a brief introduction
What is astrocartography?
When you were born, every planet occupied a specific position in the sky. Astrocartography — developed by Jim Lewis in 1978 — takes those positions and maps them onto the Earth.
The result is a world map covered in colored lines. Each line shows where a specific planet's energy is strongest for you.
how it works
At your birth moment, each planet was either rising, setting, at its highest point, or at its lowest point somewhere on Earth. Astrocartography calculates those exact locations and draws lines through them.
These lines curve across the globe. When you live near one, travel to one, or even work remotely with people on one — that planet's energy activates in the corresponding area of your life.
the four angles
MC — Midheaven
Your career and public life. Where the planet was at its highest point in the sky. How the world sees you professionally.
IC — Imum Coeli
Your home and inner world. The lowest point. Where you put down roots, build family, and find emotional peace.
AC — Ascendant
Your identity and presence. The rising point. How you show up, your energy, your first impression.
DC — Descendant
Your relationships. The setting point. Who you attract — partners, friends, collaborators.
the orb
You don't have to live directly on a line to feel it. Astrocartography works within an orb of about 300-400 miles. The closer you are, the stronger the energy. Crossing points — where two lines intersect — are especially powerful.
about this site
Most astrocartography resources bury the meaning in jargon or give you vague, unhelpful descriptions. We built this guide to be different.
Every planetary line is explained in plain English with real-life examples of what you'd actually experience. No astrology degree required.
Astrocartography is a lens for understanding your relationship with place. Use it alongside your own intuition and practical judgment. The stars suggest — they don't command.