to the student of astrology

To my friend, whoever you are:

First, consider and admire your Creator. Be thankful to them. Be humble. Beware of pride and self-conceit. Do not let your knowledge convince you to neglect the fact that the Creator ordered and appointed everything in the heavens and on the earth.

How many privileges have been bestowed on you?

You soar above the heavens in contemplation and conceive of the motion and magnitude of the stars! You talk with the angels and even with the gods themselves!

Do not deface your nature or make yourself unworthy of such gifts.

As you converse with the Heavens, contemplate what you truly are. Do not cast this favor aside for a few petty pleasures. As you converse daily with the heavens, instruct and form your mind in the image of Divinity.

Learn the ornaments of virtue:

Be humane. Courteous. Familiar to all. Accessible.

Do not afflict the miserable with harsh judgment—instead, let them know their hard fate by degrees. Be well-informed. Be reasonable and cool-headed. Become skilled in your art, but remain modest. Beware of pride and self-conceit.

Give freely to those who cannot afford your services. Let no worldly wealth procure a dishonest judgment from you. Don’t treat others with contempt. Acknowledge your teachers, be friendly to your colleagues, and do not dishonor the Art.

Love and be loved by others. Love all the good and honest people who study this Art with sincerity. Rejoice in the number of your friends. In your studies, be all that you can be. Apply yourself. There’s no need to be extravagant or know a little about everything; focus your attentions.

Be faithful. Tenacious. Bear no one’s secrets. Instruct everyone to live well; be a good example yourself.

Remember: conscience has a thousand witnesses.

Inspired by my understanding of William Lilly’s letter to the student in astrology, from his 17th-century textbook Christian Astrology. The text can be read in its original form here.