The First Astrology Software Company, with Michael Erlewine

In episode 408 astrologer Michael Erlewine joins the podcast to talk about the history of founding the first company that produced astrology software for the personal computer, called Matrix Software. Michael founded Matrix and began producing astrology software in 1977, and it helped to usher in the era of computerized astrology. During the course of the episode we talk about Michael’s life and the early days of creating astrology software programs, and we also touch on his work in heliocentric and locational astrology. Michael has written a history of Matrix Software, which you can read here: History of Matrix Software You can find out more about Michael on his website: SpiritGroves.net This episode is available in audio and video versions below. Timestamps * 00:00:00 Intro * 00:00:40 History of Matrix Software * 00:04:04 Michael’s background and natal chart * 00:09:40 Hitchhiking with Bob Dylan * 00:12:49 Berkeley years in 1960s * 00:15:34 When Michael became an astrologer * 00:17:08 Band with Iggy Pop * 00:19:18 Calculating charts by hand for bookstore * 00:27:10 First programmable calculator * 00:39:54 Heliocentric astrology * 00:48:22 Local space relocational astrology * 00:56:50 Disadvantages of astrologers not knowing astronomy * 01:00:32 Heliocentric vs. geocentric chart * 01:02:49 Michael’s interest in Buddhism * 01:11:11 Commodore PET – Michael’s first computer * 01:22:55 The first astrological software and reports * 01:26:43 Early fears about computerized charts * 01:29:40 When Matrix became successful * 01:36:19 The Heart Center in Michigan * 01:37:44 Friendship with Robert Schmidt * 01:48:10 Early astrology conferences * 01:53:56 Music and film business * 01:58:15 Astrological archives * 02:05:51 Where is astrology going? * 02:07:30 Michael’s legacy * 02:10:00 Michael’s Facebook and website * 02:12:54 Patrons and sponsors Watch the Video Version of This Episode You can watch the video version of my interview with Michael Erlewine on YouTube: – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 408 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3: