Relocation chart: when and why to use one

Relocation in astrology is the recalculation of the natal chart for a new geographical location. The date, time and set of planets remain the same as at birth; only the observer’s location changes. The result is a different ascendant, a different MC, a different distribution of planets among the houses. This is not a new personality chart, but the same snapshot of the moment of birth, seen from a different point on the map of the world.

What changes and what stays the same

Moving affects only those chart elements that depend on the observer's horizon:

• What changes: ASC (ascendant), MC (midheaven), DSC, IC and, as a result, all 12 houses.
• What does not change: ecliptic positions of the planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury and all others), as well as aspects between them. These positions depend solely on the moment of birth, rather than where you currently live.

This is fundamental. Relocation is a new point of view at the same moment of birth, and not a second natal chart. A Moon–Saturn square remains, but depending on the relocated ascendant, it may end up in another house and thereby shift how that aspect is expressed.

Figuratively: the same actors, the same play — but the stage is turned towards a different hall, and from another seat the audience sees a different stage picture.

When to use

The relocation chart offers an interpretive picture for a long-term move — usually for a stay of a year or more. Some guidelines:

• After moving to a new country or region with a different time zone. Astrologers suggest an approximate threshold — about a year in a new place: during this time you can settle into the space, and relocation themes may begin to feel more relevant.
• When planning a move. You can see in advance which themes may come to the fore in the city in question and compare options.
• Paired with a natal chart. The most productive approach is to read both charts side by side: the natal one shows stable potentials, the relocation one shows how these potentials are redistributed among areas of life in a new place.

A relocation chart is not intended for short trips and business trips (several days or even weeks). During a trip, the natal chart remains the main reference; relocation is not a description of a trip, but a description of how your life changes as you put down roots in another place. The difference is fundamental: short-term movement does not change where you “live” in the chart’s sense.

What astronavi supports now

Here is what the current version of astronavi supports:

• The natal chart is recalculated for the place of your current residence — you see the relocation ascendant, MC and houses.
• The solar return is also calculated taking into account relocation: if you indicated your place of residence, the solar return chart will be calculated for it, and not for your place of birth.
• Transits, progressions and lunar returns in the current version are calculated for the birthplace. Relocation support for these tools is planned. Watch for updates.

This distinction matters: “for the birthplace” does not mean “inaccurately” — this is the standard approach of classical Western astrology. Relocation support will appear as an option, not a replacement.

How to enable

You can enable your current location in several steps:

1. Open Profile Settings.
2. Find the “Current location” section.
3. Turn on the switch and select a city.

After saving, the natal chart and solar return chart will be recalculated automatically. You will see the new Ascendant, MC and distribution of planets in houses.

You can turn off relocation at any time using the same steps — the charts will return to their birthplace versions. Your birth data is retained, and switching back is immediate.

A relocation chart is not the answer to the question “where to move to make things better.” This is a tool for understanding: how the emphasis has changed, which themes have come to the fore, what to consider as you adapt. Use it calmly, without waiting for the “ideal” ascendant.