards of hard work when you stay the course.

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Where to next? -

Remember, wherever you go, there you are. Astrocartography can be a fun tool to help you decide where to travel, but don't forget that you're still you when you get there! 

Sources: (Shape) (InStyle) (The Cut) (RUSSH)

See also: March 2024's main astrology transits and what they mean

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