Should a Christian Consult Horoscopes?
The practice of consulting horoscopes, astrology, fortune-telling, and other forms of divination has become increasingly popular in modern culture. However, the Bible clearly speaks against any kind of occult practice or idolatry. As Christians, our faith and trust should be in God alone, not in the alignment of the stars or the predictions of astrologers. In this article, we will explore what the Bible teaches about horoscopes and other occult practices to help Christians know whether or not consulting horoscopes is permitted for followers of Christ.
What Are Horoscopes and Astrology?
Horoscopes refer to astrological predictions made based on the positioning of the stars and planets at the exact time a person was born. The horoscope uses this birth chart to analyze someone’s personality traits and to make predictions about their future. Horoscopes are often found in popular magazines, newspapers, and increasingly online.
Astrology is the system behind horoscopes, an ancient practice dating back thousands of years. It functions on the belief that the positions and movements of celestial bodies have an influence on human affairs and terrestrial events. Modern astrology divides the heavens into twelve zodiac signs, along with various houses and planetary movements, to interpret supposed meanings for a person’s life. By knowing someone’s sign, rising sign, moon sign, and other astrological data, horoscopes claim the ability to foresee a person’s future in areas like love, finances, career, health, and more.
However, there is no scientific proof behind the claims of astrology. It is considered a pseudoscience by the vast majority of scientists today. Horoscopes themselves are often vague generalizations that cannot be proven or falsified. Yet the daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly horoscopes remain wildly popular around the world as a form of guidance and predictions for one’s life path.
Biblical Passages Against Occult Practices
The Bible speaks strongly against any kind of occult practice, which would include modern horoscopes and astrology. Several Old Testament and New Testament passages forbid God’s people from following astrologers, fortune-tellers, witches, and anyone who claims to predict the future based on secret arts.
Deuteronomy 18:9-13 clearly prohibits Israel from adopting the detestable practices of the pagan nations, including child sacrifice, sorcery, divination, witchcraft, spell-casting, mediumship, spiritism, and consulting the dead. Verse 10 specifically mentions anyone who practices divination, which would include astrologers.
In 2 Kings 17:16-17, God condemns both Israel and Judah for being deeply involved in divination and occult practices, provoking the Lord’s anger against them. Isaiah 47:13-15 mocks Babylonian astrologers who could not save themselves from judgment through their star gazing and horoscopes.
Daniel 1:20 and 2:27-28 demonstrate that only God can reveal mysteries and the future, not astrologers and occult practitioners. Daniel’s faith in God’s foretelling is contrasted with the inability of Babylon’s astrologers, magicians, and sorcerers to truly interpret dreams or signs as God does.
In the New Testament, Jesus rebukes people who seek signs instead of faith in Him (Matthew 12:38-39, 16:1-4). The Magi who followed the star to Jesus came to worship him, not practice astrology (Matthew 2:1-12). And Ephesians 5:6-13 rejects those led astray by empty words and deception, who instead should turn to the light of Christ.
As followers of Christ, we are to avoid any occult practice that does not align with God’s truth revealed in Scripture and seek only God’s will (Acts 19:19), have nothing to do with fortune telling or mysticism (Leviticus 19:26, 31; 20:6), and avoid omens, witchcraft, spell-casting and spiritism of any kind (Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:10-13). That includes horoscopes and astrology, which the Bible groups along with all forms of forbidden divination.
Trusting in God vs. Trusting in Horoscopes
At their core, horoscopes represent a form of guidance and knowledge about the future provided by sources other than God. But the Bible tells us that Christians must rely on the truth of Scripture and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, not the predictions of astrologers.
Isaiah 8:19-22 warns against consulting mediums instead of seeking God. Practices like astrology indicate a lack of trust in the Lord. We are to fear the Lord, not the alignment of the stars (Jeremiah 10:2). And Proverbs 3:5-6 famously tells us to trust in the Lord, not in human wisdom and understanding like horoscopes claim to offer.
Astrology cannot tell you God’s plan for your life. Only through a relationship with Jesus Christ can we know and walk in the purposes to which God has called us. Our lives are in His hands, not dictated by the stars. And the Holy Spirit living within us guides us into truth, not horoscopes (John 16:13, Philippians 1:6).
Furthermore, astrology fails to acknowledge the free will and total depravity of humanity. Our lives are not set in stone by the stars, but we can make good or bad choices each day that affect our future. We were created by a personal God in his image, not impersonal cosmic forces controlling our destiny (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, while the Lord may permit trials and blessings in our life, our salvation and life path come through faith in Christ. Trusting in horoscopes leads to fatalism and denies the human ability to repent, have faith, obey Christ, and make righteous choices.
Potential Dangers from Horoscopes
Beyond just a lack of trust in God, pursuing astrological guidance can be dangerous in the following ways:
1) Horoscopes often entice curiosity into further occult practices by getting people to dabble in astrology. But Deuteronomy 18:9-13 warns against even opening the door to any occult practice, lest it lead you astray from God’s truth.
2) They can become spiritually addictive, causing people to become dependent on daily horoscope guidance rather than seeking God and praying about their life. We must have discernment to recognize evil (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).
3) Horoscopes frequently make vague or trivial statements that seem to apply to anyone. Yet people tend to only remember the hits and ignore the misses, fuelling confirmation bias. This gives the illusion they are accurate when they lack true specificity.
4) Astrology elevates cosmic forces and fate as directing one’s life rather than the sovereignty of God and human responsibility. This can lead to passiveness, poor decision making, and spiritual confusion.
5) Horoscopes are often used for guidance in major life decisions like relationships, marriage, and careers. But the stars cannot take the place of godly wisdom, counsel, and discernment in applying Scriptural principles to life’s big choices.
6) Many horoscopes focus on materialism, self-satisfaction, and relativism rather than pursuing righteousness, godliness, and eternal rewards (Colossians 3:2).
7) Consulting horoscopes regularly can become a form of astrological worship. Even if not being worshipped, astrology still represents guidance sought from sources other than God.
In summary, horoscopes do not reveal knowledge of the future or guidance from the Lord. They lack proven validity and can detract people from a right relationship with the one true God. At best they unreliable and divert trust away from the divine, and at worst can tempt people toward demonic influence.
What God’s Word Says About Our Identity and Destiny
Rather than look to astrology and horoscopes for bogus insight into life, Christians must anchor their identity and purpose to what Scripture teaches. God’s Word reveals the following about who we are and how we should live:
– Our true identity is found in Christ alone, not our birth circumstances (Galatians 2:20). We are defined as dearly loved children of God (1 John 3:1).
– Jesus came that we may have abundant life in Him (John 10:10). He has good plans to prosper us when we follow Him in faith and righteousness (Jeremiah 29:11).
– Our gifts and talents come from God to use for His glory in fulfilling our divine calling (Romans 11:29, Ephesians 2:10). They are not determined by when and where we were born.
– We are citizens of God’s kingdom first, assigned to do good works that God prepared for us (Philippians 3:20, Ephesians 2:10). The time and place of our natural birth does not change our heavenly position and purpose.
– Our future is safely in God’s hands as we walk with Christ each day. He holds eternity in His heart for us as His redeemed children (Psalm 31:14-15).
– God promises to complete the work He began in those who trust Him (Philippians 1:6). Our destiny comes through persevering faith, not shifting planets.
– We must focus on renewing our minds and conforming our ways to God’s Word (Romans 12:2). Human personality theories like astrology teach principles contrary to sound doctrine.
– Humility and obedience, not self-discovery through astrology, help us walk in our divine purpose (Micah 6:8). Submission to the Lord is key to knowing His will for our lives.
– The Holy Spirit gives wisdom and discernment to believers who seek Him (James 1:5). We do not need astrology to understand life’s meaning.
Rather than consult the stars, Christians must look to the Maker of the stars for their identity, gifts, purpose, and destiny. Our lives are in His sovereign and loving hands.
Overcoming the Temptation to Follow Horoscopes
Despite the clear biblical warnings against astrology, the prevalence of horoscopes in our culture makes it a tempting source of guidance for Christians to explore. Here are some tips for overcoming the pull toward astrology:
1) Increase time studying Scripture to renew your mind to God’s truth (Romans 12:2). Stay grounded in God’s Word to recognize horoscopes divert trust away from the Lord.
2) Pray for wisdom about all life decisions and trust God to guide your steps each day (James 1:5). Depend on the Holy Spirit’s discernment, not astrology (Philippians 1:9-10).
3) Put on the full spiritual armor of God, that you may stand against the schemes of the enemy (Ephesians 6:10-18). Realize the demonic influence behind astrology and horoscopes.
4) Avoid sources that expose you to horoscopes, like certain newspapers, magazines, websites, and social media feeds. Set boundaries to protect your heart (Psalm 101:3).
5) Fill your mind and time with godly pursuits that nurture your faith and relationship with Christ (Philippians 4:8). Replace horoscope reading time with Scripture reading, prayer, Christian fellowship, and worship.
6) Do not be led astray by “Christian astrology” attempts to twist God’s creation to justify astrology. Hold fast to what God’s word teaches, not what people claim.
7) Share your struggles with trusted Christian friends who can pray for you and keep you accountable. Their support will help you resist temptation.
8) Counsel new believers as needed about the dangers of astrology and horoscope guidance versus God’s will. Help protect their early faith.
9) Remember that idolatry in any form amounts to spiritual adultery (Exodus 20:3-6). Avoid flirting with astrology lest you be tempted to turn from true worship of God.
While astrology may seem harmless on the surface, Christians must exercise discernment and flee from any pursuit that undermines faith in God alone and in His revelation. Consult the Scriptures, not the stars, for life guidance.
Finding God’s Will Without Horoscopes
One reason people may be attracted to astrological guidance is the desire to find direction in life and understand God’s unique calling and will for them. However, there are much better ways for Christians to discern God’s purposes without resorting to astrology.
First, we must cultivate an intimate prayer life with God. Pray about all decisions and ask Him to reveal His will for you (James 1:5, Romans 12:1-2). Study the Scriptures to renew your mind and know God’s heart better as you spend time communing with Him.
Trust that the Lord will lead you one step at a time on the righteous path He has for your life as you maintain a close walk with Him. Wait patiently on God as you seek His face (Psalm 27:14, Proverbs 3:5-6). Yet also take immediate action when God does prompt your heart to follow Him in a new direction.
Seek wise counsel from mature believers who know you well and can provide sound advice from a biblical perspective (Proverbs 15:22). Their spiritual discernment can help confirm what God may be showing you as you look to map out life decisions.
Look for godly role models and mentors whose faith inspires you to walk more closely with Christ. Learn from their example as you observe Christian virtues at work in their life and ministry (1 Corinthians 11:1). Let them help spark your spiritual growth.
Study your skills, talents, passions and experience to consider what best suits the calling God has for your life (Ephesians 2:10). Examine opportunities the Lord may be placing before you as you pursue fulfilling His purposes.
Most importantly, commit each day to obedience and righteous living. Stay in close fellowship with other believers. As you devote yourself to following Christ each step of the journey, He will direct you into His will and best plans for your life and future (John 14:21).
There is simply no substitute for pursuing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. A strong prayer life and grounding in Scripture are key to knowing God’s guidance without falling into the trap of astrology. Trust the Holy Spirit living inside you to lead you into God’s unique calling and will for your life.
How to Respond to Astrology and Horoscope Interest
Given the prevalent fascination with astrology in our culture, Christians should think through how to best respond when others ask them about horoscopes or their zodiac sign. Here is some guidance on how to reply:
1) Avoid harsh condemnation, but rather speak the truth in love when asked (Ephesians 4:15). Make clear astrology conflicts with your biblical beliefs without attacking their character.
2) Politely explain you do not follow astrology or read horoscopes because of what Scripture teaches. Outline some of the main biblical issues with astrology highlighted earlier in this article.
3) Acknowledge astrology can seem harmless on the surface. But as a Christian, you must evaluate it based on the principles of God’s Word, which prohibit magical arts and occult practices of any kind.
4) Note your convictions come from the Bible’s prohibitions against divination, from a desire to trust only in God, and that astrology does not align with the key doctrines of human free will and responsibility.
5) Instead of astrology, your goal as a Christian is to know God in a personal relationship and understand His specific will for your life through prayer, wise counsel, and studying the Scriptures.
6) If asked further questions, offer to have deeper discussions later when you can bring bible verses or materials to back up your perspective. Suggest meeting again to explore God’s Word on the subject.
7) For friends or family members who follow astrology, focus on demonstrating God’s love, praying for them, and modeling your Christian faith well. Build relationship before rebuking beliefs.
8) Trust conversations to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Remain patient, avoid hurtful arguments, but speak truth boldly yet graciously when prompted to share Christ’s light on this issue.
The goal is not to win arguments, but to draw people to the truth and freedom found in following Jesus Christ rather than astrology. Have compassion, but also conviction backed by scriptural authority. Your life and your words can have God use this controversial topic to touch hearts for spiritual growth and renewal.
Conclusion
God’s Word shines light on the problems with looking to astrology and horoscopes for guidance rather than seeking the Lord alone. The practice of consulting astrological predictions does not align with a life of following Jesus Christ in faith and obedience. At best astrology diverts our eyes away from God’s truth as revealed in the Bible, and at worst it opens demonic influences.
Rather than turn to the alignment of stars and planets, Christians must look to the Maker of the stars for their identity, purpose, gifts, and destiny. Our lives are in His hands as we walk with God each day in pursuit of an intimate relationship with Jesus. By communing with Him in prayer and immersion in Scripture, we can know the Lord’s specific will for our lives and have discernment for daily decisions.
While astrology fascination remains strong in the world around us, Christians must flee from all forms of occult practice and divination. May our convictions come not from horoscope guidance but from the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we ground our lives in God’s unchanging, eternal Word.