What Is Astrology?

Question

Is astrology trustworthy? How do astrologers make their predictions? Should Christians allow celestial bodies to determine how they live?

Answer 1

The Bible’s Viewpoint

Should the Zodiac Influence Your Life?

“THERE IS NO LACK OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULTS WHO SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF THEIR DESTINY IN THE STARS.”—POPE JOHN PAUL II.

ACCORDING to one poll, 1 out of every 4 Americans uses astrology when making decisions. Consulting astrological signs is by no means limited to that part of the world. Virtually worldwide, the zodiac is consulted for advice on financial matters, travel plans, career moves, wedding dates, and military strategies. It is claimed that one’s zodiacal sign can identify prospective mates and can even reveal which partners will be incompatible. From East to West, astrology has captured the attention of millions. But what is the origin of the zodiac?

Historical Background

Various forms of the zodiac can be traced to the earliest known civilizations. Even the Bible mentions “the constellations of the zodiac.” (2 Kings 23:5) Evidently, the zodiac was consulted in ancient times by Hindus as well as by the Chinese, the Egyptians, the Greeks, and other peoples. However, the earliest references to the signs of the zodiac were found in ancient Babylon.

The Babylonians developed astrology in an effort to obtain information about the future. As celestial movements were noted, elaborate charts and tables were made. From these, human affairs and terrestrial events were predicted. In many cases political or military decisions were not made until astrologers were called in to give their advice. Hence, a priestly class claiming to have special wisdom and supernatural powers came to have great influence. In fact, all great temples in Babylon were equipped with a celestial observatory.

In modern times signs of the zodiac continue to play an important role in the lives of many people. Even those who do not claim to believe in the horoscope may casually consult it simply for entertainment or out of curiosity. It is true that astrologers have made some predictions that have come true. But does this mean that consulting the stars is beneficial? Really, how did ancient servants of God view interest in astrology?

Hidden Dangers

Unlike the Babylonians, faithful Jews did not practice astrology—and for a good reason. God had explicitly warned them: “There should not be found in you . . . anyone who employs divination, a practicer of magic or anyone who looks for omens or a sorcerer, or one who binds others with a spell or anyone who consults a spirit medium or a professional foreteller of events or anyone who inquires of the dead. For everybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah.”—Deuteronomy 18:10-12.

God’s servants took a firm stand against astrology. For example, faithful King Josiah “put out of business . . . those making sacrificial smoke to Baal, to the sun and to the moon and to the constellations of the zodiac.” Josiah’s action was said to be “right in Jehovah’s eyes,” and God blessed him for it. (2 Kings 22:2; 23:5) But some might ask, ‘Do not at least some of the predictions of astrologers come true?’

Interestingly, in the Christian Greek Scriptures, we read of a girl who “used to furnish her masters with much gain by practicing the art of prediction.” Apparently, some of the things this girl foretold came true, since her masters profited from her powers. But what was behind this girl’s ability to predict future events? The Bible states that she was under the influence of “a spirit, a demon of divination.”—Acts 16:16.

The Bible shows that “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one,” Satan the Devil. (1 John 5:19) By maneuvering events to make certain predictions come true, Satan and the demons have captured the attention of millions.

The simple truth is that astrology is one of “the machinations of the Devil,” which he uses to control and influence people to serve his purpose. Thus, it is hardly surprising that the Bible exhorts Christians to “stand firm” against Satan’s clever devices—which include astrology. (Ephesians 6:11) But does this mean that we are left without any guidance as to the future?

The Bible—A Reliable Guide

Millions have found the Bible to be a reliable guide in making decisions. As the psalmist David put it, “the reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise.” (Psalm 19:7; 119:105) This does not mean that the Bible spells out precisely what a person should do in each situation. But God’s Word does contain principles that can help us train our perceptive powers. This, in turn, will enable us to discern right and wrong and will help us to make wise decisions.—Hebrews 5:14.

Thus, it is for good reason that genuine Christians do not consult horoscopes, even for entertainment or out of curiosity. Instead, they wisely heed the warnings in God’s Word against all demon influence, including subtle forms. By letting the Bible rather than the zodiac influence your life, you can enjoy God’s blessing eternally.—Psalm 37:29, 38.

Answer 2

Like Dechovka said, Astrology has been a great help for me to understand myself and why I do what I do , I know there is free will involved and it is not an excuse or reason for something I have done but still I got to know I am more prone to certain things in this life.It also help me aware of my weakness and potential pitfalls and also my strengths so I can make good use of them. Astrology also helps me understand others better and how to relate to them . I am spiritual in a sense that I do follow some buddha teachings. Maybe I dont follow them full on now, but still I try to seek contentment in myself. I am also trying to understand that certain things in life do not appear as they are, most of the time, I seek for the true meaning behind everything people say or do or how things happen/turn out the way they do . I also believe in a higher being ( not neccessarily The God that we know about - man, this one is one irritated god - my way or the hight way road ) , this higher being for me is nature and karma. I believe there are things that we can not explain or take a hold. This higher being is universal and us , as individual human being , is wired or connected to each other this way. I believe in the union of the souls. I feel that we have many lives , when this life ends, we will continue to live another one, completely physically separated of this life, but the soul is still the same but lay dormat/sub-concious and if we are lucky, sometimes we may have a moment where we know we " have been there before " So in a way , spirituality and astrology is connected as everything else in the universe. In this case, the nodes have their role and also the moon and neptune , the 12th house....if we are able to full understand the 12th house and its planets placements....I think maybe we could take a peek into our own spirituality.

Answer 3

All of these questions are answered in the following online articles:

Astrology the Key to Your Future?
- What Is Astrology?
- A Long History of Failure
- In Conflict With Bible Teachings
http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2005/8/8/article_01.htm

Should the Zodiac Influence Your Life?
- Historical Background
- Hidden Dangers
- The Bible--A Reliable Guide
http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2000/11/8a/article_01.htm

Answer 4

Astrology is a group of systems, traditions, and beliefs in which knowledge of the relative positions of celestial bodies and related details is held to be useful in understanding, interpreting, and organizing information about personality, human affairs, and other terrestrial matters. A practitioner of astrology is called an astrologer, or, less often, an astrologist. Historically, the term mathematicus was used to denote a person proficient in astrology, astronomy, and mathematics.[1]

Although the two fields share a common origin, modern astronomy is entirely distinct from astrology. Astronomy is the scientific study of astronomical objects and phenomena, whereas astrology is concerned with the attempt to correlate these phenomena with earthly affairs.[2][3] Astrology is variously considered by its proponents to be a symbolic language,[4][5] a form of art,[6] science,[6] or divination.[2][7] The scientific community generally considers astrology to be a pseudoscience[8] or superstition[9] as astrologers have failed empirical tests in controlled studies. [10] Despite the lack of scientific evidence, belief in astrology is widespread. [11][12]

The word astrology is derived from the Greek αστρολογία, from άστηρ (aster, "star") and λόγος (logos, "speech, statement, reason"). The -λογία suffix is written in English as -logy, "study" or "discipline".

Answer 5

Astrology is study of position and movement of celestial bodies with an aim of predicting their effect on human beings.

Study of position and movement of celestial bodies is alright, it has got scientific backing but their effect on human life has got no scientific proof. Different Astrologers for the same planetary position predict different things for a same person. If astrology is established science then different astrologers will arrive at same conclusion for one set of planetary position.
In my opinion one should not waste his money,time and effort by going to astrologers for predictions.

Answer 6

Astrology is the study of stars' and planets' alignments in relation to each other over time. Some people think it can signal upcoming events.

Personally, I dont' think Christians should put any stock in astrology. After all, the God who CREATED the stars and moon has a personal relationship with you! Why woudl you want to not spend time w/ Him and look at start/planet charts, hoping to predict the future? The future is in God's hands. He is not going to make the planets or stars align a certian way to let you know things and hope you figure it out in time. Study the Bible instead of the stars.

Answer 7

Astrology is absolutely trustworthy if you believe the bible.

Astronomy, on the other hand is a "science" full of "theories" that contradict the bible and should be shunned.

For example, god specifically stuck lights in the firmament to "let them be for signs" (Genesis 1:14). Stars even told the magi of the exact date and place of the birth of Jesus. So clearly astrology is meant to be. Astronomers, on the other hand, have a "theory" that these stars are not just lights but are really balls of flaming gas whose light was sent out from them billions of years ago - what nonsense. Everyone knows the universe is only 6000 years old and that the firmament (and heaven which is on its other side) is easily reachable if god permits it. Jacob climbed there on a ladder and Babel built a tower that almost reached there but god destroyed it.

Answer 8

~~~Art,,,, An illustration of your prejudice,,,,First you ask what astrology is,,,, then it's credibility,,, then how it's processed,,,,THEN without any obvious knowledge on the subject, you make an ASSumption that "celestial bodies,,, DETERMINE how they live,,,,". You are not ready to even understand the info as your bias precludes your wisdom. Astrological iconography is rampant in christian religious art and church decor ,,,,and church construction. ,,,,And if one understands the revisional history of the bible, one knows that most Astro References were purged and anathemized yet certain remnants survive in the text,,,,probably the most noted example is the "Star" of Bethlehem and The Magi,,,

Answer 9

Astrology is a matter of faith
one has the right to believe it or not

but to speak rationally ..... it is baseless .. and only for those who believe in luck and not for those who believe in their hard work or manoveuring.


But there are things .... when happens ... we are sure that it has nothing to do with science and that some super natural power has done it.
If so, then horoscope also can be belived.

I know a person who never used to see horoscope
but of late after taking lots of beatings in the life,
he is sitting over horoscope now.

Answer 10

Astrology means based on star sings

Answer 11

Astrology is the art of observing the positions of stars in the belief that they influence human affairs.