The Bible makes it clear that Christians should not read horoscopes or rely on astrology for guidance. Astrology suggests that the positions of stars and planets influence human affairs or predict the future, which contradicts the biblical teaching that God is the sole author of our lives. Instead of looking to the stars, followers of Jesus are encouraged to seek wisdom through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
The Origin and Error of Astrology
Astrology is an ancient practice that dates back to early civilizations like the Babylonians. It operates on the belief that the movements of celestial bodies dictate our personalities, relationships, and destinies. For a Christian, this worldview is problematic because it shifts our focus away from the Creator and onto the creation. When we look to a horoscope to tell us what kind of day we will have or who we should marry, we are essentially practicing a form of divination.
The Bible warns against seeking spiritual guidance from any source other than God himself. Astrology is not a harmless hobby; it is a system that attempts to bypass God’s authority and provide a false sense of control over the future. By trusting in the “alignment of the stars,” people often neglect the personal relationship God wants to have with them. God created the stars as markers for seasons and to display his glory, but he never intended for them to be used as tools for fortune-telling or personality assessments.
What the Bible Says About Divination
Scripture is very direct when it comes to occult practices, which include astrology, sorcery, and consulting mediums. In the Old Testament, God strictly forbade the Israelites from engaging in these activities because they led the heart away from total dependence on him. Turning to horoscopes is a modern way of seeking a “word” outside of God’s revealed truth.
“Do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in magic, or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
This passage highlights that God views these practices as a rejection of his sovereignty. When we consult a horoscope, we are essentially saying that God’s Word is not enough for us. We are looking for shortcuts to peace or success that do not require faith or obedience. For the believer, the future is not written in the stars; it is held in the hands of the living God who loves us and has a specific plan for our lives.
The Difference Between Astrology and Astronomy
It is important to distinguish between astrology and astronomy. Astronomy is the scientific study of the physical universe—planets, stars, galaxies, and the laws of physics that govern them. This is a legitimate field of study that can actually lead to a deeper worship of God. When we see the vastness of the universe, we see the power and creativity of the Designer.
“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” (Psalm 19:1)
Astrology, however, is a superstitious belief system. It takes the physical objects of space and assigns them spiritual power. While astronomy asks “How does this star move?”, astrology asks “What does this star want me to do today?” The Bible encourages us to observe the beauty of the heavens, but it forbids us from worshipping or serving the “host of heaven.” We are called to worship the Star-maker, not the stars themselves.
Why Seeking Horoscopes Weakens Faith
Relying on horoscopes can subtly erode a Christian’s faith over time. Faith is built on trusting God even when the future is uncertain. When we check a horoscope to see if “good luck” is coming our way, we are replacing trust with superstition. This creates a dependency on a vague, impersonal force rather than a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Furthermore, horoscopes often lead to a “self-focused” life. They cater to our desire for self-knowledge and self-preservation. But the Gospel calls us to a “God-focused” life. Instead of asking what the stars say about our personalities, we should be asking what the Bible says about our character. The Holy Spirit is the one who transforms us and guides us into all truth, not a zodiac sign assigned to us at birth.
The Takeaway
Should Christians read horoscopes? The answer is a definitive no. While it might seem like harmless fun, engaging with astrology opens a door to a worldview that minimizes God’s sovereignty and replaces faith with superstition. As believers, we have access to the Creator of the universe through prayer and the Bible. We don’t need to look to the stars to find our way when we can follow the Light of the World.
