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There probably isn't one of us alive today who hasn't at some time in their life flipped open the newspaper and read his/her horoscope. Have we sinned in doing so?
Most Christians are unaware that in God's written Word, the Bible, we are forbidden to 'dabble' with Astrology and other forms of the occult. Astrology is a 'mild' form of the occult and a gateway into heaver occultic practices (as we shall see later in this study). Many people who start out with reading their horoscope in the daily newspaper eventually progress into having their fortunes told, their Palms 'read', Tea Leaf readings, even on to attempts to contact the dead (most often their own deceased relatives) through the use of 'Mediums'.
When one reaches this advanced state, the contact of the dead, they are involved in full-blown occultism. The Bible calls this conjuring up of the dead - "Necromancy."
NECROMANCERS: Evokers of the spirits of the dead (Deut. 18:11). (See DIVINERS). (from Fausset's Bible Dictionary)
The Bible strictly prohibits Necromancy, which is the communication with the dead, because it is really just Demon channeling in disguise (the Medium is allowing demons and evil spirits to speak through them to you!). When you contact the dead through mediums, you are not speaking to old Aunt Tess or Grandpa Billy, you are communing with satanic Demons in disguise. But let's back up to astrology, let's see where it all begins and let's observe the warnings and commands on the matter from our Heavenly Father in His letter to us, the Bible.
First I think it would be beneficial to the reader to have a full understanding between Astrology and Astronomy, for there is a great difference between the two, and a full definition of both will remove much confusion common to the matter:
From the Webster's 1828 Dictionary:
ASTROL'OGY, n. [Supra.] A science which teaches to judge of the effects and influences of the stars, and to foretell future events, by their situation and different aspects. This science was formerly in great request, as men ignorantly supposed the heavenly bodies to have a ruling influence over the physical and moral world; but it is now universally exploded by true science and philosophy.
ASTRON'OMY, n. [Gr. a star, and a law or rule.]
The science which teaches the knowledge of the celestial bodies, their magnitudes, motions, distances, periods of revolution, aspects, eclipses, order, &c. This science depends on observations, made chiefly with instruments, and upon mathematical calculations.
In other words, Astronomy is the scientific study of the planets and stars in relationship to others in our galaxy and out, and Astrology is the supposed influence that these drifting globes of rock and ice have upon the lives of men.
We at WBSG know that most Christians who practice Astrology do so in ignorance, they just haven't been taught that God abhors it. This is the reason that we have prepared this Bible study on the topic of Astrology, and we hope that it will be of benefit to the Christian who unknowingly is involved in this practice that is an abomination to our Lord God. There is a certain innocence in ignorance, and if you have been involved in something that you did not know was against God, then simply repent of it and go on with your life, God understands. Just as Jesus told the adulterous woman: "go, and sin no more" [John 8:11]. That is the beauty of Christianity, the forgiveness of sin earned for us, whom believe, on the cross, by Christ the Son of God!
Is the Bible mute on the practice of Astrology? Of course not, the Lord has promised us that He has told us of all things through His written Word, the Bible:
Mark 13:23
23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. (KJV)Isa 44:6-8
6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
7 And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come?, let them shew unto them.
8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God*; I know not any. (KJV) [*other than Him - the Lord God]
Ok, so then, what does the Bible say about Astrology?:
Isa 47:11-15
11 Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know.
12 Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.
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.
14 Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.
15 Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, even thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee. (KJV)
Dan 2:27-28
27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;
28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these (KJV)
Lev 19:26 (Almighty God speaking)
26 Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times. (KJV)
Isa 41:28
28 For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word. (KJV)
God doesn't appreciate it when we turn to other things and people to gain knowledge of the future, in fact it quite upsets Him. I don't know about you, but I don't like to get into the habit of upsetting God:
Isa 44:24-25 (Almighty God speaking)
24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;
25 That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish (KJV)
ASTROLOGY, from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary (C) 1986:
Although the word astrology does not appear in the Bible, the word astrologers does. The prophet Isaiah taunted the Babylonians to go to the powerless "astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators" <Is. 47:13> for their salvation. The word is found eight times in the book of Daniel, in association with "magicians," "sorcerers," "Chaldeans," "wise men," and "soothsayers" <Dan. 1:20; 2:2,10,27; 4:7; 5:7,11,15>. Some Bible scholars believe the "wise men" or Magi who saw the star of the infant Jesus <Matt. 2:1-12> were astrologers.We do know that the earliest records of astrology have come from Mesopotamia-- the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers where the ancient Babylonians flourished.
The attempt to forecast the future from the stars probably arose very naturally in the ancient world. These beliefs would have come from observing that the signs in the heavens and events on earth are sometimes related. For instance, it is evident that the winter season begins at the same time when the sun begins to set low in the sky. It takes only one step of logic to conclude that when the sun begins to dip low in the sky, it causes winter to come. Given the lack of scientific thought in the ancient Near East, it required only one further step of logic to conclude that other movements of the sun, moon, or stars affect historical events. An example of this kind of reasoning is found in a letter addressed to the Assyrian king Esarhaddon. "If the planet Jupiter is present during an eclipse," the letter stated, "it is good for the king because an important person in court will die in his stead."
The close association in Babylonian thought between the stars and the gods led ancient skywatchers to stress their impact on human affairs. This association may be seen clearly in the unique script used to write their language. The sign used to distinguish a god's name was the sign of the star.
The Bible classes astrology with other techniques for predicting the future. Going to the stars for guidance was the same as idolatry to biblical writers. Samuel equated the two in his denunciation of Saul <1 Sam. 15:23>.
The Bible's contempt for astrology is most clearly seen in its prohibition of any technique to aid in predicting the future. Astrology assumes that God does not control history. It assumes that history is governed by the affairs of the pagan gods as revealed in the movement of the planets. The believer knows that a sovereign God rules this world. He also knows that resorting to astrology is a denial of the life of faith by which one trusts God and not his lucky stars for the future. (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary (C) 1986)
Basically, whether they wish to admit it or not, what people are attempting to do when they practice Astrology is to gain 'hidden' or 'forbidden' knowledge from means other than from God. They wish to gaze into the future, thus placing their hopes on the stars rather than on our Lord God. This God does not allow! God gives us what He will of the future through the prophesies in the Bible, and what a great insult it is to Him that we place our hope in the very stars that He created! Therefore, any 'knowledge' gained through the practice of Astrology is demonic in nature, not 'Heavenly':
Deut 29:29
29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law*. (KJV) [*the Scriptures]
There was a one in the Bible who sought after forbidden knowledge, her name was Eve. She was deceived into thinking that she could become 'wise' by going after the way of the devil (the Serpent):
Gen 3:1-6
1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. (KJV)
Yeah, Eve became wise alright, she gave up immortality for the possession of 'hidden' knowledge, 'forbidden' knowledge. (see: What was the Real sin in the garden of Eden?) For had not Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they would never have died, they would have lived eternal. Thus God's warning:
Gen 2:16-17
16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (KJV)
As part of our ongoing commitment to bring our readers important information, we have below excerpted a chapter out of a book titled Cult Watch. In fair return for the use of that chapter of the book (supplied in it's entirety) we have supplied an ordering link for anyone who would wish to purchase it (from amazon.com). While we do not agree with the authors on all their doctrinal views, we feel that they are 'right on' with this topic. The following is the excerpt from the book Cult Watch; the chapter on astrology which is in a 23 question/answer format (book review following study). God bless!
Index: Click on a red subsection below to go down to it, or just scroll down the page in order (recommended)
Introduction to
Astrology
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page
Article excerpted from
"Cult Watch" by John Ankerberg & John
Weldon.
Harvest House publishers; ISBN: 0890818517
Why is an evaluation of
astrology an important topic in the 1990's? Astrology is
important because national opinion polls consistently reveal that
literally tens of millions of Americans believe in astrology. One
Gallup poll indicated that at least 10 percent of evangelical
Christians also believe in astrology. The subject of astrology is
important because of the great number of people who trust their
lives to astrologers.
Astrology plays a leading role in the dissemination of occult
practice and philosophy within our culture. If astrology is one
of the most subtle and effective introductions to the world of
the occult, then anyone concerned about the occultic revival in
our country should also be concerned about the practice of
astrology.
In our full-length book Astrology: Do the Heavens Rule Our
Destiny? (Harvest House, 1989), we document eight converging
lines of evidence to show that the real source of power behind
the effective astrologer is often the spirit world. If spirits
are the power behind astrology, then the acceptance of astrology
in American society indicates that millions of people are being
influenced by the spirit world through this form of divination
alone. Unfortunately, according to the Bible, this means that
people are really being influenced by evil spirits
(demons).
These demons are lying spirits whose hidden motives are to ruin
men and women spiritually (see the material on Spirit Guides and
on the Occult elsewhere in this text).
Why should anyone trust these conclusions? What makes us
qualified to examine astrology and evaluate the practice,
philosophy, and implications of astrology?
First, we have studied spiritistic
phenomena for two decades; our acquaintance with astrology has
enabled us to thoroughly assess its spiritistic aspects.
Second, we have seven graduate degrees in areas such as
comparative religion, biblical studies, sociology, cultic
studies, theology, church history and the history of Christian
thought, and apologetics. This academic background enables us to
assess astrology from many vantage points, including its
relationship to Christian belief.
Third, in conducting our research we had many talks with
professional astrologers. For example, we attended the July
4—8, 1988, Fiftieth Anniversary Convention of the largest
and most influential of American astrological organizations, the
American Federation of Astrologers. At this conference, we
distributed questionnaires, conducted interviews, and had
numerous discussions with practicing astrologers, among them
leading American and European astrologers. We also attended many
astrology classes.
Further, we were involved in a national, televised debate with
two astrologers: Terry Warneke, a professional astrologer with an
M.S. degree in astronomy, and psychic Maxine Taylor, the first
vice-president of the American Federation of Astrologers.
Finally, we have read or consulted over 300 sources relevant to
astrology, including 200 serious astrology texts.
The Encyclopedia Britannica observes that astrology has had a
significant impact on numerous civilizations throughout history.
Former Chief of Staff Donald Regan’s For the Record: From
Wall Street to Washington and nationally known astrologer Joan
Quigley’s What Does Joan Say?: My Seven Years as White House
Astrologer to Nancy and Ronald Reagan reveal that astrology has
recently influenced the highest levels of American government.
With the dramatic influence of astrology in our own culture, and
the fact that worldwide approximately one billion people believe
in astrology, no one today should be uninformed about this
important subject. (Readers who desire additional information may
wish to consult our full-length book, Astrology: Do the Heavens
Rule Our Destiny?)
The Claims, Basic Terms
and Influence of Astrology
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Astrology was once again in
the headlines. Not as in 1975 when 192 leading scientists,
including 19 Nobel prize winners, publicly disavowed it.
‘This time astrology was in the headlines because of the
influence it had achieved at the highest level of national
government, the White House. The unforeseen result has been a
literal flood of new public interest in astrology. According to
Chief of Staff Donald T. Regan’s text For the Record, the
influence of astrology at the White House extended to “every
major move and decision.”
Question 1: What is
astrology?
Astrology is a belief system based on the assumption that the
stars or planets (as interpreted and configured by the
astrologers themselves) mysteriously influence the lives of men.
Astrology teaches that this influence begins at birth and
continues throughout a person’s life. Thus the Shorter
Oxford English Dictionary defines astrology as “the art of
judging the occult influence of the stars upon human
affairs.”
The following are representative definitions of astrology that
are given by astrologers themselves:
“Astrology is the study of the heavens. . . and the influence they exert upon the lives and affairs of humanity.”
“Astrology is the science of certain cryptic [hidden or mysterious] relations between the celestial [heavenly] bodies and terrestrial [earthly] life.”
“Astrology is the science of life’s reactions to planetary vibrations.”5 (“Vibration” here is something mysterious that supposedly works like the moon’s gravity influencing the ocean tides on earth.)
“Astrology is the system of interpreting symbols [heavenly bodies that are assigned names and influence by astrologers] correlated to human behavior and activities.”
There are many kinds of astrology:
Ancient astrology was practiced by the Babylonians. They taught that the planets were gods and as such the planets ruled and influenced life on earth (some occult groups using astrology today have similar beliefs)
Those holding to material astrology believe that “emanations” or “influences” from actual planets in our solar system rule or affect life on earth
Those who believe in symbolic astrology teach that the stars and planets are only symbols. They go on to assume that there is a mysterious “magical correspondence” revealed by the symbols which influences life on earth.
There are many other kinds of
astrology each with different assumptions. Nevertheless, here we
have three kinds of astrology with three different sets of
assumptions. The planets are either: 1) gods, 2) impersonal
heavenly objects, or 3) just symbols. Yet all three claim they
are responsible for producing the same conclusion: Whatever the
planets are, they influence life on earth. But as Bertrand
Russell once observed, when two views both claim to be true but
contradict each other, one or the other maybe true, but they both
can’t be true at the same time. The same can be said about
astrology. Logically, the different kinds of astrology can’t
all be true when they contradict each other. It remains to be
seen if any one of them is true.
Question 2: How does
astrology supposedly work?
Astrology supposedly “works” by the planets or stars
affecting our lives. The main tool astrologers use for
interpreting this alleged influence on our lives is the
astrological chart, called a natal [birth] horoscope. (Strictly,
the term horoscope also involves the interpretation
[delineations] of the chart, although the terms “chart”
and “horoscope” are used interchangeably.) This chart
calculates the exact position of the heavenly bodies at the
moment of birth, usually from the baby’s first breath. The
baby’s first breath is crucial with most astrologers because
they accept a premise of magic called “correspondences”
(that everything in the heavens is correlated to everything on
earth; thus, events in heaven parallel events on earth). Thus,
for them the child’s first breath permanently
“stamps” him with the corresponding heavenly stamp or
pattern existing in the sky at that moment. It is this unique,
impressed pattern stamped upon the child that astrologers believe
determines one’s character and ultimately his destiny.
For some astrologers the “permanent stamp” is the
influence sent out by the heavenly bodies absorbed by each of us
as we draw our first breath at birth. Some astrologers say these
heavenly bodies send out influences which forever determine up to
80 percent of our potential personality and destiny. (“As
above, so below,” is the ancient expression of this
principle.)
For still other astrologers, the heavenly stamp is not claimed to
correspond to the actual planets. It is assumed to correspond to
mysterious influences that astrologers interpret by their
symbols. Nevertheless, one way or the other, for our entire
lives, astrologers claim that the heavenly planets continue to
influence us in predictable ways based upon our original pattern
at birth.
In addition to the birth horoscope, astrologers use
“secondary” charts. For example, a mundane chart will
examine the fortune of cities, states, or countries. An
electional chart is drawn up to decide the best time to undertake
some activity. The horary chart is composed to answer questions
on any given topic. Why are all these secondary charts important?
Because the heavens are in motion. Astrologers say that since the
planets change their positions in the heavens, it is necessary to
have new charts made to determine their current influence on us.
These secondary charts (called progressed horoscopes and directed
horoscopes) give us more specific information to relate to our
birth chart. This additional information supposedly reveals to us
how we are likely to act and choose at any given time.
Thus a chart may be drawn at any particular moment of time by
astrologers to determine particular heavenly influences that may
affect us. The information received supposedly helps the client
to make decisions in such areas of life as love and
relationships, family, financial matters, occupation, etc.
Whether or not the stars or their magic symbolism really
influence us, one fact should be clear. Once we accept the
premises of astrology, it does not matter. Astrology does indeed
exert a powerful influence but it is because of the person’s
belief in astrology itself, not the influence of the stars. For
example, the power we grant to the astrologer to accurately
interpret the alleged heavenly pattern or influence acting upon
us is a dramatic yielding of the direction of our lives. For many
people, no major decision will ever be made without first
consulting an astrologer. Also, merely because astrology claims
to reveal the future, it will always have power, for the desire
of many to know the future cannot be underestimated.
Astrologers claim to be able to predict both the heavenly
influences on our lives at the present moment and for the future.
These two powerful categories of motivation (decisions about the
present and information concerning the future) that lead people
to astrology are also discussed in the Scriptures. God gives
guidance for responsible decision-making concerning the present
moment. He also promises to help us in the future (Psalm 46:1;
48:14; 73:24; Matthew 6:25-34; 28:20; Philippians 4:1-20; Hebrews
13:5). If a person has a choice between going to an omniscient,
infallible counselor or a fallible human being, would it be
logical to choose the latter? If one can go to a loving and
trustworthy source, why go to an unproven and questionable
counselor? God has a proven record— astrology does not, as
we will soon see.
Question 3: What are the
basic terms and concepts necessary to understand astrology?
Why is astrology so often confusing to the
average person? It is because of its complexity and the many
unfamiliar words which astrologers use.8 The following
definitions and concepts are basic if one is to understand
astrology.
The Zodiac is an imaginary “belt” of sky containing the
12 astrological signs or constellations around which the ancients
built imaginary human and animal figures. (The Zodiac and the
constellations are both imaginary geometric
configurations.)
The signs are the “signs of the Zodiac” also known as
“Sun-signs.” Everyone is born under one of these 12
signs or constellations (Pisces the fish, Leo the lion, Gemini
the twins, Taurus the bull, etc.).
The houses are the 12 sections of the Zodiac which together
symbolize every aspect of life. The planets move through the
houses; thus, when a planet falls into the sphere of the given
house, it comes under its respective influence. The astrologer
plots all of these factors and more on a chart. This chart is
called a horoscope.
The horoscope is a “map” of the heavens at the moment
of the birth of a person or any specific time thereafter. On this
chart, an astrologer plots the positions of the
“planets,” “signs,” and “houses”
for a given moment. The chart is then interpreted by numerous
complex rules, many of which vary greatly from one astrologer to
another.
A mental picture might be helpful in understanding the basic
ideas of astrology that we just defined. But we should first
understand that the “world” of astrology is based upon
an ancient view of the universe, not a modern scientific one. The
ancients constructed their view of the universe based entirely on
how things appeared. Thus looking up at the sky at night, it
appeared as if the stars and planets moved along the inner
surface of a great hollow globe, a celestial sphere. The sun,
moon, and planets appeared to revolve around the earth,
etc.
Now imagine a huge glass ball with a thin white belt encircling
it. According to astrology, the glass ball is the celestial
sphere. The white belt encircling the glass ball is the Zodiac.
Divide the white belt into 12 sections. Each of these sections is
given a name. The name is of a symbolic animal or man
representing the imaginary constellations known as Aries the ram,
Virgo the virgin, Leo the lion, Gemini the twins, etc. These
symbols of animals and men are called the “signs of the
Zodiac” or the “Sun-signs.” This is what is meant
when people say, “my sign is ‘Libra,’
‘Pisces,’ ‘Aries,’ ‘Gemini,’ “
etc.
If one could look inside this glass ball and see a tiny green
marble at its center, this would be symbolic of the earth. And if
one divides all the space inside the glass ball into 12 sections,
these sections would represent what the astrologers call
“houses.” These sections would start at a point in the
middle of the glass ball (the green marble—the earth) and
extend out to the Zodiac or the encircling white belt. However,
these 12 house sections are spaced differently from the 12 Zodiac
sections along the white belt. Inside the glass ball the
astrologers place the Sun, Moon, and eight other planets. As
these planets move, they move through the 12 sections on the
white belt, the Zodiac, and also enter and pass through the 12
different sections of space called the houses.
In addition to all of this, astrologers believe that each planet
“rules” or especially influences different signs of the
Zodiac. For example, Mercury rules or influences Gemini and
Virgo, whereas Venus is said to rule or especially influence
Taunts and Libra.
One more important term used by astrologers must be defined.
Astrologers use the word “aspect.” Aspect refers to the
angles between the planets as seen or plotted on a horoscope
chart. Certain angles are interpreted as good and some angles are
bad. For example, two planets angled at 90 degrees to each other
(called a “square”) supposedly exert a bad influence.
However, two planets angled at 120 degrees to each other (called
a “trine”) supposedly exert a very good influence. But
it is more complicated than this. Astrologers also must take into
consideration whether the planets are “good” planets or
“bad” planets. The words “good” and
“bad” as referring to angles or planets has been
defined by the astrologers. But why are these angles and planets
logically defined as good or bad? Even the astrologers don’t
know; they simply accept them and point to their astrological
tradition that has been passed on for centuries. To be fair, some
astrologers would say these definitions are the result of
thousands of years of observing human experience. But no one has
accurately recorded 4000 years of human experience. And if they
had, why are there so many conflicting astrological theories?
To show how subjective astrological interpretation is, ask any
astrologer how he knows the different houses represent different
things. For example, how does he know that the first house
represents personality, the second house money, the third house
communication, the eighth house death, the tenth house
occupation, etc.? Astrologers have designated many different
aspects of life to each of the different houses. The question is,
“On what basis do they logically do this?” Again
astrologers claim this information comes from 4000 years of human
observation. But again, such observation has never occurred and
if it had, then astrologers should agree with each other on their
interpretation. Astrologers may also say these meanings were
derived from numerology—from the meanings allegedly inherent
in numbers which were then related to astrological theory. But if
these meanings were derived from numerology, we still cannot
explain a logical reason why such a system should be true or
valid. In addition, to show the extent of disagreement,
astrologers do not even divide the houses in the same manner.
This means that a given house for one astrologer may be a
different house for another, and therefore entirely different
influences would be suggested.
Also by determining when a planet crosses or “transits”
a specific point on the horoscope chart, the astrologer feels he
can advise a client as to “favorable,”
“unfavorable,” or cautious times concerning a given
activity. Thus, just as there are good and evil planets and
angles, there are good and bad days for undertaking certain
activities. This was why Hitler planned his war strategy by the
stars and why even some American presidents have sought the
advice of the stars as to the planning of their activities.
Question 4: How
influential is astrology today?
Astrologers West and Toonder believe that astrology now
“enjoys a popularity unmatched since the decline of
Rome." Science writer and engineer Lawrence E. Jerome makes
the astonishing claim that at least one billion people around the
globe “believe in and follow astrology to some extent.”
Bernard Gittelson is a New Age human behavior researcher and
former public relations consultant representing the West German
government, the European Common Market, the U.S. Department of
Commerce, and other major clients. He calculated that the
circulation of newspapers and magazines carrying astrological
columns in the United States, Europe, Japan, and South America
totaled over 700 million or three- fourths of a billion.
In the United States, the interest in astrology has fluctuated
but remained high. For example, in 1969 Newsweek estimated there
were 10 million committed believers in astrology and many more
dabblers. In 1975 a Gallup poll indicated over 32 million
Americans believed “that the stars influence people’s
lives” and in addition that many of them consulted their
daily or weekly horoscopes. Not only that, but estimates of the
number of astrologers ranged as high as 10,000 full-time and
175,000 part-time. Ten years later, a Gallup poll in 1984
revealed that among teenagers (aged 13-18), 55 percent believed
in astrology. This figure was up from 40 percent in 1978. A 1988
Gallup poll indicated 10 percent of evangelicals believe in
astrology.
Today in the West, astrology is the subject of over 100
magazines, and the topic of millions of books in print. Since
1960 the annual production of new titles has doubled every ten
years.
Astrologers claim “there is no area of human experience to
which astrology cannot be applied.”7 Many occult practices
(numerology and Tarot cards) have logical connections to
astrology; many world religions and religious cults (Hinduism and
Theosophy) have their own brands of astrology; and astrologers
have even attempted to integrate many of the sciences (medicine
and psychology).
Proof for the astrologer’s claim that there is no area of
human experience to which astrology cannot be applied can be seen
by checking your local bookstore. For example, the smallest
sampling of astrology titles indicates its potential for wide
applications: Your Dog’s Astrological Horoscope; Your
Baby’s First Horoscope; Astro-power at the Racetrack; The
Teenager’s Horoscope Book; Cat Horoscope Book; Pluto: Planet
of Magic and Power; Chinese Astrology; Cooking with Astrology;
Diet and Health Horoscope; Earthquake Prediction; Medical
Astrology; The Astrologer’s Guide to Counseling; Horoscope
of Murder; Find Your Mate Through Astrology; Astrology and
Biochemistry; Astrological Themes for Meditation; Sex Signs; An
Introduction to Political Astrology; Astro Numerology; Stock
Market Predictions; Homosexuality in the Horoscope; The Astrology
of I Ching; Sex and the Outer Planets; From Humanistic to
Transpersonal Astrology; Financial Astrology; Astrology and
the Edgar Cayce Readings; Aztec Astrology; Astrology and
Psychology; Woman’s Astrology; Esoteric Astrology; Hindu
Astrology; Astrology and Past Lives; Astrology: Key to Holistic
Health; Astrology, Alchemy and the Tarot; Asteroid Goddesses;
Astrology of Theosophy; Astrology in the Bible; Horoscope of
Canada; A Guide to Cabalistic Astrology, etc.
Research scientist Geoffrey Dean estimates there are as many
astrologers in the Western world as there are psychologists. And
over 80 percent of all U.S. newspapers now carry horoscope
columns.
Astrology today also can boast an impressive list of
“who’s who” believers. Today a few notables
include: Prince Andrew and Fergie, Princess Diana, Hollywood
stars Robert Wagner, Phyllis Diller, Jill St. John, Angie
Dickinson, Lauren Bacall, Goldie Hawn, Olivia Hussey, Rona
Barrett, Olivia Newton-John, Debbie Reynolds, Joan Collins, Liza
Minnelli, Arlene Francis, Jane and Peter Fonda, and many
others.
Today astrology is offered for credit on some high school and
college campuses. Some corporations seek astrological advice for
major decisions and overall, astrology is estimated to be
anywhere from a $200 million to a one-billion-dollar-a-year
industry. In fact, a cable news network (CNN) report cited
astrologers who claim that “at least 300 of the Fortune 500
[companies] use astrologers in one way or another.”
Question 5: Why is
astrology so popular?
Astrology is popular because it claims to provide important
information that people want to know. Astrology claims to provide
people with information that will: 1) protect them, 2) bring them
success, 3) guide them, 4) predict their future, and 5) help them
understand themselves.
Astrology offers people the belief that they can
“control” their own destinies, and it also provides
them a ready-made justification for failure or sin. Astrology
offers the false hope that through the “knowledge” of
the stars, one can manipulate people or events for his own
welfare or selfish desires. Astrology specializes in answering
almost all the questions people ask concerning the future. In
fact, it claims to offer power over life and death, love, sex and
relationships, money and finances, personal health and happiness,
etc.
Above all, astrology sells hope — and today people need hope
desperately! In every age of social breakdown, the masses of
people have turned to the occult and superstition for solace and
counsel. Today is no exception.
In conclusion, astrology is popular because it claims to offer
people hope through the knowledge of the manipulation of the
influences of the planets and stars. With this secret knowledge,
people believe they have greater control over themselves as well
as present and future circumstances.
Question 6: Can
newspaper horoscopes be dangerous?
The first horoscope column appeared in the London Sunday Express
in 1930.24 In the next 50 years, horoscopes were slowly
incorporated into 80 percent of American newspapers, that is,
into 1250 out of 1500. Most professional astrologers complain
that these columns are vastly oversimplified at best and
“utter nonsense” at worst. This is true even though
professional astrologers often write these columns (such as
Sydney Omarr and Carroll Righter). It is also true that
professional astrological organizations give seminars on how to
write the columns.
Most newspaper editors reject astrology and seem to believe that
horoscopes are simply an amusing pastime for their readers.27 But
are the conclusions of these editors true? Could it be true that
modern newspapers are being socially irresponsible for the
following reasons?
1) Newspaper horoscopes seem to bear at least some responsibility for the modern revival of interest in astrology~28 The law of averages tells us that a certain number of these very general “predictions” found in America’s newspapers will come true, or will be interpreted as coming true by the people who read them. One can only wonder how many people have turned to astrology after months or years of reading their horoscopes. Even the occult encyclopedia Man, Myth and Magic stated: “The daily forecast and the feature articles in magazines have persuaded countless thousands that the ‘stars’ may conceivably influence human destinies.
2) Astrology has been shown to be both false and dangerous.3° Obviously to encourage something that is untrue, irrational, and superstitious is not in society’s best interest.
3) Astrology is a proven occult art. By virtue of its many connections to numerous other forms of occultism (such as witchcraft and spiritism), astrology is a potential introduction to a much wider practice of occult activity. Newspapers would not think of carrying columns giving advice on witchcraft or spiritism but they do not hesitate to offer astrological “counsel.” In conclusion, astrology leads to occult involvement. Occult involvement has been proven dangerous31 and is condemned by God (Deuteronomy 18:9-12; Isaiah 47:13; 1 Corinthians 10:20).
For these reasons and more, it is therefore
irresponsible for newspapers to continue carrying astrological
columns. (*See Chapter 36).
Question 7 : Is
astrology related to the occult?
We may define the occult, in general, as the attempt to secure
forbidden supernatural power or knowledge. The Christian believes
that this occult knowledge and power come from spirit beings that
the Bible calls demons. Astrology is related to the occult in
four major ways. First, astrology itself is defined by
Webster’s Dictionary as an occult art. As such it employs
occult practices such as divination. Divination may be defined as
“the art of obtaining secret or illegitimate knowledge of
the future by methods unsanctioned by and at variance with the
holiness of God” and which involves contact with evil
spirits? Second, astrology appears to work best when the
astrologer himself is psychically sensitive, what most
astrologers would term “intuitive.” Third, prolonged
use of astrology often leads to the development of psychic
abilities. Fourth, due to its history and very nature, astrology
often becomes the introductory course to a wider spectrum of
occult practices. All of this points to the fact that the very
practice of astrology is a foundational occult art and that the
practitioners (astrologers) open themselves up to becoming
involved in other occult practices.
Nevertheless modern astrology wishes to be seen as scientific. As
a result, we are told that as a system of belief it has nothing
whatever to do (* See Part Seven, Questions 6—11)
with the occult and that the astrologer himself need not be
psychic at all, although he may be “intuitive.” An
example of this is leading astrologer Carroll Righter who
“feels strongly that astrology should not be considered
[part of J the occult.”35 Because of his practice as an
astrologer, “he regards himself as a
scientist..." Another influential astrologer, Charles
E. 0. Carter, claims “astrology does not involve any form of
psychism..." thus showing his aversion to the occult.
Practicing astrologer Colette Michaan states “astrology is
magical only in the sense that insight is magical.”
These quotes remind us of the pronouncements of the
parapsychologists who similarly claim that when they study
psychics and mediums they are only studying “natural”
and “normal” human powers — nothing occult,
supernatural, or spiritistic. But such claims are false whether
made by parapsychologists or astrologers. In Part Seven we show
that parapsychologists unwittingly have opened themselves to
demonic powers under the guise of studying latent human
abilities. If astrologers wish to truly be seen as scientific, it
is natural to expect they would not admit to the occult nature of
their craft. But instead we could expect them, like
parapsychologists, to define their craft in modern scientific and
psychological terms. But have astrologers misstated the case? Can
it be documented that astrology by nature is part of the occult?
Finally, is there a connection between the astrologer and psychic
abilities?
From its inception, astrology has been tied to the world of
paganism, magic, spiritism, and the occult and this remains true
today. For example, in examining two dozen “channeled”
books (revelations given by a spirit possessing someone’s
body), astrology was accepted or endorsed in almost all of them.
Proof that the spirits (demons) are clearly interested in
promoting astrology can be seen in the following two examples.
First, one of the spirits who communicated through mystic and
occultist Alice Bailey (founder of Lucius Trust) [WBSG NOTE: Lucius Trust was
formally called Lucifer trust at it's inception!] telepathically transmitted many books to her,
including Esoteric Astrology. A second example is Edgar Cayce [WBSG Note: Cayce was a leading
occultist and Satanist], who was a
powerful medium. Throughout most of his life the spirits speaking
through him endorsed the practice of astrology. The 14,000
readings Cayce gave in trance are considered the largest single
body of psychic information in the world. Over 2500 of them dealt
with what were termed “life readings” and “almost
all [of them] refer to past incarnations and specific
astrological or planetary influences bearing on the
present.” When asked if it was right and proper to study
astrology, the spirits that spoke through Cayce said “very
very very much so.”
The spirits are not the only occult connection to astrology. In
terms of occult realities, astrology and the occult go hand in
hand because they are fundamentally inseparable. There are
historic ties between the rise of astrology on the one hand and
the corresponding turning to the occult on the other. It is also
true that where there has been the rise of the occult there has
also been a corresponding turning to astrology. For example,
Helena P. Blavatsky was a potent medium and virulent antagonist
of
Christianity. She founded one of the most influential occultic
movements in modern Western culture, known as the Theosophical
Society. Astrologers West and bonder have pointed out the
influence of Theosophy on the modern American revival of
astrology: “It is to Ms. Blavatsky and the Theosophical
Movement she founded that astrology owes its revival....
‘Fheosophy, in one blow. . inspired a renewed and serious
inquiry into astrology, first in England, then not long after in
Germany, France and America.” (Actually it was Theosophy and
two other occult societies — Rudolph Steiner’s
Anthroposophy, and modern Rosicrucianism — which are
responsible for America’s renewed passion for astrology in
the twentieth century.)
Next, it can be noted that most occultists use astrology and that
many astrologers practice other occult arts. For example,
astrologer Daniel Logan admits he is involved with mediums and
spirits; astrologer Marcus Allen has a spirit guide and studies
yoga, Zen, Tibetan Buddhism, and Western magical traditions, etc.
And it is not surprising that both astrologers and occultists
admit that astrology is a pillar of occultism. In his A Manual of
Occultism, astrologer “Sepharial” states: “The
astrologic art is held to be the key to all the occult
sciences.”
In her book My Life in Astrology, famous witch Sybil Leek states,
“Astrology is my science, witchcraft is my
religion..." She calls the horoscope “a magical
document.” She also claims astrology is “a vital
tool” for using magic and observes its connection to
numerology, phrenology, palmistry, and witchcraft.
In her An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present, witch Doreen
Valiente observes: “Astrology...is another of the
fundamentals of magic. It is studied by witch and magician
alike.”51 Thus, when “a witch wants to select an herb
to use for a magical purpose, she has to use one whose
astrological rulership [remember the planets rule the signs] is
correct for the work in hand. . . the Moon rules psychic things,
and an herb of the Moon, mudwort...is used to make an infusion or
tea which many believe is an aid to clairvoyance.”
Some astrologers admit that astrology is an occult practice. For
example, the field of “humanistic” and
“transpersonal” astrology combines astrology with
Eastern philosophy, the occult, and Jungian psychology.
Theosophist Dane Rudhyar is the leader in this field. In his book
The Practice of Astrology he states that “the astrologer has
authority as one who deals understandingly and effectively with..
. the occult.” He then says “astrology is threshold [by
this he means occult] knowledge.”
Henry Weingarten is a leading astrologer, director of the
National Astrological Society in New York, and author of the
multivolume series titled The Study of Astrology. In his
studies he has concluded that astrology is related to palmistry,
numerology, and Tarot cards. He also admits “almost all
occultists use astrological timing [that is, the best time as set
by astrology] in their work.” Then he quickly adds,
“Most astrologers are not occultists.” When Weingarten
claims that most astrologers are not occultists, he allows his
philosophical “slip” to show.
Not only do many astrologers and virtually all occultists admit
that astrology is part of the occult, but so do objective
scholars who have studied the subject. Richard Cavendish was the
main editor of the 24 volume encyclopedia entitled Man, Myth and
Magic and also Encyclopedia of the Unexplained: Magic, Occultism
and Parapsychology. He was educated at Oxford University and is
considered a leading authority on the history of magic and
occultism. In his book The Black Arts he observes:
“Astrology is essentially a magical art. . astrological
considerations have always been extremely important in magic. . .
some magical textbooks classify the ‘spirits’. . . in
terms of their planetary affiliations.”
In his definitive study of sixteenth- and seventeenth- century
English occultism, Religion and the Decline of Magic,
Oxford-educated historian Keith Thomas documents the strong
intellectual and practical links between magic, divination,
astrology and witchcraft. He shows that much of occultism
is actually undergirded by an astrological worldview. He also
documents that some medieval astrologers claimed to get their
knowledge of astrology from the spirit world. For example, he
mentions a spirit named “Bifrons” that made men
“wonderfully cunning” in the subject of
astrology.
In Astrology Disproved, science writer and engineer Lawrence
Jerome concludes that of all the occult “sciences,”
astrology appears most scientific but is really “nothing
more than a magical system for controlling others.”58 He
states, “Astrology, then, has played a major role in all the
magical ‘sciences’: alchemy, black magic, the conjuring
of spirits, necromancy, and even in the simpler magical practices
such as the use of talismans.”
Trial lawyer and philosopher Dr. John Warwick Montgomery asserts
that astrology is “found virtually everywhere occultism is
to be found.”
Other scholars believe that among certain people, astrology
provides a logical connection for a conversion to the occult
practice of Satanism. In “Magical Therapy: An
Anthropological Investigation of Contemporary Satanism”
sociologist Edward J. Moody explains there is a certain
psychological need for control and power in many whom (because of
their disposition) he classifies as “pre-Satanists.” He
shows how this need naturally finds its expression first in
astrology. It then logically progresses into Satanism which
claims to provide a “more powerful means of control” of
one’s fate. Everyone should take notice of Moody’s
frightening conclusion that “those who eventually become
Satanists usually have begun with astrology..."
In summary, if astrologers say their craft has no associations to
the occult, they are either uninformed or they are lying.
Question 8: Do some
astrologers claim to use psychic abilities?
The attempt to maintain a scientific image and to avoid the
occult image of their practice requires most modern astrologers
to stress the “objective” nature of interpreting their
chart or horoscope. For example, astrologers enjoy informing the
public that astrological information is so objective that they
can look up chart information in the “standard” manuals
of astrological interpretation (for example, what Pluto in the
seventh house means). This sounds good but hardly makes
astrological interpretation objective.
Astrology is anything but looking at facts to make authoritative
interpretations. There is obviously a great deal of subjective
and “intuitive” assessment by each astrologer in
explaining a horoscope for a person. Many astrologers, who care
little about maintaining a scientific image, admit astrological
practice often utilizes or requires a psychic sensitivity. (The
Oxford American Dictionary [1982] defines psychic as that which
is “concerned with processes that seem to be outside
physical or natural laws, having or involving extrasensory
perception or occult powers.”) This shouldn’t surprise
anyone. After all, astrology is defined even by Webster’s
Dictionary as an occult art. It is also a fact of research in
this area that continued occultic practice and use eventually
tend to develop psychic abilities in a person.
Right at this point, some astrologers play word games. They say
they are merely developing and using the “intuitive”
powers which lie dormant in everyone. Astrologers have adopted
the modern myth promoted by parapsychologists (those who
scientifically study occult phenomena) that everyone has psychic
potential.(* See Part 7, Question 6,10,12,13) As a
result, they may claim they are not engaging in anything
supernatural or “psychic.” Yet, when pressed, the
astrologers we contacted admitted that “intuitive” and
“psychic” were one and the same word for them. These
astrologers prefer the word “intuitive” because for
many people the term “psychic” has too many negative
occult connotations, while the word “intuitive” is far
more neutral, positive, and universal to people’s ears.
Thus, just as the old negative terms of mediumism and spiritism
have often been replaced with the modern New Age term
“channeling,” the old occultic term psychic has for
many people now been replaced by the new word
“intuitive.” For example, psychic researcher Bernard
Gittelson talked to “dozens of astrologers” and
observed, “Though many adepts [experts] feel psychic
to some degree, most spoke of their intuitive senses
without necessarily calling themselves psychic”
(emphasis added).
The question that must be answered is, “Are all astrologers
psychic?” Truthfully, even though all astrologers practice
an occult art, this does not mean every astrologer is necessarily
psychic. It is common knowledge that there are standard
“cookbook” methods for interpretation of astrological
charts that anyone can buy. But some astrologers do openly
classify themselves as “psychic astrologers.” And one
astrologer even went so far as to tell us that all genuine
astrologers were psychic by definition. Yet some astrologers
never seem to develop psychically, and others may require years
to become psychic. However, we believe the vast majority
eventually do. One former astrologer believes that because of
their abilities, all true astrologers are sooner or later subject
to spiritistic inspiration, whether or not they are personally
conscious of being psychic.
For example, when interpreting the chart, astrologers may feel
mild to strong “impressions”; they may notice they are
“led” to certain data, or find themselves saying
something unexpectedly. Information derived in this way turns out
to be highly important to the client and may involve information
about the client that the astrologer could not possibly have
known. Yet, the fact is that many spiritists are guided by their
spirit guides in a similar manner. Thus Robert Leichtman, M.D.,
states of his spirit guides: “What they did was to give me a
whole bunch of ideas. And of course I thought, well, my mind has
suddenly become brilliant. It was already great before, but now
it is absolutely brilliant. I was getting all kinds of ideas from
time to time and of course, the spooks [spirits] said they were
giving them to me [but at first I didn’t believe
it].”
It is hardly surprising that many astrologers would seek to
develop themselves psychically, for astrologic philosophy
encourages this. For example, “the Piscean is [told he is]
highly intuitive, and can develop psychic and mediumistic
abilities.” Astrology teaches that when “Pisces is on
the ascendant and Aquarius rules the twelfth house,” this
can indicate a high degree of psychic potential. Any number of
different combinations of astrological interpretations may
encourage an astrologer or his client in the direction of psychic
development. Famed astrologer Sydney Omarr admits that “with
Uranus in the fifth house” he had to find outlets for his
“need for expression” and these were “magic, the
occult... palmistry, numerology, psychic phenomena.” Some
astrologers associate the planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto with
development of psychic potential. In addition, the public is told
that if the Moon, Mercury, or Venus are in the twelfth house; if
the Moon is in Sagittarius or Aquarius; if Mars and Jupiter are
in Cancer; or if there is a Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in Taurus,
all of these can indicate mystical, psychic, or intuitive
potential. And these are only some of the total possible
combinations that may indicate this.
That astrology often does depend upon psychic ability is
recognized both by occult authorities and astrologers themselves.
In The Occult: A History, Cohn Wilson observes that
astrology, like palmistry”.. . depends upon an almost
mediumistic faculty.” The occult encyclopedia Man,
Myth and Magic refers to astrologers who excel at horoscope
interpretation as having “highly developed intuitive
powers.” Humanist astrologer Michael Shallis believes
astrological knowledge comes through intuition. Astrologer
Julien Armistead says, “I don’t think you can read an
astrological chart if you’re not intuitive.”
Astrologer Charles Jaynes claims he does “not think a
non-intuitive astrology works very well at all, because it can’t”
(emphasis added). But astrologers Jane Gosselin and Julien
Armistead candidly admit they do use psychic abilities to
interpret the chart. Dr. Ralph Metzner, a famous explorer
of consciousness through drugs and the occult, observes in his
Maps of Consciousness how the astrologers’ psychic processes
may work:
Astrological horoscope casting is in one way a framework for intuitive perception. I know of one clairvoyant astrologer who simply looks at the actual horoscope diagram and then begins to “see” the inner life, the thought forms, and emotional patterns of her client, almost as if she were gazing into a crystal ball.
It must be pointed out that some
astrologers clarify the source of their intuition and psychic
ability. For example, astrologer Marcus Allen has written
Astrology for the New Age: An Intuitive Approach. In this book he
thanks “my spirit guide for his insight and clarity and
presence.”
So what we have seen here is that despite the many claims to
being scientific, astrologers often admit their practice involves
psychic abilities, and some even admit to having spirit guides.
Of course, not all astrologers would admit to having a spirit
guide. But isn’t it interesting that those who do not admit
to having spirit guides have the same powers as those who do?
(*See our Astrology, pp. 201-256)
Astrology Versus
Christian Belief
Back to list at top of page
Question 9: What do
astrologers think about God?
If an astrologer claims to be a Christian, attends church and
reads his Bible, and claims that his practice of astrology is
compatible with his Christian belief, would you believe him? Is
there any conflict between Christian belief and astrology? What
would you say to Christian laymen who think there is nothing
wrong with checking their horoscope each day? In reading and
asking practicing astrologers to put their beliefs about God in
brief form, most would say something like this: For them, the
idea of pantheism (all is God; God is all) defines their belief
in God. Others say they are not opposed to belief in God, in
whatever shape or form a person wishes to believe. What is clear
is that almost 100 percent of the astrologers do not arrive at
their views of God from reading the facts of the Bible.
The astrologer who has formed his view of God from data other
than the Bible has a different God than the biblical God. He is
more in agreement with the common view that teaches “the
Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.” Whether you
are an atheist, Hindu, Buddhist, or Moslem or hold to almost any
view of God at all does not bother them. As long as anyone allows
astrology, they do not care what they believe about God. This is
the view of God they accept. However, astrologers are opposed to
believing in a God who defines certain actions and deeds as being
wrong—as sinful—and obviously astrologers are opposed
to someone who believes in a God who condemns the practice of
astrology. And finally, like the majority of people in the world,
they do not accept the views of our Lord Jesus Christ who said,
“No one comes to the Father except through me” (John
14:6). That is, they don’t believe that Jesus is the Savior
of the world who forgives their sins by His death on the cross
and our faith in Him (John 3:16; 5:24; 6:47).
Many astrologers define God in such a way that their belief
easily blends within an occult view of the world. For example,
for the majority, God is seen existing as a divine power and in
some sense all life and all Nature are seen as divine. This
is why witch-astrologer Sybil Leek writes, “God is in
everyone,” including nature, and she sees no conflict in
using astrology as a major means of practicing witchcraft.
Another astrologer states that astrology is an “affirmation
of the Divine order in the universe” which enables one
“to align oneself with the energies of Nature” and
realize that the “planets are our sources of energy.
Another astrologer states that true astrologers are spiritually
oriented “healers” who know that they are “only
the channel through which the Power [inherent in creation flows]
and “but a channel through whom the energies can flow.”
Unfortunately, when astrologers look to
nature and the creation for divine wisdom or empowerment,
“nature” often becomes a “smoke screen” (a
disguised worldview) that allows spirits or demons to provide
occult powers to the astrologers. This power includes revelation,
the “intuition” to give startling true information
about a person from the horoscope. Again, when astrologers give
this kind of information, it is very similar to what happens when
spiritists give information to people through the power of their
spirit guides.
In addition, astrology really rejects God for His creation. Both
the idea of a personal creator God and man’s responsibility
before Him are abandoned. The result is that men are no longer
responsible to God, but only to themselves and to some impersonal
force.
In conclusion, astrology rejects the biblical teaching on God and
adopts occultic views which give to God’s creation the glory
due to God alone. As Dr. Robert Morey states, “It is
idolatry to ascribe to the stars that which belongs only to the
God who created them.”
Question 10: What
does astrology believe about Jesus Christ?
It is clear that astrology is willing to accept every view of who
Jesus Christ is except the view that Jesus Himself taught and
what the Bible teaches. The second thing to be noticed is that
astrologers typically adopt an occultic view of Christ (for
example, that Jesus the man was reincarnated on the earth and
that “Christ” is our “higher self”). Note two
leading astrologers’ views of Jesus Christ. Ronald Davison
is “England’s foremost living astrologer” and has
been editor of The Astrologers Quarterly since 1959. He states,
“The story of the most perfect Being whoever incarnated on
earth tells of the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. . . for the
purpose of paying off any remaining debts [karma] of his
own to the past..." Notice that this prestigious
astrologer believes Jesus was just another spirit who was
reincarnated on the earth. Davison sees Christ’s death on
the cross as necessary for paying the price of His own
“sins” (karma).
Marcus Allen is another example of a professional astrologer who
teaches an occult view of Christ. He believes Christ is now
everyone’s higher occult self. Thus he states, “Christ
had all seven ancient planets... all conjunct in Pisces...so he
was the supreme, the ultimate Pisces...and so he initiated the
Age of Pisces which is now coming to an end with the dawning of
the Age of Aquarius, which is initiated by the second coming of
the Christ Life within all of us...In the Age of Aquarius,
everyone is the Avatar, everyone is tuned into their higher
self..."
What Allen is saying is that Jesus Christ was the supreme
illustration of the Piscean temperament or personality. However,
what Allen believes is that since the Age of Pisces is now
passing and the Age of Aquarius is started, the Second Coming of
Christ is the beginning of a period of higher
“consciousness” for all men. In other words, this
professional astrologer concludes that Christ Himself, through
His “return,” is equal to the emerging occult
consciousness of all humanity. This view is in conflict with what
the Bible teaches. The Scriptures teach that Jesus Christ is
fully man and fully God in one person, the only begotten Son of
God and Savior of the world, who will return someday physically
and visibly to the earth (Matthew 24:1-35; John 1:1; 3:16; 10:30;
Acts 1:11).
Question 11: What
does astrology believe is man’s basic problem and its
solution?
Most astrologers believe the problem of man is that he is out of
harmony with the divine forces and energies of the universe. He
must become united with this harmony. And therefore, for many
astrologers, salvation is not forgiveness from sin (most
astrologers do not believe in sin in a biblical sense) but rather
an enlightenment as to the underlying divine pattern they say
governs the universe. “Salvation” is becoming aware of
the powerful effect of these celestial patterns. Many astrologers
believe that through a “higher consciousness,” which is
supposedly a joining with the divine evolutionary
“impulse,” that this will eventually bring a mystical
Oneness with what they call “God” or ultimate reality.
Astrologer Dane Rudhyar has written of the one who accepts
astrology, “He learns to identify his consciousness and will
with the ‘celestial’ patterns and rhythms.” He
goes on to say that the person “becomes one with the
principles of universal order, which many call
‘God.’"
On the other hand, the Bible teaches that we are rebellious
creatures who willfully ignore God and commit endless sins.
Salvation is a free gift that delivers us from God’s wrath
against our sin and is based on our believing Christ died for us
and receiving this gift by faith (John 3:16; Romans 5:1-10;
Ephesians 1:7; 2:8,9; 1 Peter 2:24).
In addition, most astrologers also believe in reincarnation (one
survey revealed about 75 percent of astrologers believe
this). Reincarnation teaches that over many lifetimes men
will die and come back to life and eventually evolve back into
the state of their original oneness with God. Astrology is seen
as a guide and a tool to enlighten men during each life to avoid
adding more karma, thus quickening the day when they will attain
their true divine nature. However, The Bible teaches we do not
have an endless number of lifetimes to perfect ourselves; we have
only one lifetime in which to decide either to accept God’s
forgiveness or face His righteous judgment after death (Hebrews
9:27; Revelation 20:10-15).
Question 12: What
does the Bible say about astrology?
The Bible teaches that astrology is not only a futile (worthless)
activity, but an activity so bad that its very presence indicates
God’s judgment has already occurred (Acts 7:42,43). As both
a philosophy and practice, astrology rejects the truth concerning
the living God and instead leads people to dead objects, the
stars and planets. As it mocks idols, the Bible mocks astrologers
and their practice (Isaiah 47:13).
However, this has not prevented most astrologers from claiming
the Bible favorably supports astrology. Jeff Mayo, founder of the
Mayo School of Astrology, states, “the Bible is full of
astrological references.” Joseph Goodavage, author of Astrology:
The Space Age Science and Write Your Own Horoscope, claims
that “the Bible is full of” the philosophy of
astrology. Astrologers “justify” such statements
in the same way many cults quote the Bible as evidence for their
own false and unbiblical teachings. They twist the Scriptures
until they teach something contrary to the Bible. Any Scripture
which refutes such false teachings is simply ignored,
misinterpreted, or deleted. It can be proven that every single
biblical text that astrologers quote to prove the Bible supports
astrology has been either misinterpreted or misapplied. (* See
our Astrology, pp. 119-156). Just as oil and water do
not mix, the Bible and astrology are utterly irreconcilable. Even
non-Christians admit there is a “permanent ideological wedge
between the two beliefs.”
Christianity has historically been opposed to astrology for three
biblical reasons. First, the Bible explicitly rejects astrology
by name as a futile (worthless) practice. Proof of this is Isaiah
47:13,14 where God states, “All the counsel you have
received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come
forward, those star gazers 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..." Here we can see that first, God is
condemning the counsel of the Babylonian astrologers. Second, God
says their predictions based on the stars will not save them from
what is coming: divine judgment. Third, God says the counsel of
the astrologers is not only worthless to others but it cannot
even save the astrologers themselves. (See also Deuteronomy 4:19;
17:1-5; 18:9-11; 2 Kings 17:16; 23:5; Jeremiah 8:2; 19:13;
Ezekiel 8:16;Amos 5:26,27.)
The second biblical reason Christianity has historically opposed
astrology is because God forbids occult practices. Astrology is
basically divination. Divination is defined by Webster’s New
Collegiate Dictionary (1961) as “the act or practice of
foreseeing or foretelling future events or discovering hidden
knowledge.” In Webster’s New World Dictionary (1962) it
is defined as “the art or practice of trying to foretell the
future or the unknown by occult means.” Because it is an
occult art, God condemns divination as evil and as an abomination
to Him and says it leads to contact with evil spirits called
demons (Deuteronomy 18:9-13; Acts 16:16-19; 1 Corinthians
10:20).
Finally, the Bible rejects astrology because it leads people to
the horrible transference of their allegiance from the infinite
God of the universe to the things which He has made. It is a bit
like ascribing all the credit, honor, and glory to the
masterpieces of art themselves, completely forgetting the great
artist who made them. No astrologer, dead or living, would have
ascribed the works of Rembrandt or Picasso to the paintings
themselves, yet they routinely do this with God. And yet God is
infinitely more worthy of honor than men, a God who “made
heaven and earth” and in whose hands is their very
life’s breath (Genesis 1:1; Daniel 5:22,23).
Question 13: Does
the book of Daniel support the practice of astrology?
Astrologers often say the book of Daniel is proof of God’s
acceptance of astrology. First, they say this is true because God
made Daniel the head of the astrologers and magicians in Babylon
(Daniel 2:48). Second, if he was the head of all the Babylonian
“wise” men, he must certainly have been proficient in
astrology, for Babylon was widely known for its astrological
practices. But this is not true. Why? The first reason this is
not true is that the biblical account of Daniel explicitly
attributes all of Daniel’s success to God alone, not to his
alleged practice of astrology or to the stars (Daniel 1:17;
2:27,28; 4:17,18). Second, Daniel was a godly man who, according
to his own testimony, abhorred the idolatrous and evil practices
of Babylon (Daniel 1:8; 4:27). Third, it is unthinkable that God
would permit Daniel to engage in the very practices for which the
nation itself was now in judgment (astrology, idolatry, etc.).
Fourth, proof that Daniel did not embrace astrology is seen in
the fact that he pointed out the constant failures of the
Babylonian astrologers compared with the true knowledge given by
God. Far from endorsing astrology. Daniel rejected it and pointed
to the one true God. Thus the entire book of Daniel reveals the
uselessness of astrology. The astrologers had a failure rate of
100 percent when compared with the one true God (Daniel 2:27,28;
4:7; 5:7-9,12,13,17).
God was the One who was sovereign, but the Babylonian kings had
turned to the stars for advice and ignored the true God. For
example, in Daniel 5 He pronounces judgment upon the Babylonian
ruler Belshazzar by stating, “But you his son, 0 Belshazzer,
have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you
have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven...You praised the
gods...which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not
honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your
ways” (Daniel 5:22,23). When divine glory and power are
given to the “gods” of the heavens and not to the God
who made the heavens, God says they have “exchanged the
truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things
rather than the Creator — who is forever praised”
(Romans 1:25). In fact this is the very reason why God’s
judgment comes. It comes because men ignore Him and suppress the
truth in unrighteousness; thus “the wrath of God is being
revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness
of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may
be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it
plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s
invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature
— have been clearly seen, being understood from what has
been made, so that men are without excuse. For even though they
knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to
him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts
were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became
fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God” for false
idols (Romans 1:18-22).
In other words, astrology is condemned in the Bible because its
very practice indicates a form of idolatry already under divine
judgment: “But God turned away [from them] and gave them
over to the worship of the heavenly bodies” (Acts. 7:42,43).
In conclusion, astrology is rejected in the Bible because it 1)
is futile and worthless, 2) constitutes involvement with occult
powers, and 3) is a form of idolatry (exchanging the heavens for
God). Thus it 1) has no power to save men from their sins, 2)
opens men to demonic deception, and 3) robs God of the glory that
is due Him.
Question 14: Is
there such a thing as Christian astrology?
We have just seen that the Bible completely rejects astrology.
Any comprehensive study of Christian history presents a strong
testimony against astrology, despite astrologers’ claims to
the contrary. The only brief period in which some in the
church ever “embraced” astrology was a period in which
the Bible itself was largely rejected and the church was full of
evil practices, immorality, and paganism.
In spite of all this, there are three categories of those who are
astrologers and yet who claim the Christian faith: 1) those who
claim to be Christians simply because they live in a
“Christian” country or were raised in a nominal
Christian environment, yet they have no association with any
church or doctrinal faith whatsoever; 2) those who actively
practice a pseudo form of Christianity and attend a church that
is not biblical; and 3) those who say they accept biblical
authority yet still practice astrology. However, one cannot
logically hold to both Christianity and astrology. We shall now
briefly examine these three categories.
Category 1 — Many astrologers claim to be Christian, yet in reality they are hostile to Christianity! Dr. Robert Morey has observed, “Even though the majority of astrologers claim to be Christian, they are generally hostile to the teachings of historic and biblical Christianity.” These people who claim to be Christian would probably admit themselves they have a preference for occultism (however they define it) and that they are not biblically Christian.
Category 2 — Then there are those with moderate-to-strong church affiliation who say they are Christians but nevertheless reject the Bible as the final authority in matters of astrology. Their faith is usually in God in a general sense. They do not admit to knowing God personally and show little interest in being born again (John 3:3-8). Since these people practice astrology and reject God’s instruction on this topic, the following verses may apply to them. “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him” (Titus 1:16). Or, “If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth” (1 John 1:6). Or, “The man who says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he [God] commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did” (1 John 2:4-6).It is sad to say that many Americans believe that psychic Jeane Dixon is a good Christian. Yet in her book Yesterday, Today and Forever she states she was guided by the “Holy Spirit” in integrating Christianity and astrology. She claims:
Some of my friends consider this a strange practice for a Roman Catholic. As I understand it, however, the Catholic church and many other religious bodies as well has never condemned the study of astrology...I have never experienced any conflict between my faith and the guidance I receive from my church on the one hand and the knowledge I find in the stars on the other...actually, much of what I know about astrology I learned from a Jesuit priest, who was one of the best-informed scholars I have ever met.
She relates that it was through a series of visions that she was led to adopt astrology. She says that from these visions, she discovered:
the answer which could pull together the facts of Scripture and the data of astrology. . now I understand why, in my vision, each apostle was associated with a different Zodiac sign; for each was being revealed to me as to the archetype of that sign. Each [apostle] embodied all the mental and emotional characteristics of his own segment of the Zodiac.. . that simple yet profound truth was the message I received both through my meditations and in subsequent visions during the following weeks.
She concludes:
Astrology fits into God’s plan for mankind by helping us understand both our talents and our shortcomings. Being better informed about ourselves, appreciating our strengths and aware of our weaknesses, we will be much better equipped to turn everything we are [over] to the service of the Lord.
(To understand why Jeane Dixon is wrong concerning her views on astrology, see the comments below in Category 3.) In continuing to discuss those who categorize themselves as Christian astrologers we must reluctantly admit that in spite of all the Bible says against astrology there have been a few true Christians who have embraced astrological views.
Category 3 — Dr. John Warwick Montgomery refers to Lutheran scientists Tycho Brahe and Johann Kepler as Christian men who “were convinced that astrology was not incompatible with divine revelation.” A man wrote to us claiming to be a “Christian professional astrologer” and wanted us to know that he finds “no clear and specific injunction against astrology in the Bible.” In presenting his defense to us he said, “True, astrologers are called to task for.. misuse of their skills — as are prophets, priests and kings — but are not called to deny or shun the practice of those skills.” He went on to say:Indeed, worship of “the starry host” as it is translated in the NIV is forbidden to the believer; as is worship of money or “the king”; but a respectful observance and stewardship of economic and political forces is not only permitted, but required.
Scripturally, only if astrology is assumed to be divination can we find it placed off limits for God’s people; and most astrological counseling is not divinatory in nature. Moreover, while the Scriptural warnings about divination read as though they were absolute, we find in comparing Scripture with Scripture that the Covenant People were divinely provided with an oracle, the Urim and Thummin, which was to be used only at the hands of the member of the Covenant Community.
The practical inference is that it is wrong for believers to enlist the skills of unbelievers when they wish to discern the will of God—with which I heartily agree; for to do so places one in spiritual jeopardy. [Emphasis added; in other words he believes Christians are permitted to consult Christian astrologers — such as this individual!]
It is my conclusion, therefore, that astrology — like any other human art or science, such as nuclear physics or psychotherapy, can be useful when carried on in submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ; but is spiritually and psychologically dangerous when practiced in the spirit of the world, the flesh, or the devil.
This is essentially the same argument “Christian parapsychologists” use. (Christian parapsychologists scientifically study the occult and, among other things, apply it to the church, cf. Chapter 35.) Like Christian astrologers they claim that the Old Testament condemnation of mediumistic and spiritistic practices (Deuteronomy 18:9-12) was only intended for those who misused these practices, but was not meant to condemn those who use such practices “ethically,” “wisely,” with good motives, and for God’s glory. However, Christian astrologers and parapsychologists ignore the fact that God specifically called these practices in and of themselves evil. God Himself failed to make any fine distinctions on such practices. Proof that there is no such fine line made by God as to Christian astrology or Christian spiritism is seen in the fact that God makes such fine distinctions when they are important. If Christian astrology or Christian spiritism were important to spiritual growth, we should expect that God would have made such a distinction. After all, God has done so in many other cases. For example, sex is glorified within marriage but condemned outside of marriage or among persons of the same sex. God also says that certain foods and drink are permissible in one situation, but not in another (Romans 1:26,27; 14:20; 1 Corinthians 6:18). The basic argument of the Christian astrologer is that astrology can be beneficial as long as one is not worshiping the stars (which would be idolatry) or engaging in divination (“the act or practice of trying to foretell the future by occult means”), but this is a false conclusion. It is a conclusion based largely upon pragmatism (if it works, it’s okay). They say astrology “works” and is “helpful or useful,” therefore, it should not be condemned. But if this reasoning is true, then why not try and strip all other forms of the occult of their divination and idolatry and, as Christians, simply glean their “wisdom” and practical uses?
But the arguments of Christian astrologers never address these eight important issues: 1) Can astrology really be separated from its occult connections?; 2) Are the basic premises and principles of astrology scientifically accurate?; 3) Can it be said that astrology is in any sense concerned with moral principles?; 4) Does Scripture really justify the practice of astrology for any purpose?; 5) What are the unforeseen risks or consequences of practicing astrology (see Question 23)?; 6) Why would God forbid astrology if it were really so helpful? After all, would God totally condemn any practice if it were even slightly good?; 7) Astrological “counseling” typically involves divination. For example, former astrologers like Karen Winterburn have told us that there is simply no way to do astrology, even astrological counseling, without engaging in divination. Also the “Urim and Thummim” were not to be used by the laity, nor are they in use today. The use of astrology in the church cannot be defended on the basis of the ancient and very selected use of these instruments; and 8) Worship is more than simply bowing down to something. It involves that which we serve and grant our devotion to, that which we praise and hold in awe, that which we acknowledge as directing our lives, and that which we reverence. Christian astrologers may not literally bow down to the stars, but neither do other astrologers. But both the heavenly objects and astrology itself fit the characteristics of worship in the lives of astrologers, Christian or not (* See our Astrology, pp. 141-156, 285-300 for a further critique of Christian Astrology).
Critical Evaluation of
Astrology
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*For a more
indepth treatment, see our Astrology, pp. 47-118, 175-256.
[WBSG Note:
This book is out of print currently]
Question
15: Is the scientific evidence for astrology valid?
In the last question we answered the assertions of those who
claim there is such a thing as Christian astrology. We will now
examine the evidence from science that astrologers claim
validates their practice. We attempted to secure the best
scientific evidence available on behalf of the claims of
astrology. For example, we contacted the largest and most
scientifically oriented astrological society, The American
Federation of Astrologers in Tempe, Arizona. This organization
offers almost 1000 books for sale, over 600 tapes, and claims to
be “the nerve center of astrology in America today...
.“ The AFA also claims that for 50 years it has been the
leader in “astrological education and research.”
But the literature they recommended as giving the best evidence
for astrology was both disappointing and questionable.’04
The most important research they cited was the Gauquelin research
which we will discuss. It must first be said that much of
astrology is simply not scientifically testable because of the
very nature of astrology. For example, it claims to be a practice
based upon mystical influences and private, subjective
interpretations of individual astrologers reading the horoscope.
That is why (at these points) astrology can never be
scientifically proven or disproven. Its phenomena lie outside the
boundaries of science (“intuition,” mystical planetary
influences, symbolic correspondences, etc.). Nevertheless, both
astrologers and scientific investigators of astrology agree there
are definite astrological principles which merit scientific
testing.105 But if these prove false, and if the practical
results of astrology are better explained by non-astrological
data, then our only conclusion is that there is simply no
evidence for the truth of astrology.
The overall evidence astrologers set forth to prove their case
may be divided into three basic categories: 1) the general
arguments, 2) statistical studies, and 3) practical results (the
third issue is the most important and the one most often cited.
For our critical analysis see Question 22).
First, the common arguments as put forth by most astrologers are
examined by Kelly, et al., and summarized by research scientist
Geoffrey Dean. Dean noted that Kelly, et al., said that none of
these arguments cite valid reasons for belief in astrology.
(Remarks in parentheses are theirs.)
1) Astrology has great antiquity and durability (So has murder)
2) Astrology is found in many cultures (So is a flat earth)
3) Many great scholars have believed in it (Many others have not)
4) Astrology is based on observation (Its complexity defies observation)
5) Extraterrestrial influences exist (None are relevant to astrology)
6) Astrology has been proved by research (Not true)
7) Nonastrologers are not qualified to judge (So who judges murder?)
8) Astrology is not science but art/philosophy (Not a reason for belief)
9) Astrology works (The evidence suggests otherwise)
The second area of evidence
astrologers set forth to prove the validity of astrology comes
from certain statistical studies. We are unable to cite all major
studies here, but we can briefly cite the negative results of
four major studies. We may also state that every other study we
are aware of encounters the same or similar problems as
these.
Please note that the following studies have all been claimed as
evidence or proof of astrology. Yet nothing could be further from
the truth.
1) The Mayo-White-Eysenck Study attempted to determine if astrology could predict in advance whether the personality of adults would be introverted or extroverted. It was done with 2324 adults who had their extroversion/introversion scores tabulated on the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI). These scores were then correlated with astrological predictions. Their conclusion: Marginal (astrologers read “favorable”) results were obtained that could not be accounted for by chance alone. In five additional studies, three did not support these findings, two did. Finally, it was discovered later that the positive results could be adequately explained in a number of different ways, without recourse to astrological theories. Eysenc.k himself in later research (confirmed by other researchers) came to believe that “the entire astrological effect [of the original study] was due to the subject’s expectation and familiarity with the characteristics associated with their Zodiac sign.” In brief, this study cannot be used as evidence for validating astrology.
2) The research involving the Gauquelin “Mars” Effect became a scientific study to test if the birth dates of 2088 sports champions were statistically significant according to “astrological” predictions. What researchers concluded was that a statistically significant number of sports champions were born when Mars was situated between the eastern horizon and the celestial meridian. This means that a correlation of 21.65 percent (of those sports champions born at the above time) existed against an expected chance correlation of 17.17 percent (the number of sports champions normally expected to be born).
The “Mars” Effect has never been absolutely confirmed in 20 years of subsequent studies. The most that can be concluded to date is “the success of replication [could these same statistics be confirmed?] is a matter of some debate.”
Significantly, even though Gauquelin’s research is often noted by astrologers as confirmation of astrology, Gauquelin himself has done perhaps more definitive research than anyone else to disprove it. His work involved seeking out possible cosmological — not astrological — influences. (Gauquelin’s so-called “neo-astrology” is not related to astrology proper and is still subject to debate.) Yet he has examined the claims of astrology and tested them in great detail. In one study he used 15,560 subjects to test the alleged influence of the Zodiac in relationship to professional success. Gauquelin concluded “the results were entirely negative.” When astrologers objected that “professional success” was “far too crude a criterion to reveal the astral subtlety of Zodiacal influences,” Gauquelin established further elaborate testing to satisfy their complaints and substantiate his conclusions. (Note: Astrologers do claim the heavens influence the likelihood of professional success.) Nevertheless the astrologers said that Gauquelin should have tested not professional success but personality, and they claimed if he did so then he would have found a real influence. It is important to notice here that when data seemed to confirm astrology, the astrologers accepted the criteria of professional success for the sports champions, but when the same criteria disproved astrology, they rejected it. In spite of this, Gauquelin obliged the astrologers and tested personality traits with Zodiacal predictions. In his test, 52,188 personality traits were systematically collected from 2000 subjects. What did he find? — only that astrological predictions received “a fatal blow.”
Read almost any book by a scientifically minded contemporary astrologer and most likely you will find him citing Gauquelin’s works as evidence for astrology. Yet just the opposite is true; Gauquelin himself never claimed to pmve astrology. For example, Gauquelin has authored The Scientific Basis of Astrology: Myth or Reality (1973) and Dreams and Illusions of Astrology (1979). Listen to what Gauquelin himself forcefully stated about the scientific validity of astrology: “Every attempt, whether of astrologers or scientists to produce evidence of the validity of astrological laws has been in vain. It is now quite certain that the signs in the sky which presided over our births have no power whatever to decide our fates, to affect our hereditary characteristics, or play any part however humble in the totality of affects, random and otherwise, which form the fabric of our lives and mold our impulses to action. Confronted with science, modern and traditional astrology are seen to be imaginary doctrines” (emphasis added).
3) The massive Guardian-Smithers Study tested 2.3 million people comparing occupations and Sun-signs. Although a mild correlation was noted, Smithers himself remained unconvinced. He concluded that most of the data “can be explained in other ways” (for example, seasonal factors, social habits, belief in astrology, etc.). Later, a further reevaluation of Smithers’ research claimed design flaws. It was also noted that effects could be explained by additional nonastrological factors.
4) The National Enquirer test examined 240 people and correlated their astrological sign and personality. They claimed to show that 91 percent of the people tested had their personality determined by their Zodiac sign. However, subsequent testing failed to substantiate the Enquirer’s claims.”
In conclusion, the scientific
evidence cited in favor of astrology turns out to be no evidence
at all. Just the opposite is true — in fact, science
disproves astrology.
Question 16: What is
the scientific evidence against astrology?
The scientific evidence against astrology is extremely
conclusive. Yet the response of astrologers to this fact is
simply to ignore it. Astrology has always lived in its own
private world, impervious to all assaults. As one critic
remarked, “The situation is not helped by the typical
astrologer’s attitude toward factual evidence so well
described by Levy (1982), [a man] who runs Australia’s
largest computerized chart calculation service: "I often get
the feeling, after talking to astrologers, that they live in a
mental fantasy world, a kind of astrological universe where no
explanations outside of astrological ones are permitted, and that
if the events of the real world do not accord with astrological
notions or predictions, then yet another astrological technique
will have to be invented to explain it."
Among astrologers there is a stubborn refusal to face the facts,
and they often exhibit a fundamentally irrational approach. For
example, note the comments of the chairman of the United Kingdom
Astrological Association, who is critical of the
astrologer’s inclination for excuses. He is describing what
an astrologer can do to “harmonize” astrological
predictions with a person who does not match them. In this case
below, he is describing a person who is very meek, but whom
astrology predicts should be aggressive:
If I found a very meek and un-aggressive person with five planets in Aries, this does not cause me to doubt that Aries means aggression. I may be able to point to his Pisces Ascendant, or to his Sun conjunct Saturn, or to his ruler in the twelfth house; and, if none of these alibis are available, I can simply say that he has not yet fulfilled his Aries potential. Or, I can argue (as I have heard argued) that, if a person has an excess of planets in a particular sign, he will tend to suppress the characteristics of that sign, because he is scared that, if he reveals them, he will carry them to excess. But if on the next day I meet a very aggressive person who also has five planets in Aries, I will change my tune: I will say that he had to be like that because of his planets in Aries.
Astrology is a modern myth that millions believe. Just as millions once believed the stars were gods, today millions believe the stars influence their character and destiny. Yet to date, dozens of tests have failed to prove astrology. The comprehensive nature of this scientific testing conclusively invalidates astrology. In the following questions, we will examine some of the tests for specific tenets of astrology.
Question
17: What have the tests for Sun-sign validity proved? (For
example, are you a Pisces, Aries, or Leo?)
According to astrology a person’s Sun-sign is said to have
the greatest importance in determining his overall
character. One researcher’s analysis of the content of
astrological literature revealed 2375 specific adjectives for the
12 Zodiacal Sun-signs. Each sign was described by about 200
adjectives (for example, “Leo” is strong, domineering,
tough — a born leader; a “Taurus” is indecisive,
timid, insecure — not a leader). In this test, 1000 people
were examined for 33 variables, including physical
attractiveness, leadership ability, personality traits, social
and religious belief, etc. The conclusion was that this test
failed to prove any astrological prediction: “All of our
results can be attributed to random chance.”
There was another test to find out if the planets influenced
compatibility in marriage. That is, was there any significant
indication of numbers of couples who, because their signs showed
they were “compatible,” stayed married? Did those born
under an “incompatible” sign get divorced? This study
involved 2978 couples who got married and 478 couples who got
divorced in 1967 and 1968. This test proved that astrological
signs did not significantly alter the outcome of either group.
Those born under the “compatible” signs married and
divorced as often as those born under the
“incompatible” signs.
Astrologers claim that scientists and politicians are favored by
one Sun- sign or another. That is, there is supposed to be a
connection between a person’s Sun-sign and his chances of
success in a given profession. John McGervy, in doing research on
this topic, compared birth dates of 16,634 scientists and 6475
politicians and found no correlation to substantiate the
astrologers’ claims. There can be no doubt the distribution
of signs among these two professions was as random as for the
general public.
In conclusion, the scientific evidence today shows there is no
validity to the astrologers’ assertion that your Sun-sign
influences your life. (*cf. Anthony Standen, Forget Your Sun
Sign, Baton Rouge, LA, Legacy, 1977).
Question 18: What
have the tests for horoscope validity proved?
At least seven independent studies have indicated that even with
the best astrologers there is little agreement as to the meaning
of a chart.
In addition, seven other studies revealed that people who have
horoscopes interpreted for them cannot tell the difference
between a right chart and a wrong chart. That is, they are just
as likely to identify someone else’s horoscope rather than
their own as being the one that they think “best”
describes them. In other words, the tests showed that people were
just as happy with wrong charts (someone else’s chart) as
they were with right charts. Thus, researchers found that the
interpretations “fit” people even when the
interpretation was from the wrong chart. (These results could not
be explained away by astrologers blaming poor chart
interpretation or by astrologers claiming the people lacked
knowledge of themselves.)
In fact, many tests reveal that people cannot even tell authentic
charts from charts that have been deliberately reversed. People
rated reversed charts just as highly as authentic charts. It is
obvious that reversed charts are diametrically the opposite of
authentic charts. Therefore, the conclusion people drew from
these two horoscopes could not have been more wrong.
In conclusion, these tests show that people tend to accept any
chart as valid for a variety of reasons (about 20) wholly
unrelated to astrological theory (such as gullibility,
expectation, emotional need, etc.).
And what’s worse, researchers found that astrologers who
used charts were no better in their judgments than those
astrologers who did not use charts—who were just guessing.
In fact, the research showed that astrologers who used charts
made slightly worse judgments.
Question 19: What
have the tests for the influence of the Moon proved?
Over three dozen scientific studies have failed to indicate any
“causal relationship between lunar phenomena and human
behavior."
Question
20: What have tests for astrological predictions proved?
These tests have revealed that astrological predictions have an
extremely high failure rate. For example, one large study
examined over three thousand predictions by leading astrologers
and leading astrology publications from 1974 to 1979. This study
revealed a 90 percent failure rate in astrological
predictions.
The editor of Free Inquiry, Dr. Paul Kurtz, has written that
“there have been exhaustive tests of astrological claims to
see if they have any validity” and yet, despite the fact
that astrologers claim to have a 4000-year record of success and
that this record speaks for itself, “dozens of scientific
tests of astrological columns, charts and horoscopes clearly
contradict this claim.”
We may state fairly and accurately that it has scientifically
been proven that the heavens do not influence us in the manner
astrologers claim. To our knowledge, astrology has failed every
test ever given.
Yet all of the scientific disproof of astrology still cannot
explain how astrologers can sometimes provide true
self-disclosures to their clients (information they have no way
of knowing), or how in rare cases they are accurate in their
predictions. As we shall see in Question 22, it “works”
for reasons fully unrelated to astrology itself. Some of these
reasons are natural ones and some of them are supernatural, but
in no case are they astrological.
Question
21: What do astrologers believe about astrology?
It appears that as a whole, many or most astrologers do not think
very highly of their craft or even of other astrologers. First,
even some astrologers, admit that most other astrologers are
frauds. John Townley, a respected U.S. astrologer with 20 years
experience, admitted the following, “I would say that most
of the accusers of astrology are probably correct. They think
that astrologers are 100 percent charlatans, but I would bring it
down to 90 percent. [They are] not necessarily...intentional
charlatans...[But] maybe 50 percent of the people are
deliberately selling hokum straight ahead.”
Second, many astrologers admit to the reality of contradictory
and false theories within astrology. For example, Kathleen Russo
and Carolyn Burmingham, president and vice president of the
Federation of Scientific Astrologers, admit that “Much of
what has been proposed by astrologers in the past and today is
without foundation.
Third, astrologers themselves admit many interpretations of
horoscopes are unfounded and uncertain. For example, astrologer
John Addey admits, “So far as the practical rules of
horoscopy are concerned there are a host of uncertainties —
[concerning] the Zodiac, the houses, aspects — all [of them
now] present intractable problems... In addition,
astrologer Dr. W. M. Davidson wrote that astrology was largely a
failure and that “many [of its] interpretations are just a
mass of generalities, haphazard guesses..." (*For a detailed
analysis of chart interpretation see our Astrology,
Chapters 4, 12-13, 15) [WBSG Note: This book is out of print currently].
Fourth, concerning scientific testing, Charles Carter, editor of
Astrology Magazine and recognized as “one of the
world’s outstanding and most knowledgeable
astrologers,” states, “Statistical research, such as
early astrologers could not carry out for lack of sufficient
data, has [now] cast considerable doubt on the validity of
portions of the rather incoherent mass of tradition that till
recent years represented astrological science.” S.
Best, the editor of Correlation, the scholarly journal of
research into astrology, has concluded: “We really have no
alternative. Either we put our house in order or someone from the
establishment will sooner or later take great delight in doing it
for us, or, alternatively, taking it apart brick by
brick.”
In conclusion, to date we have found the scientific evidence
against astrology is conclusive, and that astrology itself,
according to astrologers, is in a state of disarray and
confusion. These findings prepare us to examine what astrologers
claim is the key “proof” of astrology — that
“it works.” But we must ask, if it is not true, how can
it work?
Question
22: If astrology is false, how can it work?
Astrology works for reasons unrelated to astrology. Consider the
dilemma of modern astrology. Every test given proves it is false.
Astrology schools and theories contradict one another.
Astrologers themselves are depressed over the state of astrology.
The astrologer has no recourse but to claim that it must be true,
since it works. Yet if we can show that it does not work for any
reason related to astrology, then no astrologers can logically
claim that it works because it is true. And if it is not true,
then a massive campaign of consumer fraud is being foisted upon
the public. If a man purchases a car that he is promised works on
gasoline and yet it only works on nuclear power, he is up the
proverbial creek.
Knowing how something works can be more important than knowing
that it works. If astrology claims it works because of celestial
birth patterns, and yet it only works because of reasons related
to human psychology or, as we shall see, spiritistic deception,
then the consumer has been deceived. He was promised objective
knowledge of stellar influences to help him better live his life.
In fact, what he got was a con that in the end opened him to the
occult and other dangers. Astrology does not need to be true in
order to work, but the reasons why it works make it potentially
dangerous. If astrology is offering occultism to people in the
disguise of celestial influences, it is both morally and
spiritually dangerous. When astrologers offer
“knowledge” of the future to people based on their
unproven theories or under the guidance of spirits, people should
be warned of the consequences.
Astrologers see the arguments against astrology as no arguments
at all because astrology seems to work and who cares if we
can’t explain why it works.
If people knew astrology was false, and that it only worked by
self-deception or demonic spirits, and that it was also
dangerous, can we believe they would continue to consult
astrologers?
It has been shown that psychological factors can account for a
great deal of astrology’s success (* For an analysis see our
Astrology, Chapters 12-13). What about the
supernatural spirits called demons? Are they related to the
startling self-disclosures that are sometimes found in astrology?
Psychic researcher Bernard Gittelson states:
One friend of mine was amazed that on the first visit, her astrologer was able to pinpoint major life events, that the astrologer could never have known about, to specific two-week periods that occurred twenty years before they met. In other words, don’t be surprised by what your astrologer knows about you.
Consider the following assessment of a former professional astrologer:
As we look honestly at astrology, we begin to see that adherents of this system—without knowing it—are banging on the door though which communication is established with knowledgeable yet deceptive spirit beings. Eventually that door opens. And that opening produces an appalling development in the adherent’s life. He or she matures in the craft in a most unthought-of manner: as a spirit medium. Without contact with spirit beings, there would be no astrological self- disclosures. Or if they did come, [without spirit contact] it [supernatural information] would be almost entirely from guess work; [and] they [supernatural self-disclosures] would be very rare.
But if it is not possible to
distinguish between astrological self-disclosures and those given
through the spirit world in general, then, in light of all that
we have seen, it is more logical to conclude that these amazing
disclosures derive from spiritistic sources — not from the
stars. In addition, when astrology is seen to be an occult
practice, often using or developing psychic abilities, and when
we find the same tragedies and deceptions as found in spiritism,
then how can we believe the astrologers when they say that it is
merely the stars which are influencing us?
Question 23: Are
there dangers for those who believe in or practice
astrology?
Some things work extremely well but are nevertheless quite
dangerous: for example, guns, dynamite, and car bombs.
The dangers of astrology (and of all forms of divination) can be
divided into six basic categories: 1) physical damage, 2)
inducements to crime, 3) economic loss, 4) psychological damage,
5) spiritual damage, and 6) moral damage (* Also see our Astrology,
Chapter 16).
1) Physical damage — For example, even some astrologers admit that because it is often quackery, “medical astrology is an area often fraught with many pitfalls.” Thus when an astrologer advises a client against his child’s appendectomy and the child dies as a result, this is more than tragic.
2) Inducements to crime — Dr. Kurt Koch observes that “astrology has been responsible for a number of suicides and He gives examples in his books concerning the evil effects of the suggestive nature of astrology. Thus astrological predictions or advice may cause people to do things they would otherwise never have done, and in some cases this has led to tragedy. For example, a woman murdered her son because an astrologer predicted he would have a life full of mental illness. The shattered mother went to jail; the astrologer went free. The possibilities here are endless: A chart reveals a deformed baby, so an abortion results; a company may fail so the treasurer embezzles funds; etc. We can only ask, How many crimes have been committed because of astrology?
3) Economic loss — With people asking astrologers for advice and counsel concerning financial investments and a variety of other economic decisions — such as gambling, weather prediction and crop yields, stock market fluctuations, etc.— there is plenty of room for financial loss or tragedy.
4) Spiritual damage — Since astrology is an occult practice (divination) condemned in the Bible, the worst damage an astrologer does is in helping to turn people away from God and Christ — to trust in a false religious philosophy. It not only prevents personal salvation, but opens the door to greater occult activity which may result in demonic involvement. How does astrology lead people into the occult? A review of 14 “standard” astrological sources revealed three Sun-signs in particular that have occultic qualities — Pisces, Scorpio and Aries. Those born with these signs are supposed to be mystical, intuitive, psychic, spiritual, magical, clairvoyant, occultic, etc. These persons are informed that they are supposed to be psychic or have psychic tendencies. Will not many of these people who are told of their “spiritual” nature try to fulfill their astrological or karmic “destiny” and thereby enter the occult?
5) Psychological damage — When clients make major decisions on the basis of astrological predictions or calculations — decisions relating to health, family and children, business, employment, or future — then the door is open for potential tragedy. Such decisions are made upon an irrational and/or emotional basis only and not necessarily upon the basis of sound judgment or actual facts concerning the matter. Anyone claiming knowledge of the future is exercising an influence which can radically redirect a person’s thinking. It may even lead some people into a decision-making process based on anxiety and the irrational. (When the element of demonic deception also enters the picture, one is more certain that harm will sooner or later result.)
“Astrological counseling” of sensitive people is fraught with potential dangers. What of those who are told they are born under Gemini, whose “influence” might result in split personalities? Will some Gemini who live under the burden of this knowledge be moved closer to the brink? What of those who try to live up to their “astrological nature” when it is really not their nature? What difficulties or problems might this present? Even professional astrologers admit the dangers here. Astrologer-psychiatrist Bernard Rosenblum, an advocate of counseling by astrology, nevertheless warns, “The bad reputation astrology must contend with is partly due to those astrologers who make definite predictions about people’s death, divorce, or illness, and other statements that suggest the client must suffer the rest of his life with a difficult psychological problem in order to correct a karmic imbalance. Such astrologers are exhibiting arrogance and insensitivity in the extreme.”
Prominent astrologer Dane Rudhyar observes, “I have received many letters from people telling me how fearful or psychologically confused they have become after consulting even a well-known astrologer and being given a biased character analysis and/or predictions of illness, catastrophe, or even death. Former astrologer Charles Strohmer admits, “Major sorrows came my way due to my involvement with astrology.” Since most visits to astrologers concern issues that are of major importance to the client (for example, major decisions on money, health or illness, relationships, children, length of life or a spouse’s life, etc.) the opportunities for deception are endless.
6) Moral damage — Astrology has no moral character. First, almost all astrologers reject any absolute standard of morality and prefer a “situation ethics” approach where moral decisions are determined subjectively — largely by the whim and preference of the astrologer. Astrologer Alan Oken states, “No Path is the True Path, for in the Absolute there is no Truthfulness or Falsehood, no right and no wrong, no yes and no no.”Second, many astrologers deliberately reject moral values. For example, astrologer John Manolesco observes, “Religious and moral values are declining, the fiction of free will, moral obligation, [and of] immutable, eternal values has been exposed for what it is — myth.”
Third, astrologers choose not to morally educate the public. Jeff Mayo, founder of the Mayo School of Astrology, emphasizes, “It must be understood that astrology: Does not moralize; the birth chart indicates weakness or strength in this respect: choice of action is the individual’s.”
Finally, the astrologer is responsible to no one but his own beliefs, and the impersonal stars which have little or no concern over his behavior. For example, the kinds of tragedies seen above are easily justified on the part of the astrologer by an appeal to his client’s “karmic destiny.” Whatever his client’s sins or tragedies in this life, they are only the results of conditions in a past life which have “predestined” them. For example, a number of astrologers serve the homosexual community. They may casually advise a client as to the time of his next affair, or explain to homosexuals that their sexual preference was “determined” by the stars. Even one astrologer admits that “people used it [astrology] so often as an excuse, a justification for their weaknesses and shortcomings...."
Conclusion: two
Real-Life Stories
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The fact is that astrological
predictions can have tragic results in people’s lives. For
many, the astrologer is a “god” and his or her words
have “divine” authority. Thus an astrological
interpretation can, for many, be the equivalent of a personal
revelation from God himself. Consider the following true stories
that further compound the problem of astrological counseling. A
young man consults an astrologer who informs him that the stars
reveal he will marry young but that his first wife will not be
the one “destined” for him. Only his second wife will
bring him “true happiness.” The man deliberately
marries young in order to get his first wife, that is to fulfill
the prophecy, so that he will not miss finding his second wife
who alone will make him happy. His first wife is a very good and
devoted wife and bears him three children. But after the third
child is born, the husband abandons his wife and family and later
obtains a divorce on the grounds of his own complicity. He
marries the second wife whom he believes is the one the stars
have destined to make him happy. Yet within a few months she
joins a cult and has made his life utterly miserable and he
divorces her.
Thus a single astrologer with a single prediction brings pain and
tragedy into the lives of six people — three adults and
three children. Now multiply this prediction power by millions of
astrological predictions and advice given every year and you can
see the potential for disaster. Far too many tragedies are
“arranged” by astrological predictions. The pattern is
clear: 1) clients are amazed by accurate self-disclosures; 2)
these self disclosures generate trust; 3) trust leads to
deception; 4) deception produces unwise or immoral decisions and
actions; 5) bad actions bring ruin or destruction.
A second illustration reveals not only how easily astrology
becomes a vehicle for tragedy but the reality of spiritual
warfare hidden beneath the surface. Here we see how astrology
produces an irrational fear and despair. It also paralyzes
initiative and sound judgment, and can lead to suicide if not
prevented. A certain woman was engaged to be married and felt
that seeking the advice of an astrologer might be useful. After
drawing the horoscope, the astrologer predicted the following:
“Your engagement will break up. This man will not marry you.
You will not marry at all, but remain single.” The woman was
devastated. She was so much in love with her fiancé she could
not bear the thought of losing him. She became paralyzed with
fear. She continually worried that the engagement would breakup,
that she would never marry. She finally resolved to put an end to
her life, but on the day she intended to kill herself, a friend
of her fiancé was able to stop her. Upon the advice of that
friend she went for pastoral counseling, revealed her plight,
repented, and gave her life to Christ. Soon after that day, her
fiancé also gave his life to Christ. Today they are married with
several children and are quite happy. Nevertheless had it not
been for Christ, the disaster which was set afoot by the
astrologer could easily have happened.
A Personal Word [and a prayer]
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If, as a Christian, you are
now involved in some way with astrology, we would hope that the
information in this book would cause you to stop your
involvement.
There are two reasons why. First, as a Christian, your loving God
warns you that astrology is one of Satan’s philosophies, and
we are not to seek information from such sources. As we have
seen, evil spirits are the real power behind many astrologers.
But second, the columns they write and books they author are also
means to ensnare our minds and rob us of peace.
Ask the Lord to forgive you of your disobedience to Him and ask
Him to supply all your needs. He will. If you are wondering if
you are a Christian, or you know that you never have placed your
faith in Jesus Christ, we encourage you to receive Christ now. If
you do want to receive Christ, just pray:
Dear God, I ask Jesus Christ to enter my life and be my Lord and Savior. I recognize this is a decision that You take very seriously. I believe that on the cross Jesus Christ died for my sin and I receive Him into my life now. My commitment to You is that I will follow Him and not astrology. I ask for Your help in doing this. Amen.
(End of book Excerpt)
Not that we are pushing books, but if you would like to purchase this book, click on the title below and you will be linked to Amazon.com to order this book by mail. Chapters include: New Age Movement / Spirit Guides / Astrology / Mormonism / Occult / Jehovah's Witnesses / Masonry / False Teaching in the Church / Christian Positive Thinkers - "name it and claim it" (Prosperity Ministries)....
Cult Watch Reviewer: An Amazon.com reader from Atlanta, Georgia: An excellently researched, very controversial book, July 21, 1999. I have to disagree with the prior reviewer completely [someone who gave a bad review on amazon.com]. Ankerberg and Weldon [the book's authors] write some of the best documented and footnoted books in existence, and Cult Watch is no exception. In actuality, it is a compilation of their "Fast Facts on..." series of booklets, but should not be looked down upon because of that. The prior reviewer's primary objection to this book seems to be that the authors take a very hard-nosed stance against both the various "Christian" cults and the various aspects of the New Age Movement, which of course is not very PC. Say what you may, however, you cannot deny that this work backs up its statements with a truckload of references and solid reasoning. Bottom line: If you're not a Christian, this book will probably offend you, but I'd recommend you read it anyway. If you are a Christian, this book is an invaluable resource to have in your library. Paperback - 370 pages; Dimensions (in inches): 1.08 x 9.02 x 6.02 ($11.99)
God bless you, in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ!
In His Service:
Nick Goggin
Watchmen Bible Study Group
NOTE: To insure quality and content integrity, these In-depth Bible Studies are © copyrighted and may only be downloaded for study and shared private use. They may not be reproduced or distributed for sale or publication without prior written approval. Other Web sites are welcome to link up to this Web site.
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