Recently, I learned about an astrology discipline that's speaking to my own indecisive, wanderlusty soul: astrocartography. Learning how to read astrocartography can help with future vacation planning, relocation, and more—and your astrocartography guide awaits.

What is astrocartography?

Astrocartography, also known as "relocation astrology" or the "astrology of place," is a discipline of astrology. Astrologers believe different places on Earth hold different planetary energies for each person, based on where and when they were born.

Clarisse Monahan, an astrologer and tarot reader, explains that astrocartography “uses the scientific aspects of geography and astronomy, showing you which places will have the most significant impact by looking at how the angles in your chart are performing in these new locations.” In other words, the intel can provide insight into the best and worst places for you to live and travel, energetically speaking.

So, if you, say, studied abroad in Melbourne, Australia, and felt a new rush of confidence there, it could be because that city lies on your sun line. ("Lines" are latitude lines that correspond with the major celestial bodies, and they're different for everyone depending on that person's natal astrology chart.) Or, conversely, if you recently moved to New York City and have felt overworked and weighed down ever since, it could be because the Big Apple's on a Saturn line for you.

While astrocartography may sound supremely woo-woo, astrologer Dara Dubinet contends that it's actually a super-practical life tool. "Any time we're thinking of relocating, traveling, holding a retreat, or having a wedding, it’s good to know what energies the destination holds for us," she says. It's also good to be aware of the vibes of the place where you're living in right now, since they may be affecting you in either a positive or negative way.

As with all forms of astrology, Monahan adds that astrocartography is simply another tool we can use to help us on our life-long journey of self-discovery.

The history of astrocartography

It’s shocking that more people aren’t talking about relocation astrology, given how mainstream astrology has become. (Same with chart ruler astrology, the north node in astrology, and your astrocartography past life.) But there's a good reason why it’s one of the astrology terms that’s remained under the radar for so long. "Before 1978, it was a very complicated process—it could take days of people measuring and mapping," says Dubinet. But in that year, an astrologer named Jim Lewis streamlined a method to chart out people's personal hot spots more quickly and easily, so more could use the intel, and he trademarked it "astrocartography."

Thanks to computers, we're now able to get our own astrocartography maps with the tap of a trackpad, either by going deep in a session with a pro astrologer or downloading your chart basics for free from astro.com. If you choose to go the DIY route, however, be warned—it's a lot to take in. The good news is this guide on how to read astrocartography will help you on your journey.