Written in the Stars—or Just a Cosmic Coincidence? Astrocartology

 I’ve been into astrology for a while now—long enough to know my big three by heart and to blame Mercury retrograde for every missed text. At first, I was skeptical, but after seeing a few too many eerie coincidences, I started to think there might be something to it. But then I stumbled upon astrocartography—the idea that planetary positions at birth could determine where you thrive or flounder. That? That sounded like astrology’s weird cousin who shows up at family gatherings claiming they can talk to plants.

Still, curiosity got the best of me. What harm could come from mapping out my planetary power zones? Supposedly, places near my Venus line would bring romance and beauty, Jupiter lines would bring luck and expansion, and Saturn lines would bring hard work and discipline (yikes). So, one innocent afternoon, while spiraling down an internet rabbit hole, I found myself on a website promising to chart my planetary influences across the globe. Skeptical but intrigued, I plugged in my birth details.

The results? Some eerie, undeniable coincidences.

my astrocartology world map

The Places That Called to Me

Check out the story highlights on my Instagram to see these places from my POV.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Sun & Mercury IC

I keep coming back to Puerto Vallarta—six times in the past five years, to be exact. There's something about it that makes me feel at ease like I can breathe a little deeper, relax a little more, and just be myself. Whenever I visit, I always stay in Zona Romántica, the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ community, where the energy is vibrant, welcoming, and effortlessly fun. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the afternoon lounging on the beach, and then find yourself lost in a spontaneous night of dancing, rooftop cocktails, and strangers who feel like old friends.

I’m not the only one who’s been enchanted by this place—Elizabeth Taylor famously fell in love with Puerto Vallarta, drawn in by its beauty, romance, and charm (also, by Richard Burton, but that’s another story).

When I checked my astrocartography map, it all made sense. My Sun and Mercury IC lines run close by, placing Puerto Vallarta under an energy of self-expression, emotional grounding, and feeling at home. The IC (Imum Coeli) is the base of the chart, symbolizing comfort, belonging, and deep personal alignment. No wonder I keep coming back—it’s a place where I feel truly at home, even though I’ve never lived there.

Tokyo, Japan – Moon’s Node/Ascendant

My relationship with Tokyo has been unfolding for years, like a story I keep picking up and rereading, knowing there’s still more to discover. My first time there was when I was a child—I remember liking it, though the memories are faint. The second time was much later, a brief layover on my way to Manila for a funeral. That short visit was enough to plant a thought in my mind: I have to come back and experience this place properly.

The third time, I finally did. It was my first international solo trip, just five or six months before the world shut down. Tokyo felt right in a way I couldn't explain. It’s fast, overwhelming, and alive, yet somehow, I felt at peace in its chaos. Every time I leave, I feel like I have unfinished business there—like my time in Japan is never quite enough, and there’s always more waiting for me.

It turns out, that my Moon’s Node Ascendant line runs through Tokyo, a placement tied to karmic growth and destiny. This isn’t just a place for casual vacations; it’s somewhere that pushes me to grow and evolve. Maybe that’s why I always feel like I need to return—because Tokyo isn’t done with me yet. And I’m more than happy to keep answering its call.

Rome, Italy – Close to My Venus AC Line

Rome was never on my list of must-visit destinations, but when my elderly aunt invited me to accompany her on a pilgrimage to the Vatican (with her footing the bill), I wasn’t about to say no. By day, we wandered through the halls of museums, marveled at churches, and traced history through the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Trevi Fountain. It was a deep dive into history and faith, a side of Rome that felt grand yet distant.

But at night—when my aunt was asleep—I discovered a different side of the city. I have never attracted so much attention and admiration from (gay) men than I did in Rome. The city's gay nightlife, with its electric energy and intoxicating pleasures, was a feast for the senses. The week and a half I was there, my evenings were filled with the company of beautiful men—Italians and otherwise—who made sure I was anything but alone.

Looking at my astrocartography chart later, I saw that my Venus AC line actually runs just east of Rome, closer to San Marino. If Rome, being only near this line, had me turning heads, I can only imagine what might happen if I ventured closer to the true epicenter of that Venusian energy. Would I be drowning in admiration? Swept off my feet? One way to find out.

Where Should I Go Next?

Now that astrocartography has given me an excuse (ahem, reason) to travel, where to next?

Prague, Czech Republic – Moon Descendant Line

A city known for its Gothic romance and haunting beauty, where my Moon DC line runs. Could this be where I find my most emotionally significant relationships? Or will I just get way too sentimental over a cup of mulled wine in the Old Town Square? Only one way to find out.

Germany (Frankfurt/Nuremberg) – Venus AC Line

Since my Venus AC runs through Northern Italy and Germany, I should probably give Germany a try. Maybe I’ll suddenly develop an appreciation for beer and efficiency? Or maybe I'll just bask in the glow of being effortlessly charming for no apparent reason.

Berlin – Near My Moon DC

Since Berlin isn’t too far from my Moon DC, it might still hold some deep emotional energy for me. I could meet fascinating, soulful people—or just dramatically write poetry in a café like an existentialist protagonist. Either works.

Final Verdict: Destiny or Just Dumb Luck?

So, do I believe astrocartography is real? Honestly, I have no idea. Maybe it’s just a well-timed placebo effect. Maybe these places resonated with me for entirely non-astrological reasons. Maybe I just really like places with good food (which, let’s be real, all of these cities have).

But here’s what I do know: life is more fun when you let a little magic in. Whether it’s fate, coincidence, or just the universe having a laugh, I’m not complaining. And if the stars say I need to go back to Italy or finally book that Prague trip? Well, who am I to argue?

At the very least, it’s the best excuse for a plane ticket I’ve ever had. ✨

P.S. If any movie producers want to give this the Hollywood treatment—think "Eat, Pray, Love" meets a slightly more chaotic energy—or turn it into a travel documentary, let’s talk.