ASTROLOGY: WHAT IT REALLY IS

Marcia Montenegro is a former professional licensed astrologer who practiced astrology for over 8 years; served as President of the Metropolitan Astrological Society and as the Chairperson of the Atlanta Board of Astrology Examiners. She also was a teacher of astrology for over 5 years.

Background

Astrology is more than the horoscope columns in the newspapers and in magazines. Astrology is an occult practice, rooted in ancient Babylon. It originated, historians believe, when the ancient Chaldeans observed the orderly movement of the planets and assigned them godlike character and powers. The planets were also worshipped as gods.

Each planet came to be the ruler of certain areas of life. The astrologers, who advised kings and rulers, interpreted the pattern of planets as omens or signs of what was to come.

Astrology Now

By integrating psychological terms and Eastern mystical world views such as karma and reincarnation, contemporary astrology shifted in the 20th century from rigid readings and prediction to a tool of character analysis and spiritual advice.

Although future events are still part of the chart reading, they are downplayed, and usually called “forecasting” or “looking at coming trends.” Astrology is a form of divination, a method used not only to predict events, but also to gain information about past and present through esoteric techniques such as reading supposed hidden meanings in creation, numbers, images, and shapes.

Beliefs

Astrology is based on the magical belief that the planetary positions at one’s birth time and birthplace reflect that person’s character, lessons in life, challenges, and spiritual path. Most astrologers, like all occultists, believe that since the universe is connected by a mystical force into a supernatural oneness (monism), our intimate journeys can be read in external factors, such as the planets. This belief is stated in the occult expression, As above, so below.

How It Works

Interpretation of a chart is done through the astrologer’s knowledge of the planets’ symbolic esoteric meanings and their positions in the chart. There can also be a psychic bonding between the astrologer and the chart and/or client. This bonding, similar to the altered state of mind necessary for a medium, channeler, psychic, card reader or crystal ball gazer to practice their art, is the basis of many occult techniques.

Since the astrologer is engaging in the occult, the door opens wide for supernatural guidance not from God. Coincidence and the desire of the client to believe the astrologer are also factors. The astrologer attributes any success to psychic ability, the help of spirit guides, abilities from previous lives, and/or the excellence of the astrological method.

What about the Magi?

In Matthew 2, the Magi (wise men) followed the star that led them to the young Jesus in Bethlehem. The Magi were probably members of a priestly Persian caste of educated men who studied the heavenly bodies and, like all royal advisors at the time, combined astronomy and astrology.

However, the star they followed appeared only to them, it moved ahead of them, and it supernaturally rested above the home of Jesus (v.9). No ordinary star does this, indicating that the “star” was possibly a supernatural light. There is absolutely no indication in the text that these wise men used astrology to find Jesus. Also, their journey showed the world that pagans traveled from afar to worship the Jewish Messiah!

Can Astrology be Christian?

Astrology cannot be combined with Christian belief in any way. It is condemned explicitly in the Bible and implicitly in passages condemning divination and worshipping the heavens (Is. 47:13-14; Deut. 4:19, 17:3, 18:9-12; 2 Kings 17:16; Jer. 10:2; Acts 7:42). God would not give anyone a “gift” for doing something he so clearly condemns.

When one attributes special meaning to planetary positions, one is honoring these celestial bodies as well as rejecting God’s commands to seek His advice (Is. 8:19-20; Dan. 2:27-28). And horoscope columns? They are written by people who believe in astrology, and have a world view at odds with God’s word. Though appearing as helpful advice or as harmless fun (2 Cor. 11:14-15), these columns are fruits of the occult and can become addictive reading. Consulting horoscopes, whatever your intention may be, is a form of honoring an occult practice.