Does anyone know what attitude Elizabethans had toward astrology?

lanfranco

Many Elizabethans were quite interested in astrology, which had much influence on art and literature. Elizabeth I had court astrologers, and she wasn't alone among 16th and 17th-century rulers. Even popes and highly-placed clerics used the services of astrologers. Here's a little site on astrology in Shakespeare that might be of some interest to you: http://www.chartplanet.com/html/shakespeare.html Aug 28 07, 3:15 PM

zbeckabee

"Most Elizabethans believed the stars and planets held some kind of power over the 'baser side' of man, and were to be used as tools of God, but they did not believe the stars held power over the supreme side of man--the immortal part. Thus man had free will and could overcome his fate by choosing good; the stars couldn't force him to do anything. Religious education or art could overcome any fate written in the stars. The Elizabethans were still afraid, however, and searched for some answer to overwrite any destiny they saw shining for them in the heavens." http://www.chartplanet.com/html/shakespeare.html Aug 28 07, 3:18 PM