Parashar21 : Two Milestones on the Web

Two major milestones were achieved today.

First : the Parashar21 data can now be stored and retrieved from a web based mySQL database hosted at on Surge8.

Until we get the web based MySQL available to the general public, you can check out the SQL generated in the SmartChart by downloading SQLITE [ a self-contained, serverless, zero-configuration, transactional SQL database engine ] and using it on your machine.

Second : We have created a Social Network for Parashar21 on the NING platform. You may please visit and join the network if you are interested in research into Astrology patterns.

Jai Parashar.

Parashar21 : Version 6.205 now available

The current version of Parashar21 has some significant enhancements

1. We now calculate Vimsottari Dashas, Antardashas and Pratyantardashas
2. Lahiri Ayanamsha is now calculated dynamically
3. The pattern trapper seems to be working but this needs enhancement
4. The chart and the PAC matrix are now in the same sheet ... see image above

Download this version from boxnet.

Please help me find bugs and report them through the KontactR button

SmartChart v5 : Vernal Equinox Version

Version 5 of the SmartChart in now available for download with some major enhancements.

1. There is an inbuilt Ephemeris program that calculates planetary positions based on birth date, birth time and birth longitude.
   
2. The macros have been modified so that they are compatible with earlier versions of Excel

The Ephemeris program has been obtained from Astrodienst and is based on the famous Swiss Ephemeris that is available free of cost as long as any software that is developed with it is not sold at a price. For more details, please lookup their website.

SmartChart v5 needs the files to be downloaded and co-located in the same directory as the SmartChart excel file.

ftp://ftp.astro.com/pub/swisseph/programs/ : swetest.exe
ftp://ftp.astro.com/pub/swisseph/ephemeris_files/ : seas_18.se1, semo_18.se1, sepl_18.se1

The longitudes calculated through SmartChart v5 are accurate to within 1 min when compared to the values calculated by the free Junior Jyotish program.

SmartChart updated : The Eclipse Version

Version 3 of the SmartChart is now available for download with the following additional features :

1. All cells are now generated automatically once the user feeds in (a) the longitudes of the Ascendent (Lagna) and the other planets and (b) information about planets being retrograde or not -- this information should be available from any standard Ephemeris software like Junior Jyotish.
2. The graphic horoscope chart is also generated in the South Indian, East Indian ( Bengali) and quasi North Indian format. Getting Excel to generate horoscope charts using only formulae is quite a feat. Programmers could appreciate this.
3. There is a facility to have multiple charts ( as different sheets) in the same workbook. This will hopefully help curb the proliferation of Excel sheets in your machine.
4. Macro-driven forms that look more sleek have been introduced to enhance the user experience -- however much more needs to be done in this area.

The following features have been retained from the earlier version

1. SQL to create the base Kode tables and populate them with correct data -- can be generated automatically
2. SQL to insert new charts into the MySQL database -- can be generated automatically
3. SQL to retrieve charts that meet certain conditions -- can be generated automatically

This version is being referred to as the Eclipse Version since it has been uploaded during the Solar Eclipse in Calcutta that is happening right now.

Jai Parashar.

Using Sparse Matrices to Store Horoscope Charts

Storage and retrieval of horoscope charts in a relational database is a challenge. Yet it is imperative that we should be able to search for and retrieve charts that have things in common. This paper on Usage of Sparse Matrices to Store Horoscope Charts explains the strategy that we can follow.

I have also created a Excel based tool that allows one to capture data for a Horoscope and then generate the SQL statements required to insert and retrieve the data from a relational database.

Parashar21 : Parashar in the Twentyfirst Century

An attempt to codify the astrological wisdom of Parashar in the light of current developments in the world of digital computers.