The Influence of Stars: Milton's Astrology

Abstract

In the "Nativity Ode," Lycidas, Comus, Paradise Lost, and Paradise Regained, and in some of his prose works, such as History of Britain, An Apology against a Pamphlet, The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce, and the Art of Logic, Milton referred to astrology on many occasions: he mentioned various types of the influence shed by stars. It might be little perplexing to see that Milton, who was a religious reformer agreeing with Calvin who opposed to the occult sciences, who had emancipated his intellect from many tyrannical traditions and superstitions, apparently took more than a metaphorical interest in astrology. Milton also possessed a horoscope and kept the records of the hours of family births. However, the facts astrology was so much pervasive and acceptable in seventeenth century England, and so many astrological tracts were published at that time make us understand that Milton was unwilling or unable to shake off his belief in this superstition.