This would have to be the dodgiest 'c' code I've seen for a while! Things like:

void planet(char ,char ,char ,char,char ,char ,char ,char ,char ,char);
void symbol_gen(char ,char ,char ,char ,char ,char ,char ,char ,char,char ,char ,char ,char ,char ,char ,char );

void putimage (unsigned char code *);


Should be something like:

void planet (char *cbuf);
void symbol_gen(char *symbol);

void putimage (unsigned char *code);

Anyway, if you are using a standard 8051 style cpu, you'll most likely need pullup resistors on P0. Also, be careful if you're using a length of flat cable - this may be causing problems also.

Next, rewrite the code so it makes rational sense - like having low level routines to do basic read/write to the device - like 'send' but rename it so it makes sense like:

write_lcd_cmd();
write_lcd_data();
read_lcd _status();