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The New American Ephemeris for the 21st Century, 2000-2100 at Midnight

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When I began studying astrology with Zoltan Mason in 1969, we calculated birth charts with the
aid of an ancient green book called Dalton's Table of Houses, a German ephemeris published in
1968, and a slide rule. You had to interpolate to find the MidHeaven and Ascendant and once
you had the house cusps, the position of every planet had to be calculated separately. The whole
process took, as I recall, about twenty minutes, and the result was not always accurate, as became
clear after computers entered the picture a couple of decades later.

Nowadays, astrologers enter birth data into their favorite computer program and seconds later,
print out a chart that is accurate within micro-seconds of arc. Many brilliant technical minds have
contributed to the creation of the astrological programs we all take for granted, but of this
peaceful army of geeks and nerds the acknowledged leader and shining star is a man who never
practiced astrology himself, but dedicated his life to serving those who did: the brilliant and
beloved Neil F. Michelsen.

In 1976, Neil Michelsen compiled, programmed, and published the first edition of The American
Ephemeris: 1901 to 1930. The first computer-generated ephemeris in history, this pioneering
work set new standards of accuracy for modern astrology. Now, thirty years later, Rique
Pottenger, Neil Michelsen's successor as head programmer of his brainchild Astro Computing
Services, presents The New American Ephemeris for the 21st Century and dedicates it to the man
who almost singlehandedly revolutionized modern astrology, even identifying his book on the
cover as the Michelsen Memorial Edition.

In bringing astrology into the computer age, Neil Michelsen gave astrologers the tools to do
complex operations that were previously too time-consuming and in so doing, he brought
astrological research to a new level. For example, the ground-breaking work of statisticians
Michel and Francoise Gauquelin was based on calculations that took them a year to do by hand.
With the aid of a computer and the programs he created, Michelsen was able to perform all those
calculations in a single night!

When I was hired to translate, revise, and expand a French dictionary that became The Larousse
Encyclopedia of Astrology, there was no question what ephemeris we would use to illustrate the
article on chart calculation. Like The New York Times, Neil Michelsen's American Ephemeris
was the authority of record.

The New American Ephemeris for the 21st Century maintains the same tradition of accuracy and
comprehensiveness, while adding a few changes in format. Daily positions for Ceres, the largest
of the asteroids, have been inserted between Mars and Jupiter; a new formula determines the
position of the Galactic Center; and monthly positions of Eris (the body beyond Pluto known to
astronomers as UB313), plus the asteroids Pallas, Juno, and Vesta, as well as that mysterious
body (planet? asteroid? captured comet?) Chiron have been added.

I was particularly pleased to note that Pluto, despite its recent controversial demotion to "dwarf
planet" by the International Astronomers Union, remains in its usual column of daily longitude
positions along with the rest of the planets.


Neil Michelsen brought us out of the dark ages and helped to create a bridge between the ancient
art of astrology and the wonders of modern technology. In revolutionizing the tools for
astrological research he made a significant contribution to the important ongoing task of healing
the centuries-old schism between astrology and science. Neil Michelsen's spirit pervades this
book, both in its Neil-like devotion to-nay, obsession with-the accuracy of its data, and in the
moving tributes of his friends and colleagues. In these chaotic and turbulent times it is important
that we honor and carry on the work of our elders. Rique Pottenger's New American Ephemeris
for the 21st Century is a fitting tribute to the man whose life work inspired it.

I did not realize how much I missed having an ephemeris in book form until I got this one. Yes, I have the software and ephemeredes are available online, but it's great to just have the book to quickly thumb through to check the timing of upcoming aspects and transits. THE NEW AMERICAN EPHEMERIS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY is even better than the 20th Century version. The new feature that I like best is that the retrograde periods for all planets are all shaded gray, so you can tell at a glance when the retrogradation begins and ends. The other immediately noticeable difference is that the asteroid Ceres is given its own column between Mars and Jupiter. I've never worked with the asteroids, so I don't know of how much value this is for me personally, but for those who find them useful, this could be a valuable addition.

This ephemeris is the work of Rique Pottenger based on the earlier work of Neil F. Michelson, who died at age 59 on May 15, 1990. At the beginning of the book is a dedication to and biographical reminiscence of Michelson, who was astrological computing's supreme pioneer.

If you've been debating whether to spring for an ephemeris in book form, don't hesitate any longer. It's definitely worth it. I spend so much time at the computer already. It's great to get to do some astrological work away from it. Five stars.

We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us!

Kudos to Rique Pottenger for continuing the pioneering work of Neil Michelsen.

Neil was born with Mars in Leo, which I like to call the superman position! This placement along with his Sun in Taurus gave him the tenacity and will to make his dreams come true. And he dreamt BIG! In the early half of my astrological career, I asked Neil for some research help with an article. He was generous enough to get me the information in a timely manner, and refused to accept payment for it. His energy and warm smile was a welcome sight at conferences. Once his Astro-Computing services were up and running, I used his service for well over 10 years before I finally got my own computer and astrology program.

The Michelsen Memorial Edition belongs on the desk of every serious astrologer.Its many new and convenient features, and the first ephemeris I know of to include positions for Eris, makes it indispensable.

This is the ultimate astrologer's bible.

I enjoyed leafing through the century and wondering, as I watched the positions of the outer planets change signs, how the world would respond to these new planetary stimuli and how it would all manifest. And, one could not help but contemplate how far into this century, one would be gifted to live, and that this cosmic clock continues ticking on, with or without us mortal beings. This book reaffirmed for me once again the magic of astrology and this great cosmic language written in the stars.

Reading the special Dedication to Neil Michelsen brought me back to when ACS was first formed. Astrologers were thrilled about the availability of accurate computerized charts at very affordable prices. The entire dedication piece to Neil is very moving and inspirational.

Having the full century 2000-2100 in one book is the way to go, particularly for astrological researchers and future generations of astrologers. The addition of asteroids will encourage more astrologers to follow the transits of these asteroids, resulting in more familiarity with their meaning in the chart. Keeping Chiron listed under Astro Data is vitally important to continue studying this important heavenly body.

I was pleased to see the 90 degree dial version of Neil's chart alongside his natal chart, giving astrologers a glimpse at how valuable this added technique can be. On the last page of the ephemeris, Maria Kay Simms lists her books. In my opinion, Dial Detective is the best book on the market covering the 90 degree dial.

Jeri London
Astrologer and Author of "Astrology Workbook Part I"

I am one of those astrologers who grew up with the American Ephemeris and would be lost without it in my work, in spite of the internet. There are many things, cycles and motions one cannot quickly survey without an ephemeris spanning more years, and as far as I am concerned the American ephemeris has always been the best and easiest to read and handle. I am extremely glad that they are not going out of print and that an entirely new one has been created covering this entire century. For someone over 50 it is a little disconcerting to look at planetary motions after I'm gone, but never mind:-) The format of the new ephemeris is exactly like the ones we are used to, only a little wider, for a column on Ceres has been added in this edition. So a big thanks to the publishers for giving us all access to this information. And of course now comes my next request, as a teacher in astrology: how about creating an ephemeris for 1950-2050 ? For right now students have to buy two ephemerisses, one for quickly glancing progressions and such, and one for transits. To astrology students: you will understand I can really recommend this ephemeris!

Based on the earlier work of Neil F. Michelsen in 1976, The Michelsen memorial edition of "The New American Ephemeris For The 21st Century: 2000-2100 at Midnight" by Rique Pottenger is newly updated and expanded with the latest Jet Propulsion Laboratory data, several other new features, all while retaining familiar data and a format relied upon by astrologers world wide. Updates and new additions include the entire 21st century from 2000 through 2100; Ceres added to the daily longitude listings; a new formula increasing accuracy of monthly position calculations of the Galactic Center; monthly positions for Eris, Chiron, Pallas Juno, and Vesta; Astro Data column phenomena sorted by time as well as by date; and planetary ingress data that includes R if planet is retrograde when it ingresses. Of special note is the Dedication followed by the ;memorial feature `Remembering Neil' which capsulizes the beginning years of the development of computer technology as applied to astrology. "The New American Ephemeris For The 21st Century" is a 624-page treasury of information, example and instruction that is especially recommended to dedicated astrologers and should prove to be a cornerstone of any personal, professional, and academic library's Astrological Studies reference collection.

"The New American Ephemeris for the 21st Century" by Rique Pottenger

Since the first edition of this book "The American Ephemeris" published in 1978, based on computer programming by Neil Michelsen, astrologers learned to rely more and more heavily on computers to perform complicate calculations so much needed in astrology.

David Cochrane wrote: "Before Neil Michelsen developed new ephemeris and table zone times, astrologers were like carpenters using hand tools to build houses and Neil gave us power tools. Before Neil Michelsen's time many astrologers were very wary of computers and felt that the enroachment of technology on their sacred art would profane and degrade their practice."

In the fall of 2006, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the first publication, Rique Pottenger continues the work that Neil began and publishes "The New American Ephemeris for the 21st Century"

In this lengthy book, the ephemeris span over a hundred years (2000-2100) giving daily positions for all planets used by astrologers and the true lunar nodes, without forgetting Pluto and including Ceres (inserted between Mars and Jupiter). Since the Moon is the fastest moving celestial object (roughly 13 degrees/day), Moon's position is actually given for midnight and noon, which is a good idea.

Besides these, monthly positions are listed for the Vernal Point, Galactic Center, Eris, Chiron, Vesta, Pallas, Juno and the mean lunar nodes, which represent the most common additional influences observed in astrology.

In addition to the ephemeris, the book provides most practical information for the astrologer - exact time and date of the following:

- planetary stations (direct/retrograde stations)
- planetary ingresses in signs
- planets changing hemisphere by declination
- major and minor aspects between planets
- all Moon phases and solar/lunar eclipses
- void of course Moon periods - specifying the last Moon aspect and the ingress in the next sign

What else could one expect from this book that isn't already in there? Seems like Rique Pottenger has thought of everything. I bet that 99% of astrologers would be happy to have this book on their shelf for quick reference whenever needed.

I consider myself a computer geek and since 2000 when I got my first astrology software I didn't think that I would use a printed ephemeris again. But having it all together in one place, including so much data of immediate practical use, is really useful and it doesn't require any computer or even electrical power. So then, you already know one of my answers to the famous question: "What would be the three things you would take with you on a desert island?"
FYI, the other two would be a pack of Sabian Symbols cards and the Bible.

I am very happy with my purchase and very quick mail to australia as well, thankyou