What if your birth chart isn't only written in the stars—but stretched across a map of the world? In this episode of Rooted & Wild, I’m joined by Leslie McGuirk for an introduction to the fascinating world of AstroCartoGraphy—a branch of astrology that explores the relationship between your birth chart and specific locations on Earth. Most of us are familiar with the idea of a natal chart: a snapshot of the sky based on the date, time, and place of our birth. AstroCartoGraphy takes that same information and asks a different question: What happens when we put your astrology on a map? Suddenly, place becomes part of the conversation. Why might one city feel immediately like home while another leaves us restless? Why do certain places seem to coincide with periods of creativity, relationships, career opportunities, introspection, challenge, or transformation? And why can we sometimes feel inexplicably drawn to a part of the world we've never even visited? Leslie walks us through the foundations of AstroCartoGraphy and how planetary lines are mapped across the globe. We explore what it can mean to encounter the influence traditionally associated with the Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and other planets in different locations—and why no planetary line is simply “good” or “bad.” A place associated with Venus might invite themes of beauty, relationships, pleasure, or creativity. Jupiter may be associated with expansion and opportunity. Saturn can bring themes of responsibility, discipline, and structure. Mars may amplify action, ambition, conflict, or courage. But AstroCartoGraphy is far more nuanced than simply finding your “best” place to live. Your chart remains your chart. The geography provides another lens through which astrologers interpret how particular planetary themes might become emphasized depending upon where you live, work, travel, create, build relationships, or spend meaningful periods of your life. We also talk about the practical side of working with an AstroCartoGraphy map: what the lines actually represent, how close you need to be to a line for astrologers to consider it relevant, why birth time matters, and why looking at a single planetary line without considering the rest of the chart can oversimplify the story. And perhaps most interestingly, AstroCartoGraphy gives us another way to think about our relationship with place itself. Some landscapes nourish us. Some challenge us. Some seem to awaken parts of ourselves that were quieter elsewhere. Whether you approach astrology as a spiritual practice, an archetypal language, a tool for self-reflection, or simply something you're curious about, this conversation offers an accessible foundation for understanding what happens when astrology meets geography. In this episode, we explore: • What AstroCartoGraphy is and how it developed • How a natal chart becomes a map of the world • What planetary lines represent • Why your exact birth time matters • The Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and other planetary influences • Why planetary lines aren't simply “good” or “bad” • Living near a planetary line versus traveling through one • Why different locations may emphasize different themes in our lives • Career, creativity, relationships, home, spirituality, and personal growth • Why we may feel unusually drawn to certain places • Places that feel expansive versus places that feel challenging • Using AstroCartoGraphy when considering travel or relocation • Why the entire birth chart still matters • The limitations of interpreting a location from one line alone • Astrology as a language for exploring our relationship with place • How geography can become another layer of self-discovery About Leslie McGuirk Leslie McGuirk is an internationally acclaimed astrologer, author, artist, speaker, and teacher who has studied astrology for more than three decades. Her approach is known for making complex astrological concepts accessible, practical, and deeply connected to the patterns of everyday life. She is the author of The Power of Mercury, published by HarperCollins, as well as numerous children's books, which collectively have sold more than two million copies. Her creative career has also included internationally recognized art and product design, including extensive work in Japan with Takashimaya. Leslie has taught astrology through her Astrology Wisdom Academy and at wellness destinations including Rancho La Puerta and Red Mountain Spa. She has appeared on Coast to Coast AM with George Noory and has been featured in publications including ELLE, Glamour, People, and Runner's World. She is also a TEDx speaker whose talk, “The Importance of Being Wrong,” explores creativity, perseverance, and the courage to follow one's own path. In this conversation, Leslie brings that same approachable perspective to AstroCartoGraphy, helping us understand how astrologers interpret the relationship between our birth charts and the places we encounter throughout our lives. Because perhaps the question isn't only “What's your sign?” It might also be: “Where in the world does your chart come alive?” Connect with Leslie McGuirk: www.lesliemcguirk.com Rooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.
