| Among packages aimed at the professional or more serious student of Western astrology, Windows applications continue to predominate. Solar Fire remains a market leader, but Sirius and its precursor Kepler from Cosmic Patterns are gaining ground, in a static market where little except cosmetic development has eventuated for several years. Matrix Software provides Win*Star and maintains a loyal following, while an unrestricted 30-day demo of Janus is offered by Astrology House to experience for yourself. Mac users either need an emulator, or will be drawn to the Io Edition from Time Cycles Research, that lags behind in terms of true functionality, despite the elegance of their website. |
Shareware isn’t free, but is freely distributed
usually as a trial version, that you can register
to enjoy the full capabilities of the application, often rather more cheaply than
regular commercial software. For example deep in the Windows world, ZET is
an astrology program with some interesting touches. There is
a Lite version to try out gratis, while registration entitles
you to two further levels of extra content. Written
by Anatoly Zaytsev from the Ukraine, if you like stellar
graphics you are sure to enjoy yourself. For Mac users, Kairon has a long history and some vocal advocates. I haven’t tried this program personally, but you can download and run it thirty times before you need to register. |
| There is a wide range of Windows freeware available, so many exciting programs originate in this sector: with accuracy placed in reach of us all by the Swiss Ephemeris, potentially for free. Astrolog 7.20 has enduring credentials and its capabilities put most freeware to shame. Windows users have a graphical user interface (GUI) and there is a Mac port, plus a Linux version that generates graphics from the command line. Those who deploy Linux as their operating system, may find this a plus: allowing access to a number of switches via shell scripts and so forth. If you’re still hooked on a GUI, try OpenAstro instead. Windows fans will enjoy Riyal for Windows, similarly sporting a power and array of options, you might believe only feature in paid offerings. |
No summary of computerised chart calculation
would be complete without any mention of Alois Treindl
and Astrodienst.
The extensive offering featured by this site, in the form of their Extended
Chart Selection is both impressive and awe-inspiring. An alternative is provided by AstroApp, an application aiming to position professional-grade astrology firmly in your web browser, in a format that will function across all operating systems. You can try a limited collection of techniques free, though the bulk are strictly subscription only. Click the software links below to visit my own link recommendations and archive, where you will see sundry other programs and online services that didn’t quite make this page, including a smattering of astronomy software. |
