The weekly or monthly horoscopes that arrive with our favourite magazines and newspapers, offer a general guide for each zodiac sign.
It makes us aware of certain changes and transitions we might experience over a designated time period, based on the alignment of stars and the planets currently moving through our own zodiac constellation.
What these horoscopes don’t consider, however, are the specifics: our time, date and location of birth. These three factors are incredibly important for a detailed and accurate reading of your horoscope, at any given point in time.
Therefore, the time, date and location of birth is vital for the creation of a precise birth-chart, as the stars and planets affect each moment in time and each day, in each geographical position differently.
Birth charts serve to offer deep insight into our true, natural selves: who we are, what moves us, our purpose in life. And the place we were born obviously plays a huge role in shaping who we are. Everything from the climate, culture and skies influence our personalities.
Just think of the Leo: represented by a lion, people born in Leo are typically proud, warm and affectionate but cautiously giving.
Lions are native to hot climates, so Leos born in southern countries with high temperatures are prone to feel more at home, better in their own skin, whereas Leos born in colder climates, may exhibit more of the negative traits associated to their zodiac.
This is only part of what constitutes locational astrology – it is a complex and fascinating system that offers a whole new perspective on the way our position in the world and that of the planets, affect our journey in life.
What is Locational Astrology?
Locational astrology – also known as mundane astrology, taken from the Latin mundus (world) – focuses on a specific geographical location, for example, your birthplace, and its own birth chart.
A city’s date of birth is defined by the date of its legal incorporation. While neither the date nor, more importantly, the time, can always be determined to the highest accuracy, default charts can offer surprising insight into an environments’ culture and characteristics.
Locational astrology is believed to have developed in Mesopotamian culture in as early as the first century, but it was American astrologer, writer and lecturer, Jim Lewis, who popularized the concept.
Using new technologies and modern software, he expanded the field of locational astrology and introduced Astro*Carto*Graphy® as a way to identify life conditions in different places and countries.
Using the three vital elements of the birth chart – DOB, time and location – astrocartography identifies angular planets (rising, setting, on the zenith or nadir) in relation to four angles (Ascendant, Descendant, MC or IC) and their geographical locations.
As Lewis explained in his book, Astrocartography: The Book of Maps, “astrocartography enables a person to determine which parts of the natal chart potential will be accented, highlighted, or brought into consciousness in a new location.”
Different Systems of Locational Astrology
Through locational astrology and astrocartography, we can thus learn how to elevate our strengths and live out our truest nature by visiting certain places at specific times, launching new businesses or life paths in foreign countries, or even relocating altogether.
Astrologers have been called upon by kings and warlords for centuries to determine the best time to attack or negotiate, based on the celestial divine. And the tradition continues today, with some of the highest-ranking political figures basing their decisions on the stars.
Using Lewis’ astrocartography system, you can determine exactly where which areas of your life may excel, while others may fall into perfect (in)balance.
Consider the example of the Leo, once more. While Leos native to/living in warm countries may feel at their physical or spiritual best, they may not be following their greatest ambitions due to an innate laziness the heat tends to accentuate.
Hence, Leos who are looking to make serious career moves may benefit from relocating to a place with seasonal transitions – i.e. hot summers and cold winters – as opposed to remaining in a perpetually hot environment.
You could, perhaps, refute this theory by referring to the location in question’s own birth date and weigh your professional life up against all the other deciding factors in life – health, happiness, romance, etc.
Surely, if your love-life, health and creativity is supposed to be better in Location A, while your career would do better in Location B, it might be worth re-evaluating your priorities, right? And that’s what relocation astrology is all about.
It doesn’t just serve as a tool to pinpoint the best geographical positions for your own position in life; it also encourages you to grapple with new perspectives you hadn’t considered previously. And that in itself can be a helpful exercise in learning to trust the ways of the universe.
Another Life-Hack Brought to You by the Stars
Most of us have been turning to different schools of astrology for as long as we can remember.
From reading our horoscopes in the leisure pages of our parents’ newspaper as children, to developing an interest in astrological tarot cards as teenagers, to naming our kids based on their natal chart.
We all turn to different systems of astrology based on our own needs and interests and, often, respective stages in our lives. And while our knowledge continues to deepen and expand, it becomes increasingly obvious just how much we have to learn from the planetary energies.
(Re)locational astrology is the perfect system to turn to during times of transition – both personal and planetary – as well as stagnant cycles. Using astrocartographical charts, the planets can guide you towards the places best suited for you at any stage in your life.
It is a way to sharpen the focus on your goals by finding the right environment to complement your endeavours by charging you with the energy needed to thrive. Sometimes your charts may suggest minimal and temporary moves for a quick recharge.
Other times, your charts may direct you towards a big move. Wherever your charts may point you, you can always trust in the universe and your instincts to make the right decision.