I would guess that many people reading this, whether they know what it means or not, know their astrological sign. Have you checked your daily horoscope yet? Do you know your partner’s sign, or if you’re single do you know with which sign you’re most compatible? To some these questions seem silly, but to others they’re ice breakers in conversation.
Oxford Dictionary records Astrology as, “The study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world.” (Astrology)
Touting sages and illumined teachers from past ages, Astrologers claim that by observing the stars one may tell the future. Oxford explains further, “Ancient observers of the heavens developed elaborate systems of explanation based on the movements of the sun, moon, and planets through the constellations of the zodiac, for prediction events and for casting horoscopes… Modern astrology is based on that of the Greeks, but other systems are extant, notably those of China and India.”
It’s further believed that the Greeks learned it from the Egyptian Mystery Schools, and traces back through Babylon.
Today local newspapers give simplified horoscopes based on one’s sun sign, that is, based only on the position of the Sun at birth and which of the twelve zodiac signs it is in at that time. Occult astrology, however, includes many more aspects to determine one’s horoscope. ‘True’ astrologers and New Age teachers do not consider the newspapers’ horoscopes as reputable astrology. But many still check their daily readings and rely on them to make plans. Skeptics chalk astrology up to what Psychologists call the Forer Effect, also known as the Barnum Effect. Meaning,
“Individuals will give high accuracy ratings to descriptions of their personality that supposedly are tailored specifically for them, but are in fact vague and general enough to apply to a wide range of people.” (Barnum)
Named after the notorious P.T. Barnum, the demonstration for this effect was done in 1948 by psychologist Bertram R. Forer. Forer writes of this observation in his work, The Fallacy of Personal Validation: A Classroom Demonstration of Gullibility. (Forer)
New Age Teachers assert that the ‘Astrology-Lite’ in popular culture is only a taste of what true astrology has to offer. Skeptics claim it’s all a ruse. But for sure, Astrology has been practiced for centuries all around the world, and it is still taken seriously by thousands of individuals to this day. For this paper I want to focus only on whether Christians ought to study and/or observe the stars to tell one’s future. Is Astrology a God-made system that Christians may use? And is it something God even cares about? Is it biblically sound to observe times, that is, use the moon, the sun, and stars to plan events or holidays? There are Christians who check their horoscopes and use that information daily. Some Christians even claim to be Astrologers themselves and do readings for fellow believers. They believe it’s something God doesn’t mind, and is a positive tool to be used freely. They use verses such as Psalm 19:1 that says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork,” in order to justify this belief. They’ll also throw in Acts 2:20, which states, “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come,” (KJV) to claim that God uses the Sun and Moon as signs, and therefore permitting Astrology as permissible. But I would say that they have forgotten the difference between Astrology and Astronomy. I’d also note that the moon turning blood-red in Acts is a singular sign that the Lord is coming, which is quite different from reading star charts to see how the moon is affecting one’s life everyday. God is the same today, yesterday, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) so let’s look at some other verses from The Word in order that we may clear things up.
I’d like to first turn to Leviticus 19:26 which states, “Ye shall not eat any thing with blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.” (KJV) This is one of many things the Lord spoke unto Moses to tell all the congregation of the children of Israel. A clear command against observing times, which is certainly involved in Astrology. Paul also wrote to the Galatians condemning them in observing days, and months, and times, and years. (Galatians 4:10 KJV) Asking if they want to go back to the bondage they were in while once before turning to the weak and beggarly elements. He’s asking them how they can turn back to these pagan ways when they now know God. Leviticus gives us a clear command against observing times, while Galatians gives us the idea that the apostles were against it as well. Moving on in Leviticus, Chapter 20 and verse 6 states,
“And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.” (KJV)
This is more clearing up of how God sets himself against such practices. But this is not the only place Moses writes on the subject.
God speaks unto the people again through Moses in Deuteronomy 4:19. The New International Version records it in this way,
“And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon, and the stars – all the heavenly array – do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshipping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.”
Now one might say, ‘Well, Astrology or reading the stars in general isn’t bowing down or worshipping them,” But I would disagree. When one claims to believe in God, but then reads the stars to see the future or decide what one ought to do, then he or she has now relied upon the created rather than the creator. In doing so they have distanced themselves from God, putting faith in the heavens instead of God. In their turning, they are moving God to jealousy and are setting God against them.
Now we move on in Deuteronomy to an often-quoted verse. God gives another command to the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 18:9 which says,
“When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee.”
This verse shows that the people of the land the Israelites were about to enter practiced all of these things, and these practices were commonplace amongst them. It also shows how God is clearly and ardently against all of these practices, including, again, the practice of observing times, or Astrology. There’s simply no room here to argue a positive view of observing times in God’s eyes, nor in the verses covered.
Another verse of blatant contempt for the practice of Astrology, as well as an example of how weak the practice is, is in the book of the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 47:13 states,
“Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.” (KJV)
This too shows God’s opposition to Astrology, here mentioned as stargazers. Now let us move on to another Prophet. God speaks unto the people again in Jeremiah 10:2-3. Jeremiah says,
“Thus saith the Lord, learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman with the axe.” (KJV)
Here we see how God tells his people not to be dismayed at, or be distressed with, the way the stars are placed in the sky. The heathen, or one not of God, worries about them, but He is telling His people not to follow after those peoples’ practices because they are vain, or useless.
By now I believe there’s no room to argue anything other than that God commands His people not to observe the skies as the heathen does, for they will burn and cannot save anyone in their future, let alone their own futures. However, I’d like to present one more example. The book of Daniel gives ample evidence that Astrology is not a gift from God or permitted by Him, or even powerful enough to be true or used.
Daniel was in the service of King Nebuchadnezar of Babylon after Judah was sieged and taken by that Kingdom. Daniel 1:20 says, speaking of Daniel and his fellows,
“And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.” (KJV)
We see here that Daniel was wise and surpassed the king’s magicians and astrologers. Fast forward to when Nebuchadnezar has a dream that needs interpreting. If there is any speculation as to whether Daniel is advanced in wisdom and understanding because he is more knowledgeable in astrology and magic, therefore surpassing the king’s men, this next verse clears it up. Daniel 2:27 says,
“Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, the secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; As for thee, O King, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealterh secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass. But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightiest know the thoughts of thy heart.” (KJV)
In this verse we see first that the ‘wise men’, astrologers, magicians, and soothsayers are not able to interpret the king’s dream, but God can! Daniel goes on to say that God revealed this secret revelation to Daniel so that the king may know what will come to pass. God didn’t tell Daniel how to read the stars, nor did Daniel claim it came from his own wisdom, but from God. Why would God need Christians to read the stars when He is the one whom reveals? God allows us to come to Him directly, and as seen here, He shows His superiority over the astrologers, magicians, and what have you, in all the Earth. Not to mention the verses we’ve already gone over where God clearly commands that those that are of Him do not marvel at the skies and stars as the heathen do. He forbids his people, being those that follow Him, to practice these things.
In Daniel chapter 4, King Nebuchadnezar has a second dream that needs interpretation. And once again the magicians, astrologers, soothsayers, and all could not explain the dream. They do not have the power to do so, nor does God reveal through them the meaning. Only Daniel, a man of God, not an astrologer or magician, was given the meaning by God, not an occult practice, nor Daniel’s own wisdom. To button this point up, we’ll end in Daniel 5:15 where a different King, Belshazzar, has seen a hand make writings on the wall before his own eyes. He has asked all to try and give him the meaning. He called for Daniel because he was told of how Daniel interpreted his father’s dreams. The king says in this verse:
“And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew me the interpretation of the thing.” Again the astrologers have no power to interpret anything, and again Daniel gives the meaning that God reveals to him, and again, what was said came to pass.
So, ought we look to the stars for life direction? More specifically, ought Christians practice and use Astrology in their lives? The answer to both is an overwhelming no. We’ve seen in the prior verses that God has set Himself against those that use the stars in giving meaning to actions i.e. astrology. He does not permit those who are His children and followers to practice these things. We’ve also seen the superiority of God to these practices. They cannot stand to His word. They don’t have the power that the heathen believes, or even they believe they have themselves. There is only one who reveals secret things and that is God in heaven. He does not ask people, man or woman, to look to the stars for signs of their futures as the heathen does. Notice God sets Himself apart from Astrology, [not astronomy]. There is a great deal of difference between the two. The signs God gives of the end times that we are to watch the skies for is always specific, such as the moon turning red, not ‘look at what constellation the sun is in so that one may know how to plan one’s future day’, or to see why one may like a particular pair of shoes so much. That is a selfish, narcissistic and heathen way.
God further warns of those that do these things in Deuteronomy 13:1-4, which says,
“If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” (KJV)
This verse reveals that God allows for false prophets to give their ‘testimonies’, to see who truly loved and believed in Him and His word. Thus, we see that there indeed have been, are, and will be those that give prophecies by means other than God, and they will try to lead people away from the one true God to other methods or gods. God is not unaware of this and His warning is direct.
Astrologers that tell ones’ future by means of occult ways fall into this category. They tell one of their future by reading the stars and if parts, or all of it come true of their readings, that individual is now a believer in the stars, and that Astrologer has led them to believe in the power of the stars and planets. God sees this, and allows these false prophets to weed out those in the Church who did not fully believe, and therefore love God with all their heart and soul.
After all we have just reviewed, some might still object and say, ‘But all you have presented is from the Old Testament, and is therefore not rules we must live by anymore, living in a new covenant’ This is a very dangerous way to think. More and more people are trying to remove the Old Testament from our knowledge, but there is so much to learn from it. Jesus said in Matthew 5:17,
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (KJV)
The New International Version puts it this way,
“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses [which would be that of Deuteronomy & Leviticus] or the writings of the prophets [which would be that of Daniel, Isaiah, & Jeremiah]. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.” (NIV)
It is clear that though we are in a new covenant with God, He has not changed His mind on what is evil or an abomination in His eyes. The disciples only had the Old Testament to preach with. We are still to study the Old Testament, for it alludes to and gives prophecy of Christ. The Old Testament is still very much important in our Christian lives and in understanding our new covenant with God. This argument simply does not hold any water. The Old Testament is integral in our Christian growth and understanding.
The New Testament has verses that support this theory as well. In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Paul writes,
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an Angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers[being those of Satan] also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (KJV)
The New International Version (NIV) uses the work ‘masquerades’ instead of transforms, but in both of the translations we see [plainly that Paul has encountered, and warns of the real issue of Satan’s followers, as well as Satan himself (!), masquerading or transforming themselves into Angels of light and ministers of God. But the Lord knows this and they will pay for their deceitful ways. So we see how Astrology might be snuck into Christian churches and even approved of by some Pastors or Priests. Satan goes around masquerading as an Angel and his followers try to invade the church however they may. Going back to Deuteronomy chapter 13, we see that God uses this to see who truly loves Him. We see that Satan has done this back then, and you can believe he’s doing it now.
Saint Augustine of Hippo (354 AD-430 AD) touches on the topic of Astrology in his book The Confessions. On page 56 he writes,
“Nonetheless true Christian piety is consistent with its own principles in rejecting and condemning astrology … when people say, ‘The sky is responsible for your sin, so you cannot avoid it,’ or, ‘Venus did this, or Saturn, or Mars,’ they invalidate our whole salvation. They are suggesting that human beings are guiltless – humans who are flesh and blood and putrid pride! – and that the fault lies with the creator and controller of the sky and stars. And who is this? You, our God, sweetness and the fount of justice, who will repay each of us our actions deserve, and do not disdain a broken and humbled heart.” (Augustine)
The early church knew that Astrology was not a Christian practice and that it does not align with Christian teaching. The church in this present day must understand the same thing. In the first general Epistle of Peter, chapter 5 and verse 8, the apostle warns us to,
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour.” (KJV)
We as Christians must know the scriptures so that we may be able to discern between good and evil. Satan wants to take as many people to Hell with him as possible, especially the children of God. We are still fighting battles, but the war has already been won by God. Peter continues in verse 9 of the same chapter with the comforting news that you aren’t alone in this struggle and our reward for our endurance,
“Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (KJV)
Scripture shows over and over again that Astrology is not a practice that Christians ought to involve themselves in. God stands in opposition to it then and now. What sometimes seems to be clean, innocent fun can be a tool of Satan that is merely masqueraded as innocent. We must stay steadfast in our faith even if it seems silly to the world. God has given us free will, not a fate bound and controlled by the stars and planets. Our works are our own and we will all have to give an account of our actions throughout our life to God at the great white throne judgment.
Keep a sober and vigilant watch for false prophets and teachings of fallen angels; doctrines of demons Timothy speaks of. Remember who created all that you see, including in the skies above you. Our God in heaven is in control, and we are responsible for our own lives. Study the word prayerfully each day. Pray for discernment, that our churches and places of worship may not be infiltrated by followers of our adversary the devil. May the Lord bless and keep you. Keep fighting the good fight and remember that all the struggles add up to nothing in comparison to eternity with our Lord.
Works Cited
Astrology. n.d. 28 July 2017.
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/astrology.
Barnum. n.d. 28 July 2017
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnum_effect
Forer, Bertram R. The Fallacy of Personal Validation: A Classroom Demonstration
Gullibility. N.p.: Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 1949. Scribd. Web. 28 July 2017.
https://www.scribd.com/doc/17378132/The-Fallacy-of-Personal-Validation-a-Classroom-Demonstration-of-Gullibility.
Augustine, Saint. The Confessions. Ed. Maria Boulding. N.p.: Random House,
1998.Print.