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1992-04-03
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A S T R O
The Program For
Astrological Analysis
For IBM PC and Compatibles
User Manual
Effective Date: April 1 1992
(C) Copyright 1985, 1988-1992 By Christopher J. Noyes
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S :
License For Use........................3
Warranty...............................7
Support................................7
New To Astrology?......................8
Introduction to ASTRO..................9
System Requirements to Run ASTRO......12
Notation Used in This Manual..........14
Installing ASTRO......................15
Starting Up ASTRO.....................19
Installing ASTRO......................19
Using Screens & Menus.................22
Installing ASTRO......................22
Quick Reference Guide.................29
Installing ASTRO......................29
Entering and Editing Data.............31
Viewing and Printing the Results......37
ASTRO Utilities.......................41
ASTRO Graphics........................43
Using Options.........................49
Handling Errors.......................59
Glossary of Astrological Terms........62
Glossary of Computer Terms............67
Bibliography..........................70
Page 2
L I C E N S E F O R U S E :
Shareware Trial Edition.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING! THIS IS NOT FREE OR PUBLIC DOMAIN SOFTWARE. THIS IS A
COPYRIGHTED COMMERCIALLY PUBLISHED PROGRAM.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT IS SHAREWARE?
Shareware is a means of register and upgrade. Running a
marketing Software at a small business costs money. If
reasonable price. Developers of you enjoy using a shareware
Software use Shareware to product, either register it or
distribute their products using tell the developer what they
Shareware because it provides a can do to provide a product
minimal advertising cost. that you will register. If you
Advertising costs money. In don't register remove the
order to market a program on a product from your system and
retail basis, a developer don't use it. Shareware is not
typically needs to sell a Free or Public Domain Software.
minimum of 5000 copies a month. You can't expect timely
Shareware circumvents this upgrades and fixes from Free or
somewhat and helps provide you Public Domain Software. With a
the customer with a good value Product like ASTRO, if you
at a much lower price than you register, and you find there
would receive from a commercial are problems I will do
source. everything I can to see that
In order for shareware to the product works well for you.
work, If users are actually I will provide you as much
using a product, they must assistance as I can. This
register. Developers can't unfortunately costs money. I
continue to develop and improve can't do it without your
products if customers don't registration.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
This software is provided latest version of ASTRO, free
for Trial Purposes Only! The of limitations and reminders,
purpose of this is to give you complete with all utilities.
the user the opportunity to try Since this package is
out ASTRO without having to buy provided for trial purposes,
it in order to try it. you may copy the original .ZIP
This version allows you to or .LZH files or disks you
use all features of this received as many times as you
version unimpaired. You are wish, and upload, download it
Entitled to Use this Shareware to your heart's content.
Version for Up to 30 days from This version is provided
purchase without Obligation. in two different versions One
You may not use this version shipped in .ZIP format files
for any Commercial Purpose. I compatible with PKZIP/PKUNZIP,
will attempt to provide a this version is preferred for
minimal level of technical BBSs. The other is shipped with
support to any caller who calls a proprietary install program
asking for help without which works with LHA.EXE uses
registration. .LZH compressed files. These
When you register this files can be decompressed using
program, I will send you the LHA as well. If you wish to
Page 3
upload the .LZH version, you Unauthorized alterations
should create an archive called versions to this package will
AST271-0.LZH containing be considered "Pirated" or
INSTALL.EXE, INSTALL.DAT, and hacked. This is to protect you
INSTALL.3. the user from receiving a
The only thing I ask is to damaged files that may damage
upload or copy the entire your system or disk. The disks
package intact, in the original I send you once you register
ZIP file (provided you got this this program may not be copied,
package on a BBS) or disk form, except for archival or backup
and not change the program or purposes only.
any of the documentation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
NOTICE: Under no circumstances do you by registering this
program, do you have the right to operate a chart service. You
may offer charts for sale provided you offer a Value-Added
Service such as consulting, you modify the text, etc. Please
contact me if you have any questions about this.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
THREE REGISTERED VERSIONS
There are several different registered packages available at
different price levels, depending on what you need or want. There
are three different Versions of the Program.
All registered versions include the 1200 location Extended
Location Database. This contains mainly U.S. and Canadian
Locations, but has some other locations as well.
In the description of each version I show what will be
provided for the registration. Each version comes with free
technical support for a limited period of time (stated below).
This is the stated minimum period. After that time I will do my
best to provide any additional help that you may need.
Technical support is provided by phone and by writing. I can
also be reached via several BBS systems. See the Support section
for details.
LITE VERSION
A LITE Version which is basically this version. This is
mainly provided for beginners, and those who don't need the
advantages of the more advanced versions. The LITE version also
works on a Two 360k 5-1/4" floppy disk system. If you send $39.95
you will get this version. This registration level only provides
the disks, No printed manual is provided. Registering this
Package entitles you to access to technical support for 90 days.
Earlier shareware versions included a Progressed Report and
midpoints which were taken out due to lack of disk space. In
their place are better graphics printing, and true Astrological
Glyphs. If you want these features you will want the DELUXE
version Below.
Page 4
FEATURES OF LITE VERSION.
* Works With Mice. * Location Database of 1200
* Natal (Birth Reports). Locations.
* Compatibility Reports. * Birth Database includes
* Transits (or Day To Day) examples, You can add your
Charts. own to this database.
* Shows Aspect Lines on * Print to Epson and compatible
Graphics. 9 and 24 pin printers (B&W
* Astrological Glyphs or Letter and Color), HP LaserJet and
Abbreviations. DeskJet Printers
DELUXE VERSION.
A DELUXE Version Which offers all the features that The Lite
Version does, but adds more Reports and adds other Features and
supports more printers. This version costs $54.95 and Includes a
Printed Manual. Most users will find this version best for their
needs. Registering this Package entitles you to access to
technical support for 90 days.
FEATURES OF DELUXE VERSION IN ADDITION TO LITE FEATURES.
* Relocation Report With Text The Ascendant, Med Coeli or a
Interpretations. House Cusp Should Be, ASTRO
* Progression Report With Text can calculate the birth time.
Interpretations. * Support for HP PaintJet, and
* Composite Report With Text Canon Laser Printers.
Interpretations. * Support For Microsoft Word
* Solar and Lunar Return and Microsoft Word For
Report. Gives Dates and Times Windows and other Windows
that Sun and Moon return to Word Processors using .RTF
the Natal location. file format.
* Midpoints. * Printed Manual.
* Advanced Birth Rectification.
If you can determine where
In addition to these features, for an additional $20, I will
send you the Text Source files used to create ASTRO's Text
interpretations. These are in ASCII. You can edit these files
with any Word Processing program that accepts plain text or
ASCII. This package also includes the programs required to build
these files into ASTRO's Proprietary Indexed Compressed format.
This is all controlled by a few batch files which eliminates the
need to understand all the details of these programs.
As a special Offer, You can order both the DELUXE Program
and the Text Source and Compiler's Package for $69.95 a savings
of $5.
PROFESSIONAL VERSION
The third version is a more professional version. This
version goes far beyond the features of the DELUXE PROGRAM, in
that all the reports can be customized.
This version comes with a Printed manual and is packaged in two
packages. One which contains the Program itself with the
necessary stuff. The second also contains all the stuff to
Page 5
Customize the text and the reports. A New Text Source and
Compilers package is supplied with this that makes modifying text
and reports easier and more automated.
FEATURES PROFESSIONAL VERSION IN ADDITION TO DELUXE.
* Totally customize output of * Visual Graphic Chart
reports and appearance of Rectification.
reports and manner of * Create Cover Page.
presentation. * Create Comment Page Files.
* Separate Size and Typeface * Heliocentric Chart.
for Headlines. * Fixed Stars Chart.
* Center Headlines. * Arabic Parts Chart.
* Better Handling of He/She in * Progress almost any chart.
Compatibility and Composited * Relocate almost any chart.
Charts. * Tag Multiple Charts to Print,
* Batch Programming Language. Delete Convert.
* Macros. * Better Text Printing and
* Keyboard Files. conversion, particularly
* Save Graphics to .PCX handling of tabs.
Graphics. * Supports Publisher's
* Graphically Step through Powerpak.
Transits. * Better Text Modification.
The Professional Program prices at $89.95 for the Basic
Professional Package and $119.95 for the entire package including
the Text Source Files package which is required to modify text or
reports. This package also includes 120 days access to technical
support by telephone or other means.
The text source files package that accompanies the PRO
Program is much easier to use and includes a program which
controls the process, rather than a batch file. This makes it
easier to control the process and only rebuilds files that have
changed. This package also allows you to use the native file
format of several word processing programs (WordPerfect 4.2,
WordPerfect 5.0-5.1, WordStar).
By registering you will be entitled to technical support and
future upgrades at reasonable prices. If You are in a rush I can
notify you of the password for your program till your Updated
copy arrives. You may distribute the Shareware version of ASTRO
as long as you do not charge more than $5.00 per disk. A lot of
hard work went into ASTRO. In order to continue improving ASTRO
and providing extensions to it, you must register it. Without
your support, I cannot afford to justify the expense and energy
necessary, if you will not register and support this product.
Thanks in Advance,
Christopher J. Noyes
Page 6
W A R R A N T Y :
If I am unable to resolve any problems you have with ASTRO,
once you register it, I will refund your money provided you
return all disks and this manual that I shipped you when you
register.
While every attempt has been made to assure that ASTRO will
work properly, I will not be held responsible for any damage,
loss of profit, or other losses caused by ASTRO.
S U P P O R T :
If you did not purchase ASTRO directly from Me, I suggest
first trying to get support from the company you bought ASTRO
from. If they are unable to solve your problem, I will be happy
to help you. I can also be reached on ILINK bulletin board
systems (Send to Chris Noyes) or via Compuserve Mail (User ID
71570,3055).
For technical support on this program, I can be reached at
(718) 625-2262. I am usually available after 9:30 A.M. to (EST)
Most Weekdays and weekends. If I am not home or you wish to reach
me other hours, you can leave a message. I will get back to you
on your problem as soon as I am able to. If you need to speak to
me during weekdays between 1:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. I can also be
reached by mailing to:
Christopher J. Noyes Software
28 Douglass Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231.
Page 7
N E W T O A S T R O L O G Y ?
To get the most out of this program you will need some
understanding of astrology. ASTRO does provide some help in this
area via the ASTRO-Helper found in the Utilities menu, and the
"Astrological Glossary" in the back of this manual, you will be
more able to make use of this program if you do some background
reading. I suggest the following reading material:
Instant Astrology. By Mort Gale. Published by Warner Books, New
York, 1980.
Compendium of Astrology. By Rose Lineman and Jan Popelka.
Published by Para Research, West Chester PA, 1984.
The New Compleat Astrologer. By Derek and Julia Parker. Published
in the United States by Harmony Books, a division of Crown
Publishers, Inc. Current edition published 1984.
The New A To Z Horoscope Maker and Delineator. By Llewellyn
George. Revised and Expanded, Revised and Edited by Marylee
Bytheriver. Published by Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul,
Minnesota, Current version Copyright 1981.
These Are a few more books that may be good for users with any
degree of experience with astrology or with ASTRO.
The Houses: Power Places of the Horoscope. Edited by Joan
McEvers. Published by Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul,
Minnesota, Copyright 1989.
Planets in Combination. By Lynne Burmyn. Published by ACS
Publications, San Diego CA, Copyright 1985.
Progressions Directions and Rectification, or the Great Guessing
Game...What Time Where You Born? By Zipporah Pottenger
Dobyns. Published by T.I.A. Publications, Copyright 1975.
The Rising Sign--Your Astrological Mask. By Jeanne Avery. A
Dolphin Book, Published by Doubleday, New York, Copyright
1982.
Astrological Assistance. By Saul P. Larner. Published By Prentice
Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, Copyright 1972.
The International Atlas, Second Edtion, World latitude,
Longitudes and Time Changes. Compiled and Programmed by
Thomas G. Shanks. Published by ACS Publications, San Diego,
CA, Copyright 1985, 1988.
The American Atlas, Revised, US Latitudes and Longitudes. Time
Changes and Time Zones. Compiled and Programmed by Thomas G.
Shanks. Published by ACS Publications, San Diego, CA,
Copyright 1978, 1987
Page 8
I N T R O D U C T I O N T O A S T R O :
BACKGROUND.
ASTRO was conceived of in 1985, WHY USE ASTRO?
back when I was programming on ASTRO The Program for
a Commodore 128 computer. I Astrological Analysis, or ASTRO
started working on ASTRO out of for short is a powerful
curiosity mostly, and soon got computer program. Where many
deeply involved. I soon ported astrological computer programs
it over to the IBM PC when I produce accurate results, they
discovered I couldn't get ASTRO mostly produce just the numbers
to do what I wanted on the and the facts. They tell you
Commodore due to limited tools very little about yourself or
available, and the limited others without doing a whole
capabilities of the computer. lot of research into the
The original Version of 'delineation' or interpretation
ASTRO that appeared on the IBM of the numbers and the signs.
PC in early 1987 was good at ASTRO is different. ASTRO
some things, particularly its is designed to produce a
simplicity, speed, and ease of textual type of output,
use. It did have some problems consisting of the numbers, text
though. It particularly had interpreting the results into
problems for advanced significant terms. ASTRO also
astrologers and those people provides a graphics cartwheel
who were very new to computers. printout as well that helps in
It also had problems, primarily understanding the individual's
in lack of accuracy and chart.
problems due to not following ASTRO is excellent for the
common astrological standards. new astrologer who really
It was good though for people doesn't understand all the
who were really only casually details in interpretation, and
interested in astrology. is seeking to learn more, more
I got so much feedback about others, more about
from more advanced astrologers themselves. ASTRO provides an
that I decided to rebuild ASTRO excellent learning aide in the
from scratch and resolve the ASTRO-Helper. I am not
majority of their problems. suggesting though that ASTRO
This version of ASTRO is for can totally replace an
all intensive purposes a brand excellent astrologers'
new program. The only things delineation of a highly
kept were some of the text that accurate chart, it can though
was generated, the "ASTRO provide an excellent starting
Helper" text, and some of the point.
modes used. ASTRO is also excellent
This release is the third for the experienced astrologer.
major release of ASTRO. It It can provide charts that
breaks major ground and makes rival those provided by hand or
many improvements over earlier other computer systems.
versions. Many new features
have been introduced and many TWO VERSIONS.
other fine spots have been This release of ASTRO is
ironed out. provided in two different
Page 9
versions. Both have equal drivers are compatible with
accuracy and performance. these.
The Lite version is a limited ASTRO has several built in
version that provides most of databases. One for people's
the major functions but leaves birth dates, time and places.
out many of the advanced and The other is a database of
new features that a novice locations, giving all the
won't understand or be able to necessary data for
use. This version also will approximately 100 U.S. cities
work on a two 360k 5-1/4" and approximately 100 foreign
floppy disk system. cities. A 1200 city database of
The Deluxe version provides locations (primarily US and
many new features that the Canadian cities) is also
advanced astrologer may available. It can be used to
understand and make use of. The store the locations of your own
beginner may have difficulty birth date, your birth
with these, or may not need location, locations and births
them. If you bought the Lite of all your friends, associates
version you will be able to and other people you do charts
upgrade to the Deluxe version for regularly.
when you are ready. This version of ASTRO uses
These are the features Highly accurate routines to
left out of the Lite version generate the planet positions,
and present in the deluxe house cusps, and aspects.
version: midpoints, Planetary positions are
progressions, solar and lunar accurate to no more than 5
returns, relocated charts, Minutes in Arc.
composite charts and enhanced House cusps can be
birth rectification. A few generated using Equal House, M-
minor features under utilities House, Placidus, Companus, and
have also been omitted as well. Regiomontanus house systems.
Each major feature that is ASTRO also provides the
present only in the Deluxe following: midpoints, and
version will be marked in this aspects to midpoints, along
manual as such. with decans, midheaven, Moon's
At some point in the Nodes, Part of Fortune, Vertex
future, a third version, to be and East-Point, and other
called the Pro version will be important calculations and
released. This will offer many determinations. Also provided
advanced features that only is Birth Rectification, by
advanced astrologers will make which basic houses can be
use of or will understand. roughly determined, even if you
don't know a person's exact
NEW AND ENHANCED CAPABILITIES. time of birth, and optional day
There are many improvements in for a year progressions.
the deluxe version of this The graphics cartwheel
release, as well as the Lite display can be used with any of
version. many standard graphics adapter
ASTRO has an easy-to-use and monitor combinations. The
intuitive user interface. It is graphics cartwheel printed on
easy to use, and is much more the screen can also be printed
powerful. This version also to the printer with built in
features support for Microsoft, printer support.
Mouse Systems and mice whose
Page 10
ASTRO directly supports In the old version your
IBM/Epson compatible printers horoscope was only stored in
(9 and 24 pin, B&W and Color) memory until you chose to view
or HP LaserJet, DeskJet and it or print it and it was over-
compatible printers, but the written when you chose to do
setup file can be altered to another. This version produces
support many others as well. all files directly to the disk
This version also allows you to in a special compressed format.
convert your horoscope to an The names of the files
ASCII text file, or convert generated to the disk are kept
your horoscope to the format in a file list stored on disk
used by WordStar 3.x or 4.x, and in memory. You can select
WordPerfect 4.x or 5.x, or from many different charts that
XYWrite. The Deluxe Program you may have calculated and
also provides support for kept on disk. These charts can
converting to an Microsoft Word be marked with comments when
RTF type file. compiling, that can aid you in
Many word processors are determining which chart to look
compatible with at least one of at, print, convert, or view as
these file formats. Word a graphics-cartwheel.
processing formats retain all If you have a math co-
formatting information. processor chip either an 8087,
Also introduced in this 80287 or 80387, ASTRO supports
version are enhanced printing this chip and producing a
capabilities. This version faster chart, and faster
creates reports that utilize graphics drawing when doing the
bold and underscore graphics cartwheel. If you do
capabilities of your printer, not have the math coprocessor,
and screen, along with a ASTRO will emulate the
numeric only report format, in coprocessor.
case you only want the numbers.
Page 11
S Y S T E M R E Q U I R E M E N T S
T O R U N A S T R O:
Though ASTRO is a flexible system and can be run on a number of
different type of system setups, it does have some requirements
for hardware.
or 720k 3-1/2". Two 360k
COMPUTER AND DOS. diskettes are not
ASTRO requires at least an IBM- recommended, and the Deluxe
PC or at least a close version cannot be installed
compatible or BIOS Compatible on this type of system.
computer running either MS-DOS
or PC-DOS version 2.0 or later. 3. One High capacity floppy
Memory. disk drive either 1.2Mb,
ASTRO will work on as 5-1/4" or 1.44Mb 3-1/2".
little as 300k of Free Memory. These are usually found
You can determine the amount of on either IBM PC-AT or
free memory by using the dos compatibles, or IBM- PC PS2
program chkdsk. If ASTRO has models 50-80 systems, or
more memory it will run better other compatibles. There may
and faster. ASTRO will take be some difficulty in
advantage of any LIM EMS 3.2+ installing the deluxe
Expanded memory on a system and version on the 1.2MB floppy
will use Extended memory (not as it may not leave much
to be confused with LIM EMS or working room.
Expanded memory) as well as LIM If you choose to use a 2
EMS for caching of overlays to floppy 360k disk setup, you
improve speed will only be able to store a
limited amount of information
DISK SETUP. on a given disk before you have
Though ASTRO does not 'Require' to erase files. Second you will
a Hard disk, one is Strongly have to swap disks when ASTRO
Recommended though, as it will needs different files.
enhance performance and speed -------------------------------
up operations. Using ASTRO with NOTE: You should be able to
two 360k floppy disk drives install a limited capacity Hard
will be rather difficult and is drive (10MB or 20MB) on most
not recommended because of the any system for under $350,
degree of disk swapping though one with more capacity
required and charts on disk or speed. will cost more.
take up a considerable amount -------------------------------
of free space. ASTRO requires VIDEO.
at least one of the following To use the graphics capability
three possible setups: that ASTRO provides, you will
need one of the following:
1. Hard Disk and One Floppy
disk any capacity. This is 1. VGA (or compatible) graphics
recommended for the Deluxe adapter and digital or
Version. analog monitor, either B&W
or color.
2. Two or More floppy disk
drives, either 360k, 5-1/4"
Page 12
2. EGA (or compatible) graphics versions of the above
adapter and enhanced color standards.
or TTL monochrome monitor. In order to print the
For Full 640 pixel x 350 graphics cartwheel properly to
pixel graphics, that ASTRO some printers and EGA or VGA
is capable of supporting you should be "register compatible"
will need at least 128K of with the IBM VGA standard.
video memory, some early EGA There are some that are not
cards had only 64k). compatible enough.
If you are using a 9 pin
3. Hercules graphics card (HGC) B&W printer there is a special
or mono-chrome graphics compatibility "BIOS" mode, that
adapter capable of emulating will make use of the code built
the HGC completely (Many into your graphics board, to
Monochrome cards do this get the image from the screen.
well) and a monochrome This is code not fast enough
monitor. An IBM Monochrome though for the other printer
Display Printer Adapter drivers.
(MDPA) will allow ASTRO to Printer.
run, but won't work with the ASTRO directly supports many
graphics display. A Hercules different printers, as most
compatible adapter can be printers are compatible with
installed in most systems either the Epson/IBM dot matrix
for under $100. printer standard, or are
compatible with the Hewlett
4. CGA, MCGA (or compatible) Packard PCL Standard.
graphics adapter and color ASTRO supports both 9 and
monitor or monochrome 24 pin Epson/IBM compatible
monitor. printers, both B&W and Color.
ASTRO is compatible with ASTRO also supports
most compatible graphics Hewlett Packard LaserJet,
adapter cards that are DeskJet, PaintJet and
compatible with the above compatible printers, as well as
standards, though some will not the Canon Laser printers.
operate such as the ATI EGA Other printers are
Wonder card. The program is indirectly supported, by the
compatible with AT&T graphics user typing in codes into data
adapters, made by Olivetti, screens or the graphics setup
which are generally enhanced file.
Page 13
N O T A T I O N U S E D I N T H I S M A N U A L :
This section describes the notation that is used in this manual
for your clarification.
Words typed in ALL CAPS indicate a file, directory or system
command. An ALL CAPS word followed by a colon such as A:
indicates a disk drive or output device. A 'Path', is a series of
directory names separated by '\' marks and may begin with a
drive, or the symbols '..' meaning the previous directory, or '.'
meaning the current directory. A path beginning with a '\'
indicates a path that starts at the root directory or at the
start of the disk. A file you will notice is usually constructed
with a 'Name' of up to 8 letters or numbers, a '.' and an up to 3
letter 'Extension'.
A key on the keyboard will either be signified by
surrounding it with ' and ' such as 'c'. or surrounded by { and }
such as {ALT} signifying the ALT key on your keyboard. {Fn}
refers the function keys at the top or left of your keyboard,
where n indicates a number from 1 to 10 or 12 depending on your
system such as {F1} for the F1 key.
Notation such as {ALT}+'A' indicates that you hold down the
ALT key while pressing the 'A' key.
Page 14
I N S T A L L I N G A S T R O :
Most people will probably be able to run the install program and
go. Though, if you wish to, you can easily change the
configuration using the setup function found under the options
menu.
#################################################################
I M P O R T A N T !
YOU MUST RUN THE INSTALL PROGRAM!
Before you start using ASTRO, I suggest that you make backup
copies so the original master diskettes are not destroyed or
harmed in any way. This way you can make additional copies if the
original is damaged.
This is particularly important to floppy disk users, though
hard disk users will probably want to make a backup as well, and
put the original away in a safe place after copying the master
diskettes to your hard disk.
You should check to see that your CONFIG.SYS file has the
following two entries in it. This file is usually found in your
root directory or your startup floppy disk.
This file can be edited with any editor that will edit and
produce a straight ASCII file. The two values should be
considered minimum. On most systems you may be able to use more,
though check your DOS manual just to be sure.
You should have a line in the CONFIG.SYS has the entry FILES=12
and BUFFERS=10. The numbers are not important as long as you have
more than these numbers in the file. If these are not present in
your file, you should add them or alter them so you have at least
these values. If you are using MS-DOS or PC-DOS 2.1 or less you
will only be able to set FILES=20 and no more. If you are in the
main directory on your startup disk you can see the CONFIG.SYS
file by typing TYPE CONFIG.SYS {ENTER}
###############################################################
FLOPPY DISK BASICS. facing up when you insert the
Floppy disks come in several disk in the drive.
different varieties, so it is -------------------------------
important to buy the right type IMPORTANT: Handle Floppy disks
for your computer, though the with care, they are easily
brand doesn't really matter as damaged. Never write on a
long as you buy a high quality floppy disk with a ball point
diskette. You should usually pen as that can damage the
buy "Double Sided" diskettes. disk. Keep the disk away from
Single sided diskettes are magnetic fields such a TV sets,
actually two sided, but the motors, telephones, etc., as
second side has not been the disk may be erased by them.
tested. Also do not put your finger on
Before any of the the disk area itself and keep
following operations, make sure cigarettes and food away from
the diskette is securely in the your disks.
drive before closing the latch. -------------------------------
The label on the disk should be
Page 15
DISK FORMATTING. If you wanted to copy all
This function initializes a the files on one diskette to
blank disk ready for use by another you would type COPY
your computer. A:*.* B:{ENTER}. You could copy
To format a floppy disk: all the files with the .EXE
At the DOS prompt ("A>" or any extension with COPY A:*.EXE
other letter followed by the B:{ENTER}, etc. You can also
'>' mark. Type FORMAT copy all the files beginning
A:{ENTER}. with the letter 'A' like this
COPY A:A*.* B:{ENTER}.
DISK COPYING.
This function will make an INSTALLING.
exact copy of a floppy disk If you are installing ASTRO on
that you can use as you would a floppy disk type system and
the master. don't have a hard disk to
To Copy a Disk. At the install ASTRO on, the following
prompt with the DOS disk in the tells you how many disks you
drive, type DISKCOPY A: B: require. If your computer will
{ENTER}. will work even if you take the higher capacity disks,
only have one floppy disk, as I suggest using them.
DOS will simulate the use of If you are installing
two disks by using swapping. ASTRO on floppy disks, you
This function will tell you to should very carefully label the
put the source or master into disks Exactly as the install
the A: drive and the program tells you to.
destination into the B: drive. DISK SIZE # NEEDED
If you only have one drive. you *360kb 5-1/4" 5
will swap disks later on in the 720kb 3-1/2" 3
process. 1.2mb 5-1/4" 1
1.44mb 3-1/2" 1
FILE COPYING. You will want to backup
This function allows you to both the original Master Disks
copy only one file or a few and your copies particularly if
like named files to a disk. You you are using Floppy Disks.
can also use this function to If you had the shareware
copy all the files on this disk version of ASTRO, or an earlier
to a different type of disk version of ASTRO on that disk
The general format for the or directory delete the setup
copy command is COPY source data files by typing ERASE
[destination] {ENTER}, where ASTRO*.DAT {ENTER}.
source and destination are the Insert the disk Marked
source diskette and file name, "ASTRO Main Program Disk" Into
and destination is the your disk drive.
destination diskette or disk If you inserted the disk
drive and path. Destination is into your A: Drive you can
optional in that if you were either log onto that drive by
using the A: drive and wanted typing A:, and then typing
to copy the file MYCHART.TXT INSTALL{ENTER}, and following
from the B: drive to the A: the instructions. You can also
drive you would just type COPY type A:INSTALL{ENTER}.
B:MYCHART.TXT {ENTER} or COPY If you inserted the disk
B:MYCHART.TXT{ENTER} would be into your B: Drive you can
equivalent. either log onto that drive by
typing B:, and then typing
Page 16
INSTALL{ENTER}, and following the Documentation. This is a
the instructions. You can also disk version of this manual.
type B:INSTALL{ENTER}. -------------------------------
The install program will NOTE: If another company's
ask you what type of system you install program starts up it is
want to install it on. This usally because you don't have
refers to the number of disk the right disk in the drive you
drives you want to install specified when you type
ASTRO on. If you are installing install, or you haven't logged
ASTRO on a system with a hard onto the drive before typing
disk, choose 4. You will also INSTALL.
have to choose between two -------------------------------
different installation At the end of the install
approaches. The First, Install program, you will be asked to
in One Directory is simpler and check your CONFIG.SYS file for
is suggested. FILES= and BUFFERS=. This is
The install program will not an error. Nothing is wrong.
also ask you if you want to This is just a reminder to
install the Text Source and check. If you don't understand
Com-pilers. If You did not this, check with the person who
receive a disk marked "Text installed your system, or
Source and Compilers", don't consult a computer book.
answer Yes. This is an optional
item and is not required. You VIDEO ADAPTER/MONITOR AND COLOR
can purchase this later to CONFIGURATION.
customize the text and install When ASTRO starts up it
it separately. automatically configures itself
The install program will for the type of video adapter
ask you if you want to install and mon-itor configuration that
the Extended Database. There you are using and sets the
are two databases supplied with screen colors to appropriate
ASTRO. One is 200 locations and default values.
another is 1200 locations. If ASTRO automatically sets
you only have 360k floppies, itself up to use a fast RAM
don't answer yes. video driver that updates the
If you already have a copy screen in the fastest way
of ASTRO installed and you want possible. Some computers will
to install this copy of ASTRO not operate properly with this
over that copy the install configuration. For those
program will ask you if you systems, you can change ASTRO
want to overwrite several to use BIOS compatible routines
files. If you have made for its video.
additions to these files and This can be configured on
you haven't backed these files the command line and using the
up, you should not answer yes. Setup screen on the Options
If you have chosen to install sub-menu. Default screen colors
the Extended Database, this are assigned for your current
process will occur twice as screen configuration though you
ASTRO installs the small can reconfigure the screen
database system first and colors using the Setup Screen
overwrites it with the Extended accessed using the Options sub-
Database. menu. These colors are saved to
The install program will the setup file ASTROSYS.DAT.
ask you if you want to install
Page 17
DISK CONFIGURATION. itself, first in the current
If ASTRO finds your current directory, then following the
disk is a High density disk DOS path variable. If it can't
then ASTRO will set you up for find itself it will set you up
one floppy disk operation that to use the current directory.
will not require swapping.
If ASTRO finds 3-1/2" 720k KEEPING SAVED FILES.
floppies it will setup two If you want to keep reports you
disks that may not require disk have generated, you can store
swapping. Otherwise it you are them off-line on floppy disks
using floppies ASTRO will set and copy them back to your User
you up to use two 360k floppies disk or directory when you need
that will need to be swapped to them. Use the Scan For Files
get access to all the files Not in List to read the files
needed. Because of the complex into the list once they have
swapping needed ASTRO shouldn't been copied, or erase the file
be run on a single 360k floppy ASTFILE.LST from your user disk
drive system. or directory and one will be
If You are using a hard created.
disk, ASTRO will look for
Page 18
S T A R T I N G U P A S T R O :
You are now ready to start using ASTRO. When you start ASTRO, you
will need to be in the directory and logged into the disk that
the ASTRO.EXE file is stored on, or have the DOS PATH variable
set to that disk and directory. If you are using a hard disk and
ASTRO is in the C:\ASTRO directory, and you are in the C: drive,
you can do this by typing CD \ASTRO.
You would set that EGA, MCGA, VGA or compatible
directory using the command type display), you may have to
PATH C:\BIN;C:\ASTRO{ENTER}, use the BIOS compatibility
assuming that your DOS files mode. ASTRO will attempt to do
are stored in the directory quick RAM screen writing, when-
C:\BIN, and ASTRO is stored in ever possible but this may
the C:\ASTRO directory. You can cause problems on incompatible
start ASTRO from the DOS systems. If you have difficulty
command line prompt by typing with your screen, start ASTRO
ASTRO {ENTER} and ASTRO start with the following command line
up. ASTRO -BIOS {ENTER}.
I don't suggest that you You can also select this
start up ASTRO using a command mode from the Setup Screen in
line such as C:\ASTRO\ASTRO the Options sub-menu. Once you
{ENTER} as ASTRO may not be have started ASTRO once in BIOS
able to find the setup file mode, it will stay in that mode
(ASTROSYS.DAT) if one existed and will use it whenever it
at this time. If you are in starts up as long as the ASTRO-
that directory in which case SYS.DAT file can be found in
you wouldn't need to restate the same directory as the
the directory by using the full ASTRO.EXE file, or until it is
path, or if the path variable changed using the setup screen.
contains the directory that EMS Memory.
ASTRO, and the ASTROSYS.DAT is If you have LIM EMS that
in which case you don't need to you don't wish to use or that
use the full path as well. is not working correctly, you
I suggest typing CD \ASTRO can tell ASTRO to ignore it by
{ENTER} ASTRO {ENTER} to start using the option -NOEMS. If you
ASTRO assuming astro is in your have EMS it will help ASTRO's
ASTRO directory. Laptop LCD performance. You may need to
Screens. If you are using a use this if your EMS causes
laptop computer that uses and compatibility problems.
LCD type screen that does not
support the normal and bright OVERLAY CACHING.
attributes, you should start Overlays are portions of ASTRO
ASTRO in LCD mode using the which can't all fit into ASTRO
-LCD flag. at once and are kept on disk.
ASTRO attempts to keep fre-
BIOS COMPATIBILITY. quently used overlays in EMS or
If you are using a computer XMS memory, that saves accesses
that is not closely compatible to disk.
with the PC-DOS standard for You may not be able to use
video displays (e.g. using this feature if your EMS or
standard MDA, Hercules, CGA, Extended memory is
Page 19
malfunctioning or you are FINDING OTHER IMPORTANT FILES.
currently using extended memory When ASTRO starts up, it will
and you are not using XMS. In attempt to find the help file
this case you may get errors ASTROHLP.HLP that is stored
from ASTRO when you start it either on the help disk in a
up. floppy disk system, or in the
If for some reason you do help directory in a hard disk
not wish ASTRO to cache over- system. On a 720k floppy type
lays in EMS or Extended memory system this will be on the Main
(ASTRO Will only cache overlays Program Disk. If that file
in EMS if there is enough free can't be found, ASTRO will
memory for it's own use first, display an error message
ASTRO's EMS needs take telling you that you won't have
priority) use the option - access to the help system.
NOCACHE. If you get this error, you
should check as to where the
THE SETUP INFORMATION FILE. help files were saved and make
If the setup information file, sure the setup screen in the
called ASTROSYS.DAT can't be options directory is set
found (ASTRO searches first in properly.
the current directory then the For example if you had
directories pointed to by the created a multi-directory setup
DOS PATH variable), ASTRO will with the install program and
create it, intelligently called the help directory
setting up for your system as C:\ASTRO\HLP, you would need to
it is best able to do from the update the setup screen to
hardware it finds. this.
ASTRO looks for sub- When ASTRO is creating its
directories called HELP, USER, default setup, ASTRO looks for
DB and DATA when creating the a directory called HELP other-
initial setup and uses them wise it sets it to be the same
when possible. If it does not as the main directory.
find these subdirectories, the ASTRO will next attempt to
setup defaults to the basic read the list of compiled chart
directory and you will have to files on disk into memory. This
setup ASTRO. file is a list of all the files
created the last session. This
CUSTOMIZING THE SETUP. file is called ASTFILE.LST and
If you wish to view or is stored on the data disk in a
customize this information for floppy type system or in the
your own unique and special user directory in a hard disk
needs use the Setup Screen on type system. If this file can't
the Options sub-menu. If an be found it is assumed to have
ASTROSYS.DAT file is found that been erased by ASTRO, or never
is configured for a color existed before.
screen and the system is now ASTRO then reads the file
running on a monochrome mode or ASTRODAT .HIS (if it exists).
monochrome adap-ter card, ASTRO This is the History file, data
will reconfigure it for mono- that was in the Enter/Edit
chrome and adjust the screen screens at the time that ASTRO
colors accordingly. The ASTRO- quit last. Then ASTRO reads the
SYS.DAT file will then be file ASTRODAT.DEF (if it
saved. exists). This is the default
data. This is loaded every time
Page 20
ASTRO starts up. If you want create a batch file to start
certain chart information MSHERC and then ASTRO. The
loaded every time ASTRO starts batch file I suggest is:
up save that information to the COPY CON: AS.BAT
file ASTRODAT .DEF, using the ECHO OFF
Save Data To Disk function. MSHERC
ASTRO
USING A MOUSE. ECHO ON
If You wish mouse support, your {F6} (^Z appears on the screen)
mouse driver must be loaded Then you would type AS{ENTER}
when you start ASTRO. You may to start ASTRO.
do this using a file called
MOUSE.SYS (or your mouse 8087 MATH COPROCESSOR CHIPS.
driver's name) that must be in If you are using a computer
your CONFIG.SYS with a line with a 8087, 80287, or 80387
that reads DEVICE= MOUSE.SYS. chip in it and do not wish to
You may also load a mouse use it perhaps because of
driver by loading a program, malfunction or other problem
called MOUSE.COM, (or your you should set the following
mouse driver's name) either option before starting up. At
before you start ASTRO or in the dos command line type SET
your AUTOEXEC.BAT file on your NO87=1 {ENTER}. I suggest
startup disk in your main or putting this and starting ASTRO
root directory. in a batch file if this is a
problem by typing:
USING HERCULES GRAPHICS COPY CON: AS.BAT
ADAPTERS. ECHO OFF
If you plan to display graphics SET NO87=1
using A Hercules type graphics ASTRO
adapter or compatible graphics ECHO ON
board, you will need to start {F6} (^Z appears on the screen)
the program MSHERC.COM before Then you would type AS{ENTER}
starting ASTRO. To start this to start ASTRO. If you have a
program type MSHERC {ENTER}. math coprocessor and ASTRO
Then start ASTRO. freezes while compiling a
I suggest putting the chart, this may solve your
command to start MSHERC either problem.
in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file or
Page 21
U S I N G S C R E E N S & M E N U S :
The user interface of a program basically deals with the screens
and menus that you deal with as you use ASTRO.
ASTRO features an easy-to-use intuitive user interface. All
the menus are structured in a logical way and should be easy to
follow. ASTRO works similarly to other programs used on the IBM
PC and a person with even some experience using a computer should
find it relatively simple to use.
This version of ASTRO features support for mice, Mouse
Systems, Microsoft and all compatible mice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I M P O R T A N T I N F O R M A T I O N .
Should you have any trouble at any time with this program, there
are several things you should remember.
In any menu or data screen, you can get help by pressing the
{F1} key on your keyboard. The {F1} key is found at the top left
of the keyboard on most keyboards.
You can back out of any screen or series of screens by
pressing the {ESC} or Escape key. The {ESC} key is found at the
right side of usual 84 key keyboard to the left of the "NUM LOCK"
key and to the right of the {BACKSPACE} or {<-} key. On 101 key
keyboards the {ESC} key is usually found at the top left of the
keyboard. Pressing this key will get you back to the main menu.
If you are in a data screen, you can use the cursor keys
({UP}, {DOWN}, {TAB}, {SHIFT} + {TAB}, and {ENTER}) to move
through the fields on a screen. When you want to complete that
screen and continue, you have several approaches.
If you want to get back to the menu system press the {ESC}
key. This cancels your earlier choice. If you ready to continue,
either press the {F10} key, or press the {ENTER} key on the last
field on the screen. You can at any time print the screen to the
standard printer by pressing the {PRINT SCREEN} key on your
keyboard.
If you are in a field that asks for a Yes/No choice,
pressing the word space key will toggle that choice, or pressing
Y or N can select one choice or the other.
If you are in a field that accepts multiple choices. Press
the word space key and you will see a list of choices presented
on the screen. You can move the cursor to the correct choice and
accept that choice by pressing {ENTER} or {ESCAPE} to keep the
choice you had before using the list.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
MOUSE SUPPORT. I am assuming that your
If You are using a mouse, you mouse has at least two buttons
will see a mouse cursor on the on it. If you have more than
screen. This is a rectangular two buttons such as Mouse
block, that will appear in the Systems, Genius, and Some other
opposite of whatever the mice do, you can ignore the
screen's color is. If You move center button. ASTRO will use
the mouse, you will see it move the left button and the right
around the screen. button.
Page 22
You must have a mouse pressing the Left Button down
driver loaded before starting and moving the mouse. The
astro, see information in the highlighted choice will follow
previous section for more the mouse movement where
information on this. possible.
-------------------------------
NOTE: Do not use a mouse menu USING A MOUSE IN A YES/NO OR
program. This is unnecessary as SELECTION FIELD.
ASTRO has full mouse support, In a Yes/No field, you can
and may be easier to use. toggle a choice from Yes to No
------------------------------- or No to Yes by pressing the
EXITING A SCREEN. Left Mouse button on the field.
You can exit a screen as though In a Multiple Selection
you had pressed {ESC}, by field, you can press the left
pressing the Right hand mouse mouse button. This will cause a
button. This records a screen menu of choices to be presented
as incomplete and does not on the screen. Then use the
validate and does not do final Mouse as you would in a menu
calculations done when pressing screen.
{F10} or pressing {ENTER} on
the last line of a screen or on USING A MOUSE IN A VIEW SCREEN.
a menu. If you are in a text view
If You want to exit a screen and you can see one of
screen as though you had the scroll Light arrows at the
pressed {F10}, you can place left side of the screen,
the mouse cursor over any of pressing the Left Mouse button
the boxes surrounding any on an up-arrow causes the
screen, and press the Left Hand screen to page up. Pressing the
Mouse button. This records the Left Mouse button on a down-
screen as complete. It arrow, causes the screen to
validates the data in the page down. You can scroll the
screen and does final screen, by pressing the Left
calculations. Mouse button down anywhere on
the screen but on the borders
MOVING TO A FIELD.. or arrows and moving the mouse
As long as you are in a spe- up or down.
cific screen, you can move to
any other field in a screen by THE MAIN MENU SYSTEM.
moving the mouse cursor to a Once the title screen is
field and pressing the Left cleared you will see the main
Mouse Cursor on that field. The menu screen. This screen is
Highlight will move to that composed of a horizontal box
screen. with words inside it connected
to a box beneath.
USING A MOUSE IN A MENU. The horizontal bar is the
If You are in a menu screen, main menu. The box beneath is
you can move to a choice by the sub-menu. At the bottom of
pressing the Left Mouse Button. the screen is a prompt line
Once you are on that choice and that is used to remind you of
the choice is highlighted, you frequently used keystrokes that
can choose a choice by pressing you can use at this time.
the Left Mouse button. If You -------------------------------
are not on a choice, you can NOTE: You should also notice
move the choice around by that the choices on the main
Page 23
menu are arranged primarily in another main menu choice and
a logical progression, i.e. its corresponding sub-menu, use
you will need to "Enter Data" the left or right cursor keys.
before you "Compile Chart", If you chose to use the
and you will need to "Compile first key method, the system
Chart" before you print one, will automatically accept your
etc. The exceptions to this choice and start that oper-
rule is the "Options" and ation. Though if you use the
"Utility" menu choices. these cursor keys you will need to
are placed near the end since press the {ENTER} key to select
they are used less often than your choice and start the
the others. operation in question. At any
------------------------------- point in the main menu and sub-
You can select any main menu system, you can get help
menu topic by either selecting by pressing the {F1} key.
it using a cursor key ({LEFT}, -------------------------------
{RIGHT}, {HOME} or {END}), or -
by pressing the key that GETTING HELP.
corresponds to that selection's As was stated earlier, you can
first letter. You will notice get help at any time while you
that the highlighted bar moves are entering or editing data or
to the next choice along with you are in a menu system by
the sub-menu revealing that pressing the {F1} key. This
main menu selection's sub-menu. will search the help database
------------------------------- for information on that topic
NOTE: You need to be aware of and show it on the screen.
the level of the menu that you The help screen shows you
are on. There are two menu the purpose, and meaning of a
levels. The Top level, and the data entry field or menu choice
Bottom Level. When you are in and can give you suggestions as
the Top Level, you will need to far as its intended use. At the
select an entry before being bottom of the help screen you
able to choose a Bottom Level will see a one or more
Entry. Press {ESC} to access highlighted choice.
the Top Level Menu. The choice that has black
------------------------------- letters on a gray or white
To choose that main menu background is usually your
choice and entering the sub- "Cursor" (that can be changed
menu, press the {ENTER}, or the however), and indicates the
{DOWN} cursor key. choice you have selected.
You will notice that the You can see help
highlight has moved to the sub- associated with that choice by
menu. You can only get to a pressing the {ENTER} key. You
sub-menu by selecting a main- can move the "Cursor" around
menu choice. The highlight will using the cursor keys ({UP},
move to the last sub-menu {DOWN}, {LEFT}, {RIGHT}, {HOME}
choice you used last, making and {END}). If you want to go
repeated choices easier. back to a screen you viewed
You can select the sub- earlier press the {BACKSPACE}
menu choice you wish by using or {<-} key on your keyboard.
the cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN}, You exit the help system
{HOME}, {END}), or by pressing by pressing the {ESC} key,
the key corresponding to that which returns you to either the
choice. If you want to move to
Page 24
main menu or the screen that the name of the file to save
you were working on. to.
Change the width and left
ASTRO-HELPER ASTROLOGICAL HELP indent fields if you want to.
SYSTEM. Normally every page but the
ASTRO is equipped with a helper first has a header, you can
that the beginner can use to though select to put a header
learn some basic information on the first page also. If you
about astrology. This is are printing to the printer,
accessed through the "Utility" you can ignore the last field
main menu. and just press {F10} to
continue. The last field is
VIEW ASTRO-HELPER FILE. used for printing to files,
This option allows you to where you might want to create
select a topic to view and view one big file on disk to print
that information. You will see later.
a menu that you can use to If you change the values
select from a list of topics to on this screen your new values
view. Select your choice using will be saved to the setup file
the cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN}, for future use, though if you
{HOME}, and {END}) or press the entered a file name it will not
key corresponding to the first be saved, though a LPT1:,
character of a choice. LPT2:, LPT3:, COM1:, etc.
Press the {ENTER} key to designation will be saved.
accept that choice and a view
screen is drawn on the screen DATA ENTRY SCREENS.
showing you information about ASTRO uses data entry screens
this topic. You can scroll to get information about the
through this text as you would person, or the horoscope you
with a word processor using the are working on, or other
cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN}, information. Most of these
{PGUP}, {PGDN}, {HOME} and screens are consistent in
{END}). Press {ESC} to exit format and operation.
this selection.
Each screen has a title at
PRINT ASTRO-HELPER FILE. the top left that indicates the
This option allows you to type of information that the
select a topic and print it out screen is asking for. You will
to your printer or a file for notice at the bottom of the
future printing. You will see a screen a line of text. This is
menu on which you can select a prompt. This will give you
from a list of topics to view. valuable information as to what
Select a choice using the ASTRO expects in each field,
cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN}, and the limits of that data.
{HOME}, and {END}) or press the This changes as you move from
key corresponding to the first field to field. It also
character of a choice. displays an error if you enter
Press the {ENTER} key to the wrong information or your
accept that choice and a print information is invalid.
screen is presented. You will notice that one
Leave the first field field on the screen is high-
blank if you want to print out lighted. This is where the
to your printer, otherwise type cursor is located, but in
certain types of fields the
Page 25
cursor is not visible. If you In fields that accept a
are using a color display you "Yes" or "No" answer you can
will notice that the fields on select the answer by pressing
the screen are differentiated either 'Y', 'N' or the space
from the rest of the screen, so bar (caps or lower case).
you can see where the fields
are. If you are using a DATABASE FIELDS.
monochrome monitor, the fields In the "Info" type of field
will not be differentiated, but such as "Birth Info", several
the field the cursor is no will fields have databases attached.
be in reverse video. The first field (Person's Name)
has a database of birth dates
MOVING AROUND attached to that field.
You can move from field to Through that database, you
field using the keys ({UP}, can save the entire contents of
{DOWN}, {TAB}, {SHIFT} + {TAB}, this screen, by name, for
and {ENTER}). In addition these whoever you wish to enter. The
keys can help you navigate your birth location (Country, State
way around a larger screen: of Region and Location) fields
{CNTRL}+{HOME} Left-Most Field also have a database attached
{CNTRL}+{END} Right-Most Field to them, this only one having
{CNTRL}+{PGUP} First Field the location related data such
{CNTRL}+{PGDN} Last Field as longitude, latitude, and
time zone. You can instantly
FIELDS. access these database by using
If you are in a field that the 'Popup Screen'.
accepts a limited range of
numeric or character values, POPUP SCREEN.
such as date and time fields, Where a popup screen is
you won't be allowed to leave available (see the prompt at
that field till you satisfy the bottom of the screen for
that field's requirements. When availability), you can press
you are in most field types, the {F2} key to call it up. You
you can move around in that can select an entry from this
field using the cursor keys list by using the cursor keys
({LEFT}, {RIGHT}). ({UP}, {DOWN}, {PGDN}, {PGUP},
In insert mode in which {HOME}, {END}), or by pressing
you will see the 1/2 block the key corresponding to the
cursor, characters you type are first letter of your choice.
inserted, otherwise they are Repeated pressing of that
overwritten. You can delete key will cycle through all the
characters with the {DEL} key possible choices available. If
and the {BACKSPACE} or {<-} you see an up arrow or down
key, that also could be marked arrow at the left side of the
{BS}. screen then you can scroll
There are also fields that through the list. These are
accept a range of answers. called "Scroll Lights". These
First Press the Space Bar. Then indicate if there are any more
a list of choices will be shown choices off the screen. Press
on the screen. You can now move the {ENTER} key to select your
the highlite with the cursor entry and that data is read
keys or select one using the from the database.
first letter. Use the Enter Key In the case of the
to select an entry. location fields, the data will
Page 26
only be read from the database how many other entries were in
once you have used the popup the database that were similar.
screen on the location field -------------------------------
itself. The location fields are NOTE: These databases do not
"Hierarchal" meaning that first allow more than one identical
you select a country, then you entry with the same key field.
will see all the states or -------------------------------
regions available from that DATABASE MENUS.
country, and after you select The databases have menus that
that state or region, you can you can use to access, infor-
see all the locations in that mation, add records, update
region. records, and delete records.
------------------------------- There is a database menu for
NOTE: In order for a name or the birth database and there is
location to be in the popup a menu for the location
screen, it must be first added database.
to the database, using the -------------------------------
database menus and the "Make NOTE: These databases have no
Popup" function from the connection to the file list
"Utility" menu must have been that files that you compile
run to update the popup list. turn up in. In order for
If an entry has not been information to be added to
added to the popup list, you these databased, you must add
can still make use of that them to the databases and run
record in the database by the Make Popups utility
entering the name in the proper -------------------------------
field and calling the proper To access the birth
database menu. When you receive database, either press the {F3}
ASTRO, default popup files have key or press {ALT} + B. This
already been created for you. database uses the person's name
------------------------------- field as the key to the data-
FINDING INFORMATION IN THE base. A key is used to find the
DATABASE. information you want.
When the database finds To access the location
information it ignores case, so database, either press the {F4}
you can type the name ALL CAPS key or press {ALT}+L. This
or all lower case or anything database uses a combined key
in between and you will have no made up of the country, state
trouble finding the data you and location fields.
want. -------------------------------
You can also find partial NOTE: Serious users will want
data in the database by to consult a serious reference
entering just part of it. If such as The American Atlas or
you were looking for a person's The International Atlas
birth-data and didn't quite published by ACS Publications
remember the spelling of their of San Diego, CA, for exact
last name you could enter what birth location and applicable
you remembered of the last time zone data.
name. Suppose you had "John -------------------------------
MacNeil" in your database and LEAVING/FINISHING A SCREEN.
wanted to find his data you At some point you will want to
could enter "John", "John M", either escape from a screen or
or "John Mac" and might find finish and continue. If you
the information depending on want to escape from the screen
Page 27
that you are working with, headers on printouts, but is
press the {ESC} or the escape mainly for your information to
key on your keyboard. help you keep track of all your
------------------------------- files. Having these files handy
NOTE: If you press {ESC} in one are useful for you so that you
of the birth or date data can see other people with
related screens, you will have similar charts and make
to complete that screen before comparisons.
ASTRO will allow you to compile You can edit any of these
that chart. When you want to entries using the Edit File
complete a screen and continue, List Entry choice in the
you have several approaches. Utility Menu. You use this
Either press the {F10} key, or screen to select a chart to
press the {ENTER} key on the display. This operates like a
last field on the screen. menu and you can use the normal
------------------------------- cursor keys to move around this
Pressing {F10} or pressing screen. You will note that the
{ENTER} on the last field prompt displays in long form
signifies to ASTRO that the the type of file the cursor is
screen is complete. That tells currently on. If you see the
ASTRO that your data is "Scroll Lights" then there are
accurate and ready to go. If more entries than this screen
you have just completed a date can show at once, and you can
data screen, ASTRO will check scroll through them.
the data that you have entered You can also access a
to verify that the date and choice using the first char-
time you have entered are acter of the entry. Repeated
valid. It will look to see if pressing that character cycles
you have entered a valid date, you through all the possible
checking for a date such as choices available. Select a
2/30/1980 which would be choice by pressing the {ENTER}
illegal since February never key.
has a 30th. It also knows about
leap years and can determine if TEXT VIEW SCREEN.
the year given is a leap year This type of screen allows you
or not. If your data is to view text as though you had
incorrect, ASTRO will give you it in a word processing
a warning message, and will put program, though you can't edit
you back at the first illegal this text. You can scroll
entry in the date screen. through this text using the
cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN},
FILE LISTING. {PGUP}, and {PGDN}) keys. You
This screen will show you all can instantly reach the end of
the files that you have created the file by pressing the
this session or have kept from {CNTRL}+ {PGDN} keys or reach
a previous session. It contains the beginning by pressing the
the person's name that you {CNTRL}+ {PGUP} keys. Exit this
assigned to it, contents and screen by pressing the {ESC}
type of chart created. This key.
information prints in the
Page 28
Q U I C K R E F E R E N C E G U I D E
This is a quick step-by-step guide to how to produce the charts
that ASTRO is capable of producing.
HOW TO DO A BIRTH (NATAL) Move over to the Compile
CHART. Menu. Choose "Compatibility",
Choose the Enter/Edit Main or choose "Composite" Fill in
Menu. Choose the menu choice the information about the
"Birth Info". Fill in the chart.
information on the screen. Use
the Location or birth database, HOW TO DO TRANSITS CHARTS.
see below for information, when For example we want to know how
finished, press {F10} to the coming week will be for us.
Complete. Choose the Enter/Edit Main
Choose the menu choice Menu. Choose the menu choice
"Birth *Rectification". If you "Birth Info". Fill in the
know the person's birth, answer information on the screen. Use
"Yes" to the First Question, the Location or birth database,
then press {F10}. the rest of see below for information, when
the information on this screen finished, press {F10} to
is applicable only if you don't Complete.
know the birth time. Choose the menu choice
Move over to the Compile "Birth Rectification". If you
Menu. Choose one of the charts. know the person's birth, answer
For Example, choose "Birth "Yes" to the First Question,
Signs, Houses & Aspects." Fill then press {F10}. the rest of
in the information about the the information on this screen
chart is applicable only if you don't
How To Do A Compatibility or know the birth time.
Composite Chart. Choose the menu choice
Choose the Enter/Edit Main "Transits Info". Fill in the
Menu. Choose the menu choice information about the first
"Birth Info". Fill in the date you wish to analyze. Rough
information on the screen about location and time of day help
the first person. Use the Loca- to localize the chart and make
tion or birth database, see it more exact. For this example
below for information, when we enter Monday's date and our
finished, press {F10} to present location.
Complete. Choose the menu choice
Choose the menu choice "Transits Data". Fill in the
"Birth Rectification". If you number of charts to do. For
know the first person's birth, this example we want to do 7
answer "Yes" to the First charts, one for each day of
Question, then press {F10}. the this week. Choose the Starting
rest of the information on this Planet to include. I suggest
screen is applicable only if the Sun. Choose the Ending
you don't know the birth time. Planet to include, since the
Now repeat the first two outer planets don't move very
steps using the Compatibility often, don't include them. I
Information Screen and the Com- suggest using Venus or Mars as
patibility Birth Rectification the ending planet. Enter the
Screen for the second person. period between charts. In this
example, we would enter 0
Page 29
months and 1 day, which will do {F2}. Select a State or Region
7 charts each one day apart. (all the states or regions on
Move over to the Compile file within the country are
Menu. Choose "Transits." Fill shown).Press {F2}. Select a
in the information about the Location (all the locations
chart. within the State or region
within the selected country are
HOW TO GET A PERSON'S shown). All the information
INFORMATION FROM THE DATABASE. about the country will be
When in the Birth Info, filled in.
Compatibility Info or Transits
Info screen, and on the "Name" HOW TO ADD LOCATION INFORMATION
field, Press {F2} and select. TO THE DATABASE.
How to Add A Person's Birth When in the Birth Info,
Information to the database. Compatibility Info, Transits
When in the Birth Info, Com- Info screen, or Relocation Data
patibility Info or Transits screen, fill in the infor-
Info screen, fill in the infor- mation for the location. Press
mation in the birth screen. {F4}. A Menu will appear.
Press {F3}. A Menu will appear. Select "Add". Once complete, go
Select "Add". Once complete, go to the Utilities menu and pick
to the Utilities menu and pick "Make Popups"
"Make Popups"
HOW TO GET INFORMATION FROM AN
HOW TO GET A LOCATION FROM THE EARLIER COMPILED CHART.
LOCATION DATABASE. Go to the Utilities Menu.
When in the Birth Info, Compat- Choose "Read File into Birth
ibility Info, Transits Info Data". The information will be
screen, or Relocation Data put back into the screens that
screen, move to the Country the information came from
field. Press {F2}. Select a originally.
Country. Press {ENTER}. Press
Page 30
E N T E R I N G & E D I T I N G D A T A :
You will use the main menu option "ENTER/ EDIT DATA" to enter
information on the dates in question and other data for transits,
progressions, returns, etc. Most of the questions asked and
information you will need to enter is pretty self-explanatory,
you can get information for each field by pressing {F1} or from
the prompt at the bottom of the screen. This is how to use these
screens:
BIRTH INFO. of San Diego, CA, for exact
Use this screen to enter the birth location and applicable
main birth data needed for time zone data.
doing a birth or Natal -------------------------------
horoscope. Enter the data on Use the Time Zone field to
this screen that indicates set the proper time zone for
person, birth date and time, the person in question. Try to
place and geographic latitude be certain as possible because
and longitude as well as time this is crucial and some
zone and adjustment. locations differed from one
This field has two year to another, and in some
powerful databases attached to locations, time zones change
the Name, Country, State or between town and county lines.
Region, and Location fields. If If You don't know the time zone
you press {F2} you will call up but do know the offset from GMT
a list of available choices in select Other.
the database. If you wish to Use the Special Code Field
add information to the data- to set the proper special time
bases, fill in the information code field. Try to be certain
on the screen and press {F3} as daylight time changes from
for the birth database menu and year to year, and is different
{F4} for the location database between towns, counties and
menu. You can use these menu to states. If You don't know this
add, delete and replace zone but you know how the time
information in the databases. is affected, choose Other.
In order for the lists that you If you did not select
see when you press {F2} to be Other in the Time Zone and
updated, you need to run "Make Special Code fields, the GMT
Popups" in the Utility Menu. field will be filled in for
It is important to know as you. You won't be able to
much information about the override this field unless you
person who you are going to had set the other two fields to
analyze as far as birth time, Other. The adjustment for War
date and place of birth as well Time, Daylight Savings Time,
as the prevailing time zones etc. is added to the basic
being used at the time. GMT offset. Locations West of
------------------------------- Greenwich are have positive GMT
NOTE: Beware entering times offsets, East, negative GMT
around Noon and Midnight! offsets.
Serious users will want to
consult a serious reference
such as The American Atlas or
The International Atlas
published by ACS Publications
Page 31
------------------------------- that indicates place, date and
NOTE: Enter only the normal time, place and geographic
clock offset from GMT, such as latitude and longitude as well
Eastern Standard time is 5 as time zone and adjustment.
hours from GMT. ASTRO makes the The information entered into
minor fine adjustments to GMT this screen does not need to be
for you. as exact as for the above
------------------------------- screens.
MOUSE USERS.When the See the Birth Info screen
highlighted field is the Name for more information on this
field, the Country field, State screen.
or Region field, or the Loca- -------------------------------
tion field and the mouse cursor NOTE: This screen indicates a
is on that field. Pressing the starting point for a series of
Left Mouse button will bring up transits. ASTRO calculates
the scrolling list as though transits as a series of charts,
you had pressed {F2}. a certain period apart.
------------------------------
COMPATIBILITY INFO. TRANSITS DATA.
Use this screen to enter the This screen is used with the
data for your partner. The "Transits Info" screen and the
compatibility operation uses Birth Info screen to do
the birth info screen as well transits chart. This screen
as this screen to get the allows the program to calculate
information needed to do your a series of transit charts at
compatibility chart. Enter the one time for a specific period
data on this screen that of time and a specific interval
indicates person, birth date period. This will allow ASTRO
and time, place and geographic to work with only a specific
latitude and longitude as well range of planets.
as time zone and adjustment. It If you are doing transits
is important to know as much one day apart, you will want to
information about the person narrow your planet selection to
who you are going to analyze as Sun - Mars. If you are doing
far as birth time, date and transits one week apart, you
place of birth as well as the will want your planet range to
prevailing time zones being be Sun - Mars and you will want
used at the time. See the Birth to more or less ignore the Moon
Info Screen for more as the moon makes significant
information. changes every day. The outer
planets change houses and
TRANSITS INFO. change transiting aspects much
Transits compares the planet more slowly.
positions for a series of
future dates to your birth BIRTH RECTIFICATION.
planet positions, and tells you Use this screen if you do not
about the events at hand. know the exact birth time of
Use this screen to enter the person you are using for
the date for your transits primary birth data. Enter what
computation. This operation you do know, or select how to
uses your the birth info and calculate the chart to get the
this screen to do the transits best results, even though you
along with the next screen. don't have the exact
Enter the data on this screen information. If you know the
Page 32
exact birth time you don't need is similar to Trial and Error.
this chart, so answer Yes and This frequently works since
exit the screen by pressing many people are born near
{F10}. sunrise.
If You don't know the NOTE: If you are using Flat
exact birth time, you have Chart or Solar Chart, you
several different choices. You should use 12:00 AM for the
can choose Trial and error, Trial Birth time.
which means you try a given
time and see how it fits the COMPATIBILITY BIRTH
individual and you try it again RECTIFICATION.
till you get what you want. If you do not know the exact
You can choose Solar Chart birth time of the person you
which sets your Ascendant and are using for compatibility
first house cusp to be the same birth data, use this screen to
as your sun sign. enter what you do know or how
You can choose Flat Chart to calculate the chart to get
which sets your Ascendant and the best results even though
first house cusp to be 0 you don't have the exact
degrees Aries. You can also try information. See the above
Sunrise Birth time, and enter material for more information.
the best guess of the
appropriate sunrise time. This
Page 33
C O M P I L I N G C H A R T S :
Now that you have entered your data into the data screens, you
are ready to compile a horoscope. With exception of the first
choice, (Default Chart) they are grouped from simpler to more
difficult in terms of data. The later charts produce more data
and more text (with exception of the Compatibility, Transits, and
Progressions, Returns, Relocations or Composite options). The
simpler ones may be better for a person with less experience in
understanding astrology, though with some practice and learning,
most of the information on the charts will be useful.
The Progressions, Returns, DEFAULT CHART.
Relocations, and Composite This mode produces a chart that
charts may be more useful for directly reflects the contents
users who have more astro- of the options data. The chart
logical background. that this mode produces is a
Certain aspects of these rather complete one, and is
charts will be based on the suggested that it be used only
Options screens in the Options for advanced astrologers. You
sub-menu. There is an option can customize this mode by
screen for each of the major changing the options screen.
chart types, though most of the The most powerful aspect of
information will be adequate this mode is that you can
without changing the data in practically create a custom
these screens. horoscope setup as your default
With all these options, treatment and use it as a
you will be asked to fill in default all the time if you
information to mark the file wish.
entry with for this chart. This -------------------------------
information will help you NOTE: For this type of chart,
identify this chart in the file you need to fill in the Birth
listing. You may edit or change Info Screen and the Birth
this information as you wish, Rectification Screen.
with exception for the type -------------------------------
field which is for your
information only, and not to be BIRTH SIGNS ONLY.
changed. This is the least complex mode
Once you have compiled a available. It provides only
chart you can change the name information on the individual
and comment lines as well. This planets locations in the zodiac
information will help you keep at a given point in time, along
track of what you have on file. with descriptive text about
You will notice that in them (this can be turned off
most of these modes each mode from the options screen). You
add one or more options to it. will also find a summary which
One or more of the items which you can turn off from the
were options in the previous options screen also.
mode are now standard in the
next mode.
Page 34
------------------------------- are activated using the options
NOTE: For this type of chart, screen, they will be used. Note
you need to fill in the Birth no text is generated for the
Info Screen and the Birth midpoints and midpoint aspects.
Rectification Screen. -------------------------------
------------------------------- NOTE: For this type of chart,
you need to fill in Both the
BIRTH SIGNS & HOUSES. Birth Info Screen and the Birth
This mode provides all the Rectification Screen.
information as does the previ- -------------------------------
ous one does, but adds the
house information. This pro- COMPATIBILITY CHART.
vides the houses that each This mode calculates a compati-
planet falls, and descriptive bility chart.
text about each one. This also The compatibility chart
provides the coordinates of is calculated from the compar-
each house cusp for your infor- ison of two full charts. Basi-
mation. Also provided is in- cally this mode calculates
formation on which signs the aspects between the two charts,
various house cusps fall in, and which house of one partner,
and text describing what each the other's planets are located
means to you. in, and vice versa.
------------------------------- It also calculates a
NOTE: For this type of chart, special summary comparing the
you need to fill in Both the two individuals based on the
Birth Info Screen and the Birth summary. As with all the other
Rectification Screen. modes, ASTRO produces text
------------------------------- describing the influences of
all the information described.
BIRTH SIGNS, HOUSES & ASPECTS. -------------------------------
Use this mode if you want to NOTE: For this type of chart,
add aspects to your chart. This you need to fill in the Birth
will produce aspects between Info Screen and the Birth
all major points and produce Rectification Screen for the
text about each. You can also main subject and Compatibility
add other miscellaneous calcu- Info Screen and Compatibility
lations into this type of Rectification Screen for the
printout from the options subject's partner.
screen. This information is on -------------------------------
top of all the information
provided by the other two TRANSITS CHART.
options. This mode calculates a series
------------------------------- of transit charts. The transit
NOTE: For this type of chart, charts are calculated from the
you need to fill in Both the comparison of a birth chart and
Birth Info Screen and the Birth a transit chart. ASTRO calcu-
Rectification Screen. lates a series of charts based
------------------------------- on a starting date and a date
interval between that date and
COMPLETE CHART. the next date. The dates and
This mode adds the miscel- times in the Transit Info
laneous calculations that are screen don't have to be as
optional in the last section. exact as the birth screens
In this selection, if midpoints require, and time and exact
Page 35
latitude and longitude are Info Screen and the Birth
optional, but they do help Rectification Screen for the
refine the data. subject along With the Transits
------------------------------- Info Screen for the first date
NOTE: For this type of chart, and Transits Data Screen.
you need to fill in the Birth -------------------------------
Page 36
V I E W I N G & P R I N T I N G T H E R E S U L T S :
ASTRO has several different ways of printing or viewing the
results which are available through the "VIEW/PRINT" main menu
selection. All of these procedures rely on the file list that was
described in the User Interface section. The file list is a list
of files created by ASTRO in this session or kept from another
session. This can be erased when ASTRO ends or can be saved.
Every time you compile a chart a new file is added to this list.
This list is limited only by disk space, and memory, and
available space on disk to keep the reports until they are
erased.
in length. Some midpoint with
VIEWING CHART. aspects displays may cause
This selection allows you to problems with this limitation.
view a chart in text form on Note that this limitation is
your computer display monitor. also dependent on your system's
To use this selection, pick the available memory. If you don't
file you want to from the file have 128k bytes left when you
list and press the {ENTER} key want to display a large chart,
to view that choice. you will get an Out-of-Memory
ASTRO will then read that error. You are limited to
file into memory and decompress displaying a file that
it (ASTRO charts are stored in (expanded) takes up 1/2 your
a special compressed format to available free memory or 65,530
save space on disk). bytes whichever comes first.
The text is wrapped to the Mouse Users. You can scroll
width of the display box and this screen by pressing down
displayed. Text is displayed the Left Mouse button and
with attributes similar to how moving the mouse up to scroll
they would be printed on a up and down to scroll down. If
printer. you wish to page up and down
This function allows you through the file, you can do
to view the text as though you this by positioning the mouse
were using a word processing cursor over the Scroll Light
program, though you can't edit Arrows at the left of the
this text. You can scroll screen and pressing the Left
through this text using the Mouse button. The up pointing
cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN}, arrow causes a page up and the
{PGUP}, and {PGDN}) keys. You down pointing arrow causes a
can instantly reach the end of page down to happen.
the file by pressing the -------------------------------
{CNTRL}+{PGDN} keys or reach PRINT REPORT.
the beginning by pressing the This selection lets you print
{CNTRL}+{PGUP} keys. Exit this out the text report to your
screen by pressing the {ESC} printer or to a disk file for
key. later printing. ASTRO formats
------------------------------- the text for output, giving you
NOTE: This function can only a variable left margin (that
display a file with a maximum you can set) and wraps the text
expanded size of 65,530 bytes. to whatever width you like. A
If a file is too long the file header is printed from the file
will be clipped to 65,530 bytes
Page 37
list information on every page list that you want to printout.
but the first. Press the {ENTER} key to print
You should setup your the file. You will see a screen
printer in the Printer Setup asking you for information on
Screen before choosing this how you want the report
option. printed.
If you want the header If you want to print the
printer on the first page, you file to your main default
can select that option on the printer, just leave the first
print screen. The output is field blank. The output will be
printed Using text attributes directed to your system's
such as underline and bold current default printer. If you
(double-strike) etc, and is wanted to print to your second
directly compatible with Epson printer or LPT2:, you would
and IBM Printers, or HP enter LPT2. You can enter any
LaserJet or DeskJet but is valid DOS device currently
configurable for any type used.
printer. You can also direct the
If you are using a HP printout to a disk file. To
LaserJet or DeskJet Printer or direct it to a disk file or
compatible ASTRO can take device, enter the file or
advantage of many cartridge or device name. If you just enter
internal fonts you own. the disk file without the
The pages are directory, the file will be
intelligently broken. If a saved to the user directory. If
paragraph would spill over onto you enter the full file name
a new page then the entire starting with the disk name or
paragraph is printed on the new the initial '\' root path, the
page, making the printout file will be directed to that
easier to follow. The resulting directory and file name. If you
printout can be printed to any entered a device name such as
legal DOS device. You can also LPT2:, you would not enter the
print to a file for later colon at the end.
printing. You can select whatever
In the Printer Setup text width and left margin you
screen you can define a printer want to. The text width field
control string which will be can range from 40 to 160
output at the start of the columns wide. This is just the
printout to initialize the text width, not including the
printer for such options as left or right margin. The left
print quality, page depth, and margin can vary from zero to 40
font, line spacing and other columns wide.
important data. -------------------------------
Also defined in the Setup NOTE: The Left Margin and Text
screen is the page depth. this Width (for proportional spacing
is the maximum number of text fonts such as are used on the
lines that can be printed on HP LaserJet, refer to a 10
one page. Usually you take the character per inch column.
maximum printable lines on the -------------------------------
paper and subtract five lines Normally ASTRO prints a
for the top of the top and header on every page but the
bottom margin. first. Most of the information
To use this selection, that the header reflects is
pick the file from the file printed on the first page
Page 38
anyway. You can change this to soft and hard line breaks are
print the header to the first the same. These files are saved
page if you want. with all attributes intact.
If you are printing to the -------------------------------
printer, you can ignore the NOTE: Files saved in
last field on the screen, and WordPerfect format will not
just press the {ENTER} key on have their column width, left
the last field or {F10} to margin, printer, default font,
print the file. If you are or other document or default
printing to a disk file the specific information saved to
last field is important. ASTRO the file. These will be written
will either append this to the file when you save it
printout to an existing file or from WordPerfect.
open a new file with this name. Files saved in WordStar
If this file already exists and format will not have any font
the file is opened, then the or printer setup information
existing file is overwritten. encoded in them. They will be
Select either choice and formatted as though for a
continue. default dot matrix printer.
You can press the {ESC} This will be saved to the file
key at any time while the when you save from WordStar.
printout is being printed, and Files saved in XYWrite
the printout will stop. Note if format have no printer, font,
you change the values on this or setup information encoded in
screen your new values will be them. You may need to read a
saved to the setup file for Insert a file into your default
future use, though if you document to use it in XYWRITE.
entered a file name it will not -------------------------------
be saved, though a LPT1:, The files saved using this
lPT2:, LPT3:, COM1:, etc. function are entirely
designation will be saved. unformatted without page breaks
or headers. This file is though
CONVERT REPORT TO TEXT. wrapped to whatever text width
This selection allows you to you wish, and has a left
convert an ASTRO file to many margin, making it easier for
different types files that most your word processing program to
any text editor or word work with.
processing program can operate If you are converting to
on. This will allow you to edit ASCII, The Text Attributes are
the converted file and make translated into strings that
whatever changes you wish to your can change from the "Word
before printing or whatever you Processing Conversion Screen".
wish to use it for. This function operates
You can convert a file to almost exactly like the Print
either ASCII, WordStar 3.x or Report function with a few
4.x, WordPerfect 4.x or 5.x, minor exceptions. The first
XYWrite, or if you are using being that you will need to
the Deluxe version, Microsoft enter a file name in the file
Word RTF (Rich Text) format. name field. It won't operate
ASCII and XYWrite files can without a file name. The second
also be saved without any soft is that one the printout has
line breaks you can rebreak the begun, you can't stop it by
file easier when you read it pressing the {ESC} key. The
into your word processor, since conversion takes very little
Page 39
time so shouldn't pose a -------------------------------
problem. NOTE: This option draws the
------------------------------- screen as indicated by the
NOTE: If you change the Width, Information you enter in the
Left Margin or Conversion on "Setup Graphics Display"
his screen your new values will screen. You won't have an
be saved to the setup file for opportunity to change the
future use. screen.
------------------------------- -------------------------------
VIEW GRAPHICS CARTWHEEL. KILL FILE IN FILE LIST.
This selection will display This selection allows you to
a graphics cartwheel on a kill an ASTRO text output file
graphics display. To use this or an ASTRO graphics data file.
function, you will select a You would use this function to
file from a file screen, as you erase files on your disk, so
would if you want to view a you can have room on your disk
file or print out a file. for more files, particularly if
When you view a graphics you are using floppy disk
cartwheel for a compatibility, drives. This is important as
transits or progression, The well if you wish to leave files
first standing in your file list when
person's chart will be seen in you shut down ASTRO, but do not
the outer circle, and the wish to save all the files.
second person or date will be To use this function, you
seen in the inner circle. would select a file from the
You can exit the graphics file list. ASTRO will show you
by pressing {ESC}. If you press a description of the file you
any other key you will select a selected. This screen asks if
menu from which you can chose you want to delete the file. If
options. you want to delete the file,
Use the "Setup Graphic respond 'Yes', and press
Display" screen to configure return. If you don't want to
and customize the appearance of delete the file, either respond
this graphics screen. 'No' or press {ESC} to exit.
Note you see the files name.
PRINT GRAPHICS CARTWHEEL.
This is similar to the previous EDIT FILE IN FILE LIST.
choice, though this one goes This option will allow you to
directly from drawing the edit the information in the
screen to printing it out on file list, if for example you
your printer. You must have forgot to enter a comment and
setup your printer in the later wanted to put one in or
"Setup Graphics Modes & Print- change the comment. Note that
ing" screen in order to do the file's actual file name is
this. displayed on the screen as
well.
Page 40
A S T R O U T I L I T I E S :
These are functions and utilities, that you can use to help you
with ASTRO.
VIEW ASTRO-HELPER FILES. menu screen asking you which
The Astro-Helper files are files to re-index. Choose the
reference files on disk which index or indexes to reindex,
you can use to learn basic and the utility will be called.
astrological concepts. If there are duplicate entries
If you select this in your database, you may see
utility, you will be asked to an error, but those can be
choose a file to view from a ignored, as they won't harm
list of topics. If you choose a your database.
topic it will be displayed on
the screen. MAKE POPUPS.
When you add locations to your
PRINT ASTRO-HELPER FILES. Location database or Births to
This allows you to print out your birth database, you will
the Astro-Helper files to your need to use this function to
printer. This will allow you to add the new records to the
print copies of these files to popup files. You may also need
give to people you create to use this function if you've
charts for. had to Re-Index the databases
If you select this When you select this
utility, you will be asked to option, you will see a small
choose a file to print from a menu screen asking you which
list of topics. If you choose a files to make popups for.
topic, you can print the file. Choose the file to Make Popups
for, and the utility will be
DOS SHELL. run.
This function allows you to
get access to the DOS command SCAN FOR FILES NOT IN LIST.
line from within ASTRO. Note: If you have archived files off
you will need enough memory for to other disks and now wish to
the program you wish to run and use them again and have copied
the DOS command interpreter them to your directory, you can
COMMAND.COM. To get back to use this function to add the
ASTRO type EXIT {ENTER}. files to the file list. This
function will scan for ASTRO
RE-INDEX DATABASES. version 2.25+ file headers in
Normally when you are using all files in the User
ASTRO, the database indexes are directory.
continually kept up to date,
and normally do not need to be READ FILE INTO BIRTH DATA.
reindexed. If the index is This function allows you to
damaged, erased, or power is read one of ASTRO's compiled
shut off to your computer or files and get the original
you reboot before leaving the birth information back into the
Birth Info Screens you may need data screens. Note this func-
to re-index. tion brings the information
When you select this back into the screens that they
option, you will see a small were earlier associated with.
Page 41
A S T R O G R A P H I C S :
ASTRO produces the graphics cartwheel that is produced by reading
the .GRA file that is produced by ASTRO and displays it on the
screen.
Depending on the type of file displayed, ASTRO will either
display one or two concentric circles with the data in question
displayed.
You can exit the graphics program at any time by pressing
{ESC}. If you press any other key, a menu will be displayed from
which you can select several different options. Press either the
number corresponding to your choice or the number in Parentheses.
Press any other key to clear the menu.
SETTING UP. This program will set
You can customize the way that itself up to print the graphics
the graphics screen is dis- screen to any EPSON FX/MX or
played by using the Graphics IBM Proprinter or compatible
Setup Screen, and the Graphics printer on startup. You can
Options Screen so that if you select other printers from the
want your file displayed a Graphics Setup screen, includ-
certain way all the time, you ing HP LaserJet, DeskJet and
can do that. This is essential Compatibles, 9 and 24 pin dot
if you wish to use the Print matrix printers including color
Graphics Cartwheel function printers when using a color
from the main menu as you will adapter and color mode.If you
have no opportunity to fine move ASTRO from one computer to
tune the display. another, or add a different
ASTRO will adapt itself to graphics adapter to it, or
many different types of gra- upgrade, you may need to erase
phics adapters and graphics the file ASTROGRA.DAT. this
modes. ASTRO is compatible with file is the setup information.
CGA, EGA, MCGA, VGA, Hercules Otherwise you won't be able to
graphics adapters and most setup the graphics for your
compatible adapters. It will adapter.
adapt to the best available -------------------------------
graphics mode on that adapter NOTE: When you first start up
board, maximizing the capa- ASTRO.EXE on your compute the
bility of that adapter. It will first time, you will see a
also run on the Olivetti warning "Can't Find ASTROGRA
graphics boards which are .DAT file will Create!", this
supplied with the AT&T PC's, is just a warning and is normal
which are a superset of the for this program to do this.
standard IBM style adapters. When you start up it will auto-
It configures itself matically create this file, and
automatically on startup the save it for future use.
first time, and if a graphics -------------------------------
mode that is setup in the
startup data file won't work SCREEN AND PRINTER FONTS.
properly, ASTRO will adjust ASTRO uses special custom
itself to use the best possible screen and printer fonts to
mode available on that adapter/ provide the glyphs that you can
monitor combination. use on the screen. It also uses
Page 42
custom printer fonts which give changing the information in the
you high printer resolution. Graphics Setup Screen.
There are Three sets of screen/ I suggest that you use the
printer fonts, one for each 200 x 640 pixel mode because it
type of printer. ASTROEP9 .FON will be easier to view and
is used for read.
9-pin Epson/IBM compatible On a EGA type adapter with
printers. ASTRO24P.FON is used appropriate type monitor,
for 24-pin Epson/IBM compatible provided you have 256k memory,
printers, and ASTROHPL.FON is ASTRO will use the 640 x 350
used for HP LaserJet, DeskJet pixel mode using 16 colors. If
and compatible printers. you only have 64k on an early
If You are using the Lite EGA type adapter you will be
Version of ASTRO the install able either to use the 320 x
program will install One 200 pixel mode or the 640 x 200
Printer font set and one pixel mode using 16 colors. On
printer driver each time you a VGA ASTRO will use the 480
set it up. pixel x 640 pixel 16 color
------------------------------- mode.
NOTE: These fonts must be (if
you are using a hard disk) in COLORS.
the data directory. See the You can change any of these
Setup Screen to determine which colors using the Graphics Setup
is the data directory. screen and a utility described
If you are using a floppy later called PALTEST.EXE,
disk drive system, these fonts allows you to preview colors.
must be on the same disk drive ASTRO makes use of a total of
as the data files (.TXT and 10 different colors, and where
corresponding .NDX files) and enough do not exist due to the
temp or user files (.GRA and system's hardware, the program
corresponding .OUT files). You will compensate for this by
can though change the location using dashed lines where
of this file as well from the applicable.
Setup Screen.
------------------------------- THE GRAPHICS MENU OPTIONS.
While the graphics display is
GRAPHICS ADAPTER SPECIFIC on the screen you can change
DIFFERENCES. the display by pressing any
This program is not compatible key. This will call up a
with the ATI EGA Wonder Card Graphics options menu. This is
and other non-standard graphic a summary of what happens with
adapters. It will try to use a each option.
mode which seems to be correct
but the display or printing 1. PRINT SCREEN. This option
won't work. does as it says. It Prints
ASTRO on a CGA or MCGA the graphics screen to your
type graphics adapter defaults printer. This works by
to use the 200 x 640 pixel printing the screen on its
Black and White Graphics mode, side in many sections. This
but you can use 200 x 320 pixel improves the resolution. You
4-color modes as well. ASTRO can press any key to stop
can make use of either of four printing.
different screen palettes by
Page 43
2. SHOW/HIDE SIGN NAMES. This Glyphs and two and three
turns on or off display of letter abbreviations for the
the sign Names around the signs and planets. The
screen. When glyphs are used glyphs display more neatly
these are displayed as and cleanly, and once you
glyphs. This is more useful know all the signs, this is
for beginners, particularly the way to display charts. A
if only the signs are novice can use the abbrevi-
displayed. ations until they are com-
fortable and switch over to
3. SHOW/HIDE HOUSE NUMBERS. the glyphs.
This turns on or off display If you are using a CGA
of the house numbers. These type adapter, the display of
are placed midway between glyphs is hard to read so
each pair of house cusp. you may want to use the
This is useful and one of abbreviations. If you are
the more used options. using the 200 x 320 pixel
mode you will only be able
4. SHOW/HIDE HOUSE DEGREES. to use the abbreviations
This turns on or off display since the glyphs are unable
of the degrees of each house to display in this mode. You
cusp. These are placed at can though select this mode
each house cusp. This will and print using glyphs.
be useful for most people
knowledgeable about 8. SHOW/HIDE SIGN LINES. This
astrology. option shows or hides the
display of the sign divi-
5. SHOW/HIDE 0, 30, 60, 90, sions on the screen. If a
120... This displays or novice and you are only
hides the displays showing displaying the planets in
the true, total degree the signs you will want this
values around the cartwheel. option.
Zero Degrees Cancer corre-
sponds to 60 degrees, Zero 9. USE INNER/OUTER HOUSE CUSPS.
Degrees Pisces corresponds This option is only used for
to 330 degrees. This is compatibility, though it
Rarely Used. might be used for transits.
This allows you to switch
6. SHOW/HIDE ASPECTS. In a which set of house cusps is
Natal chart which was being used to draw the house
compiled using Compile Natal cusp lines, place the
Chart Signs, Houses and ascendant and generally
Aspects or Greater, or you organize where everything
compiled a default chart falls.
with aspects turned on,
lines showing the aspects USING ASTRO WITH A HERCULES OR
will be drawn in the middle COMPATIBLE
of the screen. These are TYPE GRAPHICS ADAPTER.
useful for seeing the types If you use ASTRO with a Hercu-
of aspects involved. les type graphics adapter, you
must load the program MSHERC
7. USE/DON'T USE GLYPHS. This .COM before starting ASTRO. You
switches between the use of may not start MSHERC.COM from
the Classical Astrological within the ASTRO DOS shell.
Page 44
Don't use an emulator such as the driver. In the case of the
MGA.EXE or IBMHGC.COM in your HP LaserJet and DeskJet, only
system, the results with MSHERC one mode is used (150 dpi).
will be much higher quality and -------------------------------
resolution than either one of NOTE: If you are using either a
these can produce. non-standard printer you may
I suggest putting the need to setup the printer
commands to start MSHERC and strings used by your printer.
ASTRO together in a batch file, See the Graphics setup screen
call it AST.BAT. Then all you for more information.
have to do to start ASTRO is These strings are only
type AST{ENTER}. applicable for dot matrix
Printing A Graphics Cartwheel printers.
on Your Printer. -------------------------------
You can print the screen
that ASTRO produces to the USING A SYSTEM WITH TWO DISPLAY
printer by selecting it from ADAPTERS.
the menu. You can stop the ASTRO are only designed to
printer at any time by pressing be used with a single graphics
any key. adapter. If you use a system
------------------------------- with more than one video board
NOTE: You will notice while the and monitor, you should set up
screen is printing, that the and use only one of them. This
screen is printed in large program must run on the same
chunks. This is normal. This video adapter/monitor
allows the screen to be printed combination all the time, and
at the highest resolution your the Graphics Setup screen must
printer can use. You will also be setup for this adapter
hear periodic beeps. This is monitor combination, and astro
also normal and tells you the must be using a video mode
screen is printing. appropriate for the setup.
------------------------------- For example if you have a
ASTRO is compatible with monochrome adapter and a VGA,
EPSON, IBM Graphics printers (9 you must setup ASTRO or run it
and 24 pins color and B&W) and on one adapter or the other,
any dot matrix printer and if you wish to switch, the
compatible with these printers. graphics setup screen must be
ASTRO can also print to a HP erased.
LaserJet, DeskJet or compatible
printer. Unless ASTRO is not MODIFYING THE STARTUP DATA
compatible with your printer, FILE.
do not use GRAPHICS.COM or an In earlier versions of
equivalent program in your ASTRO, the graphics setup file
system when you start up ASTRO, could be edited with any editor
as it has all the necessary which could edit an ASCII file.
logic to print the screen to This is no longer true, but
the printer for any there is now a screen which
graphics mode. allows you to easier set up the
ASTRO will always try to information that you used to be
print out the best and most able to edit. See the section
efficient printout it can but of this manual under Options,
the print mode can be changed, Graphics Setup Screen and
dependent though on the Graphics Options Screen to read
capabilities of the printer or about customizing the graphics.
Page 45
several palettes or groups of
USING PALTEST.EXE TO DETERMINE colors. This command will cycle
PALETTE SETTINGS. you through these palettes.
PALTEST.EXE is a utility
program which you can use to USING EGA MODE. This mode
play with all the available allows you to set each color
color values, palette numbers, used to be any of the 64
etc for your graphics adapter. available colors. In this mode
This program will tell you the you can basically edit each
information you need to color by changing the Red, Blue
customize ASTRO's graphics from and Green components of the
the graphics setup screen. color.
To start PALTEST.EXE type To Change the Red, press
on the DOS command line. 'R' or 'r', this will increase
PALTEST {ENTER}. If you are the red part of the color. To
using a VGA graphics adapter Change the Blue, press 'B' or
and want to start it in EGA 'b', this will increase the
mode you would type PALTEST -E Blue part of the color. To
{ENTER}, This will force it change the Green part press 'G'
into the best EGA mode or 'g'. In EGA mode each
available. If you are using a component may have 4 different
VGA, MCGA, or EGA graphics values 0, 21, 42, or 63. If the
adapter or equivalent and want value of a color component is
to start in CGA mode, you would 63 and you increase it again it
type will turn over to 0.
PALTEST {ENTER}, this forces it When you enter this mode
into the CGA 200 x 320 pixel you will start in Background
mode. Mode, and you will be making
Once you have arrived at changes to the Background
colors that you like write down color. Once you have set this
the color values so your press {ENTER}, and you will
remember when you go back to move to Foreground Mode. You
ASTRO. Once you have finished will now see a display of
with this program press {ESC} shapes and lines so you can see
to exit the program. how this color might be used in
contrast with the background
USING CGA MODE. In this mode color. If at any time you want
you will see a display of the to get back to the Background
current background color and a mode press {BS}, {<-} or the
display of the three available Backspace key on your keyboard.
foreground colors. To Change Using VGA Mode. This mode
the background color press 'B' allows you to set each color
or 'b', this will cycle you used to be any of the 262,144
through all the available available colors. In this mode
background colors, you will you can basically edit each
note that in some cases where color by changing the Red, Blue
the foreground colors are the and Green components of the
same as the background colors, color.
that foreground color won't be To Change the Red, press
visible. To see the available 'R' or 'r', this will increase
color selection for the the red part of the color. To
foreground press 'P' or 'p'. In Change the Blue, press 'B' or
CGA mode you can't set each 'b', this will increase the
color but you can pick from Blue part of the color. To
Page 46
change the Green part press 'G' When you enter this mode
or 'g'. In EGA mode each you will start in Background
component may have any value Mode, and you will be making
from 0 to 63. If the value of a changes to the Background
color component is 63 and you color. Once you have set this
increase it again it will turn press {ENTER}, and you will
over to 0. move to Foreground Mode. You
Since each component has will now see a display of
64 steps in this mode, there is shapes and lines so you can see
a shortcut in this mode. To how this color might be used in
speed up the steps, press the contrast with the background
'+' key on your keyboard, now color. If at any time you want
the steps will be in 10's to get back to the Background
instead of 1's. To go back to mode press {BS}, {<-} or the
steps of 1, press '-'. Backspace key on your keyboard.
Page 47
U S I N G O P T I O N S :
Use these screens to change the setup and defaults that ASTRO
uses when horoscopes are created. You can also use the setup
function to change screen colors, disk and directory choices,
page length, screen driver, and printer string.
You can setup options for each major type of horoscope
independently. You can setup many different types of
characteristics to customize or setup a default type of setup.
SETUP SCREEN. single high density floppy 1.2M
This screen allows you to or 1.44M, or two 720k drives
customize screen colors, disk you would turn all these fields
and directory usages, printer off, but with two 360k drives
page length, screen driver and all these fields should be
special printer output string. turned on.
The Program Directory is
SCREEN COLORS. where ASTRO itself, the utility
The first section allows you to programs, and the overlays
setup the screen colors. You (files ending with .OVL) are
select each of the four compo- found. These files end with
nents of each screen attribute: .COM or .EXE.
background color, foreground The Help Directory is
color, the bright attribute, where the help file and the
and blink for blinking color. Astro-Helper files are found.
There are seven different These files end with .HLP.
screen types used by ASTRO. The Database directory is where
If you are using a the database files are located.
monochrome adapter you will These are files for the Birth
only be able to use the fore- and Location database. These
ground and background colors files end with .DAT, .NDX and
white and black, though you can .LST.
use the bright and blink The Data Directory is
attributes. If you are using an where the files that produce
LCD type system, you won't be ASTRO's text is found as well
able to use the bright as the screen and printer fonts
attribute and may not be able for the graphics. These files
to use the blink attribute end with .TXT, .NDX, and .FON.
depending on the capability of Note there is one .NDX file for
your system. every .TXT file of the same
main name.
DISK DIRECTORIES. The User Directory is where the
This section allows you to charts that astro compiles are
setup the drives you wish to written. If you convert a file
use for ASTRO, this will be to a text file, or print to a
useful if you are using a hard disk file, ASTRO writes that
disk system and want to create file to the user directory
a directory for each type of unless you say otherwise. When
file. You save and load the birth
Note: the swap attribute tells data, you save and load from
ASTRO that it will need to swap this directory unless you say
disks on a floppy disk drive. otherwise.
On a hard disk system or a
Page 48
FAST SCREEN WRITES. If you NOTE: Don't select Sidereal
started ASTRO up with the unless you know that you want
-BIOS flag this would be set this option. EXPERT ONLY
to 'No', otherwise it would -------------------------------
be set to 'Yes', but you can
change it. If you answer HOUSE PROCEDURE. There are many
'No' ASTRO will direct all different ways of calcu-
disk activity through your lating your house cusps.
computer's BIOS which is This option allows you to
slower than direct RAM select one of the more
access, but necessary for popular systems. ASTRO sup-
some non- standard computer ports Equal House, Placidus,
systems. Koch, Regiomontanus, Cam-
panus, and M-House systems.
CHART OPTION SCREENS Placidus is the most popular
for general purpose astro-
logy, but fails at high
BIRTH OPTION SCREEN. latitudes, where you may
Use this screen to setup the want to use another. The
options used by the Compile Equal House system is the
Default Birth Chart selection. simplest, and often used,
This selection also affects but may not produce accurate
various aspects of other Birth results. See an Astrology
charts. For the most part text for more information on
though you won't have to change house division techniques.
any of these options except to
setup a default chart. You may FIND HOUSES. Self explanatory.
wish to change some of these Determines if ASTRO will
once you have experience with determine house cusps.
ASTRO to customize it to your
personal preferences. These are FIND ASPECTS. Self explanatory.
a few of the more important Determines if ASTRO will
options and what they mean to determine planetary aspects.
you.
FIND EXTENDED ASPECTS. When
TROPICAL OR SIDEREAL ZODIAC. this is 'No', ASTRO will
You will probably not use only find Conjunct, Sextile,
this option. Some European Trine, Squared, and Oppos-
astrologers tend to use the ition aspects. When 'Yes'
'Sidereal' zodiac, in which ASTRO will find Semi-Sex-
the first point of Aries tile, Semi- Square, and
corresponds to the star Semi-Sesquiquadrate and
constellation, instead of aspects to house cusps as
the 'Tropical' zodiac where well. Though these aspects
the first point of Aries are found, there is no text
corresponds to the Vernal available for them at this
Equinox or the first point time.
of spring. Currently these
two systems are off by about SUMMARY AT END OF REPORT. If
24 degrees and it is always this is 'Yes' a report is
changing. ASTRO uses placed at the end of the
"Fagan's Ayanasma" in report, summarizing numbers
calculating this option. of different trends and
------------------------------- tells you what they mean.
Page 49
MISCELLANEOUS CALCS. If this is translation information for
'Yes', ASTRO will calculate translating attributes in the
several different miscel- output files to printers and
laneous values such as Dec- ASCII file conversion.
anates of signs, Critical
Degrees, and Anaretic PRINTER TYPE. This is either
Degrees. "Epson or Compatible Dot
Matrix", "HP LaserJet,
VERTEX AND EAST POINT. If this DeskJet or Compatible", or
is 'Yes', ASTRO will cal- "Generic Printer". This will
culate the 'Vertex' and update all the control
'East Point' for the chart Strings Below to Default
in question. These angles values for the specific
are highly theoretical in printers. If You use a
nature. No text on these is printer that is for example
available. 90% compatible with
Epson/IBM, you can choose
that printer and edit the
GENERATE GRAPHICS DATA. If set string chosen. The "Generic
to 'Yes' this option pro- Printer" driver allows you
duces graphics data to run to use printers which might
using the graphics cartwheel not normally be supported
option. such as daisy-wheel prin-
ters, or other non-compa-
For More Information About tible printers. This type of
These Options. See the section a printer must only be able
"Compiling a Chart" for more to Backspace, have an
information. You can get more underscore character (_),
information on each option from and do a form feed.
the help system.
-------------------------------
COMPATIBILITY OPTION SCREEN. NOTE: The following three
Use this screen to setup the fields applies only to HP
options used by the Compile LaserJet, HP DeskJet Laser
Compatibility Chart selection. drivers
The options operate as they do -------------------------------
in the birth options screen. HP Printer Font. If you are
Using a HP LaserJet, DeskJet
TRANSITS OPTION SCREEN. or Compatible, you can
Use this screen to setup the select the font you wish to
options used by the Compile use for your printout. Note,
Transits Chart selection. The you must have this font
options operate as they do in loaded, either as a soft
the birth options screen. font, Cartridge or Internal
font before Printing. The
Printout uses the Regular
O U T P U T O P T I O N S and Bold font as well as
Italics if you wish. This
doesn't apply to dot matrix
PRINTER SETUP SCREEN. printers.
-------------------------------
Use this screen to change SYMBOL SET TO USE. If you are
printing and conversion data. using a HP LaserJet, DeskJet
Included in this screen are or compatible, this field
Page 50
allows you to select the '<' and '>'. for the escape
symbol set for the HP font character which is ASCII
Chosen above. When you chose decimal code 27, you would
a font the default symbol enter <27>.
set is selected. The Symbol -------------------------------
set must be supported by the PRINTER CONTROL STRING. This
font Cartridge or font string provides basic
loaded. If you have modified parameters that the printer
the text source for foreign requires to start printing
languages with accents, or your report. These include
are using the Spanish justification, line spacing,
language report version, You basic font, print quality,
must be using a font which etc.
supports the PC-8 Symbol set
or the Characters or Accents BOLD ON STRING. This string
will be incorrect. This does turns on the printer's bold
not apply to dot matrix face or double strike. With
printers. some printers this is called
"emphasized text".
SYMBOL SET NAME. This is the
technical name for the BOLD OFF STRING. This string
symbol set referred to turns off the printer's bold
above. When you select the face, double strike or
"Other Specify -->" symbol emphasized text. This must
set choice, use this field turn off what the previous
to specify the actual symbol command turned on.
set code. It must end in a
Capital Letter. UNDERSCORE ON STRING. This
string turns on the
USE ITALICS OR UNDERSCORE. If printer's underscore
you are using a HP LaserJet function.
or DeskJet compatible, and
your font supports an UNDERSCORE OFF STRING. This
italic, you can use Italics string turns off the
by selecting this option, printer's underscore
otherwise key phrases will function.
be underscored. Selecting
this option will change the COLUMN WIDTH. This is the
applicable printer strings. width, based on 10 char-
This doesn't apply to dot acters per inch, of the
matrix printers. text. A 6-1/2 inch width
would be entered as 60.
PRINTER CONVERSION STRINGS.
In these strings enter the OTHER OPTIONS.
commands that your printer uses
for these attributes as LEFT MARGIN WIDTH. This is the
described above in Printer width, based on 10
Control String. If you are characters per inch, of the
using a standard printer you left margin. A 1 inch left
don't need to change these. margin would be entered as
------------------------------- 10.
NOTE: Non-typeable codes can If you have 8-1/2" wide
be entered by typing their paper, and want a one inch
ASCII decimal codes in between margin and the text to be 6-
Page 51
1/2 inch wide, you would set WORD PROCESSOR CONVERSION
these two fields as SETUP.
suggested here. This will
give you a one inch right This screen allows your to cus-
margin. tomize the way ASTRO converts
files to word processing and
LINES PER PAGE. This is the ASCII. The following strings
total number of lines avail- don't have any effect on word
able on your page. This processing conversion other
includes top and bottom than ASCII conversions.
margin. A value of 66 is
appropriate with dot matrix BOLD ON STRING. This string
printers printing six lines marks the start of bold face
per inch. A value of 60 is in the file.
appropriate with laser
printers. BOLD OFF STRING. This string
marks the end of bold face
PRINT HEAD ON PAGE 1. If This in the file. This must turn
option is turned on, a off what the previous
header is printed on page command turned on.
one. If this is turned off,
there is no header printed Underscore On String. This
on page one. string marks the beginning
of underscore or italics.
PRINTING DEVICE. If you wish to
print to your default UNDERSCORE OFF STRING. This
printer leave this field string marks the end of
blank. For most people this underscore or italic started
will be sufficient. If you above function.
want to print to your second
printer, enter "LPT2". If COLUMN WIDTH. This is the
you want to print to a width, based on 10 char-
specific device driver enter acters per inch, of the
the device here. text. A 6-1/2 inch width
would be entered as 60.
END LINE WITH. This field -------------------------------
indicates how lines on your NOTE: The file conversion does
printer must be ended with. not concern itself with fonts.
On a laser printer, ignore If You are using a laser
this field, this will be set printer you will have to set
by the program. Try to use the font, provide settings and
the field the way the reformat the document once you
program sets it. are in your word processing
------------------------------- program.
NOTE: If when you print a -------------------------------
report, the lines end and start LEFT INDENT. This is the width,
erratically, at strange places, based on 10 characters per
choose "Line Feed + Carriage inch, of the left margin. A
Return". If your pages wind up 1 inch left margin would be
with always more than one line entered as 10.
space between lines, choose If you have 8-1/2" wide
"Carriage Return Only". paper, and want a one inch
margin and the text to be 6-
1/2 inch wide, you would set
Page 52
these two fields as sug- your hardware configuration.
gested here. This will give Press the space bar or the
you a one inch right margin. first letter of an adapter
to select from the choices.
CONVERSION. This is your The first choice that is
default standard word displayed is the highest
processing conversion. Pick resolution screen mode
one that your favorite word available and will probably
processor supports. This be the one you want unless
will most likely either be there is a problem with your
one of the two WordStar graphics adapter, in which
types, one of the two Word case you can try one of the
Perfect Choices, or ASCII. other modes. The choice you
If you are using ASCII, make will also update other
you can eliminate the soft key fields on this screen
line breaks and only have with applicable values.
the paragraph/hard line Frequently the choice that
breaks in the file. This may ASTRO starts out with will
make reformatting more easy be the best general choice
once it gets into your word available to you.
processor.
FONT NAME. This field allows
SETUP GRAPHICS MODES & you to specify the name of a
PRINTING. font name to be used. This
version of ASTRO uses
This screen will allow you to special screen and printer
change the graphics font combinations to provide
configuration, and customize it the high graphics resolution
to your needs. You can change and the glyphs displayed on
graphics mode, screen colors the screen. There is a font
and printer configurations. file for each major printer
This screen will allow you to driver. This field will be
support printers other than set by the program when
Epson/IBM or HP LaserJet and setting the printer.
DeskJets for a graphics For 9 pin printers, the
printout, by allowing you to font name is ASTROEP9. For
enter the specific printer 24 pin printers, the font
codes for your printer, if name is ASTRO24P. For HP
needed. LaserJet and DeskJet
If a graphics setup file printers the font name is
(ASTROGRA.DAT) has not been ASTROHPL.
created already, you will see a
message to the effect that one FONT FILE NAME AND PATH. This
will be created. ASTRO does is the font file's full file
this if it can't find the setup name and directory path
data or the setup data is locating where it can be
invalid. If the file ASTROGRA found. This is usually the
.DAT already exists you should same place where the Data
erase it before starting ASTRO. files are kept, but it can
be changed. On a floppy disk
GRAPHICS MODE. This field will system it would be where the
allow you to select from any .OUT and .GRA files are
of the valid Graphics Modes written.
that you have available for
Page 53
PRINTER TYPE. This is the best choice, though 240 dpi is
printer driver type. This definitely sharper but it takes
will update all the control longer to print.
Strings Below to Default -------------------------------
values for the specific PRINTER SETUP STRINGS.
printers. These are the actual control
ASTRO in this version strings that are being used by
supports Epson/IBM & the printing drivers. If you
compatible 9 pin dot matrix want to use a printer which
printers (both B&W and isn't quite compatible enough
Color), Epson/IBM & but still operates the same,
compatible 24 pin dot matrix you can change these.
printers (both B&W and -------------------------------
Color), and HP LaserJet, NOTE: The strings below don't
DeskJets and Compatibles. have any effect on laser
------------------------------- printer drivers.
NOTE: If you are using a 9 pin -------------------------------
printer and are using a EGA or GRAPHICS INITIALIZATION STRING.
VGA and are having difficulty This field allows you to
getting a printout on your customize the string sent to
printer, select "Epson & the printer which sets up
compat. 9pin--BIOS Driver". the graphics mode and line
This gets the image from the spacing. If you want to
screen using the bios. For enter an ASCII value which
other printers this is too slow can't be typed on the
to be practical. keyboard enter it as a
------------------------------- number in between < and >
This version of ASTRO uses such as the Escape char
a more compatible way of number 27 is represented by
obtaining the graphics data <27>.
from the screen and should be Generally speaking, on
more compatible. If You use a most dot matrix printers
printer that is for example 90% this string sets the line
compatible with Epson/IBM, you spacing to 7/72" or 21/216"
can choose that printer and whatever the printers normal
edit the string chosen. graphics line spacing will
be. If your printer leaves
PRINTING MODE. Use this field excessive white space
to customize the printing between rows, this is the
mode, to either get a faster field to edit.
draft quality printout or
get a higher quality TEXT RESET STRING. This field
printout. allows you to enter the code
------------------------------- for resetting the printer to
NOTE: If You are using a 24 pin text mode and text line
printer, this selection spacing.
supports the 360 dpi mode. this
should not be necessary. The GRAPHICS LINE HEADER STRING.
180 dpi mode is efficient and This field allows you to
very sharp, actually sharper enter the code which tells
than the HP LaserJet driver, the printer that the next
but less dense. chunk of data coming is for
For 9 pin printers, 120 graphics and for which
dpi slow speed is usually the graphics setup. Normally
Page 54
this code is set up setting need to enter
the graphics mode and <27>$<0><0><27>J<1>, which
telling it two ASCII codes will home the cursor and
following telling it how step the head down one unit.
many printer columns are to The extra spacing allows the
follow with the graphics printing to fill in the
data. space between the dots on
For dot matrix Printers the paper. You will also
ASTRO supports a screen mode want to answer yes to "Print
independent way of Two Passes" below. This is
expressing this. In this only applicable for 9 pin
field you will probably see Dot Matrix B&W Printers.
<27>(a Letter) <%></> where
(a Letter) is either 'L', PRINTER PORT. If You have more
'Y' or 'Z' depending on the than one printer you may
graphics hardware and need to set this field to
printer mode. <%> represents your proper printer.
the remainder when the Normally "PRN:/LPT1: is
Screen pixels vertically normal and is used for your
(either 200, 348, 350, or first printer port. LPT2:
480) depending on screen would be used for your
mode is divided by 256. </> second printer.
represents the pixels
vertically divided by 256. PRINT TWO PASSES. If you want
If your printer requires to enhance print quality by
these to be in the opposite using a second pass, answer
order, i.e. </><%>, ASTRO yes to this. This unfortu-
will deal with this, though nately slows down the print-
these two parameters must be ing process by a factor of
right next to each other in two. This is only applicable
the string. only to 9 pin B&W Dot Matrix
Printers.
END OF FIRST PASS STRING. In
order to get a real sharp CGA PARAMETERS.
crisp dark printout, you may These two fields apply only to
want all the graphics image CGA color modes only (200 x
printed twice, similar to 320 pixels 4 colors). Use
NLQ printing, which will the Paltest program to
make the printout a little arrive at these values.
sharper and definitely NOTE: This graphics mode is
blacker. In that case this not suggested.
field holds the string which PALETTE NUMBER. This field
will tell the printer to go allows you to select a
back to the left margin and palette when displayed on a
go down it's smallest spac- This allows you to change
ing increment. On an Epson/ the colors that are used.
IBM printer this is 1/216", are basically four choices
which also moves the print in the regular mode and two
head back to the left in the no color mode.
margin.
You can also enter BACKGROUND COLOR. This field
<27>$<0><0> which will just allows you to set the
return the printer carriage. background color for CGA
In some printers you may color screens.
Page 55
PLANETS COLOR. LIGHT GREY. This
EGA/VGA PALETTES. is the darker color for the
These fields only apply to EGA planets. This is not used at
and VGA modes. These fields this time.
allow you to specify the exact
color valid for your adapter CIRCLES COLOR. DARK GREY. This
allowing you to customize the is the color used for the
colors used. Use the PALTEST circles themselves.
program to arrive at these
values. When using an EGA mode BRIGHT SIGNS COLOR. BRIGHT
the final values are rounded to GREEN. This is the bright
the previous 21 multiple, i.e. color for the sign division
0, 21, 42, and 63. VGA modes lines. This is the color
have no such restriction. These that the sign names are
values are entered in their printed in.
red, green and blue component
parts. Underlined are the BRIGHT HOUSES. BRIGHT RED. This
is the color that house
EGA/VGA COLORS USED. numbers and house data when
BACKGROUND COLOR. BLUE. This is displayed are printed in.
for the general background
color and is on color ASCENDANT COLOR. YELLOW AND
screens normally blue. You DOT-DASHED. This is the
can change this to black by color that the Ascendant/
entering 0 in all three Descendant line is displayed
fields . in and the data for the
Ascendant is printed in.
SIGN COLOR. GREEN OR DASHED. BRIGHT PLANETS. WHITE. This is
This is the color which the the color that the indivi-
actual sign division lines dual planet glyphs and their
are drawn in. accompanying positions are
displayed with.
HOUSES COLOR. RED OR DOTTED.
This is the color which the SETUP GRAPHICS DISPLAY.
house division lines, are
drawn in. This screen sets up how a
default cartwheel is displayed.
It also sets up how a cartwheel
is printed when you choose
"Print Graphics Cartwheel" on
the View/Print menu.
In these fields, respond
Yes or No depending on how you
want these options dealt with.
SHOW SIGN NAMES. This turns on
or off display of the sign
Names around the screen.
When glyphs are used these
are displayed as glyphs.
This is more useful for
beginners, particularly if
Page 56
only the signs are aspect circle won't be drawn
displayed. and no aspects will be
This option may also not drawn.
want to be used because it
clutters up the screen when USE GLYPHS. This switches
combined with the house cusp between the use of the
number and house cusp Classical Astrological
degrees. Glyphs and two and three
letter abbreviations for the
SHOW HOUSE CUSP DEGREES. This signs and planets. The
turns on or off display of glyphs display more neatly
the degrees of each house and cleanly, and once you
cusp. These are placed at know all the signs, this is
each house cusp. This will the way to display charts. A
be useful for most people novice can use the abbrevi-
knowledgeable about ations until they are com-
astrology. fortable and switch over to
the glyphs.
SHOW HOUSE CUSP NUMBERS. This -------------------------------
turns on or off display of NOTE: If you are using a CGA
the house numbers. These are type adapter, the display of
placed midway between each glyphs is hard to read so you
pair of house cusp. This is may want to use the abbrevi-
useful and one of the more ations. If you are using the
used options. 200 x 320 pixel mode you will
only be able to use the abbrev-
SHOW ASPECT LINES. In a Natal iations since the glyphs are
chart which was compiled unable to display in this mode.
using Compile Natal Chart You can though select this mode
Signs, Houses and Aspects or and print using glyphs.
Greater, or you compiled -------------------------------
default chart with aspects SHOW SIGN LINES. This option
turned on, lines showing shows or hides the display
the aspects will be drawn in of the sign divisions on the
the middle of the screen. screen. If a novice and you
These are useful for seeing are only displaying the
the types of aspects planets in the signs you
involved. will want this option.
If the chart does not have
any aspects, the inner
Page 57
H A N D L I N G E R R O R S :
There are several different levels of errors that may occur when
using ASTRO. There are several internal errors, such as 'Screen
Errors' that may occur. If these occur, you will be asked to
report them to 'Technical Support'.
itself will end, without
MINOR DATA ENTRY ERRORS. properly shutting down. When
If you make an error when You see one of these, correct
entering data, the system will the situation, and make a
beep and you will see a message choice. Make a choice by
in the prompt area which will pressing the letter
tell you about the error. corresponding to the choice.
-------------------------------
OTHER ERRORS AND WARNINGS. NOTE: you can also press any
If a minor error occurs while other key to continue. If you
you are using ASTRO, a box will use this option you may need to
popup on the screen and will repeat this several times. Then
describe it for you. You will you will see an error alert box
be asked to press any key to which you can ignore and you
continue. You will see at the will return to the screen or
top left of that box a title menu system.
saying either 'A Note From -------------------------------
ASTRO...' which is an extremely If you are in the graphics
minor situation, 'Warning!' is program and are attempting to
a minor situation that you may printout the screen to the
need to be warned about, and printer, and your printer is
'Error!!' is an error situation off, or the program is unable
of a more serious nature. to write to the printer, you
will hear several beeps. No
DOS CRITICAL ERRORS. message will be displayed
If a serious system error because it would disrupt the
occurs, you will hear a beep, screen. Once you have checked
and an error will be displayed your printer and it is on and
at the bottom row of the operating, press 'R' to Retry,
screen. You may be asked to do or press 'A' to Abort the
one or more of the following graphics program.
"(I)gnore (R)etry (F)ail
(A)bort". MEMORY ERRORS.
If you see '(I)nore, you If you run out of memory there
may be able to ignore the are two kinds of errors that
situation and continue. If you may occur. The first is a
see '(R)etry', you will be able 'Fatal' error. A fatal error
to correct the situation and will cause ASTRO to shut down
retry the operation that caused immediately. A 'Non-Fatal'
the error. If you are using DOS error is an error that ASTRO
3.0 or later you may see can recover from, though you
'(F)ail' in which case you will will not be able to complete or
be able to just fail the DOS repeat that operation without
operation that caused the additional memory. This type of
problem. Though If you see an error is displayed at the
'(A)bort' and select it ASTRO bottom of the screen much as a
Page 58
'Critical Error', in this case
you will be asked to just press NO SPACE LEFT ON DRIVE! Delete
any key to continue. files on that drive to make
Sometimes these happen room or switch to a new disk
because the system's memory has or drive.
been fragmented, which means it
has been broken into too many NOT ENOUGH FILES IN CONFIG.SYS,
little pieces to be used. This NEED AT LEAST 12! Check the
can be solved by quitting ASTRO Installation information.
and restarting the program or This program requires a
rebooting your system. minimum of 12 files in the
CONFIG.SYS, but 20 is
SCREEN ERRORS. suggested. You can find this
If something goes wrong in file on your boot disk in
one of the screens that ASTRO the root or '\' directory.
uses, an error may occur. You This file can be edited with
will not be able to do anything a word processor that can
about these errors. These work with ascii files.
errors are always fatal and
should be reported to the ASTRO DOS CRITICAL ERRORS.
Technical Support at your
soonest convenience, along with DATA CORRUPTED! The disk is
your system configuration and trying to read a disk that
the situation that caused it to has been corrupted, perhaps
happen. by a magnetic field or other
Many of these type of damage. Recopy the disk
situations are minor. The prog- from a master and try again.
ram exits at that time to pre-
vent a problem from continuing DEVICE OR PRINTER OUT OF PAPER
to corrupt the system or dos. OR NOT READY! This error
I suggest that you restart indicates that your printer
the program after that error may not be turned on, is out
occurs. Many of these errors of paper, or the device you
happen due to memory are printing or writing to
limitations, and are minor. such as a modem or communi-
These are never due to the cation port is not ready to
user. be used, and may be off-line
Here are some of the more or turned off.
common errors that may occur
and what may cause them to DRIVE NOT READY! The drive door
happen: is not closed. Close it and
choose retry.
SYSTEM ERRORS.
ERROR READING DATA! Your drive
FILE OR DIRECTORY DOES NOT is reporting errors as it
EXIST! Check to make sure reads the data. You will
that the directories and need to either reformat this
files that this message disk or start with another
concerns exists, copy them one. In any case the data
from your master diskette, you are trying to read may
or verify that the infor- not be usable.
mation on the setup screen
is accurate. Check the setup ERROR WRITING DATA! Your drive
screen. is reporting errors as it
Page 59
writes the data. You will the write protect tab on a
need to either reformat this 3-1/2" diskette.
disk or start with another
one. UNKNOWN DRIVE OR UNIT! ASTRO is
This may as well be an error trying to write to a disk or
with a printer if you are device that does not exist.
printing at the time the A system error may have
error happened. Check to clobbered a device or a part
make sure the printer you of DOS that you are trying
have selected is plugged to use. If you are sure the
into your computer. disk or device is present,
reboot your system and try
GENERAL FAILURE! There has been again. If it still is a
a general failure on this problem, see a repair
disk or device. Try it technician. Make sure of the
again, reboot, try again, or drive or device you are
see a competent repair trying to use.
technician. This may suggest
a bad disk, or a disk which UNKNOWN DISK TYPE! You are
is not formatted. trying to use a diskette
that your system does not
TRYING TO WRITE TO WRITE recognize. Such as trying to
PROTECTED DISK! Remove the use a 1.2M floppy on a 360k
disk from the drive and system. Or trying to use a
remove the write protect tab diskette from another
from the disk if you are computer system that uses
using a 5-1/4" disk or check another operating system.
Page 60
G L O S S A R Y O F A S T R O L O G I C A L T E R M S :
AFFLICTION. An outdated term The major aspects are
that describes either a Conjunct, Trine, Sextile
difficult aspect (i.e. Squared, and Opposition,
Squared or Opposition), or though there are many
a placement of a planet or intermediate minor
angle in a sign that does aspects. The first three
not suit it, (i.e. Mars in aspects are generally
Pisces). Also describes a considered to be bene-
relationship with a ficial and the last two
"Malefic", such as Saturn. considered to be dif-
ficult, though the more
AIR SIGNS. Aquarius, Gemini, or difficult aspects can act
Libra. These signs are as teachers and help you
generally associated with to learn and grow.
the air. The air signs are
usually connected with ASTROLOGER. A professional who
communication and the practices astrology.
intellect.
BENEFIC. Planets and aspects
ANGLES. Refers to the Major that were thought to give
angles in a chart. positive influences.
Includes: the Ascendant Traditionally Jupiter and
or Rising Sign, the Des- Venus are the two Major
cendant, which is opposite Benefics in that order,
the Ascendant, the Med though Mercury and the
Coeli or Midheaven, and Moon are also considered
Immum Coeli, which is Benefic. Conjunct, Sex-
opposite the Med Coeli. tile, and Trine aspects
are also considered
ANGULAR HOUSES. The first, Benefic.
fourth, seventh, and tenth
houses. These houses are CADENT. The third, sixth, ninth
generally connected with and twelfth houses. These
the Cardinal signs and are ruled by Mutable
Cardinal Qualities. Signs, and are generally
associated with the
ASCENDANT. The point of the Mutable Qualities.
zodiac that falls on the
eastern horizon at the CAMPANUS. Thirteenth century
time of your birth. This mathematician and astro-
is the same as the first loger who devised the
house cusp and describes Campanus House System.
your personality and
character and how you CARDINAL SIGNS. The signs
relate to your world. Aries, Cancer, Libra and
Capricorn. These fall at
ASPECT. An angular relationship the Cardinal Points of the
between two planets, Zodiac, with Aries begin-
angles, etc. These rela- ning at the "Vernal Equi-
tionships are based on nox" or first point of
harmonics or multiples. Spring, or the beginning
Page 61
of the Zodiac. These signs and interaction with
are generally associated others. This is also the
with action and begin- Seventh House Cusp.
nings. They are also asso-
ciated with initiatory and EARTH SIGNS. The signs Taurus,
dynamic actions. Virgo and Capricorn. These
signs represent "Earthly"
COMPOSITE CHART. A Chart for qualities such as sta-
two people which is bility, responsibility,
created by taking their and practicality.
planet positions and
taking the midpoints EAST POINT. The angle which is
between. Represents the rising over the eastern
relationship. horizon at the earth's
equator at any time.
CONJUNCTION. An aspect formed Occasionally used for
when two angles or planets Compatibility analysis.
are at roughly the same
angle (usually within 8 EASY ASPECT. A harmonious
degrees). aspect such as Conjunct,
Trine, or Sextile.
CRITICAL DEGREES. 13, and 26
degrees of Aries, Cancer, ECLIPTIC. The apparent path
Libra and Capricorn. 9, that the sun would take if
and 21 degrees in Taurus, it actually rotated around
Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. the earth.
Also 4 and 17 degrees in
Gemini, Virgo, Sagit- ELEMENTS. Air, Water, Earth and
tarius, and Pisces. Comes Fire.
from the Hindus. Thought
to be a sensitive point EQUAL HOUSE SYSTEM. The system
that strengthens the power that takes the first house
of the sign. being the Ascendant and
dividing the remaining 11
CUSP. A line dividing the houses into equal 30
houses or signs. When degree slices. The M-House
dealing with signs it system starts with the Med
represents a gray area Coeli or Midheaven being
where the individual may the cusp of the 10th house
be affected by both signs. and dividing the other 11
houses as equal 30 degree
DECAN, DECANATES. A division of slices.
the signs into 10 degrees
each of which is subtly FEMININE SIGNS. Earth and water
different from one another signs. Feminine refers to
due to the different receptivity, not gender.
rulers involved.
FIRE SIGNS. Aries, Leo, and
DESCENDANT. The angle that is Sagittarius. These signs
exactly across from the are considered fiery,
Ascendant. It is the cusp passionate, and
of the seventh house. Your spontaneous.
descendant relates to your
marriage and partnership
Page 62
FIXED SIGNS. Taurus, Leo, Koch House System or
Scorpio, and Aquarius. Birthplace House System.
These signs are associated
with fixed and stable LOCALITY CHART. See Relocation
emotional characteristics. Chart.
FLAT CHART. A chart in which MALEFIC. An old term used to
the first house is set at refer to planets or
degrees Aries. Frequently aspects thought to cause
used when the birth time harm. It usually refers to
and therefore the the planet Saturn and
Ascendant is not known. Mars. Minor Malefics are
also Uranus, Neptune and
GREATER BENEFIC. Jupiter. Pluto.
Assumed to bring your
major blessings. MASCULINE SIGNS. Air and Fire
Signs. Those signs are
GREATER MALEFIC. Saturn. suggested to manifest
Assumed to be the cause of aggressiveness, sometimes
evil in your life. referred to as Positive
signs.
HARD ASPECTS. Inharmonious
aspects. Generally MEDIUM COELI, Med. Coeli, MC.
considered to be Squared, The Midheaven. Taken to be
and Opposition, and the point directly over-
others. Aspects when the head in the chart. In an
energies do not always unequal chart it is the
help. cusp of the tenth house.
This describes your career
HARMONIOUS ASPECTS. Conjunct, and public ambitions
Sextile, and Trine. Also andyour relations with
referred to as Easy superiors.
aspects.
MUTABLE SIGNS. The Signs
HOUSE. A section of the zodiac, Gemini, Virgo,
mathematically defined, Sagittarius, and Pisces.
which represents a Signs associated with
particular area of life. adaptability and
flexibility.
IMMUM COELI. The bottom of the
heavens. The fourth house NODE. The point of interception
cusp in non-equal or between a planet's orbit
Quadrant house system. and the ecliptic.
Represents The family
relations and home life. OPPOSITION. An aspect
representing an angular
INTERCEPTED SIGN. A sign that difference of 180 degrees
falls between two adjacent or a situation where two
house cusps, but neither planets are directly
of those house cusps are across a chart from each
in that sign. other. Generally causes
difficulty and discord.
KOCH. Dr. Walter Koch, a German ORB. The difference between an
astrologer who founded the exact aspect and the
Page 63
actual aspect. It also RETROGRADE MOTION. Apparent
describes the maximum Backward Motion, thought
difference where an aspect to cause difficulty in a
still takes place. person's chart.
PART OF FORTUNE. Arabian part RETURN CHART. A Chart Which
most commonly used by shows the time that a
astrologers. Found by particular body returns to
subtracting Sun's position the position where it was
from the sum of Ascendant when you were born.
and Moon positions in
degrees. Suggests RISING SIGN. Another word for
fortunate circumstances. Ascendant.
PLACIDUS. Spanish Monk, SEXTILE. An aspect with a
Placidus de Tito, 17th difference of 60 degrees.
century. Creator of the A generally helpful and
Placidus House System. 'Positive' aspect.
Most commonly used house
system today. SIDEREAL TIME. Time in relation
to the fixed stars, rather
PLANET. From Greek "Planetes" than clock time.
or the wanderer. Describes
any body that appears, SIDEREAL ZODIAC. A zodiac based
from the Earth, to move. on the placement of the
stars, not the Vernal
PROGRESSIONS. Term used for Equinox.
advancing planets and
house cusps from birth to SIGNS. Division of the zodiac
a second point in time. into twelve equal
Usually 1 day for each divisions, related to the
year of life. constellations.
RECTIFICATION. Correction for SQUARE. Aspect with a
inexact birth-time. difference of 90 degrees.
Generally causes
REGIOMONTANUS. German Astrol- difficulty and discord.
oger 15th century who
devised the Regiomontanus SUCCEDENT HOUSES. Houses 2, 5,
House System. 8 and 11. Associated with
the Fixed Signs.
RELATIVE HOUSES. Houses 3, 7,
and 11. Associated with TEMPORAL HOUSES. Houses 2, 6,
the Air Signs. 10. Usually associated
with the Earth Signs.
RELOCATION CHART. A Chart for
which the house cusps have TERMINAL HOUSES. Houses 4, 8,
been changed to be where and 12. Associated with
they would be if the the Water Signs.
individual had been born
in another location. See TRANSIT. Aspects or angles
Locality Chart. between, the position on
any given day and the
Page 64
positions on a person's indicates the intersection
birth chart. of the Prime Vertical and
the Ecliptic. Sometimes
TRINE. An aspect with a associated with fate and
difference of 120 degrees. wish fulfillment.
A generally helpful and
positive aspect. WATER SIGNS. Signs Cancer,
Scorpio, and Pisces. Signs
TROPICAL ZODIAC. Zodiac that which represent recep-
follows the path of the tivity, sensitivity, and
Sun. The First point of the emotions.
Aries corresponds to the
Vernal Equinox, not an ZODIAC. From the Greek "Zodia-
actual star position. kos", meaning circle of
animals.
VERTEX. A point in the Western
section of the Zodiac that
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G L O S S A R Y O F C O M P U T E R T E R M S :
ASCII. An anacronym repre- invisible files on your
senting a Standard of de- disk. Handles many of the
fining which codes repre- basic operations of your
sent what characters. computer. Usable versions
ASCII code number 64 may range from 2.1 - 5.0.
represents 'A'. Avoid versions 3.0, 3.1 or
3.20 as they may have
ASCII FILE. A File containing problems.
only characters from the
ASCII character set. Also EGA, Enhanced Graphics Adapter.
referred to as "Generic" A board that you may have
and "Text Only". A text in your computer capable
file containing no control of displaying a minimum of
characters. 16 of 64 possible colors,
and 16 color text. If you
BIOS. A Set of ROM chips in have 128k or 256k of
your computer storing memory on that board you
instructions on how to do should be able to display
basic operations. Means 350x640 graphics.
literally "Basic Input If you have 64k of
Output System". memory you will only be
able to display 200x640 or
BIT. Smallest Unit of storage 200x320 graphics. This
in a computer. Capable of board is usually used with
recording only 1 or 0. an Enhanced Color Monitor.
It also can be used with a
BYTE. Unit of Storage in a TTL onochrome monitor for
computer. Generally 8 bits 350x 640 monochrome
wide. Capable of recording graphics and mono-chrome
a character, or a number text.
from 0 to 255, or -128 to
128. ENVIRONMENT VARIABLE. A part of
memory used by DOS to
CGA, Color Graphics Adapter. An store information used by
electronic board that may your program. You can view
be in your computer these variables or set
capable of displaying them by using the DOS
200x320 graphics in four command SET{ENTER}.
possible colors. Also can You can set a
display text in 16 colors variable by the command
as well. Used with a Color line SET VAR=AAA; BBB
Display Monitor. {ENTER}, where var is the
variable you wanted to set
DIRECTORY. An area of a disk and AAA and BBB were
that stores information directories, which can be
about the files that are combined using ';'.
stored on that disk.
ESCAPE KEY. Key on your
DOS/PC-DOS/MS-DOS. Literally keyboard used to back out
"Disk Operating System". A or "Escape" out of a
set of programs stored in
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section of a program. Cards. It is usually
Usually marked "ESC". connected to a TTL
monochrome monitor. You
EXTENDED MEMORY. Memory above Must run MSHERC.COM to use
the 640k limit of DOS, this type of adapter.
available only on AT and
compatible computers in a KEY. A Field used by a database
special mode that is to find information.
accessed by special
software such as RAM- KILOBYTE, Kbyte or K. 1024
Disks. ASTRO can make use bytes. The closest
of this memory for caching measurement used to one
of overlays. thousand bytes. From Kilo
meaning thousand.
FILE. A collection of bytes
stored on your disk. LIM EMS Expanded Memory.
Special type of memory
FLOPPY DISK. The type of disk usable on PC, XT and AT
that this program is and compatible computers
supplied on. Currently with special boards. These
used in two major sizes 3- boards map portions of
1/2" and 5-1/4". Comes in this memory into an unused
two major densities high memory space in high
density capable of storing memory.
many more bytes, and a ASTRO can make use of
regular density. this type of memory for
Overlays as well as
FUNCTION KEY. The keys on your storing different types of
keyboard marked "F1" to other information.
"F10" or "F12". The F1 key MCGA, Multicolor Graphics
is used for help, F10 for Array. An advanced video
completing screens, and F2 adapter used in the IBM
calls up popup screens PS2-25 and 30 Series of
where available. Keys F3 computers. Similar in
and F4 are used for capabilities to the CGA.
databases in the birth
screens. MDA, Monochrome Display
Adapter. A card that may
HARD DISK. An extremely high be in your computer that
density disk that may be is used to display mono-
permanently located in chrome text, and possibly
your computer. Stores from graphics if it is Hercules
10 million bytes up to 40 Compatible.
million bytes in most
commonly used computers. MEGABYTE or MB. 1024 Kilobytes.
Approximately one million
HGC, Hercules Graphics Card. A bytes. From Mega meaning
card that may be in your million.
computer that is used to
display monochrome text MEMORY. The chips in your
and monochrome graphics. computer used to store
Many generic monochrome this program and the data
graphics cards are capable that is uses when in
of emulating Hercules operation. This program
Page 67
needs at least 348k of a floppy or hard disk for
memory for basic operation storage. This requires a
and works best with 512k special driver such as is
to 640k of memory. supplied with MS-DOS 3.3.
This type of storage is
OVERLAYS. Parts of the program much faster than disk
that are not currently in storage, but the contents
memory. Of the ASTRO.EXE are forgotten when your
file only about 200k is computer is turned off.
kept in memory all the
time. The rest is kept on ROM. Read Only Memory. The
your disk and is loaded chips used in your
when needed. computer used for the
BIOS. Information in these
PATH. Your disk may be setup chips is permanent and
with different levels of can't be reprogrammed.
directories. The path is
the direction that the TTL. The logic used in most
disk takes to find your computers. Usually in
file in a given directory. display monitors used for
Different levels of computers as well. Usually
directories are separated only able to respond to
with '\' marks. digital on or off levels,
rather than the smooth
PATH ENVIRONMENT VARIABLE. The progression of levels that
DOS environment variable your home television set
used by DOS to find an responds to.
executable program. You
can set this one by VGA, Video Gate Array. An
entering the command line advanced video adapter
PATH C:\DIR; C:\DIR\PATH, used in the IBM PS2 Series
using whatever directories of computers. Now
you were using separating available for other IBM
different directory paths compatible computers as
using the ';' mark. well.
Able to show 640x480
RAM. Rapid Access Memory. The and better graphics in 256
chips in your computer of approximately 100,000
used to store this program available colors. Usually
while it operates. attached to an Analog
Monitor that is capable of
RAM-DISK. Using memory instead displaying these colors.
of a magnetic disk such as
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B I B L I O G R A P H Y :
Duffett-Smith, Peter, Practical Astronomy With Your Calculator.
Cambridge, UK: Press Syndicate of the University of
Cambridge, 1979, 1981.
Duffett-Smith, Peter, Astronomy With Your Personal Computer.
Cambridge, UK: Press Syndicate of the University of
Cambridge, 1985.
Erlewine, Michael, Manual of Computer Programming for
Astrologers. Tempe, AZ: American Federation of Astrologers,
Inc., 1980.
Filby, John and Filby Peter, The Astrologer's Companion.
Wellingsborough, Northhamptonshire England: The Aquarian
Press, 1986.
Gale, Mort, Instant Astrology. New York, NY: Warner Books, Inc.,
1980.
George, Llewellyn, Revised and edited by Marylee Bytheriver, The
New A To Z Horoscope Maker and Delineator. St. Paul, MN:
Llewellyn Publications, 1981.
Lineman, Rose and Popelka, Jan, Compendium of Astrology. West
Chester PA: Para Research, Inc., 1984.
Michelson, Neil F., The Koch Book of Tables. San Diego, CA: ACS
Publications, Inc., 1985.
Michelson, Neil F., The American Book of Tables. San Diego, CA:
ACS Publications, Inc., 1976.
Parker, Derek and Julia, The New Compleat Astrologer. London,
England: Mitchell Beazley International Ltd., Harmony Books
a division of Crown Publishing, New York, 1971, 1975, 1981,
1984.
Quigley, Joan, Astrology for Adults. New York, NY: Holt,
Rhinehart & Winston, Inc., 1969.
Pottenger Dobyns, Zipporah, Progressions Directions and
Rectification, or the Great Guessing Game...What Time Where
You Born? T.I.A. Publications, 1975.
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