What does the bible say about astrology, zodiac, horoscopes and other forms of divination?

By Samuel Kwizera

As the new year starts, I am thinking a lot about the church in Rwanda. How we, as Christians, can pray for its sanctification and growth in the knowledge of God. Through this line of thought came issues that the church needs to confront, teach and make known.

Although this article is not necessary covering all these issues, here are some that need critical attention; false teachings and teachers, moral degeneracy, the attack on the institution of marriage, mental health and low bible literacy levels.

With this article, I would like to give a biblical stand on astrology(fortune-telling). Every time the devil attacks the people of God, he doesn’t shout his entrance but blurs the truth of God to create a loophole for himself.

In the garden of Eden, he asked Eve “is it really true that God said ‘you must not eat from any tree of the orchard?” And of course this is not what God said but his intention was to change God’s plan.

Now the question here is, has God said anything about astrology? Before I delve into what God says about this, allow me to define what astrology is. It’s a range of divinatory practice that claims to discern information about human affairs and terrestrial events by studying stars, the sun, moon, planets and other heavenly bodies.  These practices include reading zodiac signs, tarot cards, horoscopes, and more forms of divination.

Here is a huge disclaimer, the take on this issue is not because astrology is a pseudoscience. It’s not because the structure of heavenly bodies used changed position but the diviners still use wrong information, it’s not because astrology is a Trojan horse of new age teachings creeping in church or because it pushed blame on objects outside us and in that way becomes an Idol. However much all that I said is true, my main point is to show what the scriptures say about divination which is the main intent of the practices flowing from astrology.

In Deuteronomy 18:9—14 God rejects the use of divination, sorcery, the practice of occult, conjuration, fortune telling, omen reading and necromancy. To stamp on these practices, this is what God says “Whoever does these things is abhorrent to the Lord …” Deuteronomy 18:12. Now you may ask yourself why would God care if these are harmless like many declare? Think through!

Learning from Israel. After God told them not to practice the things above, Israel rejected God’s command and consulted. What did God do? He sent them out of the land just like he had promised he would do (2 Kings 17:17). Now you might be saying that was for Israel who were under the old covenant, we are in the new covenant and we can do whatever we want.

Well, firstly, that’s not true. But to make matters worse, we see a demonic link with divination as Paul casts out a demon out of the girl who was performing fortune-telling. (Acts 16:16-19). It’s important to understand the demonic spirit behind these practices is not of God. You might ask yourself, even reading horoscopes for real? To which my answer would be, what is the intent if not seeking to understand the future and one’s self-outside God will.

In conclusion, there is more that scriptures say about these practices but the coherent message is that God is not in support of it, condemns and promises that those who practice this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Having said so, God’s arm is wide open to those who repent and believe in our Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. Now, it’s up to you to cling on what God says or what your zodiac sign, horoscopes and your fortune teller say.