The Regulus Edition of Christian Astrology: William Lilly's Masterwork Restored

In the pantheon of astrological literature, few works stand as tall as William Lilly's monumental 17th-century treatise, "Christian Astrology." This seminal text has shaped the practice of western astrology for nearly four centuries, influencing generations of practitioners with its comprehensive approach to horary, electional, and natal techniques. Among the various editions that have appeared over the centuries, the Regulus edition stands out as a landmark publication that helped revive traditional astrological methods during a critical period of rediscovery. At Wilfred Hazelwood, we recognise the profound importance of this edition in reconnecting modern astrologers with the rich techniques of the tradition.

The Original Masterpiece: Lilly's Christian Astrology

Before examining the Regulus edition specifically, it's worth understanding the historical significance of the original work it sought to restore. Published in 1647 in London, "Christian Astrology" represented the first comprehensive astrological textbook written in English rather than Latin, making these techniques accessible to a broader audience than ever before.

The complete title reveals much about the work's scope: "Christian Astrology, Modestly Treated of in Three Books, The First Containing the Use of an Ephemeris, the Erecting of a Scheme of Heaven; Also the Nature of the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac, of the Planets; with a most easy Introduction to the whole Art of Astrology. The Second, by a most Methodical way, Instructeth the Student how to Judge or Resolve all manner of Questions contingent unto Man, viz. of Health, Sickness, Riches, Marriage, Preferment, Journeys, &c. The Third, Containes an exact Method, whereby to Judge upon Nativities; Several Ways how to Rectify them; How to Judge the General Fate of the Native by the twelve Houses of Heaven, according to the naturall influence of the STARS: How his particular and Annuall Accidents, by the Art of Direction, and its exact Measure of Time by Profections, Revolutions, Transits."

This exhaustive approach made "Christian Astrology" unlike anything that had come before it—a complete manual covering virtually every aspect of astrological practice as it existed in the mid-17th century. The work is particularly renowned for its detailed treatment of horary astrology, the art of answering specific questions by casting a chart for the moment they are asked. Lilly's numerous case studies and clear delineation principles made this branch of astrology especially accessible.

The Need for a Modern Edition

Despite its tremendous historical importance, "Christian Astrology" became increasingly difficult to access in the centuries following its publication. The original 1647 edition and the subsequent 1659 reprint were rare collector's items by the 20th century, with few complete copies surviving. Those that did exist were often in fragile condition and housed in special collections, inaccessible to most practising astrologers.

Beyond the physical scarcity of the book, several other factors made the original challenging for modern readers:

Typography: The original was printed using 17th-century typefaces, including the "long s" (ſ) and other archaic letterforms that modern readers find difficult to decode quickly.
Spelling and grammar: Like most works of its era, "Christian Astrology" featured highly variable spelling, minimal punctuation by modern standards, and grammar that can seem convoluted to contemporary readers.
Technical language: Lilly's astrological vocabulary, while precise within its historical context, contained many terms that had fallen out of use or changed meaning over the centuries.
Physical format: The original folio-sized volumes were unwieldy compared to modern book formats, making practical study difficult.

As traditional astrology began experiencing a revival in the late 20th century, the need for an accessible edition of this foundational text became increasingly apparent. Several partial reproductions and adaptations appeared, but none fully addressed these challenges while maintaining the integrity of Lilly's original work—until the Regulus edition.

The Regulus Edition: A Labour of Love

The Regulus edition of "Christian Astrology" was published in 1985 by Regulus Publishing Company Ltd. of London, under the direction of Clive Kavan. This ambitious project represented far more than a simple reprinting; it was a comprehensive restoration aimed at making Lilly's masterwork fully accessible to modern practitioners while preserving its authentic content.

Several factors distinguish the Regulus edition from both the original and other attempted reproductions:

1. Faithful Reproduction with Modern Typography

The Regulus edition maintained every word of Lilly's original text but reset it in modern typography. This careful balance preserved the authentic content while eliminating the reading difficulties posed by 17th-century printing conventions. The long s (ſ) was replaced with the standard modern s, ligatures were eliminated, and the text was set in a clean, readable typeface.

2. Facsimile Illustrations

While the text was reset for readability, the Regulus edition reproduced all of Lilly's original illustrations, tables, and diagrams as facsimiles. This preserved the visual authenticity of critical elements like the astrological glyphs, chart examples, and reference tables exactly as Lilly presented them.

3. Format and Binding

The original "Christian Astrology" was published as an imposing folio-sized volume (or volumes, depending on whether the three books were bound together or separately). The Regulus edition adopted a more practical quarto format, substantial enough to accommodate the extensive content but manageable for actual study and reference.

The edition was produced with high-quality materials, including acid-free paper and sturdy binding designed to withstand the regular use a working astrological reference deserves. Unlike many modern reprints of historical texts, which often use the cheapest possible production methods, the Regulus edition was created as an heirloom-quality publication.

4. Editorial Approach

Perhaps most significantly, the Regulus edition maintained an exceptional balance in its editorial approach. The editors resisted the temptation to "modernise" Lilly's language beyond the typographical updates, preserving his distinctive voice, technical terminology, and expressive 17th-century prose. This editorial restraint ensured that readers were engaging with Lilly's actual teachings rather than a modern interpretation of them.

At the same time, the format was subtly optimised for easier study, with clearer paragraph breaks and more consistent presentation of examples and case studies. The resulting text remained authentically Lilly's while being considerably more approachable than the original printing.

Historical Context: The Traditional Astrology Revival

The timing of the Regulus edition proved fortuitous, coinciding with the early stages of what would become a significant revival of interest in traditional astrological methods. By the mid-1980s, several currents were converging to create renewed interest in pre-modern astrological techniques:

Project Hindsight: Though it would reach its full flowering slightly later, this translation project was beginning to make Hellenistic, Medieval, and Renaissance astrological texts available in English for the first time.
Recognition of technical limitations: Many astrologers had begun recognising gaps in the predominantly psychological approach that had dominated 20th-century astrology, creating interest in more technically robust traditional methods.
Historical research: Scholars like D.E. Houlding, Robert Zoller, and Robert Hand were exploring the historical developments of astrological techniques, highlighting the sophisticated methods that had been lost over time.

The Regulus edition of "Christian Astrology" arrived at precisely the right moment to serve as a cornerstone text for this revival. As perhaps the most comprehensive single source for traditional Western astrological techniques written in English, Lilly's work provided an accessible entry point for astrologers seeking to reconnect with the tradition.

Significance for Modern Practice

The impact of the Regulus edition on contemporary astrological practice has been profound and multifaceted:

1. Horary Renaissance

Most immediately, the accessibility of the Regulus edition helped fuel a significant revival of horary astrology. While horary techniques had never disappeared entirely, they had become a minority specialisation by the mid-20th century. Lilly's detailed explanations and numerous examples provided a comprehensive foundation for modern practitioners to rediscover this art.

The clarity of the Regulus presentation made it possible for astrologers to work directly from Lilly's methods rather than relying on later, often simplified interpretations. This led to a much more robust and authentic revival of horary practice than would otherwise have been possible.

2. Technical Recovery

Beyond horary specifically, the Regulus edition helped recover numerous traditional techniques that had fallen into disuse. Concepts like planetary dignity, reception, Arabic parts (lots), and traditional approaches to aspects found clear expression in Lilly's work. The accessibility of the Regulus edition allowed modern astrologers to reintegrate these technical elements into contemporary practice.

3. Linguistic Reference

The careful preservation of Lilly's original language in readable form made the Regulus edition an invaluable linguistic reference. Astrologers working with other historical texts could use Lilly's clear explanations to better understand technical terminology encountered in more obscure or complex sources.

4. Bridge to Earlier Sources

While "Christian Astrology" represents 17th-century practice, it draws heavily on earlier Medieval and Renaissance sources. Lilly frequently cites authorities like Guido Bonatti, Abraham Ibn Ezra, and Ptolemy. The Regulus edition thus provided a bridge to even earlier astrological traditions, helping modern practitioners trace techniques back through history.

5. Teaching Tool

Perhaps most importantly, the Regulus edition established "Christian Astrology" as a practical teaching tool for contemporary students. The combination of readability and authenticity made it ideal for courses, study groups, and self-directed learning. Many of today's leading traditional astrologers developed their foundational understanding through careful study of the Regulus edition.

Physical Characteristics and Bibliographic Details

For collectors and scholars, the specific physical characteristics of the Regulus edition hold particular importance:

The complete Regulus edition consists of:

An elegant quarto-sized hardcover volume (approximately 28 × 22 cm)
Roughly 850 pages, including all three books of "Christian Astrology"
High-quality acid-free paper
Sewn binding for durability
Deep blue cloth boards with gold stamping
Reproductions of the original title pages as facsimiles
Modern typesetting of the main text
Facsimile reproduction of all tables, diagrams, and illustrations

The initial print run was limited, though exact numbers are difficult to verify. The edition quickly gained recognition for its quality and became highly sought after by serious astrologers and collectors alike.

Availability and Legacy

The original Regulus edition has been out of print for many years, becoming a collector's item in its own right. Second-hand copies command premium prices when they appear on the market, reflecting both the physical quality of the edition and its significance to astrological practitioners.

Several subsequent editions of "Christian Astrology" have appeared since the Regulus publication, including:

The Astrology Classics edition (2004): A more affordable paperback that made Lilly's work accessible to a wider audience but lacks some of the production quality of the Regulus edition.
Various print-on-demand facsimiles: These reproduce the original 17th-century typography with its associated reading challenges.
Digital editions: Several e-book versions have appeared, though these often struggle to adequately reproduce the complex tables and diagrams essential to the work.

While these alternatives have helped maintain access to Lilly's work, many serious practitioners and scholars still consider the Regulus edition the gold standard against which other versions are measured. Its careful balance of authenticity and accessibility remains unmatched.

The legacy of the Regulus edition extends beyond the physical book itself. By making Lilly's work newly accessible at a critical juncture in astrological history, it helped shape the development of contemporary traditional astrology. Many of the techniques and approaches that have become standard within traditional astrological circles over the past three decades can trace their revival directly to astrologers who learned from the Regulus edition.

The Continuing Relevance of Lilly's Work

The enduring popularity of "Christian Astrology" in general and the Regulus edition in particular speaks to the continuing relevance of Lilly's approach. Several aspects of his work remain especially valuable for contemporary practitioners:

1. Practical Methodology

Unlike some historical astrological texts that focus primarily on theory, Lilly's work is fundamentally practical. He provides clear methodologies for addressing specific questions and concerns, many of which remain directly applicable to modern consultations.

2. Ethical Framework

Lilly articulates a thoughtful ethical framework for astrological practice, emphasizing the astrologer's responsibility to clients and society. This ethical dimension continues to inform discussions about professional standards in contemporary astrological practice.

3. Integration of Techniques

Rather than presenting techniques in isolation, Lilly demonstrates how different astrological approaches can be integrated into a coherent whole. This synthesis remains instructive for modern practitioners navigating the sometimes-fragmented landscape of contemporary astrological methods.

4. Empirical Foundation

Throughout "Christian Astrology," Lilly grounds his explanations in actual case studies drawn from his extensive practice. This empirical approach resonates with modern practitioners seeking evidence-based techniques rather than purely theoretical constructs.

At Wilfred Hazelwood, we find that astrologers who develop facility with Lilly's methods often display a particular clarity and precision in their work. The technical rigour he exemplifies—made accessible through the Regulus edition—continues to elevate astrological practice in the 21st century.

Collecting and Preserving the Regulus Edition

For those fortunate enough to own or acquire a copy of the Regulus edition, proper care and preservation become important considerations:

Environmental factors: Store the volume away from direct sunlight, excessive humidity, and temperature fluctuations that can damage paper and binding.
Handling practices: Use clean hands when consulting the text, consider a book stand for reference use, and avoid forcing the binding flat, which can damage the spine.
Documentation: For serious collectors, maintaining provenance documentation can add historical context and potentially value to the volume.
Digital backup: While no digital reproduction can fully replace the physical experience of the Regulus edition, maintaining digital scans can reduce wear on the physical copy during regular study.

As the original owners of the Regulus edition age, these volumes increasingly change hands, sometimes passing to heirs or collectors who may not fully appreciate their significance. Educating the broader community about the importance of this edition helps ensure that copies are recognised for their value and preserved accordingly.

The Broader Context: Renaissance of Traditional Sources

The Regulus edition of "Christian Astrology" represents part of a larger renaissance in the publication and study of traditional astrological sources that has transformed the field over the past four decades. This revival has included:

New translations of previously inaccessible Greek, Arabic, Latin, and Hebrew texts
Critical editions of important historical works with scholarly apparatus
Practical adaptations making traditional techniques accessible to modern practitioners
Teaching traditions that integrate historical knowledge with contemporary application

Within this broader movement, the Regulus edition stands out for its elegant balance of scholarly integrity and practical usability. It demonstrated that historical accuracy need not come at the expense of accessibility—a principle that has influenced many subsequent publications in traditional astrology.

Today's astrologers benefit from unprecedented access to the full breadth of the tradition, and the Regulus edition of "Christian Astrology" played a pivotal role in establishing a model for how historical texts could be respectfully updated for contemporary use without losing their authentic character.

Conclusion: A Touchstone for Traditional Practice

The Regulus edition of William Lilly's "Christian Astrology" represents far more than a simple reprinting of a historical text. Through its thoughtful balance of authenticity and accessibility, it helped catalyse the revival of traditional astrological methods that continues to transform the field today.

For serious students of astrology, the Regulus edition remains a touchstone—a direct connection to one of the tradition's greatest practitioners presented in a form that invites deep engagement. While newer editions have made Lilly's work available to broader audiences, the Regulus edition stands as a high-water mark for how historical astrological texts can be presented with both scholarly integrity and practical utility.

As traditional astrological methods continue to gain recognition for their precision and effectiveness, the groundwork laid by publications like the Regulus edition becomes increasingly apparent. By providing direct access to the unfiltered wisdom of master practitioners like William Lilly, such editions have enabled contemporary astrologers to reclaim the full technical richness of their tradition while adapting it thoughtfully to modern contexts.

At Wilfred Hazelwood, we honour the profound contribution the Regulus edition has made to contemporary astrological practice and recognise its continuing value as both a practical reference and a collector's treasure. For those fortunate enough to work with this landmark edition, it offers not merely information but a tangible connection to the living tradition of western astrology as it continues to evolve and flourish.

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