My two favourite hobbies are undoubtedly astrology and traveling. I’ve always had an insatiable wanderlust. Growing up, my parents never ventured abroad, so my own travel experiences didn’t begin until I turned 18. Since then, spanning 32 years, I’ve made up for lost time. As an adult, I’ve skilfully balanced studies, work, and my passion for exploring new horizons. Vacation time is sacred to me, and I’m fortunate to live in a country where we enjoy 5-6 weeks of annual leave.
My journey has taken me across continents: living, working, and studying in the US, New Zealand, and Germany. I’ve crisscrossed Europe, explored pockets of Asia, reveled in South Africa’s beauty, and soaked up the Caribbean sun. But beyond the tangible landscapes, my fascination with astrology has led me to wonder about the celestial forces that shape our travels.
In natal astrology, several houses and planets are particularly associated with travel and the desire to explore. But another part of astrology is that of astrocartography: a fascinating branch of astrology that overlays your birth chart onto a world map. Each planetary line corresponds to a specific energy. When you’re close to a line, you feel the influence of that planet more intensely. Whether you’re seeking a soul mate, career opportunities, or creative inspiration, your astrocartography map can guide you toward the right coordinates.
So, as you explore both the physical and celestial realms, remember that the stars have their own maps—one that intersects with our earthly adventures. Below, I will first briefly describe the natal and transiting planets and houses associated with travel. Afterwards, I will give an account on the ideas of astrocartography.
Natal Astrology and Traveling
Houses Associated with Travel
When it comes to our earthly adventures, astrology unveils a celestial roadmap—one that guides us through both short jaunts and grand odysseys. Let’s delve into the astrological houses that shape our wanderlust:
The Third House: Navigating the Neighbourhood
- Short-Distance Travel: The third house, akin to a local map, governs short trips, daily commutes, and neighbourhood exploration. It’s where we hop in the car for weekend getaways or stroll to the corner café.
- Planetary Influence: When planets align in the third house, they colour our local travel experiences. Mercury, the cosmic messenger, whispers directions, while the Moon adds spontaneity to our daily movement. Siblings and neighbours also make cameo appearances here.
The Ninth House: Beyond Borders and Horizons
- Long-Distance Travel: The ninth house unfurls the world map, beckoning us toward foreign lands, higher education, and philosophical quests. It’s the house of passports, study abroad programs, and pilgrimages.
- Planetary Influence: When planets grace the ninth house, they ignite our desire for adventure. The Sun, like a seasoned explorer, seeks distant shores. Jupiter, the cosmic scholar, craves knowledge from every corner of the globe. And Saturn, the sage, reminds us that wisdom lies beyond our own backyard.
Planets and their travel significance
It is not only houses, but also certain planets which are associated with traveling. These planets influence our way of traveling – depending on their positions in our natal chart.
Mercury: The Swift Messenger
- Movement and Communication: Mercury, the fleet-footed planet, governs communication, transportation, and short trips. Its cosmic GPS guides us through local neighbourhoods and daily commutes.
- Influence: A strong or harmoniously aspected Mercury bestows the gift of frequent travel. You become a seasoned explorer, adept at navigating diverse places and connecting with people from all walks of life.
Jupiter: Expanding Horizons
- Expansion and Exploration: Jupiter, the cosmic wanderer, embodies growth and long-distance travel. It rules the ninth house—the gateway to foreign lands, higher education, and philosophical quests.
- Influence: When Jupiter graces your chart, it ignites your love for adventure. You seek to expand not only your physical horizons but also your intellectual vistas. Think study abroad programs, cross-continental journeys, and a thirst for cultural immersion.
In my natal chart, I have mercury conjunct Jupiter, which means that they reinforce one another. They are placed in my first house, making it a prominent part of me. Thus, I naturally seek adventures and mercury enables a frequency in these trips and my ability to navigate many different places. By the way, I am an expert on navigating a map😊.
Moon: The Emotional Compass
- Emotional Comfort and Changes: The Moon, our celestial mood ring, reflects emotional needs and comfort zones. Its position reveals how travel affects your inner world.
- Influence: A prominent Moon tunes you in to environmental shifts. Whether it’s the nostalgia of returning to familiar places or the thrill of discovering new landscapes, your emotions ride the tides of travel.
The Jupiter/mercury conjunction in my chart is furthermore trine my natal moon, which enable me to feel ‘at home’ in many different places – and thus I have lived in four different countries.
Uranus: The Unconventional Trailblazer
- Sudden Changes and Unconventional Paths: Uranus dances to its own beat, inspiring spontaneity and innovation. It beckons you toward offbeat destinations and unexpected adventures.
- Influence: A strong Uranus influence leads to serendipitous travel opportunities. You’re drawn to unique experiences—perhaps a last-minute road trip or an impromptu flight to a far-flung corner of the world.
My natal moon and the Jupiter/mercury conjunction are furthermore trine my natal Uranus making a Grand Trine, which is a significant aspect to have in the natal chart. Thus, this Uranus placement enable travel opportunities in my life.
Neptune: Where Dreams Take Flight
It is said that Neptune have an influence on traveling. It is not prominent in my own chart, but it could explain why it become a reality for me?!:-)
- Dreams and Escapism: Neptune, the cosmic dream weaver, spins illusions and whispers of mystical realms. It fuels your desire to escape reality, seek spiritual connections, and explore enchanted destinations.
- Influence: Neptune’s siren call lures you to places steeped in mystery. Whether it’s a secluded island, a sacred pilgrimage site, or a starlit desert, you yearn for the numinous and the magical.
Aspects: Navigating Celestial Highways
- Harmonious Aspects (Trines and Sextiles): When travel-related planets (such as Mercury and Jupiter) form beneficial aspects, they pave the way for smooth and positive travel experiences. Imagine a well-maintained road—no potholes, just open horizons.
- Challenging Aspects (Squares and Oppositions): These cosmic roadblocks may signal obstacles or challenges related to travel. Think of them as detours or unexpected traffic—delays, discomfort, or unexpected twists on your journey.
Transits: Celestial Pit Stops
- Jupiter Transits: When Jupiter cruises through key houses or aligns with significant aspects, it’s like a cosmic green light. Opportunities for long-distance travel and expansion appear on the horizon. Pack your bags—it’s time to explore!
- Mercury Transits: Mercury, the celestial messenger, brings news of movement. Its transits usher in increased mobility, short trips, and shifts in daily routines. Picture a bustling train station—the comings and goings keep life dynamic.
By examining these houses, planets, aspects, and transits, you can gain insights into your travel preferences, potential experiences, and how different types of travel might influence your life. It demands a holistic understanding and analysis to capture the different elements influencing our lives regarding traveling. A different way of analysing our travel opportunities in astrology is by looking at how the exact place – to where we travel or are relocated – influence us. This is often referred to as “astrocartography” or “relocation astrology,”. Thus a branch of astrology that examines how different geographical locations influence a person’s astrological chart and experiences. Here are the key elements involved in travel astrology:
Astrocartography
- Astrocartography Map: This is a specialized map that displays planetary lines overlaid on a world map. Each line represents the path where a particular planet is at an angle (Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven, or Imum Coeli) at the time of a person’s birth.
- Planetary Lines: These lines include the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Each line signifies the influence of that planet in different regions.
- Angles:
- Ascendant (AC): How you present yourself and start new experiences in that location.
- Descendant (DC): Relationships and interactions with others in that area.
- Midheaven (MC): Career, public life, and social status.
- Imum Coeli (IC): Home, family, and personal foundation.
For more information on the astrocartography chart check out these sites: How to Read an Astrocartography Chart, According to An Astrologer (people.com) or How to Read Your Astrocartography Map Step by Step {An Easy Guide} | Helena Woods | Astrocartographer, Author, Relocation Astrologer
Navigating Relocation Charts
When you venture beyond your birthplace, the stars rearrange themselves—a celestial dance choreographed by latitude and longitude. Here’s what awaits you:
Relocated Natal Chart: Imagine your natal chart recalibrated for a new locale. Planets shift positions, adjusting to local time and geographical coordinates. As you step onto foreign soil, the cosmic canvas transforms, revealing fresh patterns. At Astro.com, you can change your position and see how your chart, progressions and transits will look like when you are at this specific spot. For more information on this, please visit Horoscope AstroClick Travel – Astrodienst or Astrocartography: How Places Transform Us – The Travelling Light
Altogether, travel astrology can provide insights into how different places may affect your life experiences, opportunities, and challenges, helping you make more informed travel decisions.
