> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.astrom8.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Make an authenticated call to the AstroM8 API.

## 1. Create an API key

Create an AstroM8 account, then create an API key in the dashboard. Keep each key scoped to one environment and never expose it in browser code.

## 2. Call a deterministic endpoint

This request returns a planet snapshot for a UTC instant. Replace `astrom8_live_...` with your own key.

```bash theme={null}
curl --request GET \
  --url 'https://api.astrom8.com/v1/planets?dt=2026-07-24T00:00:00Z' \
  --header 'X-API-Key: astrom8_live_...'
```

## 3. Preflight a paid workflow

The estimate endpoint validates the caller's tier and remaining credit balance without creating usage or debiting credits.

```bash theme={null}
curl --request POST \
  --url 'https://api.astrom8.com/api/v3/estimates' \
  --header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  --header 'X-API-Key: astrom8_live_...' \
  --data '{"capability":"western.synastry"}'
```

When `tier_allowed` and `sufficient_credits` are both `true`, submit the requested workflow. A successful preflight is informational only; the operation itself rechecks access atomically.

## 4. Choose a product family

* Open the **Reference** tab for Western relationship, return, progression, and transit calculations.
* Go to [Vedic guide](/guides/vedic) for sidereal timing, matching, and chart calculations.
* Go to [reports](/guides/reports) for branded PDF jobs and result polling.