I actually wasn't sure if this should go in the S vs S board or this one. Hopefully it suffices here? lol

I've heard a lot of people say that Astrology is "the work of the devil" or "unGodly". But I was just curious as to why? Does it say so in the bible?

Is there anyone that believes differently? I've also heard people claim that Astrology has its place in Christianity. Can someone shed some light on this subject for me?

Astrology, I believe the three Wise men were Zorastorian who read the stars. Bible also has soothsayers. As for actual passages... cant recall off the top of my head.
Is this to approve or disprove Astrology? However i dont think astrology has anything to do with devils I mean my Uncle does astrology charts for people and I've never seen him sprout horns, hehe.

Oh no, I'm not trying to prove or disprove anything. I'm just trying to get some Christian views on the subject, (even non Christian) to shed some light on how astrology is perceived by the Christian community. There just seems to be so many different opinions I was hoping to just bring it to a general discussion so I could hear more.

Thanks for sharing too, by the way

Well, the New Testament condemns occult and pagan practices in a general sense, but it does not mention Astrology specifically. However, the Old Testament does mention it specifically, and it is typically lumped with the other practices of 'magic'. (which is why I think the NT doesn't condemns it specifically, as it was already recognized as being similar to other practices).

"Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his 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." - Deuteronomy 18:10-11 (NIV)

I think the Astrology reference is the 'interpreting omens'.

"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 worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven." - Deuteronomy 4:19 (NIV)

And finally here is a stunning rebuke from Isaiah against those who employed such acts. (Which Israel was known to do from time to time)

"Keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries, which you have labored at since childhood. Perhaps you will succeed, perhaps you will cause terror. All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame. Here are no coals to warm anyone; here is no fire to sit by. That is all they can do for you— these you have labored with and trafficked with since childhood. Each of them goes on in his error; there is not one that can save you." - Isaiah 47:12-15 (NIV)


I think the reason why it is wrong is that the realm of the future belongs to God. He alone has this knowledge. When you look to nature to tell you these things, you are shifting characteristics of the Creator to the creation, which is not right. Also, everything in nature has a purpose and when you begin to use it outside it's purpose, you abuse it and make the practice unnatural.

One thing that I would like to note is the Bible never says that occult and pagan practices are fake. While I do believe that Astrology isn't true (because of the future-seeing thing), other practices in this area are most certainly real (example being the Egyptian magicians copying Moses' miracles). The reason these are condemned is because the power does not come from God. The only other place for this power to come, Biblically speaking, is Satan, and that is why it's condemned.

Only "the pure of heart can read the great book of the heavens", and so astrology is therefore condemned

anything we observe in life is gods will. can we determine the future through the stars? is this what you mean?

why would god make such a thing possible if we werent meant to use it? maybe were fools for even trying to understand the future.

You should read "The Gospel in the stars" by Joseph Zeiss. or "Witness of the stars" by Bullinger. Both works shed interesting light on the subject. Modern astrology varies significantly from what is called biblical astronomy. The constellations as we know them today had different names and meanings to the Arabs, Jews and Persians in the time of Christ.

So, on one hand, no, astrology does not have any bearing on Christianity, but biblically interpreted astronomy does. Remember the Magi, they were looking specificaly for a star that they deemed "His star". How would they know this unless they knew what to look for? You should check out those books, I think you will find them interesting.

Thank you Moondoggy, this is the second time I've come to the board with questions and you've suggested to me some great literature. I think you must be a very intellectual person

I don't know that I'm necessarily talking about "predicting the future." Sadly, I know more about astrology than I do about Christianity, which is probably why I usually have so many questions about it. There is way more to astrology than just fortune telling or predicting the future. In a small way it's a science, and very involved and intricate one. Just learning what I have about it, I guess I just don't see why it's so evil. To some, at least.

I will check that book out Moondoggy

Thanks Ambriel, I just like people to be able to check things out for themselves rather than relying on opinions only. This is an interesting study because it brings the ancient zodiac into the picture. Leo and Virgo still have some of their original meanings to them. Even the mystery of the Sphynx is tied to this. It is believed that the face of the Sphynx was that of a woman, possibly a queen of Egypt. The body is that of a lion. The zodiac begins and ends with both Leo and virgo. The ancient Egyptians held onto similar ideas that permeated the east regarding the constellations. The vesture of the High Priest of Israel has 12 stones which represented the 12 major constellations. Also each tribe of Israel had it's own ensign which was also a representation of a major constellation. It becomes a very interesting study of ancient knowledge that has become almost lost today.