If you’re half as interested in astrology as the RUSSH team, you’re likely well acquainted with your birth chart. But have you ever given thought to how this interacts with locational astrology?

Astrocartography, as it’s officially known, is the branch of astrology that examines how the specifics of your birth chart interact with different locations around the world. While not a new idea, it has been gaining some serious traction on social media in recent months, thanks to its apparent ability to unlock your best-ever life, simply by adjusting where you are in the world. Keen to learn more? RUSSH spoke to author and astrologer Clarisse Monahan for all the details – including why astrocartography could be the key to unlocking your future. Read our chat, below.

What is astrocartography?

Simply put, astrocartography is the theory that your birth chart has powerful implications for how you move through the world. As you’re likely already aware, your birth chart is a snapshot of how each planet aligned in the sky at the moment of your birth. Astrocartography overlays the positions of these planets onto a map of the world and, where each planet lands indicates how specific locations are connected to different aspects of your life. For example, Venus is the planet most associated with love and relationships. If your Venus line intersects with New York, you might find traveling or living there results in a more prosperous love life. 

How can someone read and interpret their astrocartography map – especially the main planetary lines like Sun, Moon, Venus, and Mars?

"First, each of the lines mentioned represents a different kind of energy: the Sun often relates to vitality and health, the Moon to emotional connections, Venus to love and creativity, and Mars to drive and action," Monaghan explains.

The meaning of each planet in your chart is as follows:

• Sun line: this is thought of as your "core" personality. Being near the city or country your sun line intersects with can positively impact your confidence and overall happiness.
• Moon line: this dictates your emotional wellbeing. You might feel more at ease, and emotionally regulated, by staying close to the city or country your moon line intersects with.
• Venus line: this is associated with your romantic and platonic relationships. Moving towards your Venus line can better your love life and improve your friendships.
• Mars line: this is thought to affect your energy and motivation, making you feel more active and assertive.
• Jupiter line: this is telling of your luck. Moving towards your Jupiter placement could open up opportunities, or better place you for personal growth.
• Saturn line: this is associated with structure and discipline. You might feel more responsibility near the city or country  that intersects with your Saturn line.

"Once you understand what these lines mean, check out your unique Star Map (which shows where these planetary energies are strongest for you on Earth). To find your Star Map, you can go to various websites, which will generate one, based on your birth time, birthdate, and birthplace," Monaghan says.

If this sounds a little complicated, don't fret. Monaghan has actually developed an app, which you can download here.

"It provides very clear ways to look at your various planetary lines and the auspicious locations on them," she explains. "It also offers features filtered by what you’re looking for, too: locations for family, work, romance, travel, even pets. I think it’s the most self-explanatory astrocartography experience out there."

What are some of the most common misconceptions or myths about astrocartography?

One big myth is that lovely Venus and lucky Jupiter lines are always the most important or best. While they can be powerful, not everyone resonates with those energies. For instance, someone with a more Saturnian chart (like an Aquarius or Capricorn emphasis, or lots of earth placements) might not vibe with Jupiter’s easygoing expansiveness. For them, Saturn lines may actually feel more grounding and aligned. It really depends on the person and also what they are seeking at that time in life. Each line has a range of possibilities.

What do people most often get wrong when they first try to read their astrocartography map?

People often look at a line in isolation, without considering how it interacts with their natal chart. Everyone has a Venus line—but not everyone’s Venus energy is equal. For example, someone with Venus in Libra trined by Jupiter might thrive on their Venus line, while someone with Venus conjunct Pluto may have a very different, more intense experience. Holistic readings of the natal chart will lead to holistic life on your line.

Can astrocartography be used without moving—for example, by traveling to or activating a line remotely?

Yes! This is called “remote activation.” You can bring in the energy of a line without relocating by working with the culture, people, or even dating apps from that region. Travel is another way, of course. I actually dedicate a whole chapter in my book to these techniques.

What advice would you give someone trying to decide where to live or travel using their astrocartography chart?

Remember: there’s no such thing as a “bad” line. The most important thing is to gather your own empirical evidence—get to know your chart, keep track of your experiences, and ideally book a reading with an astrologer to help guide you. I often suggest picking three cities or places you feel drawn to and exploring how they resonate with your lines.

It’s also important to consciously lean into the energy of the line you’re on. For example, if you’re traveling to your Jupiter line—which is all about abundance, expansiveness, and good fortune—you’ll get the most from it by living it up: go for the best experiences, treat yourself, and think big. On the other hand, if you’re on a Saturn line (which carries a more austere and disciplined energy), that’s where frugality and structure can actually work in your favour. Lean into Saturnian activities—exploring history, embracing discipline, or even enjoying things like vintage shopping (Saturn is associated with old things, the past, the deep passing of time).

How important is an accurate birth time in astrocartography, and what can someone do if they don’t know theirs?

Accurate birth time is crucial. Within about 10 minutes is usually okay, but anything more than that can throw off the map significantly. The closer you can get to the exact time—ideally within a few minutes—the more reliable your astrocartography will be. However, if you don’t know your exact birth time, there’s another method called Geodetic Mapping. Unlike astrocartography, it only requires your birth date. While it’s not quite as powerful, it can still reveal locations you naturally resonate with. In my sessions I always look at both systems for people and find places where they are intersecting.

How is astrocartography evolving  today?

Astrocartography is very fresh. It's just dawning in the collective consciousness rather than evolving from a prior state of understanding to something new. That said, I've developed a new app called MAPHRODITE (map+Aphrodite). If you look at other astrocartography maps on other sites they are quite cumbersome and not so user friendly.  MAPHRODITE is cute, fun, contemporary, and informative. I made it in tandem with my book, which is out now.

Feature image: Pinterest.