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What is Astrocartography?

Thrillist offers a great introduction to Astrocartography as it pertains to travel.

Astrocartography is a growing travel trend, so we asked astrologer Lauren Ash to break it down for us.

It was only a matter of time before the worlds of astrology and travel made like two different planets and perfectly aligned, one engaging the energy of the other. The time has officially come—or if you ask Lauren Ash, professional astrologer at digital astrology platform Sanctuary, the trend has been simmering (in the US, anyway) since at least 2022.

Right after the pandemic, when revenge travel was in full bloom, many millennials and Gen Zers found themselves putting two and two together. "I think a lot of people [were] trying to get out and reclaim what they missed out on [in travel]," explains Ash. "And I also think that a lot of people had time indoors with themselves, and there was a big astrology boom during the pandemic, and so I just feel like it's kind of this natural mix."

That mix has a name, and it's called astrocartography. The trend is defined by Ash—who has been dabbling in it since 2017—as "the practice of using astrology to figure out where someone's energy is best aligned with the city they live or travel to."

Astrocartography goes hand in hand with a pre-existing travel trend, namely that of astrology-themed hotels. While those have been around for longer—The Ultimo in Sydney, Australia earned the title of the world's first zodiac-themed hotel since its opening in 2017—they seem to be living their renaissance right now. The Memphian hotel in Memphis, Tennessee offers an "Astrology Overnight" package, while Moxy Hotels—a.k.a. Marriott Bonvoy's hippest hotel child—launched its own partnership with digital astrology platform Sanctuary to give guest stays a starry twist.

To learn more about astrocartography and how it is playing into how we travel today, we spoke with Ash at Austin's Moxy, which recently hosted Thrillist for the 2024 solar eclipse. The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

AstrocartographyThrillist: You defined astrocartography as "the practice of using astrology to figure out where someone's energy is best aligned with the city they live or travel to." Can you elaborate on this?


Lauren Ash: When you are born, you have a birth chart that's created and that's an event chart. Similarly, every city has an event chart, has an energy, has an aura about it. Depending on your planetary placements and the energy of the city, sometimes you go somewhere and you're like, "Wow, I could move here." Other times you go, "I'm never going back here." A lot of astrologers believe that astrocartography, which is overlaying the birth chart over a map of the world, helps pinpoint those cities.

Is astrocartography used only to decide where to travel to or also where to move to?
It can be used for both. If you're going to do short-term travel, you would use astrocartography to find a city that you would have the best time in. If you're looking to take a romantic vacation with a lover, you might look to your Venus line because Venus rules romance, attraction, sexuality. Whereas some people go to a city, they get a lot of work done, they're like, "I've got ideas. I'm hustling here." That's probably more your Mercury, which is much more aligned to how you think communicate.

You've been into astrocartography for a few years now. What kind of travelers come to you for a reading?
You've got people who are moving and are trying to transition to a new part of their career, or a lot of times it's college graduates who want to know where they should go to start their life. And then I get a lot of "I’m starting my life over. I just want to try something totally new. I want an adventure." And you also get your vacation people.

Once you start their readings, what do they typically ask?
People always want to know "When am I going to meet the love of my life?" and "Am I in the right job?" So I find a lot of the astrocartography stuff, if it's not vacation, it's a lot of soul searching. I really do believe a city can speak to you the same way a person can. I really think that you can come alive in the right city.

Is a city going to be right for a person forever—whether it's for long-term or short-term travel—or does that change?
It depends on your solar return chart. Every year on your birthday, you cast a chart for the city you are currently in, and it creates a temporary chart for the year. So your static birth chart is like you, and then the solar return chart is like you for the year. If you cast your solar return chart in the same city for a while, you might love it. But the planets move, people change, and transits change. So there is a chance that at some point a city starts being stale to you.

Can you also find places and times not to travel somewhere?
Yes. If your Jupiter is having a bad time (that's long-term travel) or Mercury (which is short-term travel and communication), or even just if you're just in a chaotic space, there are times where I've told people, "Maybe push it three months."

I'm assuming you've been busy in 2024 given the record travel numbers?
Yeah. And then Jupiter is going to enter Gemini in May of 2025, and [starting in May of this year] we're going to have a year of that. I'm calling that the year of solo travel—Jupiter is expansion, knowledge, consumption of ideas and philosophy. And Gemini is very chatty, mercurial, very curious. They like to meet people, they like to socialize. If you've had that trip on your Pinterest board, if you want to do that solo trip back, if you've ever been like, "I could do a solo trip, I'm confident, I'm brave." Jupiter in Gemini is the time. Take a leap of faith.

Why do you think astrocartography is such a valuable travel tool?
I think that people are looking for something that feels more personalized than the hot travel guide. I think people are looking for the hidden gems before they hit the front page, and astrocartography can put cities on the map for you that you wouldn't have thought of.


Horoscope for the Week of June 17, 2024 - Venus in Cancer

AspectsVenus enters Cancer this week. Watch as our feelings expand, deepen and generally take over our common sense. Allow your heart to wander, but not too far!

Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2024 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 12th printing and available as an eBook.

ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)

You want to feel closer to family and not stray too far from home, Aries. It is a very beneficial time to improve your domestic surroundings and make it more in sync with how you feel. Allow yourself time to sit back and relax while plans ruminate and evolve, though. Folks with great ideas come to you as your magnetism glows.

TAURUS (APRIL 21-MAY 21)

You have not only the gift of gab but also the gift of compelling conversation, Taurus. What is on your mind that you need to share with the world? Now may be the time to share it. You never know how far your great ideas and personal charisma will take you. Speak from the heart and others not only listen but move forward.

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)

Sometimes money is an issue and sometimes it simply works for you. This may be the time when finances come together and make sense, Gemini. You can re-evaluate your value system to be sure it is delivering what you really need and want. Once you listen to your heart, your mind will know exactly what to do.

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)

You not only exude charm and charisma, you now enter some highly desirable social circles. So what are you waiting for, Cancer? Move, groove, schmooze and get yourself in the best position to succeed on your own terms. You make an excellent first impression and know how to dress for success. Take it on the road.

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)

A secret admirer may make themselves known to you. Or maybe it is you, Leo, who harbors strong but secret feelings for someone? There are many mellow and happy emotions wafting around you. Whichever way these feelings flow, use this time to explore the unknown, grow within yourself and gain spiritual insight.

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)

Friends take on a greater and happier role in your life now, Virgo. That means that any activity that places you in the center of the social scene can benefit you and make you feel more secure. Join new groups or organizations and see who you can meet. Connect or reconnect with others. Spread your wings and fly.

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)

Whatever long term path you are on, Libra, now is the time to reassess it and see if it is compatible with your happiness. If so, forge ahead and make advancements as you can easily overcome any challenges or obstacles. If your path needs a tweak or a revamp, see what you need to do emotionally to make it work better for you.

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)

Scorpios are off and running as their need to expand their horizons becomes too tempting to ignore. Plan your travel and feed your curiosity. You feel deeply and are ready to experience everything that life has to offer. Immerse yourself in fascinating, fulfilling adventures close to home or far afield and see how they uplift and inspire.

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)

If your heart leaps at the idea of love and commitment, embrace the energy and take a calculated risk to make it happen. Deep emotions stir within you and run high even though Sagittarians tend to be footloose and independent. If you are tempted by the thought of a close and deep love match then go, go, go for it!

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)

Capricorns are more focused on relationships and how to make them closer and more successful. Your heart tells you that there are some people who need more attention and compromise while others need more space. You intuitively understand now what is needed where. So go forth and make any interaction a successful one.

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)

It’s time to explore more relaxation techniques that bolster your overall well-being and strengthen your health. Aquarians who have been working extra hard find more ways to simplify their lives, enjoy more leisure time and generally feel fitter. A better work life balance is more attainable as the week progresses.

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)

Pisces are in the epicenter of fun now and can apply their creative skills to any endeavor. Find what brings you happiness and go for it. There are parties to plan and masterpieces to complete. Use your imagination to combine many different disciplines. You never know what can happen once you get started.

(c) 2024 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. @thestarryeye Find astrology readings on tinyurl.com/TheStarryEye and a great sun sign book at tinyurl.com/Herscopes


Lucky Numbers for the Week of June 14, 2024

Lottery ads tell us you only need a dollar and a dream. But it is also helpful to have a list of lucky numbers to help spur the good fortune ... or fortunes. So with that in mind, here are some lucky numbers that can be used in any helpful way. I gazed into a pool of water, Nostradamus-like, and contemplated the cosmos. Then I mixed the tarot cards and allowed the spirits to guide me to the cards that represent the lucky numbers for this week. Nothing is guaranteed but who knows ....?

Here are the lucky numbers for the week of June 14-20, 2024:

I choose eight numbers because 8 is the number of of wealth.

5, 13, 21, 24, 44, 49, 56, 75

There are many ways to delve into your own consciousness to find luck and intuition. Try reading Dream Power/Improve Your Luck (Super Strength Series) and see if your dreams give you any clues and premonitions. Here's a guide to the best books available this month


Lucky Dog of Todmorden

Lucky dog1The Lucky Dog of Todmorden located in Centre Vale Park in Todmorden, England is a life-sized sculpture has gained a reputation for bringing luck to anybody who touches it according to Atlas Obscura.

Located in beautiful Centre Vale Park, this life-sized steel sculpture of a sitting dog has gained a reputation for bringing good fortune to anybody who gives it a friendly pat. The statue, which is also known by the name of Victor, is dedicated to the canine companion of former mayor Albert Palmer.


Horoscope for the Week of June 10, 2024 - Mercury In Gemini Then Cancer

AspectsMercury sweeps through Gemini and then into Cancer. Our communication shifts as we express ourselves and then measure the results. Make your verbal mark.

Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2024 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 12th printing and available as an eBook.

ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)

This might be a good time to not only formulate how you want to talk to certain relatives but then arrange a time and place to actually do so. Aries are naturally bold. Use this confidence to cement bonds and create familial relationships that work better for you because the lines of communication are clear and honest.

TAURUS (APRIL 21-MAY 21)

Thoughts of finances eventually lead to profitable results as you process what you need to do, Taurus. There will be times where the choices appear obvious and other times where you should do more of a deep dive and expansive research. Ultimately, you find yourself in a place where you feel more confident and flush.

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)

Charm is your middle name now, Gemini. Use what the cosmos delivers to reassess your value system to be sure that it is in sync with who you are and what you want to achieve in this life. You will also be given several opportunities to schmooze with influential people who can make things happen for you. Hooray and go!

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)

You gain insightful clarity if you pull back and meditate on your life direction, Cancer. That means that when that clarity occurs, you put it to good work laying out future personal projects and life directions. The next step in this journey is to place yourself in the epicenter of your social circle and build your personal brand.

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)

Friends get you started as their support figures prominently in setting you in the right mood. Then, it is up to you, Leo, to find the secret sauce that spices up your life and inspires you to greater good deeds. There are rewards to reap and inner harmony and balance to achieve. Find your inner focus, accept positive energy and de-stress.

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)

While your career needs some attention, Virgo, ultimately it will be your friends who guide you through your current life questions. Contemplate where you ultimately want to be and the best route to get there. Then ask advice from those knowledgeable folks you know to set your path forward in a successful direction.

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)

Sometimes thinking out of the box if what is required, Libra. If you find yourself getting stuck in a maze, feeling a bit bored and wanting something new and exciting, take a calculated risk and pivot. You then see more possibilities and directions for any of your long term plans. The secret to your success is your imagination.

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)

Who or what makes your heart leap, Scorpio? Explore your joy and make your life more fulfilling. You have some interesting thoughts and can communicate your needs effectively. Good! This sets you in a direction where you not only can feel more in control (and what Scorpio doesn’t love that!) but also more connected.

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)

Relationships can get a lot more hot and heavy, Sagittarius. First think about which partnerships need a boost and then go forth and boost it up. There will be much more communication between the two of you and more heartfelt conversations resulting in new understandings as well as a stronger network of supporters.

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)

Spend a bit of time de-cluttering, Capricorn. You never know what you will find at the bottom of any pile! Once you have simplified your surroundings, you will be ready to handle others’ complications as they are presented to you. But don’t get bogged down as the weeks proceed. Use your acumen to just advise ….

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)

Remember, anything fun or fanciful will have to have its moments of practicality, Aquarius. For every party there has to be someone who arranges it. So as you proceed on anything festive, be sure to plan how it will be executed. Time saving actions and helpful hands make any of your imaginative projects easy and very enjoyable.

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)

Home projects get a boost and set of the right direction, Pisces. Ideas that have been circulating in your mind suddenly seem to have promise. Once you have researched, asked advice, decided on a direction and found the right folks to do it, find time to sit back and enjoy the possibilities. Your home becomes a wonderful  refuge.

(c) 2024 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. @thestarryeye Find astrology readings on tinyurl.com/TheStarryEye and a great sun sign book at tinyurl.com/Herscopes


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