Benjamin Franklin Quote In Support Of Astrology

Chris Brennan asked on the Astro-Facts blog:

“”In America, founding fathers George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin all had personal astrologers. ”

I’m not sure that this is actually true… Has anyone else read this in a reliable source?

This quote showed up on one of the astrology mailing lists over the weekend:

“Astrology is one of the most ancient sciences, held in high esteem of old, by the wise and great. Formerly no prince would make war or peace, nor any general fight a battle, in short no important affair was undertaken without first consulting an astrologer.”
Benjamin Franklin, 1751

Barbara Finch of Feng Shui & Chinese Astrology came up with this link:

The Writings of Benjamin Franklin

Thanks, Barbara!

3 thoughts on “Benjamin Franklin Quote In Support Of Astrology”

  1. Dear Elsa,

    Thank you so much for letting me know about this quote. I was aware the Franklin wrote the Poor Richard Almanac, but this really displays his beliefs in a bit more stark of a manner than I had seen previously.

    I am still somewhat skeptical about George Washington and Thomas Jefferson actually having personal astrologers though… I will keep looking into it. Please let me know if you come across anything as well.

    ps. That is really cool that you live in my home town. We will totally have to meet up sometime for coffee or something next time I am in town visiting family. Do you plan to attend UAC next year?

  2. Chris – yeah. I’ll be at UAC wearing dark glasses and a bag over my head. :-0

    And yes to coffee! 🙂

  3. George Washington used an astologer, one Daniel Smithe, for many years during both the Revolution and afterward throughout and beyond his presidency. Thomas Jefferson’s astrologer was Ezekiel … last name unknown … who attended him regularly before, throughout, and after his presidency. Both presidents consulted these men before embarking on any critical actions both personal, political, and military.

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