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WHAT ABOUT HOROSCOPES?
The Horoscope is a map of the heavens at the moment
of the birth of a person or of any specific time
thereafter. By plotting the position of the stars
and planets at the exact time of a person's birth,
astrologers claim they can predict the future of
that person. The main claim is that everything in
the heavens is correlated to everything on earth;
thus at birth we are stamped with the corresponding
pattern in the sky. This stamp determines one's
character and ultimately, his destiny.
Horoscopes are big business. In the U.S. over 2,000
newspapers carry daily horoscopes. Estimates of
American believers in astrology range from 32
million up to one-half of the population. The
astrology business grosses several hundred million
dollars a year.
What should our attitude be toward astrology? Should
we read the newspaper horoscopes on the assumption
that it is simply innocent fun? Should we wear
astrological jewelry? Is astrology true? What should
we say when someone asks what our astrological sign
is?
Astrology is popular because it claims to provide
important information that people want to know. This
information will: 1) guide them, 2) protect them, 3)
bring them success, 4) predict their future, 5) help
them understand themselves.
The earliest form of astrology was connected with
the worship of the stars (Tsabaistism). The stars
were consulted and viewed as having power over man
because they were assumed to be gods. The practice
was used to predict the future of a nation. This
ancient form of planetary worship is probably the
reason God destroyed the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:
1-9).
Natal astrology, which is the mapping of the heavens
at the time of birth, was originally practiced by
kings. Alexander the Great brought it back to Greece
after his conquests. In 130 A.D. Ptolemy redesigned
the art to apply to everyone. He finalized the
zodiac and the method of casting horoscopes by
positions of the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars,
Jupiter, and Saturn at the time of a person's birth.
The zodiac is the imaginary belt in the sky across
which the planets move in their orbits. It is based
on observable constellations. The zodiac is divided
into twelve houses with 30 degrees in each house. By
using the zodiac, the exact position of the sun,
moon and planets can be calculated. The calendar
year is broken down into twelve sections, with dates
for each house. These are used when asked what your
sign is.
There are some rather difficult problems with
astrology that you should be aware of. First the
original mapping is based on the assumption that the
earth was the center of the universe. The planets,
sun, and moon all circled the earth and focused
their powers on earth to determine the destiny of
every human being. Obviously the earth is not the
center of the universe. Three planets are not
included in Ptolemy's horoscope calculations.
Second, since the originator of the horoscope
assumed the earth was flat, the point of the zodiac
cannot be seen above 60 degrees latitude. Thus no
horoscope can be drawn for people living in Alaska,
Northern Canada, Finland, Siberia, etc. Are we to
believe that these people escape the supposed
influence of the zodiac or that the influence does
not really exist?
Next, we have confusion and problems in modern
astrology. Most modern astrologers do not agree even
in reading the same person's horoscope. They do not
even agree as to when the age of Aquarius begins.
To draw a proper horoscope, astrologers must obtain
a fix from the day spring begins. This is called the
vernal equinox. They originally assumed this equinox
was fixed and never varied. They were unaware of the
backward movement of the equinox (wobble of the
earth) of one degree every 72 years. Due to this
backward rotation, most of us must move one sign
back in the zodiac. Therefore we all are reading the
wrong signs.
Then astrologers are faced with their records of
faulty predictions. They claim that people born
under the same sign will have similar traits. Yet
careful studies of the records does not support this
concept. A further careful study of their other
predictions also demonstrates them equally faulty.
Even Nostrodamus' supposed ability to predict the
future demonstrates how inaccurate he was. While
most of his predictions were so vague they could
occur at almost any time, some did give more dated
information. Venice, Italy, for example, never
became a great power in 1792. Nor did the Catholic
clergy have a downfall in 1609, as he predicted.
Finally, what do the Scriptures teach about
astrology? Astrology as previously stated is
supposed to tell the future. This is clearly a form
of divination. God condemns divination as evil and
as an abomination to Him and says it leads to
contact with evil spirits called demons (Deut.
18:9-13; 1 Cor. 10:20). Daniel answers the question
of astrology and horoscopes for us in Daniel
2:27-28. "Only God can reveal the secrets." Daniel
and his three companions were found to be 10 times
better than all the astrologers in the king's realm
(Dan. 1:20). That wisdom resulted from their strong
faith in believing and following God's word. Isaiah
47: 12-15 very clearly states that the astrologers
cannot save themselves, let alone help you.
Scripture teaches that we should put our faith in
God, not in astrology.
How should we respond as Christians when someone
asks what our sign is? Most Christians have never
thought of taking this opportunity to witness. When
asked your sign try answering "The CROSS." If they
say, "No, your other sign.", answer "The DOVE." It
will give you an opportunity to state what you
believe and stand for. Take your stand for JESUS.
For Additional Information Contact
True Light Educational Ministry
P.O. Box 310
Shirley, NY 11967
Telephone (631) 395-4646
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TLEM