How to Read a Relocation Chart

How to Read a Relocation Chart

Now that you understand the basics of relocation charts, the next step is learning how to interpret them. Reading a relocation chart is like translating your natal chart into a new dialect — the core message stays the same, but the emphasis shifts. This article will walk you through the process step by step, so you can begin making sense of your relocated energy in any city.

Step 1: Compare It to Your Natal Chart

A relocation chart never replaces your natal chart. Think of it as a lens layered over your birth chart. Always start by looking at your natal placements first, then compare them with how they shift in the relocation chart.

Key questions to ask:

Which planets move into new houses?

Has the rising sign or Midheaven changed?

Do any planets sit on angles (Ascendant, Descendant, MC, IC)?

Step 2: Focus on the Angles

The four angles of a chart — Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven (MC), and Imum Coeli (IC) — are the most sensitive to relocation.

Ascendant (Rising Sign)

This shows how others perceive you in the new location. A shift from a reserved Virgo Ascendant to a fiery Sagittarius Ascendant could make you appear more outgoing and adventurous.

Descendant

This highlights relationships. A new 7th house ruler might attract different types of partners or collaborators.

Midheaven (MC)

Career, reputation, and public visibility are emphasized here. A relocated chart with your Sun near the MC could bring recognition or career opportunities.

IC (Imum Coeli)

This describes home, family life, and inner stability. Moving somewhere your IC is emphasized may feel deeply grounding.

👉 Planets near these points are often the strongest indicators of how a place will feel.

Step 3: Track Planetary House Shifts

Planets don't change signs in a relocation chart, but they often shift houses. This changes the arena of life where their energy plays out.

Examples:

Relocated Jupiter into the 10th house: Expansive career growth, opportunities for leadership.

Relocated Moon into the 4th house: Stronger ties to home, family, or emotional grounding in the new place.

Relocated Mars into the 7th house: More energy (and sometimes conflict) in relationships and partnerships.

Step 4: Look at New Rising Sign and Ruler

A relocation chart may give you a new rising sign, which sets the tone for your overall presence in that place.

If your natal chart has Taurus rising but your relocated chart shows Scorpio rising, you might project intensity and depth in that city, compared to steadiness at home.

Always check the chart ruler (the planet ruling the relocated Ascendant) to see where it falls — this tells you which area of life will be emphasized.

Step 5: Check for Angular Planets

When a planet sits on an angle in the relocation chart, its influence is magnified.

Sun on MC: Career spotlight.

Venus on Descendant: Relationships and love opportunities flourish.

Saturn on IC: Home life may feel heavy or demanding.

Even if a planet wasn't dominant in your natal chart, its relocation placement can make it much more noticeable.

Step 6: Weave It Together

Reading a relocation chart is about synthesis, not isolated details. For example:

Moving your Moon to the 4th house and Saturn to the IC might suggest that home life feels important but carries responsibilities.

Relocating with Mercury on the Ascendant could make communication and networking a strong theme in the new city.

The goal is to read the chart holistically and consider how multiple factors reinforce or balance each other.

Case Example: Relocating to Paris

Let's imagine someone born with a Cancer Ascendant and Leo Midheaven in New York. When they relocate to Paris:

The Ascendant shifts to Libra, softening their presence and emphasizing charm.

The Midheaven shifts to Cancer, moving career focus from bold leadership to nurturing or service-oriented roles.

Their natal Venus, originally in the 5th house, relocates to the 7th, drawing more relationship opportunities.

In Paris, they might find themselves more relationship-focused and career paths that center on caregiving, art, or emotional intelligence.

Relocation as a Tool, Not a Rule

It's important to remember: relocation charts show potential themes and tendencies, but they don't override your natal chart or personal choices. A relocation chart can highlight areas of opportunity, but what you do with them is up to you.

Takeaway

Learning to read a relocation chart is about noticing how the angles and house placements shift, then interpreting what that means for your lived experience in a new place. The more you compare with your natal chart, the clearer the picture becomes.

In the next article of this series, we'll focus on what matters most in relocation charts — which details carry the greatest weight, and how to apply them when choosing or evaluating a move.