There are a lot of astrology programs out there.
Most are written for Windows only. The exceptions are Astrolog (Macintosh and
UNIX versions), Io Series by Matrix Software(Mac), and TimePassages (Mac). Some
programs are better than others, but it shouldn't be difficult for you to find
one that does what you need, is user-friendly, and fits your budget.
In many cases, these software companies produce other
programs in addition to their Western astrology offerings. These include Tarot,
biorhythms, and Tibetan astrology.
Jyotish (also called Vedic or Hindu astrology) is
growing in popularity. I've listed the sites for the two leading Jyotish programs
below.
I've commented on the software I've used; I welcome
your comments on the ones I'm unfamiliar with. If you have suggestions for software
information or websites to be added to this page, please e-mail
me.
Astrolog
This was the first Windows astrology program I used back in the 1990s, mainly
because it was FREE, but also because it was good. Astrolog is still freeware,
and is currently available in Windows, DOS, Macintosh, and UNIX versions.
The source code is also available for you astro-geeks out there. ;-) The program
has been around since 1991 (the current version is 5.40), and has won numerous
awards; the original developer, Walter
Pullen, continues to maintain and develop it. It's amazing what this little
program (606K in the Windows version) can do!
Halloran
Software
Produces AstrolDeluxe for Windows and AstrolDeluxe ReportWriter.
Janus
Software
This British company produces a Windows-based program that has drawn rave
reviews. Some of its strong points include medieval astrology and cosmobiology
chart calculation. It also supports many languages. Prices are in UK pounds
sterling.
Matrix Software
Produces Win *Star for Windows and the Io Series for Macintosh.
Parashara's
Light
The other leading program for Jyotish (Hindu astrology), produced by GeoVision
Software. The Astrology
Software Shop compares it to Solar Fire for its power and ease of use.
Windows and Palm OS versions are available.
Solar
Fire
This Australian astrology program for Windows is one of the most popular in
the world. When I decided to buy a professional-level program, I bought Solar
Fire because it did everything I wanted, yet was extremely easy to use. It's
available in the US from Astrolabe and
Sagittarius Books/Astrology-Books.com, among others.
World
of Wisdom
Offers two Windows shareware products: Horoscope Interpreter and Astrology
for Lovers.
Astrology
Software Shop
This site carries astrology software for all levels of astrological study
and practice. I find their evaluations of what they carry and why to be very
helpful. (For an example, look at this
page.) For Macintosh programs, see this
page. Programs for the Palm OS are listed here.