In modern times, a significant number of individuals are embracing astrology[1] as they think it could offer insightful advice. Present-day astrologers suggest that the gravitational and electromagnetic influences from heavenly bodies impact human traits and actions. On the other hand, ancient astrologers, such as the Babylonians, considered stars to be divine beings and worshipped them. They interpreted the impact of astrology as acts of divine will.
But is astrology supported in Scripture? Is there anything in the Bible that discourages people from seeking guidance from astrologers or following their predictions?
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What Is Astrology? Exploring Its Principles And Practices
Astrology goes beyond astronomy, which is the study of the heavens and the physical cosmos beyond Earth, by making connections between astrological patterns and human traits like temperament and emotional stability, as well as major life events.
Living Facts reports that 29% of all U.S. adults are astrology believers. This discipline has been around since the year 2000 B.C. Astronomical observation and interpretation allowed ancient Babylonian societies to attempt future predictions. According to astrologers, the stars and planets have meaning since God created them.
Zodiacs And Horoscopes
In the latter half of the fifth century B.C., the Babylonians made a 12-spoked wheel. Each portion of the year was given the name of a constellation in the sky.
Zodiac signs represent a 30-day period, beginning somewhere around the 21st of each calendar month. The reason for this is that the astronomical year begins on March 21 (and not January 1), the day of the spring equinox, as determined by astrologists.
Horoscopes (Greek for “time observer”) are used to predict a person’s future based on these signs. It is widely held that one’s destiny may be shaped by the zodiac sign into which he or she is born.
What Does The Bible Say About Astrology?
First, it should be noted that astrology is mentioned rather frequently in the Bible (especially in the Old Testament), whether in the form of monarchs employing full-time astrologers or God issuing cautions against worshipping the stars and moon. But there are also many plain references to stars, planets, and constellations throughout the Bible.
The Celestial Bodies
God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night” in Genesis 1:3. “And let them serve as signs and as seasons and as markers of the passing of days and years” (Genesis 1:14, ESV).
Job 9:9 says, “Who made the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades, and the chambers of the south?” This is a clear reference to God, who made the constellations.
Jesus tells us about the end of all the earth in the New Testament. He says, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun shall be darkened, the moon shall give no light, the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken” (Matthew 24:29).
In Psalm 19:1, David says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky shows what his hands have made.” Every day, they talk a lot, and every night, they show knowledge. There is no language or speech in which they cannot be heard.”
Daniel Versus Nebuchadnezzar’s Wise Men
Astrology and the people who study it are talked about a lot in the Old Testament. The book of Daniel is a great example. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had a dream that made him very worried. He called his regular dream experts to try to figure out what his dream meant, but no one could. This made King Nebuchadnezzar angry.
The king was going to order the execution of all the “wise men” in his country, including all the magicians and enchanters, when the prophet Daniel approached him and requested a meeting.
Daniel worked for the king as a servant. When Nebuchadnezzar requested him to interpret the king’s dream, Daniel replied, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there’s a God in heaven who uncovers mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be within the last mentioned days” (Daniel 2:27–28).
Does Astrology Cause Harm?
The problem isn’t whether technology can lead us anywhere, but rather, to what? Nothing can be from God if it causes us to turn away from him, whether it’s the truth or not.
God’s Word instructs us to worship him alone, not any of his creations. Wisdom is a gift from God, as we learn in James 1:5.
Reading Daniel, we learn that King Nebuchadnezzar’s astrologers failed miserably in deciphering his dream. No human being could do what the king had requested, the astrologers answered him (Daniel 2:10).
There is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, as the prophet Daniel courageously proclaimed. Daniel prayed to the Lord, who is the only source of real insight, in Daniel 2:27–28.
Is It A Sin To Study Astrology?
Astrology’s origins and development are fascinating topics for study in ancient civilizations. Having an understanding of astrology’s history is not a sin. But how should we evaluate astrology’s veracity for ourselves? Is it wrong to put stock in the predictions of astrology?
Astrology is predicated on the idea that a person’s life, actions, and outcomes may be affected by the locations and patterns of celestial bodies (such as the stars, moon, and planets). This obviously contradicts the premise that God is all-knowing and sovereign, as stated in the Bible. God has already decided on our identities and the events that will occur in our lives; thus, no astrological chart or pattern can predict them.
As it says in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, made in Christ Jesus for great works, which God prepared in advance, that we ought to walk in them.” God has already planned out our entire lives, and neither horoscopes nor zodiac signs can change that.
According to Matthew 28:18, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Keep in mind that he specifically mentions all authority. It is contrary to biblical wisdom to put stock in astrology because Scripture makes it clear that worshipping idols is wrong (Matthew 24:24, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Exodus 20:3). God has not delegated power to the stars or astrologers, and this is not implied elsewhere in the Bible.
Different Christian Perspectives On Astrology
It is apparent from Bible verses that astrology played a significant role in ancient societies; however, it seems that every bad connotation associated with astrology in the Bible can be traced back to the Bible.
False Wisdom Based On Individual Desires Is At The Heart Of Astrology
Humans are the central focus of astrology. The focus is entirely on the individual and their own ideal means of accomplishment. The way to the happy, prosperous, and romantic future that you’re looking for can be found if you follow these instructions on this day and head to this location. You’ll improve your mood by associating with positive people in this field.
Because Of Astrology, We See How Little Faith We Have In God
For those who put their faith in God alone, he causes all things to work together for their benefit (Romans 8:28). Even the seemingly random events that occur in this world have a purpose. Eve felt cheated because she couldn’t eat all the fruit, but God had bigger plans.
In Deuteronomy 4:19, Moses warned the Israelites: “And beware lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and bow down to them and serve them, things that the Lord your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven.”
Divination, Which Astrology May Lead To, Is Forbidden In The Bible
According to astrology, the stars have all the answers; therefore, there’s no need to pray to God. However, God warned the Israelites against using sorcery or divination, and he told them not to adopt the Canaanites’ detestable ways. God makes it clear in Deuteronomy that those who engage in such behavior are abhorrent to him.
The Role Of Astrology When Seeking Divine Guidance
In 1 Chronicles 10:13–14, we are cautioned against looking elsewhere for answers to spiritual questions. Saul died for his disbelief. Saul broke faith in God by seeking counsel from a medium instead of obeying the Lord’s command. He didn’t pray to God for direction. David, the son of Jesse, inherited the kingdom since the Lord had him killed.
Conclusion
The stars are a source of inspiration, but not in the way that astrology suggests. Even if astrology became widely popular, most people would still end up in hell for rejecting God. Only God can see what is ahead, and that should be good enough for Christians and everyone else.
Avoid placing your faith in the stars and instead follow the advice of Proverbs 3:5-7: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”