William Lilly, English astrologer (d. 1681)

William Lilly (11 May [O.S. 1 May] 1602 – 9 June 1681) stands as one of the most significant English astrologers of the seventeenth century. His life and work are often characterized by a remarkable paradox: he achieved genius status in a field that, as modern mainstream opinion has long since decided, simply "cannot be done at all." Yet, during his lifetime, Lilly meticulously cultivated his reputation, rising to become the most influential astrologer in England. This ascent was not merely due to his predictive skills but also significantly aided by his extensive social and political connections. His enduring legacy is undeniable, having left an indelible mark on the very future course of Western astrological tradition.

Born into a more modest background as the son of a yeoman farmer in Leicestershire, Lilly's early life saw him journey to London as a young man to embark upon a servant's position. This initial path, while humble, proved to be a stepping stone to his future intellectual pursuits. A pivotal moment arrived seven years later when he shrewdly secured his fortune through marriage to his former master's widow. This newfound financial independence granted him the invaluable leisure and freedom to immerse himself deeply in the study of astrology, a luxury not afforded to many in his era.

The Zenith of His Influence: Publications and Public Acclaim

The tumultuous period of the English Civil War provided a fertile ground for Lilly's rise. In 1644, amidst the national crisis, he published the first of what would become many highly popular astrological texts. However, it was his magnum opus, Christian Astrology, published in 1647, that cemented his place in history. This monumental work was a comprehensive compendium of astrological technique, unparalleled in its scope. Crucially, it was the first of its kind to be printed entirely in the English language, breaking from the scholarly tradition of Latin. This accessibility was revolutionary, allowing a broader public to engage with complex astrological concepts and, as contemporary accounts suggest, effectively "tutored a nation in crisis in the language of the stars," offering a sense of guidance and interpretation during uncertain times. By 1659, Lilly's fame had soared to such an extent that his annual almanac was reportedly achieving extraordinary sales figures, reaching around 30,000 copies a year, a testament to his widespread appeal and influence.

An Enduring Chronicle: Lilly's Autobiography

Towards the very end of his life, in 1681, William Lilly penned his fascinating autobiography, William Lilly's History of His Life and Times, at the behest of his esteemed patron, the antiquarian Elias Ashmole. This remarkable work offers candid and vivid accounts not only of the significant political events of his era but also provides unique biographical details of his contemporaries, information often unavailable elsewhere. Such was its impact that in the late 18th century, it was celebrated as "one of the most entertaining narratives in our language." Readers were particularly captivated by its historical portrayals of prominent figures like the alchemist John Dee, the physician and astrologer Simon Forman, John Booker, and Edward Kelley. The autobiography also includes curious anecdotes, such as a whimsical first meeting between John Napier and Henry Briggs, the respective co-inventors of the logarithm and Briggsian logarithms, and delves into fascinating tales about the effects of crystals and even the appearance of Queen Mab. Within its pages, Lilly openly describes the friendly support he received from Oliver Cromwell during a period when he faced prosecution for issuing politically charged astrological predictions. Furthermore, he recounts his peculiar involvement in the aftermath of the 1666 Great Fire of London, detailing how he was brought before the committee investigating the fire's cause. He had become a suspect, remarkably, due to images published some 15 years earlier in his almanac, which eerily depicted a city engulfed in flames and surrounded by coffins.

A Figure of Contradictions: Friends, Foes, and Factions

Throughout his career, William Lilly remained a highly controversial figure, simultaneously aided and challenged by powerful friends and formidable enemies. His work attracted considerable attention from many members of Parliament. He enjoyed the staunch support of influential figures such as Sir Bulstrode Whitelocke, the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, to whom he notably dedicated his `Christian Astrology`, underscoring his high-level political connections. Conversely, Lilly also openly accused other Members of Parliament of engineering charges against him in 1651, illustrating the treacherous political landscape he navigated. To his devoted supporters, he was hailed as an "English Merlin," a seer with profound wisdom and predictive power. Yet, to his vocal detractors, he was dismissed as nothing more than a "juggling wizard and imposter," a charlatan exploiting the credulity of the public. This stark division in public opinion underscores the complex and often dangerous position he occupied as a public figure whose influence permeated both the popular imagination and the corridors of power.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Lilly

Who was William Lilly?

William Lilly (1602–1681) was a prominent English astrologer of the 17th century, celebrated for his significant contributions to Western astrological tradition and his influence during the English Civil War period.

What was William Lilly famous for?

Lilly was famous for his accurate astrological predictions, his best-selling annual almanacs, and particularly for his comprehensive work, Christian Astrology, which became a foundational text in the field.

What is Christian Astrology?

Published in 1647, Christian Astrology is William Lilly's most important work, a vast compendium of astrological techniques. It was groundbreaking as the first major astrological text to be printed in English, making the subject accessible to a wider audience beyond Latin scholars.

Did William Lilly predict the Great Fire of London?

While Lilly did not explicitly predict the Great Fire of London, images published in his almanac 15 years prior, depicting a burning city surrounded by coffins, led to him being suspected of involvement and questioned by a parliamentary committee investigating the fire's cause.

How did William Lilly become an astrologer?

After serving as a youth in London, Lilly gained financial independence through marriage to his former master's widow. This newfound leisure allowed him to dedicate himself fully to the study of astrology, eventually becoming a renowned practitioner.

Why was William Lilly considered controversial?

Lilly was controversial due to his political predictions during a turbulent era, which sometimes put him at odds with authorities. He had powerful allies but also faced accusations and legal challenges, with opinions divided between seeing him as a prophetic "English Merlin" or a deceitful "juggling wizard and imposter."

What is the significance of Lilly publishing texts in English?

Publishing his astrological works, especially Christian Astrology, in English rather than Latin was revolutionary. It democratized access to astrological knowledge, allowing a much broader segment of the English population to read and understand his teachings, thereby significantly increasing his influence.