Origins & Early Life

William Lilly (11 May [O.S. 1 May] 1602 – 9 June 1681) was a seventeenth century English astrologer. He is described as having been a genius at something "that modern mainstream opinion has since decided cannot be done at all" having developed his stature as the most important astrologer in England through his social and political connections as well as going on to have an indelible impact on the future course of Western astrological tradition. Born the son of a yeoman farmer in Leicestershire, Lilly travelled to London as a youth to take up a servant's position.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

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 he published Christian Astrology, a huge compendium of astrological technique. This was the first of its kind to be printed in the English language rather than Latin, and is said to have tutored "a nation in crisis in the language of the stars". By 1659, Lilly's fame was widely acknowledged and his annual almanac was achieving sales of around 30,000 copies a year. Lilly's autobiography, published...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abul Fazl — Contemporary (Died in 1602) (1602): Pioneering Mughal historian, writer, and Grand Vizier of Emperor Akbar's court.
• Cardinal Mazarin — Contemporary (Born in 1602) (1602): Italian prelate and chief minister who shaped French power during the 17th century.
• Giacomo della Porta — Contemporary (Died in 1602) (1602): Master Italian architect and sculptor, known for blending Renaissance styles.
• Patriarch Nikon of Moscow — Contemporary (Died in 1681) (1681): Seventh Patriarch of Moscow, known for liturgical reforms and political influence.
• Pedro Calderón de la Barca — Contemporary (Died in 1681) (1681): Master dramatist of the Spanish Golden Age, famed for his verse plays.
• Vitus Bering — Contemporary (Born in 1681) (1681): Danish-born Russian explorer famed for charting the North Pacific coast.
• Antonín Dvořák — Shared historical date (05-01 · Died) (1904): Master Czech composer blending folk rhythms with grand symphonic tradition.
• Arcadius — Shared historical date (05-01 · Died) (408): Eastern Roman Emperor who ruled from 395 to 408 AD, succeeding Theodosius I.
• Aaron Sorkin — Shared historical date (06-09 · Born) (1961): Master of fast-paced dialogue, known for 'walk and talk' storytelling.
• Ambrogio Lorenzetti — Shared historical date (06-09 · Died) (1348): Master painter of the Sienese school, known for allegorical and naturalistic works.
• 1602 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1602
• May 1 (05-01) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 1
• 1681 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1681
• June 9 (06-09) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 9