Topic(s): Bible Authority, Philosophy

Bob Prichard

Astrology is a practice based upon the belief that the pattern of the stars in the sky at the time of a person’s birth greatly influence, if not determine his destiny. Millions of people consult their daily horoscopes (predictions based on astrology) to plan their activities. Although popular, astrology has no basis in scientific, rational, or biblical principles. It is simply pagan superstition, which has its roots in the practices of the Babylonians of 4,000 years ago. Sometimes confused with astronomy, which is the scientific study of the stars and celestial bodies, astrology has absolutely no scientific basis, and has no place in a modern society.

Astrology has no basis in reality. The astrologer determines the horoscope according to the position of the twelve signs of the zodiac at the time of the subject’s birth. When astrologers made up the signs of the zodiac, however, men thought that the earth was the center of the universe, and all the stars and planets revolved around the earth. We now know that the earth revolves around the sun, and not even our solar system is the center of the universe. In reality, there are no such things as the signs of the zodiac. They are complete fabrications.

Astrology is popular today because as people become further and further removed from God, they seek answers to their fears and anxieties. Astrology supplies mysterious answers to fill the void in their lives. Thoughtful examination of horoscopes reveals that the predictions and advice are couched in carefully worded vagueness. There is usually more than one outcome possible, and the person who believes in the horoscope makes its promises or warnings “come true.” The horoscope “comes true” because the reader rearranges his life to align with what he thinks the horoscope is saying, not because the planets have any actual influence on life. Different people, including identical twins, who have the same “signs” supposedly have the same horoscope, even though their life circumstances are completely different.

The Bible condemns astrology as nothing more than idolatry. Isaiah foretold the fall of Babylon, and spoke of the powerlessness of astrology: “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; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame” (Isaiah 47:13-14). Jeremiah warned Israel, “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” (Jeremiah 10:2). God commended good king Josiah for destroying the places of worship to “Baal and to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven” (2 Kings 23:5). Paul condemned sorcery, idolatry and witchcraft, which includes astrology, warning that those who practice these things “shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:20-21). Astrology is not harmless fun. It is idolatry of the worst sort.