Astrology software has become an indispensable tool for both professional and amateur astrologers. With the right software, astrologers can quickly generate accurate birth charts, calculate transits and progressions, and analyze the astrological meanings behind planetary placements and aspects.
In this detailed post, we’ll explore how the magic of astrology software happens behind the scenes.
Building the Foundational Database
The first key component of astrology software is its database of planetary positions. This database contains the longitude, latitude, and distance of the Sun, Moon, planets, asteroids, and other celestial bodies for any given date and time. Building this database is no small feat!
To calculate planetary positions, astrology software developers use complex astronomical algorithms taking into account perturbations, elliptical orbits, and more. The Swiss Ephemeris is the gold standard astronomical calculation engine used in leading astrology software. It draws on data from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the formulas of Swiss astronomer Jean Meeus.
With the Swiss Ephemeris or similar astronomy calculation engine, developers can accurately determine planetary positions thousands of years into the past or future. This full ephemeris database gets packaged into astrology software for ultra-fast lookups of planetary positions.
Generating Birth Charts and Beyond
Armed with this expansive database, astrology software can quickly generate birth charts for any date, time, and location. To do so, the software cross-references the database to identify the positions of celestial bodies at the exact moment and geographic coordinates of birth. It then draws these positions on a circular chart divided into 12 astrological house cusps and zodiac signs.
Advanced astrology software takes chart drawing even further by:
- Offering multiple house system options like Placidus, Koch, Campanus, etc.
- Including additional points like Arabic Parts or fixed stars
- Drawing aspect lines between planets to show conjunctions, squares, oppositions
- Calculating precise angles between planets and points in the chart
Together these features result in a beautifully rendered natal chart reflecting someone’s unique cosmic fingerprints.
Analyzing and Interpreting the Chart
But a birth chart on its own is just the beginning. To delve into analysis and interpretation, astrology software offers a treasure trove of features:
- generating detailed aspect grids and tables
- creating astrological reports with meaning explanations
- looking up planetary dignity by sign and degree
- finding chart patterns like grand trines, T-squares, etc.
- determining chart rulers and astrological house rulers
- comparing natal charts in synastry
- forecasting transits, progressions, directions
- easy relocation and rectification tools
With instant access to all this data alongside databases of chart interpretations, astrology software greatly enhances the depth of analysis possible compared to manual chart drawing techniques.
Empowering Astrologers
In summary, today’s astrology software removes the complexity and tedious calculations from chart drawing and analysis. The accuracy of the astronomical algorithms paired with fast processing and advanced features empowers astrologers to practice their craft efficiently and effectively.
While astrology remains an art, software has made it more approachable, engaging, and insightful. It enables astrologers to devote more time to interpretation and counseling rather than manual chart plotting and calculation. For students of astrology, quality software is an indispensable ally on the journey toward mastery.
References
Swiss Ephemeris. “Overview.” Accessed January 1, 2023. https://www.astro.com/swisseph/swephprg.htm.
Kelly, Janet. “The History and Future of Astrology Software.” Astrology News Service, February 23, 2020. https://astrologynewsservice.com/articles/the-history-and-future-of-astrology-software/.
Roberts, Rachel. “The Best Astrology Software Programs 2021.” Digital Camera World, November 29, 2021. https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-astrology-software.
Hi there, I’m Mallory Miller, a proud Florida woman living and loving life in the Sunshine State with my husband of 50 years, Mike. I spent my career in journalism and public relations, uncovering stories and promoting causes close to my heart. Now, I’ve redirected my energy towards our joint venture: a website where we share our candid experiences and insights on the triumphs and challenges of senior living.
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