I’m fairly confident we’ve all heard the phrases:
“The stars aligned”
“It was written in the stars”
Perhaps you’ve heard them used as if they were a simple idiom, or maybe used by someone who truly thinks the stars had something to do with their good fortune. But what is the underlying meaning of those phrases? That’s what we’ll explore today as we take a closer look astrology.
What are these “astro” things about?
“Astrology is one of the earliest attempts made by man to find the order hidden behind or within the confusing and apparent chaos that exists in the world.” —Karen Hamaker-Zondag
Astrology (sometimes called Astromancy) is divination by the stars. Divination is any attempt to get information about the past, present or future in a supernatural, biblically-prohibited manner. Now, you may be thinking, “Does anyone actually practice divination anymore? That seems like old-timey stuff.”
But it’s really not. Horoscopes are still in many magazines and newspapers, and the line “What’s your sign?” is something many people still care to know. Astrology is still alive and well, and experiencing a swell in popularity with younger generations (Audio here, and another article here, some language). Divination, astrology, tarot—really anything to do with the occult—has made a sort of public reappearance in the last few years (though it never really disappeared).
What does the Bible say about Astrology?
So, what does the Bible say about divination and the occult? It’s not shy about condemning divination in ANY form:
“‘Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it.
“‘Do not practice divination or seek omens.[…]
“‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.
—Lev. 19:26 & 31
“When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD; because of these same detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the LORD your God. The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do so.”
—Deut 18:9-14
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
—Gal. 5:20
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars-they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
—Revelation 21:8
Also see:
- II Kings 21:6
- II Chronicles 33:6
- Isaiah 8:19-22
- Jeremiah 27:9
- Leviticus 20:6
- Revelation 9:20-21
- Revelation 22:15
The Sea of Life
Varahamihira, a 6th century Indian philosopher, astronomist, and astrologist wrote, “There is no better boat than a horoscope to help a man cross over the sea of life.” We beg to differ.
In Isaiah (a book with at least 14 actual fulfilled prophecies about Jesus alone!) we read:
“You are wearied with your many counsels;
Let now the astrologers,
Those who prophesy by the stars,
Those who predict by the new moons,
Stand up and save you from what will come upon you.
—Isaiah 47:13
People were trusting in charms, spells, and astrologers instead of God, but implied here is that when disaster comes—and it most certainly will—they will not be able to save anyone.
So what should Christian parents do?
We can teach our children the warnings against astrology and divination found in the Bible and teach them to rightly rely and trust the Lord with their future. Because in Isaiah, we also read:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
—Isaiah 41:10
By inoculating children against the draw of things like astrology and horoscopes before they are made appealing by the world, we can help them to rest in the promises of God instead. He has things under control. Would a deeper look into astrology and divination be helpful to your family? Let us know!
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