The Basics of Relocation Charts

Astrology isn't just about who we are at birth — it also helps us understand how we experience different places. For those considering a move across the country or around the world, relocation astrology offers a fascinating perspective. At the heart of this practice are relocation charts, a tool that shows how your natal chart "reshapes" itself when you live somewhere new.

What is a Relocation Chart?

A relocation chart is your natal chart recalculated for a different location. Your birth date and time stay the same, but the geographic coordinates are shifted to a new city or country. This changes the chart's angles (Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven, IC) and often the house placements of your planets.

Think of your natal chart as the blueprint of your life potential. The relocation chart doesn't replace it, but it highlights how your energy expresses itself differently in a new environment. It's like putting on a new pair of glasses — the world looks the same, but your focus changes.

Why Relocation Matters

Why would anyone use a relocation chart? Because place matters. The same birth chart will feel different depending on where you live. For example:

In one city, your Sun might fall in the 10th house, emphasizing career visibility.

In another, it could shift to the 7th house, drawing attention to relationships.

This doesn't mean your personality changes. Instead, the external opportunities, challenges, and themes you encounter shift. Many people find that a relocation chart explains why certain places feel "lucky," while others feel draining.

How to Create a Relocation Chart

Most astrology software and websites offer relocation charts. You'll need:

Your exact birth time and date.

The city/country you're considering.

Once generated, the relocation chart will look like a natal chart wheel, but with planets redistributed across different houses and sometimes a new rising sign.

Key Differences from the Natal Chart

Angles are location-dependent. The Ascendant and Midheaven will almost always change.

House placements shift. A planet that was in your 12th house at birth might move into your 1st or 2nd house in a new location.

The planets themselves stay the same. Their signs and aspects don't change — only their placement relative to the local horizon and meridian.

A Simple Example

Imagine someone born with Venus in Aries in the 4th house. In their hometown, Venus emphasizes family and home life. But if they move across the country, Venus might shift into the 7th house, suddenly spotlighting partnerships. Relationships could become a central theme in that new city, even though Venus hasn't changed sign or aspects.

Relocation Charts vs. Astrocartography

You may have heard of astrocartography, which maps planetary "power lines" across the globe. Relocation charts complement this by giving a deeper, chart-based look at one specific location. Think of astrocartography as the bird's-eye map and relocation charts as the detailed street view.

Why Start with the Basics

Before diving into detailed interpretation, it's important to grasp the fundamentals:

A relocation chart does not erase your natal chart.

It works as a layered perspective: natal + relocated.

It reflects how you meet the world in a specific place, not who you "become."

Takeaway

Relocation charts are a powerful tool for anyone curious about how moving might shape their experiences. By recalculating your chart for a new city, you can gain insight into which areas of life will feel emphasized there.

In the next article of this series, we'll move from theory to practice: how to actually read a relocation chart, step by step.

The Basics of Relocation Charts