How Our Tools Work
At Astralium, we believe in full transparency. Every tool on our site runs entirely in your browser — no server-side processing, no hidden logic. Below we explain the methodology behind each tool category so you can understand exactly what powers your readings and calculations.
Tool Methodologies
Tarot
Uses seeded digital randomness via Fisher-Yates shuffle. Each card has equal 1/78 probability in a full deck draw. Interpretations follow traditional Rider-Waite symbolism with upright and reversed meanings. Daily draws use a date-based seed for reproducible results.
Natal Chart Calculator
Computes planetary positions using Swiss Ephemeris-derived algorithms adapted for browser execution. Supports Placidus (default), Whole Sign, and Equal House systems. Ascendant calculation requires latitude. All positions use the tropical zodiac.
Synastry & Compatibility
Calculates inter-chart aspects (conjunctions, trines, squares, oppositions, sextiles) between two birth charts. Orb values follow standard practice: 8 degrees for luminaries, 6 for personal planets. Composite midpoint charts available for relationship analysis.
Ephemeris Charts
Generates planetary position tables for any date range using astronomical algorithms. Includes all traditional planets plus Chiron and lunar nodes. Data computed from orbital elements and perturbation theory, matching published tables within arc-minute precision.
Lunar Dashboard
Real-time moon phase, illumination, and lunar sign via the synodic period (29.53059 days) from a known new moon epoch (Jan 6 2000). Void-of-course Moon periods derived from aspect calculations.
Numerology
Implements Pythagorean numerology. Life Path numbers reduce birth date digits to 1-9 or master numbers (11, 22, 33). Name numerology uses the Pythagorean letter-to-number mapping (A=1 through I=9, repeating).
Oracles & Divination
Rune casting, I Ching hexagrams, pendulum readings use cryptographic-quality browser randomness (crypto.getRandomValues). Results mapped to traditional interpretation systems specific to each divination method.
Our Philosophy
All our algorithms are deterministic — given the same inputs, you'll get the same outputs. Nothing is magic; everything is mathematics applied to ancient traditions. We publish our methodology because informed users make better use of spiritual tools.
Normative References
Our astronomical calculations are anchored in internationally recognized standards and publicly auditable data sources:
- International Astronomical Union (IAU) — Resolutions and Conventions — constellation boundaries, IAU 2006 precession model, nomenclature of celestial bodies.
- NASA JPL Horizons System — DE440/DE441 planetary and lunar ephemerides (solar system bodies, asteroids, comets).
- NASA GSFC — Six Millennium Catalog of Phases of the Moon — reference for lunar phase, new moon epoch (Jan 6, 2000) and synodic period.
- Observatorio Nacional (MCTI) — Brazilian national astronomical reference — hora legal, ephemerides for Brazilian territory, astronomical calendars.
- US Naval Observatory — Astronomical Applications — sunrise/sunset, moonrise/moonset, twilight and illumination tables.
- IERS Conventions (International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service) — precession, nutation and UT1-UTC offsets.
Review Cycle
Astronomical constants, ephemeris tables, and IAU conventions are monitored quarterly. Updates to the JPL DE440 planetary ephemeris (NASA/JPL Horizons) are incorporated when new releases are published. Numerology and tarot content uses consolidated traditions (Pythagorean / Rider-Waite) that do not require periodic updates. Last editorial review: April 14, 2026.
Corrections
Found an outdated ephemeris entry, an aspect orb that doesn't match tradition, or an inconsistent house calculation? Reach out via our contact page. Verified corrections are applied within 5 business days with an update date noted on the tool.
