Horoscopes

by R. Darke, Victoria, B.C. | Category: Fingerpost | Apr 1979

There is nothing new under the sun, and for thousands of years people have resorted to horoscopes to provide answers to the "riddle of life". Horoscopers were to be found in Egypt, Babylon, and Canaan, and they had their links with the magicians, enchanters, wizards, and the sorcerers (Isa. 47:12,13). It is startling to find, therefore, in our "age of enlightenment", that millions of people read and believe in horoscopes. Some are so dependent upon the daily predictions of the star-gazers that they have become addicted. It is claimed that in three European countries 50% to 75% of the adult populations read horoscopes. In the western world hundreds of newspapers carry horoscope readings; some universities in North America have installed horoscope computers for the use of their students while hand-sized computers can now be purchased for the same purpose. As fear, confusion, discontent, and uncertainty increase, so will intensify the desire of many people to reach out to the unseen and the unknown for solutions to their daily problems. They will continue to reject the Bible and embrace a book on the signs of the heavens; deaf ears will be turned to words of assurance from the Son of God, but they will listen intently to the doubtful predictions of the star-gazers. God once accused Babylon of giving itself over to pleasures, dwelling carelessly, and relying on her enchantments and sorceries. Then He warned: "Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels: let now the astrologers, the star-gazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from the things that shall come upon thee" (Isa. 47:13).

History looks like repeating itself if modern man continues to rely on the almanack, clairvoyance, teacup readings, horoscopes, and the magic of our day. Not forgetting even more sinister things such as witchcraft, the occult, and the like. We should be concerned about friends, acquaintances, and people generally who dabble in these dangerous systems, seeking to bring before them the need for knowing the power and joy of Christ in their lives. Paul confronted the occult in his day, and through the Name of the Lord Jesus he dealt effectively with it so that in one case a girl was benefited, and converted men brought their books on the magical arts and publicly burned them (Acts 16:18; 19:18-20).

There is a great difference between astronomy and astrology. The first deals with celestial bodies, their size and motions; the second purports to show the influence of the stars and planets on events and persons. Astronomy is a recognized science; astrology is not. There is no scientific basis to astrology, it is a superstition which interests the unwary, the gullible, and the insecure. It is a system which entices people to trust in the predictions of men, and to link their lives with things created, the stars and planets, rather than the Creator who made them. It provides a daily crutch for those who seem to lack the confidence to make decisions for themselves. Men and women need the Lord to plan for them for He alone knows the future. Instead of seeking their answers from astrology, which is basically an escape from reality, they should turn to Him who is able to remove their fears and uncertainties about the future. Man is in the dark because of sin; this is responsible for his dilemma, and his answer is to be found in forgiveness through the shed blood of Christ and not through the stars and planets.

Christians too need to be alerted to the dangers of reading and discussing horoscopes. It is yet another subtle way the enemy has of drawing us away from the Lord. There are many superstitions, apparently innocent, which sometimes trap the unwary. For example, "touch wood" has its origin with the mistaken belief that touching relics of the cross would provide protection from danger; so people hundreds of years ago actually carried on their persons what were supposed to be genuine pieces of the cross of Calvary. Black cats, broken mirrors, salt over the shoulder, walking around ladders, are all connected with the same source as the original enchanters and soothsayers. Nebuchadnezzar discovered that the wisdom of God found in Daniel and his friends was ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his realm (Dan. 1:20). The Christian's approach to this question is found in the wise words of Daniel to the same king. "The secret which the king hath demanded can neither wise men, enchanters, magicians, nor soothsayers, shew unto the king; But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets ..." (Dan. 2:27,28). We are on the side of God.

R. Darke, Victoria, B.C. | Apr 1979
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