Swiss Ephemeris
Swiss Ephemeris is Astrodienst's astronomical calculation package, identified in Mạghā's prepared chart. Its core files compress JPL DE431 data. Accurate chart inputs still matter: birth time, historical timezone and zodiac settings determine which positions you calculate.
For the Nila Raman birth on 14 October 1994, the rounded Moon positions are 18 degrees 2 minutes Aquarius in the tropical frame and 24 degrees 15 minutes Capricorn in the sidereal Lahiri frame.
| Zodiac | Rounded position |
|---|---|
| Tropical | 18°02′ Aquarius |
| Sidereal Lahiri | 24°15′ Capricorn |
The same sample Moon has two zodiac readings
Nila Raman’s chart was prepared for 14 October 1994 at 06:30 IST in Bengaluru. Its recorded Moon longitudes round to 18°02′ Aquarius in the tropical frame and 24°15′ Capricorn in the sidereal Lahiri frame. These are two readings of the same prepared sample, using different zodiac starting points.
An ayanāṁśa supplies the offset between those frames. The sample's reported Lahiri value is 23°47′ when rounded to minutes of arc. Swiss Ephemeris documents several ways to define a sidereal starting point, so naming the engine alone does not tell you which ayanāṁśa a chart uses. Keep the zodiac setting alongside any positions you compare. The diagram pairs recorded sample values; it does not show a new calculation made by the preview or an exact subtraction of the rounded offset.
Compare the inputs before comparing two charts
When two programs give different positions, first compare the birth date and clock time as entered. Then compare the resolved time zone and the zodiac settings. A different instant asks for a different sky. A tropical chart and a sidereal chart also express positions from different starting points, even when their date and place agree.
Keep the comparison specific. Record the body, degree and settings that differ, rather than deciding from a changed sign label alone. An astronomical engine supplies a position under stated choices; an astrologer's reading adds a separate method of interpretation. Naming Swiss Ephemeris makes one part of the method identifiable. It does not settle which birth record is correct or which astrological convention you should follow.
Choose the zodiac in Mạghā's Calculation defaults
Calculation defaults contains Zodiac mode and Ayanamsa. The preview shows the real controls but keeps its chart in sidereal Lahiri; another choice requires a separately prepared calculation.
Note: precise astronomy cannot establish an uncertain birth time or prove an interpretation. Check historical clock records separately. This settings preview does not show ephemeris files, their version or a numerical accuracy test.
Questions about ephemerides and chart settings
Does using Swiss Ephemeris make every birth chart correct?
It supplies astronomical calculations under stated inputs and choices. A wrong birth time, time zone or zodiac setting still changes the chart you are asking for. The name of the engine also does not establish an astrological interpretation or replace checking the original record.
Is Swiss Ephemeris the same thing as Lahiri ayanāṁśa?
No. Swiss Ephemeris is a calculation package. Lahiri is one sidereal zodiac reference it supports. Mạghā's Calculation defaults lets you choose a zodiac mode and an ayanāṁśa. The chart shown in these previews was prepared with Lahiri.
Why can two programs using the same ephemeris disagree?
Compare their inputs and settings before judging the difference. The resolved birth instant or zodiac frame may differ. Compare a named body's degrees under the same choices, and record any remaining discrepancy. Sharing an engine name alone does not establish that two charts requested the same calculation.
Does the preview calculate a chart when I change a setting?
No. The preview uses the prepared Nila’s chart. Its Calculation defaults notice explains that inputs are retained and other choices require a separately prepared calculation. The settings poster shows the real controls with Sidereal and Lahiri unchanged.
Check your calculation settings in Mạghā
The real Calculation defaults poster shows Sidereal and Lahiri for Nila Raman’s chart. It shows the settings you can review; the chart remains in its prepared Lahiri frame.
Open Calculation defaults