William Lilly

William Lilly was a renowned English astrologer and astronomer who gained significant popularity during the 17th century, particularly among the English Parliament and the English Royalists. His expertise in astrology and astronomy led him to become a prominent figure in London's intellectual circles, where he interacted with notable individuals such as Oliver Cromwell, John Evelyn, and Robert Hooke. Lilly's work was heavily influenced by the writings of Ptolemy, Johannes Kepler, and Tycho Brahe, and he was also familiar with the ideas of Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton. His predictions and astrological charts were sought after by many, including King Charles I of England and Queen Henrietta Maria.

● Early Life and Education

William Lilly was born on May 11, 1602, in Diseworth, Leicestershire, England, to a family of modest means. He received his early education at the Ashby-de-la-Zouch grammar school, where he developed an interest in Latin and Greek. Lilly then attended Magdalen Hall, Oxford, where he studied philosophy and mathematics, and was exposed to the works of Aristotle, Euclid, and Pythagoras. During his time at Oxford University, he became acquainted with the ideas of Renaissance humanism and the Scientific Revolution, which were being promoted by scholars such as Francis Bacon and René Descartes. Lilly's education was also influenced by the Church of England and the Puritan movement, which played a significant role in shaping his worldview.

● Career

as an Astrologer Lilly's career as an astrologer began in the 1630s, when he started practicing astrology in London. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and accurate astrologer, and his services were sought after by many prominent individuals, including King Charles I of England and Queen Henrietta Maria. Lilly's astrological charts and predictions were often published in almanacs, such as Benjamin Foster's Vox Stellarum, and he became known for his ability to predict eclipses, comets, and other celestial events. His work was also influenced by the ideas of Paracelsus, Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, and Giambattista Della Porta, who were prominent figures in the field of occultism and hermeticism. Lilly's interactions with other notable astrologers, such as John Booker and Nicholas Culpeper, helped shape his understanding of astrology and its applications.

● Personal Life and Legacy

Lilly's personal life was marked by his marriage to Jane Rowley, with whom he had several children. He was also known for his charitable work, particularly in the English Civil War, where he provided aid to Parliamentarian soldiers. Lilly's legacy extends beyond his work as an astrologer, as he was also a prominent figure in London's intellectual circles, interacting with notable individuals such as John Milton, Andrew Marvell, and Samuel Pepys. His predictions and astrological charts were often discussed in coffeehouses, such as Garraway's Coffee House, and he was a frequent visitor to the Royal Society, where he interacted with scholars such as Robert Boyle and Edmond Halley. Lilly's influence can also be seen in the work of later astrologers, such as Ebenezer Sibly and Alan Leo, who built upon his ideas and techniques.

● Notable Works and Publications

Lilly's most notable work is his book Christian Astrology, which was first published in 1647 and became a highly influential text in the field of astrology. The book provides a comprehensive guide to astrology, including instructions on how to cast horoscopes and interpret astrological charts. Lilly also published several almanacs, including Merlinus Anglicus Junior, which contained his predictions and astrological charts for the upcoming year. His other notable works include The Starry Messenger and Annus Tenebrosus, which demonstrate his expertise in astrology and astronomy. Lilly's writings were often illustrated with woodcuts and engravings, which were created by artists such as Wenceslaus Hollar and Francis Barlow.

● Historical Impact and Influence

Lilly's work had a significant impact on the development of astrology and astronomy in England during the 17th century. His predictions and astrological charts were widely followed, and his book Christian Astrology became a standard reference text for many astrologers. Lilly's influence can also be seen in the work of later scholars, such as Isaac Newton and Edmond Halley, who built upon his ideas and techniques. The Royal Society, which was founded in 1660, also drew upon Lilly's work, and many of its members, including Robert Hooke and Christopher Wren, were familiar with his ideas. Lilly's legacy extends beyond the field of astrology, as he was also a prominent figure in London's intellectual circles, interacting with notable individuals such as John Locke and Thomas Hobbes. His work continues to be studied by scholars today, particularly in the fields of history of science and history of astrology, and his influence can be seen in the work of modern astrologers, such as Liz Greene and Howard Sasportas.