Armchair Expat

Astrocartography 101: Finding the Best Place to Live, Love & Thrive with Helena Woods

What if your birth chart could tell you where in the world you're meant to thrive?
In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon chats with world traveling professional relocation astrology specialist Helena Woods about the weird, sometimes woo-woo, and yet wildly accurate world of astrocartography— otherwise known as the “astrology of place”.
 
They dive into why where you are matters, and how planetary lines can influence everything from career clarity to finding “the one.”
 
Helena shares how trusting her gut (and the stars) led her to a life-changing move abroad—and how you can use your unique astro-map to make bold, aligned decisions.
 
From relocation timing tips to the surprising magic of remote activation, this convo covers what most people get wrong about astrology, what not to do on your Mars line, and how moving abroad can crack you wide open in all the right ways.
 
Whether you're craving a fresh start, seeking your soul city, or just tired of forcing it where you are—this episode will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about moving.
 
Takeaways
Astro cartography reveals the energy and stories of different locations.
Trusting your intuition is key to personal growth.
Jupiter and Venus lines are the most beneficial for relocation.
Uranus lines can bring chaos and instability.
Timing is crucial when planning travel or relocation.
Your birth chart influences your experiences in different places.
Small daily habits can strengthen your intuition.
Astro cartography can help find love and career opportunities.
You can still benefit from astro cartography even if you live far from a line.
Listening to your inner voice can lead to fulfilling life choices. Solar Fire is recommended for astro photography software.
Venus and Jupiter descendant lines are ideal for partnerships.
Sun Ascendant lines provide clarity on purpose.
IC lines are important for home and family considerations.
Remote activation allows energy connection from a distance.
Hiring decisions should consider astro compatibility.
Pluto lines can have positive experiences contrary to popular belief.
Family dynamics should be assessed through astro mapping.
Travel experiences can reveal personal growth and challenges.
Eclipse season brings significant global shifts and personal reflections.
Connect with Helena
Instagram
Website: https://helenawoods.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@helenawoods
 
Resource Links
Free Astrocartography Cheat Sheet: https://helenawoods.com/cheatsheet
GTFO Workshop: https://helenawoods.com/gtfo
Other Courses: helenawoods.com/courses
Book a Reading with Helena: https://helenawoods.com/readings
Reader Directory: helenawoods.com/directory
 
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our free E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
Join for VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info@bargain-homes.com

How to Move Abroad At Any Age with Cepee Tabibian

In this episode, Cepee shares how a restless career path and a big leap abroad led her to create She Hit Refresh—a thriving community for women over 30 ready to reinvent their lives overseas. We dive into the highs and lows of her expat story, what it really takes to start over in a new country, and why community is the secret ingredient to a successful transition. Plus, Cepee shares inspiring refresh stories from women in her network and practical advice for anyone dreaming of a bold new chapter abroad.
Key Takeaways
Cepee's background as a child of immigrants shaped her desire for freedom.
Her early career was marked by job hopping and a quest for meaningful work.
The importance of community in the process of moving abroad.
Remote work opportunities have changed the landscape for expats.
Scouting trips are essential for making informed decisions about moving.
Albania is an emerging destination for Americans looking to move abroad.
Women over 30 often feel it's too late to make a big life change.
Success stories from the She Hit Refresh community inspire others to take the leap.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming. 
Where to Find Cepee:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shehitrefresh
Move Abroad Masterclass affiliate link:
https://shehitrefresh.kartra.com/affiliates/411713
Refresher’s Lounge Waitlist: https://www.shehitrefreshacademy.com/loungewaitlist
She Hit Refresh Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shehitrefresh
She Hit Refresh Podcast: https://shehitrefresh.com/category/podcast/
She Hit Refresh YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheHitRefresh
Resources/Links
Home Exchange (affiliate): https://spn.so/digk6ev9
Trusted Housesitters affiliate link (Use our code BHA25 for 25% off membership): trustedhousesitters.pxf.io/POzVMY
Host a Sister Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hostasister
Sabbatical Homes: https://www.sabbaticalhomes.com
About the Podcast
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Huntress of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
Join for VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info@bargain-homes.com

Wanna Move Abroad? Your Exit Strategy Starts Here with Jen Barnett

Welcome to the very first episode of Armchair Expat. In this kickoff conversation, host Shannon Acton chats with Jen Barnett about her journey from Alabama to Mérida, Mexico—and how she turned her relocation experience into a powerful resource for others through her platform, Expatsi.
Jen opens up about the political motivations behind her move, the surprises and challenges of settling into a new country, and the reality of building a business abroad. From housing headaches to hugs at Costco, this episode is packed with both inspiration and practical insight for anyone considering life beyond U.S. borders.
What You’ll Learn:
Why the decision to move abroad often starts with values and lifestyle
What it takes to relocate
The surprising struggles (and wins) of finding housing abroad
How Expatsi is helping people find & explore their best-fit countries
The stages of moving abroad—and why the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming
Resources & Links:
Wondering where should you move? Take the Expatsi test: https://www.expatsi.com
Learn more about Move Abroad Con taking place in May 2025 in San Antonio, TX. And save 10% off convention tickets with code ARMCHAIR
Join the Expatsi Membership - Apply discount code ARMCHAIR to save 35% off the first month of membership)
Connect with Jen Barnett:
Website: https://expatsi.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expatsi
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, Founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
Join for VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info@bargain-homes.com
Enjoy this episode? Please like, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming your way.
Until next time… remember: the adventure starts right from your armchair.

Armchair Expat Promo

What really happens when you leave everything familiar behind and start over in a new country?
Armchair Expat is a podcast about moving abroad, living overseas, and building a life you love on your own terms. Hosted by Shannon Acton of @BargainHomesAbroad, each episode features real stories from people who have relocated internationally—whether for work, retirement, lifestyle, or love.
Guests include everyday expats, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs who share honest insights, practical advice, and personal reflections on what it really takes to move abroad and thrive. But this show isn’t just about logistics—it’s about the inner journey, too. From identity shifts and culture shock to healing, intuition, and transformation, Armchair Expat explores how living abroad can change you in ways you never expected.
If you’re dreaming of moving to another country or curious about expat life, this podcast will inspire, inform, and guide your journey—no passport required.