Astrology was already my passion in the 1980’s, however, in those days I earned a living by working as a Flight Attendant for British Airways. I spent the entire decade operating either Short haul (European) or Long haul (worldwide) routes. In the mid ‘80’s I was introduced to a relatively new astrological technique established by an American man called Jim Lewis. This technique allowed for the application of a horoscope (map of the hour) to a terrestrial map and was marketed under the trade name of Astro* Carto* Graphy or A*C*G. As I had the added advantage of being an astrology student who was constantly on the move across the planet, I was able to directly apply and test the fundamental tenets of ACG to my life and location. What I found was that Jim Lewis had developed the most incredible and accurate technique for describing the events and feelings a person will experience, at locations across the globe.
Everyone can relate to the personality change syndrome that occurs when on the move. Often we negate this effect by convincing ourselves that this is because we are traversing into new territories and having new experiences. Sometimes though, it feels like more than that. We seem to resonate to the people from a different country in ways that we never do with our fellow nationals, or we feel more alive when away from home. When I worked for the airline, as soon as my feet touched the tarmac in some countries, I felt as though I had come home; in others I couldn’t wait to leave. I also noted that in various locations I seemed to shine and in others, no matter what I did, I felt alone and out of place. Relationships flourished in some locations, and in others they turned very sour.
Jim Lewis’ pioneering contribution lay in his insight into the importance of planetary angularity. He computerized the technique and brought it, with maps and a delineation guide, to the mass market. The concept of ascribing detailed planetary influence to certain areas of the globe, i.e., an earthly reflection of the heavenly zodiac was, however, being carefully explored in the late 1800’s under the auspices of Astrogeography. The division of the Earth into areas falling under the influence of certain signs and their ruling planets has its origins in the time of Ptolemy in 87-150 AD.
The best way to understand the concept of ACG is to imagine that each planet in the heavens is shooting out an inkjet that transcribes lines across the globe as it turns. If we then unfold the spherical globe and look at it in traditional Cartesian, or flat map, mode we will see that planets which were directly overhead or beneath the Earth at any given time are traced with vertical lines. Those planets which were rising or setting leave lines right around the globe which appear as wavy lines across the map. This is due to the tilt and rotation of the Earth. In certain places the two sets of lines cross each other. These are known as Crossings or Parans.
What the lines are depicting therefore is where the planets are angular at a specific time. Crossings show the location where two planets are simultaneously angular. The most common use of ACG maps is to let the computer draw the lines for the position of the planets as they were at the time of one’s birth. As the Earth rotates at a steady, but rapid rate, just a small difference in time can change the position of the lines. Different times will yield completely different lines as the Earth turns and the planets move.
The basic premise of ACG is that you can change your chart as you travel around. Certain locations will bring you closer to where planets had angularity at your birth; others will move you away from them.
For example, empirical evidence has shown that when the Sun is directly overhead, i.e. the Sun is on the Midheaven, (written as SUN MC), one feels more empowered. The self image falls under a spotlight and you are noticed more. For those seeking to be in the public eye it would therefore be highly beneficial to travel to where the Sun was angular at the time of your birth. On the other hand, in those places where the Sun at the location of your birth was hidden from view, (SUN IC) the spotlight would fall on the hidden part of the psyche. This would be a good place to travel to when in need strong sense of personal security or retreat.
Jim Lewis defined the meaning of all the lines and saw them as points of power, where the symbolism of the planets meaning would find expression. His interpretations became the industry standard, but now over two decades on, a whole wealth of knowledge has arisen as to the effect of traveling to certain locations where planets have angularity and therefore personal power. It is in these locations that people and events linked to your unfoldment can be expected to manifest.
I can personally attest to the use of these maps and lines to elaborate on the type of experience I would have at a given location. For example, Venus is primarily the planet of relationships. In my birth chart it is in trine (flowing 120 degree) aspect to my Uranus. I have Venus angular in Dubai. On every trip to Dubai, I loved the opulence and beauty of the hotels and the value of goods I could get for my money. Being considerably younger and perhaps a little more materialistic, I would shop, shop, shop ‘til I dropped for luxury items in the souks and duty free outlets. This is a very Venusian pastime. On one trip I went for a sumptuous meal and met a man (I was single then) who was a Taurean. Taurus is the sign ruled by Venus. We got chatting and it transpired that he was on a business trip and actually lived very close to me in England. We dated for about two years and I ended up having a live-in relationship with him in London. Venus/Uranus perfectly describes my delight, but shock, at meeting a man in Dubai and quickly establishing a romantic relationship.
Another example would be that of a trip to Mexico which lay under my Mercury/Neptune lines. Mercury is the planet of movement, especially by car. Neptune is associated with liquids, especially alcohol. It also has correspondences to the emotion of fear. In this location, I was involved in a minor car accident when our inebriated taxi driver ploughed into a midline road barrier. I wasn’t hurt but, from that day to this, I have had a fear of being driven by anyone I don’t know well and I won’t get in a car with anyone who I know has had an alcoholic drink.
As another example, my Mars line stretches up through the mid-Atlantic Ocean. When I worked for British Airways, whilst flying back from Brazil I had my worst in-flight experience when we suddenly lost altitude, as a result of severe air turbulence, injuring some of my colleagues and passengers. Mars is a planet associated with violence and physical injury.
I could spend pages relating many experiences to my travels but suffice to say, I know this works.
Since making astrology my primary career in the early 1990’s the field of Astromapping has grown phenomenally. New methods and techniques have been added and in 1996 I was fortunate to be introduced to an expert in ACG, Martin Davis. Martin has also led a very peripatetic life and in recent years has devoted much time to the study of the Astrolocality techniques. Local Space is like the next layer of the locality onion, or a greater magnification of the uses of Astromapping. It considers your present position on the globe (as opposed to your birthplace) and zooms in on influences at work there. Local Space also projects your potentials out across the globe. The ability to integrate the two techniques has now all but become an industry standard when reading ACG maps and Martin’s book* won a prestigious award for its contribution to the field.
With the introduction of Local Space Horizon charts one can even tell you the best road to live in and take the art as far as suggesting the best location for your telephone, or desk to be placed in your house.
Martin and I have worked together for the last 10 years and together we hope to offer you a superlative service in the field of ACG and Local Space. If you would like to know more about the services we can offer, please follow the links below:
Astrology services
* The book AstroLocality by Martin Davis can be viewed to the right.
Welcome to Jonathan Cainer readers.
