Understanding the Range of Planetary Power Across the Map

In astrocartography, planetary lines show where planets are angular — rising, setting, culminating, or at the nadir — at the exact moment of your birth. However, these lines are not razor-thin. Each line radiates its influence outward, creating a zone of effect known as the orb of influence or line width.

Learning to interpret the strength and spread of these planetary zones is key to accurate relocation readings. It helps you understand where a planet’s power is most dominant and how far it extends.

1️⃣ What Is a Planetary Line?

A planetary line marks the geographical path where a planet was on one of the four angles (ASC, DSC, MC, or IC) at your birth time.

• Angular position = strongest expression.
  When you’re directly under a planetary line, that planet’s energy is extremely powerful and unmistakable.
• As you move away from the exact line, the influence fades gradually — but it doesn’t vanish immediately.

For example, standing directly under your Sun MC line often brings visibility, leadership, and ambition. Traveling a few hundred kilometers away may still offer confidence and recognition, but in a subtler way.

2️⃣ The Concept of Line Width

The width of a planetary line represents how wide its influence spreads on the map — like the area illuminated by a spotlight.

Astrocartographers use different measurements depending on technique and experience, but most agree on an orb zone extending roughly:

• 300–700 km (180–430 miles) on each side of the line.

The exact width depends on:

• The planet’s strength (e.g., the Sun and Jupiter have broader effects; Mercury or the Moon can be narrower).
• The chart’s angular relationships (tight aspects can expand influence).
• The sensitivity of the individual (some people feel energies from further away).

3️⃣ The Nature of the Influence Zone

Each line’s energetic “halo” acts like a gradient:

• Direct Line (0–200 km): Strong, vivid planetary experience — external events, visible themes.
• Near Zone (200–500 km): Blended influences — both felt internally and externally.
• Outer Zone (500–800 km): Subtle effects — psychological impressions, intuitive or emotional tone.

You may feel the energy differently depending on the planet:

• Mars line near zone: increased motivation and competitiveness.
• Neptune outer zone: dreams, creativity, or confusion arise in softer waves.
• Venus line close to center: romantic or artistic surges in tangible form.

4️⃣ Planetary Strength and Orb Differences

Not all planets radiate with equal power.
Here’s a general guide to line width (each side of the exact line):

These values are approximate — astrocartographers often adjust them depending on context and map scale.

5️⃣ How to Read Orb Influence on Maps

Most modern astrocartography software (e.g., Astro.com, Solar Fire, or AstroGold) allows the user to visualize line shading that represents influence zones.

• Bright central line: peak planetary force.
• Colored or faded borders: diminishing energy field.

Example 1:
If your Jupiter MC line passes directly through Los Angeles, its near zone may extend into San Francisco and San Diego, making California a generally positive region for career expansion.

Example 2:
If your Saturn IC line runs through Berlin, its influence might still subtly affect Prague or Vienna, especially in matters related to discipline, structure, and personal foundations.

6️⃣ Overlapping Influence Zones

Sometimes, zones from different planets overlap. This creates combined fields of influence.

• Example: Venus MC and Moon ASC lines crossing within 300 km may bring emotional satisfaction and artistic recognition in that region.
• Example: Mars DSC overlapping Saturn IC could indicate challenges in relationships and emotional security — both themes blending together.

When reading maps, it’s crucial to interpret overlapping orbs as interacting energies rather than isolated forces.

7️⃣ Personal Sensitivity and Testing the Energy

Everyone responds uniquely to planetary orbs.
Two people standing under the same line may experience it differently depending on:

• Natal aspects involving that planet
• Current transits and progressions
• Psychological readiness for the planetary archetype

Travelers often “test” energy zones by visiting before relocating permanently. Keeping a location diary helps recognize how each orb affects emotions, opportunities, and inner balance.

8️⃣ Practical Application

When planning relocation or travel:

• Favor core zones (within 200–300 km) for maximum planetary benefits.
• Choose outer zones (400–700 km) if you want gentler, less disruptive energy.
• Always consider overlapping influences and natal aspects before deciding.

Astrocartography is both art and science — sensitivity, intuition, and observation refine accuracy more than mathematical precision alone.