Astrology and the zodiac have become incredibly popular in modern culture. You can find horoscopes in nearly every newspaper and magazine. Many people read their horoscopes daily and even plan their lives around what the stars supposedly say about their future. But what does the Bible say about astrology and the zodiac? Let’s take a look.
The Basics of Astrology and the Zodiac
Astrology is the belief that the positions of stars and planets affect events and people’s lives here on earth. The zodiac refers to the 12 constellations that make up the ecliptic, or the path that the sun appears to follow across the sky over the course of a year.
According to astrologers, celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and planets exert influence over us here on Earth. They believe the positions of these heavenly bodies at the exact moment of a person’s birth determine their personality, future, and destiny.
To determine someone’s horoscope and interpret the influence of the heavens, astrologers divide the sky into 12 sections called signs. Each section corresponds to one of the 12 constellations of the zodiac. The 12 zodiac signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.
By analyzing the zodiac sign that was ascending or high in the sky at the time of a person’s birth, astrologers claim they can gain insight into that person’s basic psychology, preferences, compatibilities, and fortune.
A Pagan Practice
Most Bible scholars agree that astrology has its origins in ancient pagan cultures such as Babylon. The Bible indicates that astrology was connected to early idol worship.
In Deuteronomy 4:19, Moses warns the Israelites against worshipping idols and false gods:
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)
Here Moses specifically mentions the worship of the sun, moon, and stars as something God has not commanded, but that other nations do. The heavenly bodies were worshipped as deities in pagan religions. Astrology was a way to divine hidden knowledge from these celestial “gods.”
The Bible confirms the connection between astrology and pagan worship of cosmic bodies in numerous other verses as well, including Deuteronomy 17:2-5, Jeremiah 8:1-2, and Zephaniah 1:4-6.
Forbidden by God
Not only does the Bible identify astrology as connected to pagan worship, but it goes as far as forbidding the practice of astrology entirely. Let’s look at some key passages.
In Isaiah 47:13-14, God pronounces judgment on Babylon and mocks the astrologers who failed to save the nation from destruction:
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.
(Isaiah 47:13-14)
Rather than trust in pagan astrology, this passage emphasizes that the people should rely only on God for deliverance.
God specifically denounces the false belief systems that guide astrologers in Isaiah 47:12-15:
“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.
(Isaiah 47:12-15)
Here God makes it clear that astrology is not true counsel and its practitioners should not be feared or trusted.
One of the strongest condemnations of astrology comes from the prophet Jeremiah:
This is what the Lord says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them. For the practices of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.” (Jeremiah 10:2-4)
Jeremiah says people shouldn’t put faith in astrological practices or signs. He calls such things “worthless” in God’s eyes.
True Guidance Comes from God
Rather than turn to astrology and the zodiac for truth and guidance, the Bible emphasizes that we should rely only on God. Here are some key verses:
“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)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
These verses affirm that real wisdom comes from God’s perfect Word, not the misguided predictions of astrologers.
A Manipulation Tool of the Enemy
Why does God forbid astrology if it seems harmless on the surface? Besides its roots in pagan idolatry, the practice can be spiritually dangerous.
In 1 Timothy 4:1, Paul warns:
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
(1 Timothy 4:1)
Paul cautions that Astrology and other practices can be manipulated by evil spiritual forces to deceive people. Even though astrology presents itself as insight from the heavens, its true source is demonic.
The enemy can use astrological readings to trap people in fear and anxiety about the future. Instead of having faith in God’s goodness and providence, people start putting their trust in Sun Signs and horoscopes.
Astrology also promotes a fatalistic worldview, teaching that people’s lives are predestined by the stars. This undermines the reality of human free will and responsibility.
Ultimately, astrology leads people away from the freedom found in Christ into bondage.
No Biblical Evidence for Zodiac Signs
There is no evidence that the 12 zodiac signs have any real significance or power over a person’s life. The zodiac originates from Babylonian astrology and was not recognized by biblical authors.
The Bible does mention celestial bodies like the sun, stars, and constellations. However, they are referenced in passages about God’s amazing creative power and His sovereignty over the universe:
“He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” (Psalm 147:4-5)
“He made the stars also.” (Genesis 1:16 KJV)
“There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.” (1 Corinthians 15:41 KJV)
Nowhere does the Bible indicate that the stars and planets exist for the purpose of determining our daily fortune through astrological readings and horoscopes.
A Substitute for God
At their core, astrology and horoscopes attempt to replace the wise counsel of God with vague predictions about the future.
People would rather read a daily horoscope than spend time in God’s Word and prayer. They prefer to follow the advice of astrologers instead of God’s clear commands in Scripture.
This desire for hidden knowledge apart from God echoes Satan’s original deception in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:5 records Satan’s temptation:
“For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:5)
From the beginning, Satan has tempted humanity with secret wisdom that promises control and autonomy apart from God. Astrology offers more of the same deceptions cloaked as insight from the stars.
A Lack of Truth
Not only does astrology fail to align with God’s instructions, but there is little evidence it accurately reveals hidden details about a person’s life. After all, the zodiac is based solely on the month a person was born. It does not take into account all the complexities of genetics, upbringing, relationships and experiences that shape an individual.
Vague horoscopes are often shaped to apply to large numbers of people at once. And many astrological predictions fail to come to pass. For example, astrologers did not foresee many of the major world events that have shaped history.
Unlike astrology, the truth of God as revealed in the Bible has stood the test of time. God’s Word equips people with wisdom for righteous living in every generation (Psalm 119:9-16).
Freedom in Christ
Rather than looking to astrology and horoscopes for truth and meaning, Christians embrace their identity in Christ. Followers of Jesus are defined first and foremost by their relationship with God, not by the circumstances of their birth.
The Bible reminds believers of the freedom they have through salvation in Jesus Christ. Galatians 5:1 says “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)
Trusting in astrology over God’s perfect wisdom leads to bondage. But Jesus promises truth and grace that sets people free (John 8:31-32).
A Better Way Forward
Rather than consult daily horoscopes, Christians can start each day with prayer, reading God’s Word, and meditation on scriptural truths. This practice keeps the focus on God’s plans, not the vague predictions of astrologers.
The Bible says the heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1). But they exist to point people to the mighty Creator who sovereignly rules the universe, not manipulate people’s lives through mystical signs.
As Christians, our identity is rooted in Jesus Christ and the wise counsel of Scripture. We can reject the deception of astrology and embrace the abundant life Christ promises.