10 Facts About Alan Leo

Alan Leo, born William Frederick Allan, was an English astrologer, author, publisher, astrological data collector and theosophist.

Alan Leo is often referred to as "the father of modern astrology".

Alan Leo's work stimulated a revival of astrology in the Western world after its decline at the end of the 17th century.

Alan Leo used the Theosophical Society's vast international connections to publish, translate and disseminate his work across Europe and America.

Alan Leo was born in Westminster, and took the name of his sun-sign as a pseudonym, is credited with starting the movement towards a more psychologically-oriented horoscope analysis in astrology, being the first astrologer to argue for a loose interpretation of possible trends of experience rather than the specific prediction of events.

Alan Leo's influence has been described as marking a 'turning point' in horoscope delineation, because, as astrological historian James Holden explains:.

Towards the end of his life, in 1909, and again in 1911, Alan Leo travelled with his wife Bessie Alan Leo to India where he studied Indian astrology.

Alan Leo's book The Art of Synthesis was a probable influence on Gustav Holst's work The Planets.

In 1914, aged 54, Alan Leo faced prosecution against the charge that he "did unlawfully pretend to tell fortunes" through astrology.

Alan Leo died a few weeks later from an apoplexy, at 10:00 am on 30 August 1917, whilst on a holiday at Bude in Cornwall, which was intended to restore his health after the ordeals of the trial.