Finally, it’s time to add to the Astro*Locality discussion. In Part I we looked at the foundations of earth based astrology. Locational astrology has roots in the ancient world, when travel was a bit slower and life presented fewer options to change ones’ destiny or environment. Indeed, a knowledge and understanding of direction, as well as being able to read the night sky for guidance were of prime importance to early pioneers and entrepreneurs. The North Star guided early travelers, and perhaps still provides direction today.
Generally, locational astrology can be thought of as a tool that takes one’s natal chart and superimposes it on a map of the earth. In our fast paced multi cultural world, insights into location save time and money, as well as emotional distress. Even if confronted with a difficult situation, awareness of underlying archetypes gives one objectivity and leverage. Direction and place are two of our most powerful tools in personal empowerment and manifestation. How will you know you’ve arrived if you don’t know where you’re going?
Astro*Carto*Gaphy
Astro*Carto*Gaphy (A*C*G) is a trademark term for a system developed by Jim Lewis (now deceased) in the 1970’s. Astro*Carto*Gaphy differs from Local Space (as discussed in Part I) in that it assumes a point of reference from above the earth, not on it. The result is a map showing where each planet sat directly above the earth when you were born, and much more. It is also possible to chart every aspect and angle, which some mapping systems do. The result however is a map with a jumble of hundreds of lines and crossings. Astro*Carto*Gaphy maps have only 40 lines; each line being an angular representation of the eight planets plus the Sun and Moon. Angularity is a powerful secret to the effectiveness of A*C*G.
For those who have never seen an astrological chart, it is a wheel with twelve divisions, or houses. Each house has specific areas of influence, and they all work together to paint a dynamic interrelated soul blueprint. Each direction or house is important, but, the four cardinal directions; East, West, North, and South are considered empowered and activating positions. These four angles are referred to as Ascendant, Descendant, Imum Coeli, and Midheaven- or ASC, DSC, IC, and MH. I’ll discuss each one, and provide examples using the king of planets, Jupiter, as a tour guide.
The Ascendant- what we express
House number one begins what is called the Ascendant, or sunrise point of the chart. The Ascendant is symbolic of where the personality greets the day, or ’dawns’ on the world. In A*C*G any planet represented by an Ascendant (or ASC) line operates by expressing our personality and/or personal interests. Jupiter on the ASC lends itself to both positive and negative expressions. Negatively, obesity and liver ailments may call on the woeful character who denies richness of personal growth and expansion. Sign placements as well as aspects to Jupiter in the natal chart are also clues here. For example, someone with Jupiter in Saturn ruled Capricorn may feel the crunch of ‘missed opportunities’. Positively, the Jupiter ASC may be expressed by an abundant life that comes from optimism and sharing
The Descendant- what we attract
Opposite the Ascendant and sunrise point is the Descendant and/or symbolic sunset. This is the place on the wheel chart that represents our relationships with others, the cusp of the seventh house. The Descendant (or DSC) lines on an A*C*G map show where we attract influences to us either consciously or unconsciously. Usually the messengers come in the form of our relationships. Yes, on the DSC we attract from others, but our shadow side is often operating here. Getting to the real issue at hand is a challenge in working with the DSC in Astro*Carto*Gaphy. Typically, one would think that Jupiter on the DSC works overtime to manifest fortuitous opportunities. It has been my observation, though, that this influence which would seem to hold so many benefits is one of the most powerful antagonists. I was intrigued to hear from clients who felt that elbow bumps with the rich and famous exacted a dear price in personal power and integrity while visiting their Jupiter DSC zones. Shadow images haunted those who secretly felt they had ‘sold out’ to maintain lifestyle or status.
Private Influences- the IC
The Imum Coeli, or IC is the place that represents the midnight point of a chart, the cusp between the third and fourth houses. Here is our foundation and inner private world. Jupiter breaths a sigh of relief when placed on the IC in an Astro*Carto*Graphy map. He waxes philosophical while enjoying the depth and breadth of his family life; the perfect host in his expansive home. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Every A*C*G map has a zone with this influence of Jupiter, but sometimes it lies in a place undesirable due to geography or personal interests. For example, since each A*C*G map is individualized, sometimes preferred areas will be in the middle of the ocean. Other times, desirable astrological influences are in places where one has no interest in living. Frequently, however, patterns of relationships or employment will be revealed coming to a person from the areas in question. A recent client who lives in New York City was delighted to understand that even though she did not wish to relocate to her Jupiter IC line in the Midwest, she immediately recognized the importance of that part of the country; her current boss is from Little Rock, Arkansas, and her Mother, (her family ‘root’) is from Louisiana.
Finally, it’s time to add to the Astro*Locality discussion. In Part I we looked at the foundations of earth based astrology. Locational astrology has roots in the ancient world, when travel was a bit slower and life presented fewer options to change ones’ destiny or environment. Indeed, a knowledge and understanding of direction, as well as being able to read the night sky for guidance were of prime importance to early pioneers and entrepreneurs. The North Star guided early travelers, and perhaps still provides direction today.