Early modern Europe was a time of profound transition. Amidst political upheavals, scientific discoveries, and religious reformation, individuals grappled with questions about their place in an ever-changing world. It was in this milieu that astrology thrived, serving as both a source of comfort and contention. Despite facing condemnation from religious authorities and growing skepticism from scientific elites, astrology remained deeply embedded in daily life. From divinatory games to the horoscopic consultations of astrologers like Simon Forman and Richard Napier, the practice illuminated the hopes, fears, and uncertainties of early modern society.
Astrological Entertainment and the Libro de la Ventura
One striking example of astrology’s appeal during this period was the “Libro de la Ventura” (“Book of Fortune”), a popular Renaissance-era game that melded entertainment with divination. First published in 1482, the Libro de la Ventura became a bestseller across Europe, translated into numerous languages and adorned with lavish illustrations. Players would pose questions—ranging from the trivial to the deeply personal—roll dice, and navigate through the book to find answers. These answers, often delivered with a mix of humor and wisdom, addressed timeless anxieties: “Will I recover from this illness?” “Does my spouse truly love me?” “Will my journey be successful?”
Though the Libro was often playful, its impact could be serious. Some owners crossed out combinations of dice that led to ominous outcomes, avoiding unfavorable predictions in future games. Its questions echoed the uncertainties of the age, connecting personal dilemmas to the broader belief in fate and celestial influence. Other similar works, like “Le Sorti” (1540), reinforced astrology’s role as a mirror to human anxiety, asking questions about health, relationships, and fortune.
Astrology in Daily Life
The enduring appeal of astrology extended far beyond games. Practicing astrologers were consulted for matters both personal and public. Simon Forman (1552-1611) and Richard Napier (1559-1634) were two such figures, leaving behind records that illuminate the fears and desires of their clients. These records, documenting approximately 80,000 consultations, offer a vivid portrait of early modern life.
Astrologers like Forman and Napier acted as general advisors, addressing a broad range of concerns. Romantic questions were among the most frequent. In 1600, Elizabeth Nichols, a servant of Napier, sought advice about her suitor John Chivoll, whom she did not love but felt pressured by her family to marry. Napier recorded that the match eventually ended, a relief for Elizabeth. Others, like Barrington Mullens, sought frequent guidance on matters of the heart, consulting Forman over a dozen times in a single year.
Astrology’s reach extended to platonic relationships as well. People asked whether disputes would resolve, whether friends could be trusted, or whether unseen enemies sought to harm them. The anxieties of family life were also prevalent, with mothers worried about their children’s futures and individuals asking about absent loved ones, whether at war or abroad.
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Career and Broader Anxieties
Astrology also served as a tool for navigating professional and existential uncertainties. Margaret Worsape asked whether she should continue working in London or relocate to the countryside, while William Tillye sought guidance on whether to change trades. In a period marked by social and economic volatility, astrologers provided reassurance, offering answers rooted in celestial calculations.
Larger societal fears found their way into astrological consultations as well. Clients inquired about plagues, invasions, and political instability, seeking clarity in a chaotic world. The records reveal a preoccupation with mortality, mental health, and the afterlife, themes that remain universally resonant.
Astrology Under Scrutiny
Despite its widespread practice, astrology faced increasing marginalization during the early modern period. The Church had long condemned it as heretical, viewing it as a challenge to divine providence. Meanwhile, the rise of empirical science further undermined astrology’s credibility. Universities began to exclude astrological studies from their curricula, and the practice was relegated to the fringes of intellectual life.
Physicians and other professionals often dismissed astrologers like Forman and Napier as quacks. Yet, this skepticism did little to deter their clients. The enduring popularity of astrology suggests that, for many, its value lay not in scientific validity but in its ability to address deeply human concerns.
The Enduring Legacy of Astrology
Astrology’s decline in mainstream acceptance during the 17th century did not mark its disappearance. Instead, its roles were gradually absorbed by emerging disciplines. Therapists, career counselors, financial advisors, and insurance agents now address questions once posed to astrologers. Despite this evolution, astrology has persisted, offering insights and comfort to those drawn to its interpretations of the cosmos.
The questions that drove early modern astrology remain remarkably consistent with those we grapple with today. From love and health to career and existential meaning, these concerns transcend time, affirming the shared humanity of the past and present.
