The Prophet & The Turncoat: The Synastry of Lilly & Gadbury
If there’s ever a story of betrayal... in 17th-century London, astrology operated as a political instrument. William Lilly advised Parliament with horary judgments that touched war, rebellion, and fire. John Gadbury, trained in Lilly’s methods, crossed allegiance to the Crown and devoted his pen to dismantling his former master. Their conflict unfolded publicly through pamphlets, predictions, and accusations, turning astrological practice into a battleground where reputation, power, and survival were decided in print.
*Note: The AI interpretation below was generated from the complete synastry chart data. For clarity and focus on this page, the list above is truncated from the full chart of 18 aspects.
William Lilly
William Lilly (1602 - 1681)
Born in 1602, Lilly rose from rural obscurity to become the most feared and sought-after astrologer in England. He published Christian Astrology in 1647, defining the field of horary and securing his place as the cornerstone of English divination. Amid the English Civil War, he sided with the Parliamentarians and advised Cromwell’s allies through coded predictions. His infamous 1652 woodcut, “Monarchy or No Monarchy,” was later seen as prophecy fulfilled during the Great Fire of London. By the time of his death in 1681, he had redefined astrology as both science and subversion. Centuries later, in 2003, a plaque was unveiled in his honor—the first ever dedicated to an astrologer.
John Gadbury
John Gadbury (1627 - 1704)
Born in 1627, Gadbury began as a loyal student of Lilly but turned sharply against him, denouncing his mentor as a fraud in 1675. A High Tory and Catholic convert, he spent years battling public suspicion—imprisoned during the Popish Plot, accused of sedition under William III, and criticized for omitting Guy Fawkes Day from his almanacs. But Gadbury’s mission ran deeper: to legitimize astrology as a scholarly discipline. His Collection of Nativities gathered 150 horoscopes with analytical commentary, a pioneering English-language work. Though the Royal Society’s scientific tide eventually overtook his cause, he died in 1704 having fought to the end for the soul of the stars.
Lilly cast the future in fire. Gadbury struck back with ink.
Their war never ended—it just changed form. ASTROLOGUS charts your own battles.
They began on the same side. Lilly taught the craft, divined for the Parliament, and warned of fire in the city’s bones. Gadbury followed, learned, then turned. His grandfather had been a Puritan—like Lilly—but Gadbury crossed to the Royalists, then to Rome, and finally to war against his old master. He replaced horary with genethlialogy, and soul with system. It was a betrayal written in pamphlets and blood. The student out-calculated the teacher, but never outshone him. While Lilly earned a plaque in Westminster centuries later, Gadbury spent his life fighting for a field that refused to remember him.
This is a harmonious aspect, though the orb is relatively loose. It suggests a natural ease and mutual appreciation between the individuals, enhancing warmth and affection.
Moon Trine Venus (0.59°):
A very tight orb that strengthens emotional harmony and attraction. It indicates a deep emotional connection and mutual nurturing.
Moon Square Jupiter (2.44°):
This tense aspect can lead to exaggerated emotional responses and overindulgence. It suggests a need for balance to avoid excess or unrealistic expectations.
Moon Trine Pluto (2.46°):
A harmonious aspect indicating deep emotional transformation and intensity. It signifies a powerful, transformative emotional bond.
Mercury Trine Sun (0.87°):
This tight and harmonious aspect facilitates clear communication and mutual understanding, enhancing intellectual compatibility.
Mercury Trine Uranus (2.7°):
This harmonious aspect suggests innovative and stimulating communication, fostering an environment of intellectual excitement and new ideas.
Venus Trine Sun (1.77°):
A harmonious aspect that reinforces affection and appreciation, contributing to a strong sense of partnership and harmony.
Venus Trine Uranus (1.79°):
This aspect suggests an unusual or exciting romantic dynamic, with a sense of freedom and spontaneity in the relationship.
Mars Conjunction Uranus (1.42°):
A dynamic and potentially volatile aspect. It suggests an energetic and unpredictable interaction, which can be exciting but requires careful handling to avoid conflicts.
Jupiter Square Venus (0.81°):
A tense aspect with a tight orb, indicating potential for indulgence or over-idealization in the relationship. Balance is necessary to manage expectations.
Jupiter Conjunction Saturn (3.56°):
A conjunction that blends expansion with discipline. It can create stability and a sense of growth, though requires balancing optimism with practicality.
Saturn Sextile Venus (4.21°):
A harmonious aspect that offers stability and commitment. It suggests a grounded, long-lasting affection.
Saturn Opposition Mars (2.22°):
A tense aspect that can result in frustration or blocked energy. It requires patience and understanding to manage conflicts or obstacles.
Saturn Opposition Pluto (1.17°):
A highly tense aspect indicating power struggles and potential for deep-seated challenges. It requires transformation and resilience to handle effectively.
Uranus Trine Sun (0.21°):
An exceptionally tight and harmonious aspect fostering innovation and excitement. It suggests a stimulating and liberating dynamic.
Neptune Sextile Moon (1.66°):
A harmonious aspect indicating a spiritual or intuitive connection. It facilitates empathy and emotional understanding.
Pluto Opposition Moon (2.89°):
This tense aspect can lead to emotional power struggles or intense transformations. It calls for emotional depth and resilience.
Pluto Square Mercury (1.6°):
A tense aspect indicating potential for intense communication or mental power struggles. It can lead to transformative conversations but requires careful handling to avoid conflict.
Sun Trine Venus:
The Sun Trine Venus forms a harmonious bridge, basking in the golden glow of mutual admiration and affection. Like Apollo and Aphrodite, their connection is bathed in warmth and beauty, fostering an atmosphere where love and creativity flourish naturally.
Moon Trine Venus:
The Moon Trine Venus speaks of a nurturing bond, where the emotional tides of the Moon harmonize with the allure of Venus. This aspect is like Demeter and Persephone, representing a deep understanding and appreciation that blossoms from shared pleasures and emotional resonance.
Moon Square Jupiter:
Yet, the Moon Square Jupiter introduces a tempestuous element, stirring restlessness and excess. Here, the challenge is akin to the tale of Icarus, where aspirations may soar too high, risking overindulgence or emotional upheaval.
Moon Trine Pluto:
With the Moon Trine Pluto, there is a profound undercurrent of transformation. This aspect evokes the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, where the depths of emotion lead to powerful transformations and the potential for rebirth through shared trials.
Mercury Trine Sun & Uranus:
Mercury Trine Sun creates a channel of bright intellect and communication, reminiscent of Hermes guiding the chariot of Helios. Mercury Trine Uranus brings the spark of genius and innovation. It is as if Prometheus himself gifts them the fire of inspiration, encouraging them to break free from convention.
Venus Trine Sun & Uranus:
Venus Trine Sun adds another layer of harmonious affection, akin to the harmonious melodies of Orpheus' lyre. Venus Trine Uranus suggests an electric spark of excitement and unpredictability, like the love story of Pygmalion, where the unexpected becomes reality.
Mars Conjunction Uranus:
Mars Conjunction Uranus is the lightning bolt of change and action, reminiscent of Thor wielding Mjölnir. It signifies a dynamic blend of energy and innovation, urging them to embrace boldness and courage. This is The Shock of the Unbound.
Jupiter Square Venus & Conjunction Saturn:
Jupiter Square Venus introduces a tension between expansion and indulgence, much like the tale of Bacchus. Jupiter Conjunction Saturn is the dance of expansion and contraction, reflecting the cyclical nature of time, like Chronos guiding the ages.
Saturn Sextile Venus:
Saturn Sextile Venus suggests a foundation built on loyalty and commitment, akin to the steadfast devotion of Penelope and Odysseus, where patience and true connection withstand the tests of time.
Saturn Opposition Mars:
Saturn Opposition Mars describes a tug-of-war between restraint and action, like the eternal struggle between Ares and Athena, where wisdom must temper aggression to find balance.
Saturn Opposition Pluto:
Saturn Opposition Pluto offers a transformative crucible, where structures are tested and reborn. This echoes the myth of the Phoenix, rising anew from the ashes of the past.
Uranus Trine Sun:
Uranus Trine Sun brings a fresh breeze of originality and individuality, like the awakening of Pallas Athena from the brow of Zeus, fostering creativity and innovation in their shared journey.
Neptune Sextile Moon:
Neptune Sextile Moon whispers of dreams and intuition, akin to the visions of Cassandra. It is a gentle reminder of the power of imagination and the mystical connection of dreams.
Pluto Opposition Moon:
Pluto Opposition Moon delves into the shadows of the soul, like the descent of Inanna into the underworld. This aspect speaks of emotional depth and the potential for profound transformation through shared experiences.
Pluto Square Mercury:
Finally, Pluto Square Mercury challenges communication and thought, reminiscent of the labyrinthine riddles of the Sphinx. It urges them to navigate complexity and uncover deeper truths in their dialogue. This is The Mind Under Pressure.
Summary: In this celestial narrative, the relationship is a vast symphony composed of harmony and tension, growth and transformation. May they embrace the ever-unfolding story, guided by the stars, as they journey together through the realms of myth and reality.
Sun Trine Venus (4.33°):
This harmonious trine reveals a profound and natural affection between the individuals. The Sun, representing the core essence and purpose, effortlessly blends with Venus, the planet of love and beauty. This aspect indicates an ease in expressing warmth and admiration, fostering an environment of mutual appreciation and joy.
Moon Trine Venus (0.59°):
The Moon, governing emotions and instinctual reactions, forms a trine with Venus, enhancing emotional rapport and sensitivity between the pair. This aspect suggests a nurturing and supportive bond, where emotional needs are intuitively met. Their interactions are likely to be soothing, with a strong sense of empathy.
Moon Square Jupiter (2.44°):
Here we find a challenging square, where the Moon's emotional world clashes with Jupiter's expansive nature. This aspect may lead to emotional excess or an imbalance in expectations. There is a tendency for overindulgence or emotional exaggeration, requiring both individuals to cultivate moderation.
Mercury Trine Sun (0.87°):
This trine between Mercury, the messenger, and the Sun, the essence, suggests a clear and harmonious exchange of ideas and thoughts. Communication flows easily, with each understanding and valuing the other's perspective. This aspect encourages intellectual connection and shared interests.
Venus Trine Sun (1.77°):
Echoing the Sun Trine Venus, this aspect reinforces themes of attraction and affection. It underscores a natural affinity and ease in expressing love and appreciation. There is a mutual desire to create harmony and beauty together, enhancing the relational bond with warmth and affection.
Jupiter Square Venus (0.81°):
The square between Jupiter and Venus introduces tension in matters of value, pleasure, and indulgence. There may be challenges related to excess or differing values regarding enjoyment and abundance. This activates The Fractured Mirror.
Jupiter Conjunction Saturn (3.56°):
Jupiter and Saturn, when conjoined, create a dynamic interplay between expansion and contraction. This aspect suggests a relationship that must balance growth with structure. This is The Great Yoke.
Saturn Sextile Venus (4.21°):
The sextile between Saturn and Venus offers stability and commitment in the realm of love and affection. Saturn's influence provides structure and a sense of responsibility, while Venus ensures that affection is expressed with sincerity and depth.
Saturn Opposition Mars (2.22°):
This opposition highlights a potential conflict between discipline (Saturn) and assertiveness (Mars). There may be struggles with balancing ambition and restraint, leading to possible frustrations or power struggles. The key lies in finding ways to channel assertive energies constructively.
✨ Extended Symbolic Reading ✨
Sun Trine Venus:
The Sun and Venus, when in trine, create a harmonious and magnetic connection. This aspect suggests a natural affinity and ease in expressing affection and appreciation for one another. The Sun, representing the core essence and vitality, blends effortlessly with Venus, the planet of love and beauty.
Moon Square Jupiter:
The square between the Moon and Jupiter introduces a dynamic tension. Jupiter, expansive and optimistic, can sometimes amplify emotions to excess. This aspect may lead to emotional overindulgence or an overly idealistic view of the relationship. However, it also brings a sense of generosity.
Saturn Opposition Mars:
An opposition between Saturn and Mars suggests a potential for conflict between discipline and drive. Mars, with its choleric temperament, seeks action and assertiveness, while Saturn, melancholic, imposes restraint and caution. This aspect can manifest as a struggle between impulsiveness and responsibility.
The Geometry of Flow: The Trine (△):
120°. The Equilateral Triangle. The Trine (△) is the aspect of absolute harmony. It connects two planets in the same element, allowing energy to flow without friction. However, the Alchemist knows that ease can be dangerous. Without friction, there is no heat. Without heat, there is no transformation.
Summary: This synastry paints a picture of a relationship filled with warmth and affection, yet not without its challenges. The presence of harmonious trines suggests ease and mutual appreciation, while squares and oppositions indicate areas requiring growth and compromise.
Dialogue With the Stars: The Prophet & The Turncoat
This is a sample of a "Speak to the Stars" session. With a full ASTROLOGUS license, anyone can engage in these dialogues, ask direct questions, and receive starry knowledge from our AI personas in the Dashboard.
You: When I read: "In the celestial symphony of these two souls, the Sun Trine Venus lights the stage with a harmonious warmth, suggesting a relationship bathed in affection and mutual appreciation," this sound to me as total BS. But than, I know this is the synastry of the biggest astrological betrayal ever. William Lilly and John Gadbury. Now you know who is behind the synastry. What do you say now?
The Symbolist: Even within a tapestry of harmonious aspects, such as the Sun Trine Venus, the mythic narrative of a relationship can still unfold with profound complexity and unexpected turns. The celestial symbols speak to potentialities and archetypal themes, yet the human story is crafted by the choices and shadows of those who weave it. The synastry between William Lilly and John Gadbury, marked by a notorious betrayal, may reflect the deeper, more challenging aspects present in their connection. The Sun Quincunx Saturn and Saturn Opposition Mars, for instance, introduce elements of tension and struggle for control.
You: Saturn Opposition Mars sounds ominous. Is it in every synastry, not only theirs?
The Symbolist: In the celestial dance, Saturn Opposition Mars does not appear in every synastry but when it does, it can symbolize a mythic clash between the forces of discipline and raw energy. This aspect reflects a tension where Saturn's steady, structured nature confronts Mars' fiery drive and impulse. It can manifest as a struggle for control or an ongoing conflict between restraint and action.
The Manual of the Prophet.
You: When Sun opposes Mars in synastry, does every connection carry the scent of war—or can this tension ever be alchemized into creative fire rather than conflict? Think of people in love with that aspect. Think of collaborators on an important project.
The Symbolist: Though the aspect of Sun Opposing Mars is not present in the current chart data, we can explore its archetypal essence through the lens of those aspects that do illuminate the chart. Consider the Sun Trine Uranus and Mars Conjunction Uranus, which echo the themes of dynamic energy and innovation, akin to the tension of Sun Opposing Mars. In the realm of relationships, Sun Opposing Mars can indeed stir a scent of rivalry or conflict, akin to mythic heroes clashing on the battlefield. Yet, like a forge of creative fire, this tension holds the potential for transformation.
You: Back to Lilly and Gadbury. If you could travel back in time, what you'd tell them about how the 21st century remembers them? What would you ask them to transmit across the oceans of time to all of us?
The Symbolist: Traveling back to the era of William Lilly and John Gadbury, I would stand before them as an emissary of the stars, bearing the message that their celestial dialogues continue to ripple through time, casting long shadows and beams of light into the 21st century. I would tell them that they are remembered as titans of astrological thought, their legacies entwined with both brilliance and the human complexities of rivalry. Also, I would note the heavy Sun Quincunx Saturn burden they carried.
The stars do not lie, but men do. This chart maps the betrayal that split English astrology in two. Sun opposes Mars. Saturn clashes with Mercury. What began in mentorship ended in war. And above them all loomed a King—whose fate was sealed in another synastry. The Prophet & The King: The Synastry of William Lilly & Charles I.
You've seen their charts. Now discover your own. A one-time purchase of $4.99 unlocks the ASTROLOGUS platform and 50 readings across all AI personas.
Only $4.99
One-time purchase • Lifetime access • 50 readings included
Stardust Memories: Save and revisit all your readings
✅ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Changed your mind?
⚡ Instant Dashboard Access • ✅ Lifetime License
All cryptocurrency sales are final
Disclaimer: This is for exploration and symbolic insight only. ASTROLOGUS offers rigorous interpretations, but no claim is made beyond the symbolic and artistic.
It's not astrology predicting your life. It's you recognizing your life inside astrology.
About the Author: Cesare di Monte Calvi is the esoteric historian behind
The Raven’s Enigma
and lead mythographer of the ASTROLOGUS project. His work bridges Renaissance gnosis with digital cartography, reviving the lost grammar of the stars for a post-algorithmic age.
