Astrology and computers
Encyclopedia
Astrology
software is a type of computer programs designed to calculate horoscope
s. Many of them also assemble interpretive text into narrative reports.
in 1976, The American Ephemeris.
When personal computers generally became available, astrologers and astrology hobbyists were able to purchase them and use astrological or astronomical calculation software or make such programs themselves. Astrologer and computer programmer Michael Erlewine
was involved early in making astrological software for microcomputers available to the general public in the late 1970s. In 1978, Erlewine founded Matrix Software, and in 1980 he published a book with all the algorithms and data required for owners of microcomputers to make their own complete astrological programs.
At first, astrology software was opposed by American astrologers who did not approve of computers in their field. However, acceptance grew as it became clear how more efficient and profitable such software could be.
symbols in graphic charts
, save and retrieve individuals' data to and from database
files, compare the planet positions of different charts to find the astrological aspects between them (e.g. for compatibility), calculate the dates of important events in the future for a chart, and research the saved chart database. Some generate colorful geographical maps with lines showing where the planets rise and culminate. Astrology programs usually come bundled with an electronic atlas, allowing the review of the longitudes, latitudes, and time zone
observance histories for cities and towns. Many assemble interpretive text about the various element combinations in a chart into comprehensive printed reports.
published a general article on astrology software titled "Modern Tools of the Trade (computers and software for astrologers)" by C. Michael Smith. TMA published a more advanced article about the "The Optimal Use of Astrology Software" by software reviewer Hank Friedman in their February/March 2000 issue. Reviewers at TopTenReviews.com analyze and compare the ten astrology software packages that they rated most highly in 2011.
Astrology
Astrology consists of a number of belief systems which hold that there is a relationship between astronomical phenomena and events in the human world...
software is a type of computer programs designed to calculate horoscope
Horoscope
In astrology, a horoscope is a chart or diagram representing the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, the astrological aspects, and sensitive angles at the time of an event, such as the moment of a person's birth. The word horoscope is derived from Greek words meaning "a look at the hours" In...
s. Many of them also assemble interpretive text into narrative reports.
History
Astro Computing Services (ACS) in San Diego, founded by Neil Michelsen in 1973, published a computer-generated astrological ephemerisEphemeris
An ephemeris is a table of values that gives the positions of astronomical objects in the sky at a given time or times. Different kinds of ephemerides are used for astronomy and astrology...
in 1976, The American Ephemeris.
When personal computers generally became available, astrologers and astrology hobbyists were able to purchase them and use astrological or astronomical calculation software or make such programs themselves. Astrologer and computer programmer Michael Erlewine
Michael Erlewine
Michael Erlewine is an American musician, astrologer, and Internet entrepreneur who founded All Music Guide in 1991.- Background :...
was involved early in making astrological software for microcomputers available to the general public in the late 1970s. In 1978, Erlewine founded Matrix Software, and in 1980 he published a book with all the algorithms and data required for owners of microcomputers to make their own complete astrological programs.
At first, astrology software was opposed by American astrologers who did not approve of computers in their field. However, acceptance grew as it became clear how more efficient and profitable such software could be.
Features
Computer astrology programs today typically make accurate planet position calculations, display and print these positions using astrological glyphGlyph
A glyph is an element of writing: an individual mark on a written medium that contributes to the meaning of what is written. A glyph is made up of one or more graphemes....
symbols in graphic charts
Horoscope
In astrology, a horoscope is a chart or diagram representing the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, the astrological aspects, and sensitive angles at the time of an event, such as the moment of a person's birth. The word horoscope is derived from Greek words meaning "a look at the hours" In...
, save and retrieve individuals' data to and from database
Database
A database is an organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usually in digital form. The data are typically organized to model relevant aspects of reality , in a way that supports processes requiring this information...
files, compare the planet positions of different charts to find the astrological aspects between them (e.g. for compatibility), calculate the dates of important events in the future for a chart, and research the saved chart database. Some generate colorful geographical maps with lines showing where the planets rise and culminate. Astrology programs usually come bundled with an electronic atlas, allowing the review of the longitudes, latitudes, and time zone
Time zone
A time zone is a region on Earth that has a uniform standard time for legal, commercial, and social purposes. In order for the same clock time to always correspond to the same portion of the day as the Earth rotates , different places on the Earth need to have different clock times...
observance histories for cities and towns. Many assemble interpretive text about the various element combinations in a chart into comprehensive printed reports.
Reviews
Astrology software is regularly reviewed in astrology publications and books. In 1991, The Mountain AstrologerThe Mountain Astrologer
The Mountain Astrologer is a bi-monthly English-language astrology magazine, written for professional astrologers and astrology students of all levels. It was the winner of the 1999 and 2000 Spica Awards for Best Astrology Publication and is widely acknowledged as the world's premiere astrology...
published a general article on astrology software titled "Modern Tools of the Trade (computers and software for astrologers)" by C. Michael Smith. TMA published a more advanced article about the "The Optimal Use of Astrology Software" by software reviewer Hank Friedman in their February/March 2000 issue. Reviewers at TopTenReviews.com analyze and compare the ten astrology software packages that they rated most highly in 2011.