Prophecy and Power, with Patrick Curry and Nicholas Campion

An interview with historians Patrick Curry and Nicholas Campion about the recent republication of Patrick’s groundbreaking book Prophecy and Power: Astrology in Early Modern England, which documents the rise and fall of astrology in the 17th century.

Originally published in 1989, the book offers a detailed analysis of the role and perception of astrology in 17th-century England, a period that saw both the peak and the subsequent decline of astrology in the public sphere.

Patrick shares insights from his PhD research at University College London, which formed the basis of his book. He discussed the socio-political dynamics of the era, particularly how the English Civil War influenced astrological practices and the lives of astrologers like William Lilly.

Nicholas Campion, known for his comprehensive two-volume “A History of Western Astrology,” contributed 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 also delved into the broader implications of the historical treatment of astrology, discussing how historical narratives have shifted from outright dismissal of astrology to a more nuanced understanding of its role in historical contexts.

Both Patrick and Nick emphasize the importance of viewing astrology through the lens of the cultural and political milieu of its time, rather than simply through modern scientific critiques.

The episode also touches on the challenges faced by astrologers during politically turbulent times, and how part of what contributed to the decline of astrology in the 17th century was that it became associated with political views that fell out of favor.

Patrick’s book was recently republished by the Sophia Centre Press, and you can order it here:

https://sophiacentrepress.com/publica...

This is episode 447 of The Astrology Podcast:

https://theastrologypodcast.com/2024/...

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Timestamps

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:31 Prophecy and Power book background
00:02:16 A History of Western Astrology book background
00:06:52 Influence of E.P. Thompson's work
00:11:48 17th century England
00:15:43 Role of politics in astrology's decline
00:21:34 Censorship
00:24:50 Why Lilly chose the title Christian Astrology
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 Fights among 17th century astrologers
00:45:00 How astrology lived on after the 17th century
00:51:26 Patrick's definition of astrology
01:03:40 Christianity and natural vs. judicial astrology
01:15:45 Power relations
01:18:45 Comets
01:36:28 High, middling, and low astrology
01:42:34 Astrology became identified as plebeian
01:48:20 Explosion of popularity in astrology since 2018
01:55:15 Role of almanacs in helping astrology proliferate
02:04:22 Why Patrick's book was republished
02:06:50 Closing credits