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Gadbury JohnsAstrologer
Date of Birth: 11.01.1628
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- John Gadbury: An Eminent English Astrologer
- Major Works
- Relationship with William Lilly
- The "Scorpion Controversy"
- Astronomical Reform
- Legacy
John Gadbury: An Eminent English Astrologer
Early Life and EducationJohn Gadbury, a prominent English astrologer, was born the son of a farmer. Despite being apprenticed to a tailor, he abandoned that profession in 1644 when his maternal grandfather, Sir John Carson, agreed to fund his education at Oxford. After completing his studies, Gadbury pursued astrology under the tutelage of Nicholas Fiske and published his first astrological work in 1652.
Major Works
Gadbury's magnum opus, "Genethlialogia, or The Doctrine of Nativities," was released in 1658. This comprehensive treatise laid out his astrological principles. In 1662, he published "Collectio Geniturarum," featuring 150 birth charts of notable individuals with accompanying commentaries. These works became invaluable resources for subsequent generations of astrologers.
Relationship with William Lilly
While Gadbury established a cordial relationship with the renowned astrologer William Lilly, their differing political beliefs (Gadbury's royalist sympathies vs. Lilly's Parliamentarian leanings) created tension. This intensified when Lilly received a lavish gift from King Charles X of Sweden for a favorable prediction. Gadbury's counter-prediction came true with the king's untimely demise in 1660.
The "Scorpion Controversy"
In 1675, the "Scorpion controversy" erupted. Gadbury's defense of the astrological sign Scorpio (his Ascendant) from Lilly's negative characterization resulted in the publication of "Obsequium Rationable," where he labeled Lilly a "Grand Imposter." Lilly and his associates retaliated with a barrage of pamphlets and articles. The feud culminated in 1693 with the release of John Partridge's defamatory "Black Life of John Gadbury."
Astronomical Reform
Gadbury emerged as a vocal advocate for reform in astrology. Influenced by Francis Bacon's scientific approach, he believed astrological influences to be "purely natural." He distanced himself from the "predictions" of astrologers like Lilly, preferring to term his forecasts as "conjectures." Gadbury criticized outdated astrological practices and emphasized the importance of observation and experimentation.
Legacy
John Gadbury's contributions to astrology continue to be studied today. His works provide a valuable glimpse into the development of astrological thought and practice. His emphasis on scientific rigor and critical analysis paved the way for future advancements in the field.
