Astrology and horoscopes have been around since the early Old Testament times. Today, they are more popular than ever (almost everyone knows their horoscope sign) being found in daily newspapers, magazines, online, and even on Facebook. They are read by millions and millions of people, including the rich and famous (actors, politicians, sports stars, etc.), the not so famous, and even by many Christians. Some people even go so far as to plan their lives around what their horoscope says (i.e. financial decisions, who they date or marry, when to go on a vacation, will they get a job or pass an exam, etc.).
Astrology and horoscopes have had their roots in paganism and the worship of the sun, moon, and stars as gods. It is taking objects which the one true God of the Bible created, and giving them power that belongs ONLY to Him. This is idolatry, blasphemy, and sin.
Nearly all horoscopes today are nothing more than good (or bad) psychology. Anybody who wanted to could set themselves up as a ‘fortune teller’. But it can be the thin end of a wedge that opens the door to spiritistic influences. Most people read them and laugh, then forget all about them until one appears to happen and they think twice. That can lead to consulting a medium and seeking more personalised horoscopes. Some mediums are into spiritistic practices and it is that which the Bible condemns.
Horoscopes tell us that we are all ‘ruled’ by planetary forces. The Holy Bible tells us that we are to worship the Creator alone and not the creation. Astrology goes back to the beginning of recorded history and has always been a snare to lure people away from the Creator.
At the roots of astrology, is a deep human desire to know the future and to explain the meaning and purpose of human life. Even the ancient Babylonians practiced astrology as far back as 1800 B.C. The Babylonians used astrology as part of a divination or predicting of the future. It was believed that the gods presented themselves by their constellations and planets. Astrology has been practiced by almost every culture known to mankind and continues till this very day.
(The views expressed by the author are his own)
Jubel D’Cruz
