Virgo sun, Capricorn moon, Scorpio rising.
Sounds familiar?
If you recognize these words, there’s a chance that you’ve peeked at the horoscope page of a newspaper or read about zodiac signs online.
Zodiac signs and all things astrology had its heyday in ancient times but people’s fascination with it clearly didn’t go away. In fact, a growing number of people jump into the zodiac craze these days to find meaning, answers, and purpose in life.
Some use their zodiac sign to explain their feelings, issues, personalities, and even allow it to guide their relationships and decision-making. Others are convinced that it’s totally fine and use it for entertainment purposes—as it seems fun, relatable, and harmless… or is it?
Quite the opposite. If you’re still wondering if it’s okay to believe in zodiac signs and if believers can dabble in them, read and find out what the Bible says about astrology:
Zodiac signs explained
The future is written in the stars—that’s what the ancient Babylonians believed when they tapped into astrology around 2,500 years ago.
Encyclopedia Britannica defines Astrology as a type of divination that involves the forecasting of earthly and human events through the observation and interpretation of the sun, moon, stars, and the planets.
When the ancient people gazed up the night sky, they believed the heavenly bodies affected their harvest, weather, and everyday life, so they assigned meaning to the placement of stars and planets within 12 sections of the sky. Those are the zodiac signs that you are familiar with.
For astrology fans, a person’s zodiac sign provides a description of their self, ego, and identity. Perhaps, it’s the reason why people remain fascinated with zodiac signs and horoscopes—curious if the sun, moon, and stars could actually influence their personality and destiny.
What does the Bible say about astrology, zodiac signs?
Astrology is a practice of divination, and divination is a practice of seeking knowledge of the future of the unknown by supernatural means.
In the Bible, God warns His people about astrology and divination.
“There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD; and because of these detestable things the LORD your God will drive them out before you. You shall be blameless before the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-13 NASB)
God doesn’t just discourage these practices — it’s an abomination to Him!
And though it seems harmless to answer “I’m a Sagittarius” whenever someone asks you what’s your sign, or to peek into horoscopes once in a while, dabbling into astrology could endanger your spiritual health. It could lead to idolatry, as it puts man’s concepts before God’s ways.
“And when you look up into the sky and see the sun, moon, and stars—all the forces of heaven—don’t be seduced into worshiping them. The LORD your God gave them to all the peoples of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 4:9 NLT)
The Bible has long disproved that astrology can tell or impact your destiny. In Daniel 2, the royal astrologers of Babylon were powerless to interpret the king’s dream and thus, were sentenced to death. Prophet Daniel saved the day by interpreting the king’s dream according to what God showed him. The outcome? The king acknowledged that only God can reveal all mysteries.
What happens to astrologers and people who consult them? God has a stern warning: judgment will come. Isaiah 42:13-14 cemented the fact that astrology displeases God.
“All the advice you receive has made you tired. Where are all your astrologers, those stargazers who make predictions each month? Let them stand up and save you from what the future holds. But they are like straw burning in a fire; they cannot save themselves from the flame. You will get no help from them at all; their hearth is no place to sit for warmth.” (Isaiah 42:13-14 NLT)
The creation vs. the Creator
Why go to astrologers or look at the sky for guidance, when you can go to The One who created the entire universe?
The sun, moon, and stars were created by God for signs and seasons, to help us keep track of place and time (Genesis 1:14). Though they can’t tell what lies ahead, they remind us of God’s faithful, promise-keeping nature. They awaken wonder of God’s power and wisdom.
And because true wisdom comes from God (James 1:5), there’s no need to look at zodiac signs to find insights. The Word of God is your guide through life (Psalm 119:105). Trust and worship the Creator, not the creation.
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5 NLT)
Your identity is in Christ, not in zodiac signs
According to Scientific American’s article Is Astrology Real? Here’s What Science Says, astrology fans believe that a person’s personality and psychology type can be characterized by their zodiac sign.
God’s children are not defined by zodiac signs. Astrological identities are of this world, but anyone who is born of Jesus Christ finds their identity in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). They receive the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13) and the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV).
You can’t be led by a zodiac sign and Holy Spirit at the same time. When you come to Jesus, you leave those earthly things behind. You are new.
Now, you don’t need to rely on the sun’s position on your birth to make sense of your thoughts, emotions, and personality – your Creator knows what’s going on inside you (Psalm 139:1-24). He knows even your future!
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
Where do we go for guidance and hope?
The Scriptures speak of where and how you can find truth, counsel, and hope. Here are 3 ways to find guidance from the right sources:
1. Get in God’s Word
If you’re tempted to turn to zodiac signs for answers, perhaps it’s an indication that you need to spend more time getting to know God. Read your Bible. Devote time in prayer. Ask God to reveal His plans for you and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your path.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8 NIV)
2. Surround yourself with the right people
Who do you surround yourself with? Without advice plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22). Go to church, seek mentor and friends who can inspire you and help you grow in faith because they know God’s law by heart.
“The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from his path.” (Psalm 37:30-31 NLT)
3. Obey God
Do your best to live by God’s commandments, follow His will, and trust the dreams He placed in your heart. Obey first, so He can reveal to you the next steps you should take.
“This is what I told them: ‘Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well!’” (Jeremiah 7:23 NLT)
The idea that the trivialities and complexities of life can be explained by the sun, moon, and stars is enticing. But at the end of the day, you are faced with the question: Where, or who, do you put your faith in?
As you put your faith in the almighty, all-knowing, and all-powerful God, you can be assured that He will lead you to peace and direction.
Isn’t it comforting to know that your identity, future, and hope don’t lie somewhere up the sky, but right inside the palm of God’s hands?
If you need God’s guidance and direction for your life, we are here to pray for you. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or email [email protected].
