Staff Writer | Heather McCarthy
Spirituality can be interpreted in countless ways. For many, this means religion and a relationship with the Christian God. For others, this means looking to the stars, palm readings and earthly crystals for answers.
While astrology is part of an average day for those who faithfully check their horoscopes, some don’t see the connection between astrology and their faith. The Bible has verses that can be applied to defend astrology as well as critique it.
Deuteronomy 4:19 speaks of why its followers should not practice idolatry of the stars.
“And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars – all the heavenly array – do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.”
Although this idolization is warned against in Deuteronomy, some still argue that all spirituality can go hand-in-hand.
Isaiah 47:13 says, “Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.”
Many think that astrology is a form of idolatry. According to a Greek Orthodox Theology Review, predictive astrology can present a challenge to the “sole determinative agency of God, as described in the Genesis creation account.”
If all is decided in the determinative agency of God, then astrology can also introduce a problem when it comes to the Christian concept of judgement day. It is difficult for disciples and sinners to be differentiated on judgement day when their traits could be argued as inherent, due to their astrological tendencies.
However, one of the most commonly discussed theories regarding astrology’s connections to the Bible is the twelve tribes of Israel.
The Llewellyn Journal’s “Astrological Attributions of the Twelve Tribes of Israel” discusses this theory.
“Since there were twelve tribes, it is natural to assume that some correlation with the twelve signs of the zodiac was intended or, if it was not intended, that it is at least feasible,” they said.
Regardless of whether those who have given their hearts to Jesus believe in the stars’ significance, one thing can be argued to bring believers from both sides together. Somewhere in the universe, something or someone exists to guide them through their decisions in this lifetime.