Who Invented AstroCartoGraphy?
Astrocartography, also known as locational astrology, is a specialized branch of astrology that examines how planetary influences manifest in different geographical locations. While the concept of location-based astrological influences has ancient roots, the modern practice of astroCartoGraphy was developed in the 1970s by American astrologer Jim Lewis. Let’s explore from the history of locational astrology, all the way to development of astrocartography in the following diary entry together.
Ancient Foundations
The earliest astrologers, from Mesopotamian civilizations, linked celestial events to regions, weather, and politics. Greek astrologers like Marcus Manilius (fl. 1st century CE) hinted at zodiacal influences on lands, while Ptolemy (100 – 160/170 CE) created a structured system in Tetrabiblos, connecting planets and signs to nations, climates, and cities. This laid the groundwork for locational astrology as we know it today.
Medieval & Renaissance Survival
Astrology continued through Medieval and Renaissance Europe, often secretly. Kings and nobles relied on astrologers to choose prosperous lands, travel safely, and claim territories. Despite Church restrictions, the knowledge persisted, proving its value and endurance.
Early 20th Century Innovations
The 20th century revived locational astrology:
Sepharial introduced the Geodetic Equivalent, mapping celestial longitudes to Earth.
Edward Johndro expanded this system with precision in The Earth in the Heavens (1929).
The shift from complex calculations to visual maps made locational astrology more accessible. Eclipse path maps were an early example, showing the narrow bands on Earth where solar or lunar eclipses were visible. In mundane astrology, eclipses trigger events in these regions, demonstrating that celestial effects are not global but concentrated, paving the way for mapping planetary energies to specific locations.
Mid-20th Century Pioneers
Charles Jayne was a key figure in developing and popularizing techniques for shifting a birth chart to a different locality.
Donald Bradley (Garth Allen) popularized parans, a latinized version of the Greek word paranatellonta ("rising together") and showed real-world effects, like the 1961 Hammarskjöld plane crash.
Gary Duncan automated locational calculations with computers and introduced statistical rigor.
These pioneers bridged the gap between complex theory and practical application.
Jim Lewis, The Father of Modern AstroCartoGraphy
While earlier astrologers like Charles Jayne, Donald Bradley, and Gary Duncan laid the foundation for practical locational astrology, Jim Lewis is credited with inventing astrocartography in the 1970s. He took the ancient practice of mapping planetary influences and modernized it, creating a system that makes locational astrology accessible and practical for everyday use.
Development of the System
Lewis used a person’s birth time and location to project their natal chart onto a world map, showing how planetary energies interact with different geographic locations. By simplifying complex calculations and coining the term astroCartoGraphy, he turned centuries of astrological theory into a visual, user-friendly tool.
How It Works
Astrocartography map in a professional software called Solar Fire
The resulting map features planetary lines, marking where each planet was during time of birth:
Rising (Ascendant, ASC) – where the planet was on the eastern horizon at birth
Setting (Descendant, DC) – where the planet was on the western horizon at birth
Culminating (Midheaven, MC) – where the planet was at its highest point in the sky
Nadir (Imum Coeli, IC) – where the planet was at its lowest point beneath the horizon.
These lines indicate areas where that planet’s energy may be felt most strongly, potentially affecting experiences, relationships, career opportunities, or personal growth.Impact
Through his books, lectures, and software, Lewis made astrocartography widely available. His work transformed locational astrology from a niche, academic practice into a practical tool for travel, relocation, and life planning, allowing people to explore the influence of planetary energies across the globe with clarity and precision.
Remote Activation in Astrocartography
Remote activation is a concept introduced by Jim Lewis within astrocartography. It shows that planetary energies associated with a specific location can be “activated” even if you are not physically present there. By focusing your intention or connecting energetically with a location, the influence of that planet can be experienced remotely, making astrocartography not just a tool for travel or relocation, but also for spiritual work, planning, and personal growth from a distance. Learn more about remote activation in my podcast:
Until the next diary entry,
xx Ang
