Introduction by Peter Buddendiek ***************************** High there, I hope you are not too suspicious why someone with such a non anglo-american name is adressing you in your native tongue. Well, the solution of this riddle is quite easy. From 1985-1988 I used to live in Australia and that was where I started out on my quest for astrological knowledge. After another two years in Asia I finally got back to Germany where I had to find out, that astrological knowledge wasn`t dealt with in the way I had so highly esteemed in the English language. The German mentality is a bit different. Especially the global consciousness wasn`t represented as much as I had found in books of authors like Dane Rudhyar or Alan Oken. Now in October 1993 I am delighted to be able to use this language again, although I might have lost it a bit. ASTRO-WORLD for Windows 2.0 ***************************** I am quite happy to introduce you to Astro-World for Windows 2.0 which is designed not only for professional astrologers but for the human being on the street as well. For the last seven years I have concerned myself with astrology and my conclusion still is that peaceful astrological thought should be accessible for humanity as a whole and not just for a few. This seems so important to me because we are at a stage of evolution where it is more necessary than ever to think about new concepts of co-existence. Since Neptune and Uranus wander throug the sign of Capricorn political structures have been abolished and people at least in Germany are getting fed up with politics. Communism in Europe has gone but I do not think that we are at the end yet. There might be more to come. At this point I have to admit that I quite well know what`s going on in Germany but the present state of the rest of the world I only know from newspapers or television. It`s my pleasure to have met Marcus Fabian from Bern/Switzerland who started up programming astrological Software for his degree in University. Last January we met for the first time and decided to do something together. He didn`t know much about Astrology and I didn`t know much about Software-programming. But he knew one thing: He wanted to produce something cheaper than it was available at that time in order to perhaps awaken the layman`s interest in this subject. From then on I worked intensively on the text in German and together with U.K native born Liz Regan we transfered it into the English language. Because of the inexpensive character of the program it won`t be a financial burden for it`s user. Thus dealing with the Astrological subject becomes easier and the fact that Astrology doesn`t have to bow it`s head in front of a scientific curriculum gives it the freedom to be researched on many levels. In case you encounter any problems read the ASTRO-WORLD-Help-file; it might not only be useful but amusing as well. You can make a printout of it, too. At the beginning the name ASTRO-WORLD might sound a bit like a cliche to you, but it makes a lot of sense once you take a closer look at it. Let`s be honest: every astrological-astronomical Windows-program is called ASTROWIN. That was obvious from the beginning. Out of this necessity we created the name ASTRO-WORLD and it is pretty clear already that this is not an utopical concept. Until the end of this year it will be available in three languages with more to come. Letterhead and Diskette-Label ************************* Although I don`t know yet how many of you will receive a letter and diskettes from me but you might see the graphical design while you start up ASTRO-WORLD. The two masks might replace the old Yin and Yang and are meant to represent the inherent duality of life. As new symbol they are not connected with centuries old fixed mysticism since we write the year 1993 and as we all know this is a very fast time. The little sailing-boat with the sun in the background is meant to symbolize wind and sun, which these days should play a much greater role when it comes down to the creation of energy. Furthermore to me it leaves a peaceful impression. The Texts ******** I have attempted to write these texts in the language of the present time and the feedback I get from the German users reflect that I am on the right way, but please judge for yourself. I think there is a little bit of wisdom in the interpretation for everyone. At the beginning there is a Prologue which introduces the people to Astrology and at the end there is an Epilogue which might have a little touch of an Astrological fairy-tale. The end of it reveals my view of the present quality of time and ASTRO-WORLD`S capacities in that respect. But perhaps you print these out for a start in order to see whether you agree with me or not. If the latter is the case well, I can`t help it. Maybe your echo is reaching me which would make me rather content. Telephone ********* At this point I would like to mention that you can call me on the phone if you like although this might be an expensive enterprise. But I do not mind at all and would be glad to be able to talk English once in a while. Apart from that I know a few so-called "Hotlines" in Germany which I would rather call "Coollines". I always thought, that it is possible and easier to be a lot nicer on the phone. I even find the contact on the phone very inspiring. At the moment it looks like as if I would be at home at the following times: Mo. - Fr. 8-10 & 15-22 Sa.& Su. 10-22 (but I might not be there all the time) CONCLUDING REMARK *********************** Now I hope to have given you a little overview and at this point I would you to do me a little favour. If we would all be perfect we probably wouldn`t have to be on this planet. It may be possible that you find a few orthographic mistakes. Please let me know in a constructive manner because this a large text-file and every now and then one might have slipped through my control. Hoping to have said the lot I say goodbye from Marburg in Germany from where I wish you all the best in the hope that ASTRO-WORLD becomes more than just another Astrological program. Peter Buddendiek Beginning of October `93