Astrocartography

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How the light from the planet falls upon Earth

A method developed in the 1970s by the American astrologer Jim Lewis whereby it is possible to calculate whether a planet is located in a prominent position, i.e. in conjunction with an axis at any particular point in time, by referring to a special map of the world. The very specific and rather unusual term Astro*CartoGraphy was been coined because of copyright issues, it is a protected trademark. In this article the term Astrocartography is used.[1]

Numerous lines are marked on an Astrocartography world map.

For each of the ten planets there are four possible ways a planet can be in aspect to an axis – namely conjunct the Ascendant, Descendant, Medium Coeli or Imum Coeli. A total of 40 lines can be found on the Astrocartography map. The vertical straight lines show where planets are conjunct the Medium or Imum Coeli and the curved lines where they are conjunct the Ascendant and Descendant.

The diagram on the right shows, how the Ascendant/Descendant line comes about. The Earth globe is illuminated by the light coming from the planet, the same way it is illuminated by the Sun. A great circle around the Earth marks which half of the globe is in the shadow in relation to the planet's light, and which half is illuminated. This is the rising/setting line of the planet, also named Ascendant/Descendant line. The circle is more or less distorted into a wave form by the cartographic projection.

The MC/IC line runs directly under the planet and follows a meridian (longitude circle). The place where the planet is exactly overhead in the zenith is marked. This line is also a great circle around the Earth.

Rules of interpretation[2]

Astrocartography has significance both individually (for persons) as well as mundanely (for countries, etc.):

Personal astrology

An Astrocartocraphy map is calculated for an individual's time of birth. The map shows which planets are connected to the axes at this particular moment in time – independent of location. The locations of these lines indicate where certain planetary energies excert a particularly powerful influence (and around 1000 Km either side of this line, although the influence wanes with increasing distance). For example, if the map of a man born in Hamburg has a line through Cuba labelled VE/DC this means that in Cuba Venus was conjunct the descendant at the time of birth. This might indicate that he could have pleasant experiences in that country, enjoy friendly relationships with others, or possibly even fall in love.

In this way you can see where particular planetary influences will be expressed more powerfully. It may be that an individual finds it easier to deal with certain topics in locations other than the place of birth.

Not only are the lines considered to be important but also their points of intersection. Such a point indicates that two planets are conjunct an axis. The interpretations of such constellations also apply to all other places located at the same latitude, although usually less powerfully. One only needs to visualise a horizontal line going in both directions and find the places located close to it.

In any kind of interpretation the Astrocartography* map should always be considered secondary to the natal chart. This means that an individual is born at a particular time in a particular location and the natal chart will always remain valid. So it is first of all important to gain an understanding of each planetary principle. In addition, the planetary constellations at this time are the same for any location on the planet. This means, for example, that any difficult aspects someone may have to Venus in the natal chart will remain valid no matter where this person might go. Last but not least: Just as astrology cannot guarantee good fortune or happiness Astrocartography cannot guarantee – or indicate – that a person would be happier moving to a different location.

The Astrocartography map can help us to find out where we might expect to experience a certain planetary principle in an particularly powerful way. This can be of help when planning a holiday – there is no telling whether the energies concerned will be felt within a couple of weeks – although this might well be the case. If a person plans to move house it might be advisable to erect a chart for the new location to see how the planetary constellations are related to the chart as a whole. The Cyclocartography Map, which superimposes the current developments in an individual's chart onto a map of the world – in other words includes the current transits – should also be considered.

Mundane astrology:

Astrocartography can be a very useful tool in mundane astology. As with natal charts for individuals it is important to consider the location of lines and points of intersection on the map.

Astrocartography charts are usually erected for eclipses because an eclipse is considered to be an important trigger. Such maps can be referred to in order to draw conclusions regarding possible events. The Astrocartography charts of influential politicians can also help to understand their relationship to specific countries. It can make sense to erect an Astrocartography chart for the times of significant events to investigate how they might affect different regions in the world.

See also

Weblinks

The Horizon System and the Local Space Chart

Bibliography

  • Steve Cozzi: Planets In Locality: Exploring Local Space Astrology, Llewellyn Publications 1988, ISBN 10 0875420982 ISBN 13 9780875420981
  • Jim Lewis/ Kenneth Irving: The Psychology of Astro*Carto*Graphy, Penguin, London 1997
Demonstrates how geography impinges on the fundamental properties of each astrological planet and axis
  • Erin Sullivan: Where in the World? - Astro*Carto*Graphy and Relocation Charts CPA Press
Opens the door to understanding how the planets see us all over the world

Notes and References

  1. ↑ The term Astro*Carto*Graphy used to be a protected trademark, while the term Astrocartography is not. Both mean the same thing
  2. ↑ For the two axes and the ten planets
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