As a locational astrologer specializing in astrocartography, my practice depends on having reliable, comprehensive reference materials. After years of study, I’ve narrowed down the five essential books that form the backbone of my practice.
Whether you’re just beginning your journey into locational astrology or looking to deepen your existing practice, these references will provide the solid foundation you need.
1. Planets in Transit: Life Cycles for Living by Robert Hand
This masterpiece remains the gold standard for understanding how planetary transits affect our lives. Hand’s thorough explanations of how each planet’s movement impacts our natal chart provides critical insight for astrocartography work. After all, astrocartography is about being at the right place at the right time.
What makes this book invaluable is how Hand connects planetary energies to real psychological processes, allowing you to understand not just what happens during a transit, but why it matters in a natal chart or relocated chart.
2. The Psychology of AstroCartoGraphy by Jim Lewis with Kenneth Irving
Written by the pioneer of astrocartography himself, this book delivers profound insights into how planetary lines affect our psychology in different locations. Lewis and Irving explore the subtle nuances of planetary energies when they become angular in a relocated chart.
This reference goes beyond basic interpretations to explore the deeper psychological implications of living on or near your various planetary lines. The second half of the book includes interpretations for cyclocartography (CCG)–the transits and secondary progression lines that activate natal astrocartography lines, which can unlock different storylines.
3. The Combination of Stellar Influences by Reinhold Ebertin
Ebertin’s classic midpoint work might seem technical at first, but it’s essential for understanding how planetary energies combine and manifest. For astrocartography practitioners, this reference helps decipher what happens when multiple planetary lines converge in a location or to understand the essence of the midpoint lines.
The precision and depth of Ebertin’s delineations make this an indispensable tool for advanced locational work.
4. Aspects in Astrology by Sue Tompkins
Tompkins brings clarity to aspect interpretation with her psychological approach. When analyzing a relocated chart, understanding how planets relate to each other through aspects becomes crucial.
This book excels at explaining the practical, real-world manifestations of planetary relationships—knowledge that translates directly to more accurate astrocartography readings. Astrocartography is based on the angularity of planets in a natal chart. Any hard aspects: squares and oppositions, and conjunctions will appear as clusters on the astrocartography map.
5. 2025 Astrological Pocket Planner – Daily Ephemeris & Aspectarian by Llewellyn
Every astrologer needs a current ephemeris, and Llewellyn’s pocket planner combines practicality with essential data. Having planetary positions and aspects at your fingertips is crucial for timing relocations and understanding how transits will affect a client in their chosen location.
This handy reference saves time and provides immediate access to the information you need most frequently in consultations. It’s especially nice if you want to take a break from staring at a computer screen, or want a quick method to look up aspects and ingresses without pulling up Solar Fire or Astrogold.
These five books form the core reference library for my astrocartography practice. Each brings a different perspective and set of tools that combine to create a comprehensive approach to locational astrology.
Shop my complete astrology book list here
Check out my free guide on six key steps you don’t want to miss when reading your astrocartography map.
If you’d like personalized guidance on your astrocartography map or discovering the places that will support your life goals, you can book a reading with me here.
