William Lilly
William Lilly
William Lillyhas been described as "the most abused as well as the most celebrated astrologer of the seventeenth century". Born the son of a yeoman farmer in Leicestershire, Lilly travelled to London as a youth to take up a servant's position. Seven years later he secured his fortune by marrying his former master's widow, allowing him the leisure to study astrology. In 1644, during the English Civil War, he published the first of many popular astrological texts, and in 1647...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionCelebrity
Date of Birth11 May 1602
In October 1633 my first wife died, and left me whatever was hers: it was considerable, very near to the value of one thousand pounds.
I believe God rules all by his divine providence and that the stars by his permission are instruments.
After my mistress was dead, I lived most comfortably, my master having a great affection for me.
After that his Majesty was beheaded, the Parliament for some years effected nothing either for the publick peace or tranquillity of the nation, or settling religion as they had formerly promised.
Of my infancy I can speak little, only I do remember that in the fourth year of my age I had the measles.
In this year 1634, I purchased the moiety of thirteen houses in the Strand for five hundred and thirty pounds.
If people suspect their Cattle Bewitched, if they be great Cattle, make the twelfth house their ascendant, and the eleventh their twelfth house, and vary your Rules with Judgment.