Locational astrology

Astrocartography, also known as locational astrology, is a branch of astrology that examines how different geographic locations influence an individual’s life based on their birthdate, time, and place. The practice maps the positions of planets at the time of a person’s birth onto a world map, indicating locations where planetary influences are believed to be strongest. Astrocartography is most commonly used to evaluate favorable places for residence, travel, career development, relationships, and personal growth.

The system was popularized in its modern form by American astrologer Jim Lewis (1941–1995), who trademarked the term AstroCartoGraphy and developed standardized maps showing planetary lines across the globe.

## Historical background

The idea that places on Earth correspond to celestial influences predates modern astrology. Early forms of geographic astrology appeared in Hellenistic, medieval, and Renaissance traditions, where cities and regions were associated with zodiac signs and planetary rulerships. These ideas evolved into more technical systems such as geodetic astrology, which assigns zodiac degrees to longitudes on Earth.

In the late 20th century, astrocartography emerged as a distinct and popularized method within Western astrology. As noted by historian of astrology Shawn Carlson:

“Even in the 20th century, astrologers have remained strong in number and powerful in influence, and their art has developed into many diverse forms: Natal astrology, Horary astrology, Sabian astrology, Psychological astrology, Medical astrology, Astro-cartography, [...] ‘Astro-cartographers’ frequently counsel clients to move to other parts of their country, and even to emigrate to where the astrological influences will supposedly be more favorable.”¹

Jim Lewis systematized earlier concepts by combining planetary angularity (Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven, and Imum Coeli) with geographic mapping. His work built upon prior astrological cartographic experiments, including astrolocality maps developed in the 1980s.²

## Method and technique

Astrocartography is calculated using an individual’s date, time, and place of birth. From this data, astrologers determine where each planet was angular at the moment of birth. These positions are then projected onto a world map as longitudinal lines.

Each planetary line represents a location where that planet is believed to exert a stronger influence on the individual’s life. For example:

Sun lines are associated with visibility, vitality, and self-expression

Moon lines relate to emotions, family, and inner life

Venus lines are linked to relationships, harmony, and aesthetics

Mars lines are connected to action, competition, and conflict

Jupiter lines are associated with expansion, opportunity, and success

Saturn lines are linked to responsibility, discipline, and limitation

According to contemporary descriptions of the method:

“The process involves creating a personalized astrocartography map. This map visually represents where planetary energies align most favorably for you, indicating where you may find success, love, and contentment.”³

Astrologers may also analyze the distance from a planetary line, intersections between multiple lines, and the interaction between locational influences and the individual’s natal chart.

## Applications

Astrocartography is commonly used for:

Choosing places to live or relocate

Evaluating destinations for travel or extended stays

Identifying favorable regions for career or business development

Understanding emotional or relational experiences tied to location

Some practitioners integrate astrocartography with other astrological techniques, such as relocation charts or local space astrology, to refine interpretations.

## Scientific reception and criticism

Astrocartography, like astrology in general, is regarded by the scientific community as a pseudoscience. Controlled studies have found no empirical evidence supporting astrological claims. Critics argue that perceived accuracy may result from confirmation bias, subjective validation, or psychological effects.

Despite this criticism, astrocartography remains influential within astrological practice and popular culture. It continues to be used by professional astrologers and clients seeking symbolic or personal insight rather than scientific prediction.

## Legacy and influence

Jim Lewis’s work significantly shaped modern locational astrology, and his techniques remain widely taught and practiced.
Astrocartography has also influenced related systems, including astrolocality mapping and modern relocation astrology, and is frequently referenced in contemporary astrological literature.

### Citations

Notes

- Carlson (1988), pp. 290–291: "Even in the 20th century, astrologers have remained strong in number and powerful in influence, and their art has developed into many diverse forms: Natal astrology, Horary astrology, Sabian astrology, Humanistic astrology, Medical astrology, Astro-cartography, [...] 'Astro-cartographers' frequently counsel clients to move to other parts of their country, and even to emigrate to where the astrological influences will supposedly be more favorable."
- Lewis, Jim; Guttman, Gail (1981). _The Astro*Carto*Graphy Book of Maps: The Astrology of Relocation_ (1st ed.).

- Mercury, Alisa. _Locational Astrology_. Astro-Cartography.com, 2023: "The process involves creating a personalized astrocartography map. This map visually represents where planetary energies align most favorably for you, indicating where you may find success, love, and contentment."

### Works cited

Andersen, Hans J. (1974). _Astro-Geographie und Geschichte_ (in German). Aalen, Germany: Ebertin.

Andersen, Hans J. (1987). _Astro-Geographie-Atlas_ (in German). Bochum, Germany: Verlag für Vorzeit- u. Zukunftsforschung.
Baigent, Michael; Campion, Nicholas; Harvey, Charles (1984). _Mundane Astrology_. Wellingborough, England: Aquarian Press. .

Brau, J. L.; Weaver, H.; Edmands, A. (1980). _Larousse Encyclopedia of Astrology_. New York: McGraw-Hill. .
Brummund, Ruth (1979). _Orts-Meridiane, Orts-Aszendenten für wichtige Weltstädte_ (in German). Hamburg: Rudolph Verlag. .

Bruun, Ole (2011). _Fengshui in China: Geomantic Divination between State, Orthodoxy and Popular Religion_ (2nd ed.). NIAS Press. .
Campion, Nicholas (1988). _The Book of World Horoscopes_ (1st ed.). Aquarian Press. .

Carlson, Shawn (1988). “Astrology”. _Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences_. 44 (4): 290–297.
Cozzi, Steve (1997). _Planets In Locality: Exploring Local Space Astrology_. Llewellyn Publications. .

Davis, Martin (2007). _From Here to There: An Astrologer’s Guide to Astromapping_. Dorset, England: Wessex Astrologer. .
Johndro, Lorne Edward (1929). _The Earth in the Heavens_. Doherty.

Lewis, Jim; Irving, Kenneth (2012). _The Psychology of Astro_Carto_Graphy_ (Revised ed.). Words and Things. .
McRae, I. I. (1988). _The Geodetic World Map_. American Federation of Astrologers. .

Sepharial (1925). _The Theory of Geodetic Equivalents in Relation to Mundane Astrology_. Foulsham & Company.
Vetter, Richard et al. (2022). “Jim Lewis”. _Astro Wiki_. Astro Dienst.

## Further reading

Lewis, Jim; Guttman, Gail (1981). _The Astro_Carto_Graphy Book of Maps_. Llewellyn Publications. .

Lewis, Jim (2004). “And the future will be nothing less than the flowering of our inwardness”. In Mann, A. T. (ed.), _The Future of Astrology_. Paraview Press.
Schwickert, Gustav (1957). _Finsternisse und ihre Wirkungen_ (in German). Zenit-Verlag.