In Episode 447, historians Patrick Curry and Nicholas Campion join me to discuss the recent publication of Patrick’s new book. Prediction and Power: Astrology in Early Modern Englandwhich documents the rise and fall of astrology in the 17th century.
Originally published in 1989, the book provides a detailed analysis of the role and perception of astrology in 17th-century England, a period that saw the peak and subsequent decline of astrology in the public sphere.
Patrick shares his thoughts on his PhD research at University College London, which is the basis for his book. He discussed the socio-political dynamics of the period, particularly how the English Civil War affected astrological practices and the lives of astrologers such as William Lilly.
Nicholas Campion, best known for his two-volume History of Western Astrology, contributes to the conversation by discussing the academic and historical context in which Patrick’s book was first published and its impact on the field.
We have also explored the wider implications of the historical interpretation of astrology, discussing how historical narratives have moved from an outright rejection of astrology to a more nuanced understanding of its role in historical context.
Both Patrick and Nick emphasize the importance of viewing astrology through the lens of the cultural and political climate of their time rather than through modern scientific criticism.
The episode also deals with the difficulties faced by astrologers in times of political turmoil and how its political affiliation contributed to the decline of astrology in the 17th century.
Patrick’s book was recently reprinted by Sophia Center Press and you can order it here:
Prediction and Power: Astrology in Early Modern England
This episode is available in audio and video versions below.
Time signs
- 00:00:00 Login
- 00:00:31 Background to the Book of Prophecy and Power
- 00:02:16 Background to the History of Western Astrology book
- 00:06:52 Impact of EP Thompson’s work
- 00:11:48 17th century England
- 00:15:43 The role of politics in the decline of astrology
- 00:21:34 Censorship
- 00:24:50 Why Lilly chose the name of the Christian horoscope
- 00:27:15 Was Lilly a good astrologer?
- 00:33:11 Attempts to reform astrology
- 00:37:26 Kepler’s influence in England
- 00:40:06 Battles between 17th century astrologers
- 00:45:00 How astrology lived after the 17th century
- 00:51:26 Patrick’s definition of astrology
- 01:03:40 Christianity and natural and judicial astrology
- 01:15:45 Power relations
- 01:18:45 Comets
- 01:36:28 High, middle and low astrology
- 01:42:34 Astrology was identified as plebeian
- 01:48:20 An explosion of popularity in astrology since 2018
- 01:55:15 The role of almanacs in helping the growth of astrology
- 02:04:22 Why Patrick’s book was reprinted
- 02:06:50 Closing credits
Watch the video version of this episode
Watch a video version of the interview with Patrick Curry and Nick Campion:
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Transcription
Here is the full transcript of this episode: Episode 447 Transcript
Listen to the audio version of this episode
Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it in MP3 format:
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