A look at Jim Lewis’ successors and the guardians of his method
If you’re new to this series, start with Blog 1: The State of Astrocartography Today and Blog 2: The Early European Origins of Astrocartography
Astrocartography didn’t appear overnight. It was built and refined through decades of experimentation, dialogue and ethical clarity. Blog 1 examined the current state of the field. Blog 2 explored its early European origins. This final instalment shifts the spotlight toward the torchbearers who preserved the method. After Jim Lewis pioneered Astro*Carto*Graphy and Cyclo*Carto*Graphy, who continued to develop and protect it? Who carried it forward and how?
THE QUIET STEWARDS OF JIM LEWIS ASTRO*CARTO*GRAPHY
In this post, I recount and recognise the certified stewards who helped preserve the legacy of licensed astrocartography through generations. Those astrocartographers from whom I’ve learned, corresponded or met through affiliations (Kepler College, Continuum or the broader relocation astrology community). There are many practitioners, authors, instructors, psychologists and stewards who kept Jim Lewis’s work alive. Some walked alongside him during his lifetime. And some, didn’t continue the practice. Robert Currey and Karen Chiarello of Equinox (UK), were there from the beginning. They continue the mission to this day with great skill and resounding integrity.
This article includes first-hand clarifications and never-before-published details, generously shared by Robert Currey. It is meant to stand as a reference in honour of the Jim Lewis Astro*Carto*Graphy method. I wish to name those who worked tirelessly, often behind the scenes without much acknowledgment to protect and preserve the legacy of astrocartography.
JIM LEWIS: ASTROLOGER, VISIONARY, INNOVATOR
I think most everyone will agree that Jim Lewis didn’t invent locational astrology. However, he gave astrocartography a structure and a name so the world could learn and benefit from it. Beginning in the late 1970s, he distilled complex planetary dynamics into a single intelligible system. His method could finally be taught, tested and transmitted with integrity. By 1981, he held a U.S. patent (No. 4,169,698) for the Astro*Carto*Graphy method. This wasn’t a sign of commercialism but of “prouesse intellectuelle”. He understood with prescience what many still overlook: a method is only as strong as its boundaries. Not gate-kept but preserved and carefully shared with tact.
Equally important was Lewis’s commitment to ethical interpretation and certified training. He saw the future potential dangers of “astrocartography lite” decades before social media and the re-popularisation. He trained and licensed a number of consultants during his lifetime. Many of whom remain the most respected names in the field. These first-generation Lewisians are not just historical figures. They are the living bridge between Lewis’ original work, its global practice today and second-generation Lewisians.
THE ONLY ASTROCARTOGRAPHY BOOK CO-AUTHORED BY JIM LEWIS DURING HIS LIFETIME
In 1989, Arielle Guttman co-authored “The Astro*Carto*Graphy Book of Maps” with Jim Lewis. Note the presence of asterisks at this early date. It’s their landmark publication presenting the astrocartographical interpretation of 136 celebrity case studies
While Lewis’ is the originator of the method, Guttman contributed to the interpretive depth and structural integrity of their book. Her editorial labour was not simply supportive; it was sculptural. I imagine her at the wheel like a master potter. Reshaping the material again and again until each case study landed with clarity, precision and purpose into its correct box. Without her steady hand and sheer willpower, this book might never have come to life.
That’s the question worth asking today: without Jim, there would have been no method. But without Arielle, who would have translated that into such a brilliant book so others could follow? Her commitment was not only intellectual – it was devotional. She believed in the technique enough to carry the feat to completion without ever knowing where it would go.
LE SEUL LIVRE D’ASTROCARTOGRAPHIE CO-ÉCRIT PAR JIM LEWIS DE SON VIVANT
“The Astro*Carto*Graphy Book of Maps” was translated into French in 1994 with the title “Astrocartographie ou Astro-localisation“, (Éditions du Rocher). France was one of the rare countries in Europe to receive an authorised translation of this foundational work. The French edition is now out of print, making copies increasingly rare.
While Guttman shaped the book’s interpretive framework, Gregg Howe was simultaneously turning Jim Lewis’s vision into something equally foundational. The software revolution that would allow Astro*Carto*Graphy maps to be produced with consistency and reach. Both of their contributions although occurring in different domains (editorial and technical) overlapped during the same time frame. The mid to late 1980s were instrumental in building a coherent astrocartography system that could be taught, transmitted and trusted.
GREGG HOWE AND ASTRO NUMERIC SERVICE (ANS)
An influential and rarely acknowledged figure in Astrocartography history is Gregg Howe, founder of Astro Numeric Service (ANS). Based in Oregon, Gregg was the first licensed distributor of Jim Lewis’s maps. He also happened to be the software engineer who developed the production of the maps. His technical expertise and commitment to precision enabled Jim’s vision to move even further beyond. The system went from hand-drawn experiments into professional, scalable mapping tools that could be used and shared worldwide.
Gregg’s work was so central to the system’s success that he was later appointed to the advisory board of Continuum. This is the organisation established after Jim’s passing to preserve the integrity of his method. Without Gregg’s early collaboration, much of the global reach and lasting impact of Astrocartography would not have been possible. While seeking accurate information on Howe for this blog, Karen McCauley confirmed the accuracy of the above. The connection between Gregg and Jim was more than tactical – it was built on trust and friendship. She also added that Howe was “brilliant”.
In 2013, Gregg sold his distribution rights for North and South America to Robert Currey of Equinox (UK). This was a transition that marked a critical juncture in astrocartography’s international continuity. By entrusting its future to another first-generation Lewisian, Howe knowingly ensured that certified maps would remain accessible for decades. By now, it’s been almost half a century.
ROBERT CURREY & KAREN CHIARELLO: GLOBAL STEWARDS
If Gregg Howe ushered Astrocartography into the digital age, Robert Currey and Karen Chiarello ensured it stayed there and grew. They even made improvements to the software application with Jim’s blessings.
Both certified personally by Jim Lewis, they are recognised as first-generation Lewisians. Robert Currey, educated in psychology and respected founder of Equinox Astrology in 1981. He later opened The Astrology Shop in London’s Covent Garden – a landmark destination for astrologers across Europe. But beyond books and consultations, Robert’s lasting legacy lies in his faithful stewardship toward astrocartography and the distribution of maps.
Karen Chiarello, the veritable Jeanne d’Arc of A*C*G and C*C*G maps, emerges as the torchbearer of Equinox. She’s the interface who ensures practitioners receive their maps in an orderly and timely manner.
Karen Chiarello, Robert’s partner in both life and astrology, plays a central role in the preservation of Jim Lewis’ legacy. They modernised the maps. As Robert wrote to me: “Jim approved our design before he died. We modified the original in various ways.”
Under Karen’s guidance, and software skills, the following upgrades were implemented:
- Addition of Chiron and North Node lines
- Latitude crossings, ecliptic lines, and planet-colour-coded lines
- Updated national borders and renamed cities (e.g. Bombay → Mumbai)
- Enlarged Sun and Moon lines for visibility
- Planetary symbols replaced two-letter codes for clarity
- Interpretation booklets updated:
- Toned down problematic language in original texts
- Added new entries for Chiron and Node
- Introduced colour coding to align with map visuals
- Included a redesigned cover and backplate for clarity and aesthetics
EQUINOX ISN’T A SOLO ACT : IT’S A DUO
Today, Karen is in charge of preparing the astrocartography maps sold by Equinox. Drawing on both software expertise and astrological insight to carry out what is, at this point, a living tradition. Although Robert still offers personal hand typed selections and analyses of location to go with the printed maps and personal consultations, he noted with foresight and humility: “She is the most likely one to operate the licence in the coming years” referring to Karen.
Effectively, Karen Chiarello holds the flame of a global legacy while preparing it for the next generation. As the intellectual, astrological and technical custodian of the map system, she is also one of its most ardent defenders. It’s safe to say that the legacy of licensed astrocartography will be passing through her fingertips.
Astrocartography and cyclocartography maps from Equinox are licensed, high-quality printed maps, interpreted with astrological integrity and precision, professionally delivered. I recommend their maps to clients and colleagues alike as the gold standard. The difference between Equinox maps and the fuzzy software screenshots or rebranded exports is unequivocal. These maps and handbooks are the last physical links to Jim Lewis. If interested, here is the order form : Equinox A*C*G and C*C*G Maps.
As of 2025, Equinox is the only verifiable, active distributor of original, astrocartography maps worldwide.
Their generosity, technical precision and unwavering commitment have made them pillars of the astrocartography community. Whether through map distribution, collaborative partnerships or behind-the-scenes mentorship, Robert and Karen have safeguarded the tools and spirit of Jim Lewis’s original vision – quietly, effectively and without a shred of self-promotion.
CONTINUUM: INTEGRITY LEADING THE LINEAGE FORWARD
We now turn to the guardians of Jim Lewis’s legacy through Continuum, the certifying body entrusted with transmitting his method with clarity, care and continuity.
After Jim Lewis passed away in 1995, he didn’t just leave behind a system, he left behind a responsibility. To protect the integrity of his work, he entrusted part of his estate to Angel Thompson. Together with Karen McCauley, they founded Continuum – the only certifying body authorised to train astrocartographers in his method. Karen, now its acting director, once said: “Certification isn’t about status – it’s about safeguarding the technique from misuse.”
Their mission has always been stewardship, not showmanship. As Continuum’s curriculum and certification advisor, Madalyn Hillis‑Dineen helped reassemble Jim’s original materials, co-develop the certification exams and uphold a level of rigour that honours the method’s roots. Each woman brought her own gifts to the task.
Angel Thompson, in the afterword to The Psychology of Astro*Carto*Graphy, expressed the deeper intention of the work: “Poised between heaven and earth, we can be conduits of planetary energy. No longer victims of our horoscope, the techniques of spatial astrology enrich our understanding of the power of the place and enable us to harness the planetary energies.”
Madalyn Hillis‑Dineen, one of the earliest certified astrocartographers, recalled in the same volume, the Latin inscription engraved on original A*C*G certificates: “Altior incubuit animus sub imagine mundi” (The world beneath is a reflection of the higher soul that watches over it).
That phrase could describe their collective role. Angel, Karen and Madalyn didn’t merely carry forward a technique. They became the method’s quiet stewards holding its form, protecting its meaning and preserving the higher soul that watches over it.
This completes my 3-part blog series on the origins, evolution and guardians of licensed astrocartography.
NEXT UP
I hope you’ll join me next time for Blog 4 as we leave the archives behind and head for the vineyards of southern France into the astrocartography of an illustrious Hollywood couple and their château relocation. Yes, it’s exactly who you think.
Visit astroreloc.com to explore services, tools and ethical relocation guidance.
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