"In the seventeenth year of my age my mother died"

William Lilly, a prominent English astrologer of the 17th century, made this declaration in his autobiography, reviewing a turning point in his life. The expression "In the seventeenth year of my age my mother died" provides us insight into his early life and personal history. Understanding the context of this quote needs an expedition of the societal and familial structures of that time.

In the 1600s, family structures were deeply conventional, with the expectation that ladies would be caregivers and nurturers, substantially affecting their kids's advancement. Hence, the loss of a mother during adolescence would have been profoundly impactful on Lilly, shaping his personal and psychological development. The age of seventeen is a formative time in anybody's life; it's a bridge between youth and the adult years, often characterized by considerable psychological and intellectual growth. The death of a parent during this duration can cause a premature maturity, requiring the young person to confront mortality and loss, styles that are substantial in astrology, a field Lilly would end up being prominent in.

Lilly may have turned to astrology to look for meaning or solace following this loss. The discipline offered a structured method to comprehend and find order in the turmoil of life, which could have been attracting a young adult facing sorrow. This early experience with loss likely affected his worldview and his work, where the search for patterns and significances was vital.

Additionally, during the 17th century, mortality rates were high, and death was a common part of life due to different illnesses and the restricted medical understanding of the time. Lilly's referral to his mother's death at such a young age is a pointer of the severe realities of life throughout this period. The stoic tone of the quote recommends an acceptance that was needed for survival in a time when such losses were not uncommon.

In general, this short statement from Lilly's autobiography provides a window into the individual experiences that assisted shape his journey into astrology, his strength in the face of personal loss, and his look for understanding in the universe.