“Astrology” is “the ancient art or science of divining the fate and future of human beings from indications given by the positions of the stars and other heavenly bodies” – Encyclopedia Britannica. It assumes that our lives are largely influenced (though not completely determined) by the position and movement of heavenly bodies.
“Horoscope” is a chart of the position of the heavenly bodies, used to predict their influence on people’s lives.
“Zodiac” is a narrow strip or belt of the heavens in which the sun, moon, and principle planets appear as the earth revolves around the sun. This zone is divided into twelve sections, each of which contains a constellation (group of stars) for which that section has been named. Each of these 12 constellations is called a “sign of the Zodiac.” Whatever section the sun could be found in at the time of year when a person is born, that section is said to be the sign under which that person was born.
Astrology began in ancient Babylon. Ancient people realized that the sun was essential to man’s needs, so they concluded that other heavenly bodies must be too. They thought that the largest heavenly bodies must be the most important, so they named the sun, moon, and largest planets after their main gods and the stars after lesser deities.
The movements of heavenly bodies were thought to represent activities of the gods. By studying these movements, men hoped to determine the will of the gods and so predict the future. If the heavenly bodies moved a certain way and certain events followed, then the next time they moved that way, similar things should happen.
The principles of astrology were formalized by the Greeks. Some 2000 years ago the Greeks studied the heavenly bodies mathematically and “scientifically” and defined the signs of the Zodiac. The names of Greek and Roman gods were then assigned to the planets. So historically astrology is rooted in pagan idolatry.
Our society is increasingly accepting pagan concepts. Since astrology is essentially pagan, we should not be surprised to see it becoming more popular. Specifically, astrology interests modern Americans for these reasons:
- Astrology attempts to predict the future.
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Astrology claims to analyze one’s character.
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Astrology gives advice for guiding ones life.
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Astrology offers an explanation for life.
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Astrology offers a unique experience and a sense of being special.
Things change over time –
In the technical sense of the word the 12 “signs” [of the Zodiac] are geometrical divisions 30 degrees in extent counting from the position of the sun at the vernal equinox. In the time of Hipparchus [2000 years ago when the signs of the Zodiac were defined] the signs corresponded fairly closely with the constellations; that is to say, the first sign (called Aries) corresponded with the constellation Aries. Owing to precession [wobbling of the earth’s axis] there is now a discrepancy amounting to the breadth of a whole sign, so that the sign Aries is occupied by the constellation Pisces” – Encyclopedia Britannica.
[Thus, modern day astrology (horoscopes) are horrible inaccurate (off by at least one sign)…and always were!]
Astrology has been around for a very long time –
Isa 47:13 Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.
Dan 1:20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
Astrology attempts to advise people how to act, based on the position of the stars, etc. So people “trust their lucky stars” and “thank their lucky stars.” They seek guidance from some Occult source other than God.
The sun, moon, and stars are lifeless, unintelligent objects. They can no more tell what your future holds or how to you’re your life than a rock or mud puddle can! If you want real wisdom, go to the all-wise, all-powerful Creator who made the sun, moon, and stars!