The Bible makes it clear that astrology—the practice of looking to the stars and planets for guidance or to predict the future—is contrary to God’s plan for his people. While the Bible acknowledges that God created the heavens to show his glory and mark the seasons, it strictly forbids worshiping or consulting the stars for divine insight. Instead, followers of Jesus are called to trust in the Creator rather than the creation for direction in life.
The Origin and Purpose of the Stars
To understand why the Bible takes a firm stand against astrology, we first need to look at why God made the stars in the first place. According to the book of Genesis, God placed the lights in the sky for very specific reasons. They serve as markers for time, seasons, and years, and they act as a massive display of God’s power and creativity. The stars are like a cosmic clock and a beautiful art gallery, but they were never intended to be a source of spiritual revelation or a roadmap for our personal destinies.
Then God said, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years. Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth.” And that is what happened. (Genesis 1:14-15)
The heavens do declare the glory of God, as the Psalms tell us, but they point us toward the One who made them. When we shift our focus from the Maker to the stars themselves, we miss the point of their existence. Astrology suggests that the position of planets at our birth dictates our character or our future, but the Bible teaches that our lives are in the hands of a personal, loving God who knows us by name.
Astrology as a Form of Idolatry
The primary reason the Bible condemns astrology is that it functions as a form of idolatry. In ancient times, the nations surrounding Israel often worshiped the sun, moon, and stars as gods. They believed these heavenly bodies had power over human affairs. God warned his people repeatedly not to fall into this trap. If we look to a horoscope or a birth chart to find peace, certainty, or guidance, we are essentially looking for a “god” outside of the true God.
And when you look up into the sky and see the sun, moon, and stars—all the forces of heaven—don’t be seduced into worshiping them. The Lord your God gave them to all the peoples of the earth. (Deuteronomy 4:19)
Worship isn’t just about bowing down to a statue; it’s about where we place our ultimate trust. When someone checks their zodiac sign to see if they should take a job or start a relationship, they are giving the stars authority that belongs only to God. The Bible categorizes astrology alongside sorcery and divination because it seeks hidden knowledge through supernatural means that bypass the Holy Spirit.
The Failure of Star-Gazers
The Bible actually contains several stories where “expert” astrologers were put to the test and failed miserably. In the book of Daniel, the king of Babylon called upon his astrologers and magicians to interpret his dreams. They couldn’t do it. Only Daniel, who relied on the living God, could provide the answers. This highlights a recurring biblical theme: the wisdom of the world, specifically through the occult, is nothing compared to the wisdom of God.
The prophet Isaiah even mocked the astrologers of his day who claimed they could save people from coming judgment. He pointed out that these people who “gaze at the stars” and “predict what will happen” are themselves like straw in a fire. They cannot save themselves, let alone anyone else. Relying on astrology is like trying to find your way through a forest using a map of a different planet; it simply doesn’t work and leads to confusion.
Seeking Godly Guidance Instead
If we aren’t supposed to look to the stars for guidance, where should we look? The Bible tells us that God has provided everything we need for life and godliness through his Word and his Spirit. Instead of searching the heavens for signs, we are invited to talk to the Creator of the heavens through prayer. God promises to give wisdom generously to anyone who asks him for it.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (James 1:5)
Trusting in astrology often stems from a fear of the unknown. We want to feel in control of our futures. However, the Christian faith offers something better than a prediction: a relationship. We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know the One who holds tomorrow. When we walk in a relationship with Jesus, we don’t need a horoscope because we have the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, dwelling within us to lead us into all truth.
The Takeaway
What does the Bible say about astrology? It identifies it as a dangerous distraction that leads people away from trusting in God. While the stars are a beautiful testament to God’s handiwork, they have no power to determine your future or define your personality. Seeking guidance through the zodiac is a form of divination that the Bible consistently warns against. Instead of looking to the stars, look to the One who made the stars. True peace and direction are found only through a relationship with Jesus Christ and the wisdom found in his Word.
