Astrocartography
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 coined because of copyright issues, it is a protected trademark. In this article the term Astrocartography is used.
Numerous lines are marked on an Astrocartography world map.
For each of the 10 planets there are four possible ways a planet can be in aspect to an axis (planetary connection 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 usual rules of interpretation apply to the four axes and the ten planets.
Astrocartography has significance both for personal astrology as well as mundane astrology.
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 descendent 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 it is possible to 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 also be helpful to erect an Astrocartography chart for the times of significant events to investigate how they might affect different regions in the world.
Note: The term Astro*Carto*Graphy is a protected trademark, while the term Astrocartography is not. Both mean the same thing.
