Astrology in the Bible: Forbidden Practice or Divine Sign?

In astrology, celestial bodies like stars and planets are examined for their potential impact on human destinies. Many forms of prediction rely on the alignment of the celestial bodies at the moment of a person's birth (rather than their conception) to foretell their financial success, romantic prospects, and personality traits.

A person's "sign," which is one of the zodiac's twelve constellations, is the most common understanding of astrology. The foundation of newspaper horoscopes is sun-sign astrology, which this practice falls under. Simply entering a person's birthday is all that is required to create a sun-sign horoscope, making it the most basic version. There are a lot of astrologers who would tell you that this method is oversimplified and doesn't work very well.

Astrologers look up the birth chart to see what signs the planets were in to get a more precise interpretation. A detailed and intricate profile of a person's character, history, and potential is formed when astrological components like planets, signs, houses, and angles interact with one another. 

But how does astrology and its belief in fate given by the stars align with Christian beliefs? In this article we’ll discuss what the Bible says about astrology and whether it is a sin.

Astrology vs. Astronomy

According to the American Astronomical Society, astronomy is a science that investigates everything outside of the earth's atmosphere, such as planets, stars, asteroids, galaxies; and the attributes and interactions of those celestial things. Astronomers focus their studies on research and observation. However, astrology holds that celestial bodies' positions impact the course of human events. 

What Does the Bible Say About Astrology

In the Old Testament, there is a strong warning from God against astrology. In a particular passage, Moses tells the Israelites not to worship or look to the stars for guidance, highlighting that they are just a part of God's creation. God placed the sun, moon, and stars in the sky for all people, not as objects of worship or sources of divine wisdom. The lesson here is that people should put their trust in God's authority, not in celestial bodies. 

In another passage, the prophet Isaiah criticizes astrology, saying it is powerless and unreliable. He likens astrologers to straw that burns in fire, meaning they are unable to protect themselves or others from destruction.

The Magi, a group of magicians and astrologers, are mentioned in the New Testament. Although the story does not imply that astrology was the correct way, they did pursue it to find the newborn King of the Jews. What matters most, though, is that people came to worship Jesus because He was truly king. Their change of emphasis from the stars to Christ highlights the fact that God, and not cosmic signs, is the source of truth and salvation.

Instead of relying on the stars for direction, Christians should put their faith on God's purpose and His Word, according to the New Testament. Paul cautions against putting one's trust in mystical visions or heavenly beings above one's faith in Christ and other false beliefs. 

He warns that, rather than being based on God's truth, such behaviors stem from human vanity and meaningless spiritual encounters. This lends credence to the claim that astrology leads people astray from trusting in God and instead lifts their gaze from the Creator to earthly possessions.

What Does the Bible Say About Zodiac Signs

In the Bible, the term "zodiac" is not used. The Greek words zodiakos kyklos, which mean "circle of animals," are the origin of the word zodiac. A related Greek term is also the origin of the word zoo.

It is even farther back to the Babylonians that the zodiac signs originated. Each of the twelve parts of the Babylonian sky was designated by a conspicuous constellation that was linked to a specific animal or person. The foundation of the astrological zodiac was laid upon this.

There are presumptions about the personality qualities of people born during each zodiac sign. Those who put their faith in astrology think that the day of one's birth determines their fate.

Additionally, astrologers use these zodiac signs to make predictions about the future. Daily horoscopes feature the zodiac signs, and millions of people read them to learn about their luck. It is projected that the astrological market would reach $22.8 billion by 2031, expanding at a rate of over 5% annually.

In spite of their best efforts, the Babylonian astrologers were unable to decipher God's hidden plans, according to the Bible (Daniel 2:27–28). Daniel and his companions, who sought wisdom from God, were ten times more effective than the astrologers employed by the king of Babylon. As Daniel 1:17–20 attests, they possessed divinely imparted insight and knowledge. 

Is Believing in Zodiac Signs a Sin

Believing in zodiac signs can be considered a sin if it replaces trust in God or influences decisions in a way that contradicts biblical teachings. If someone looks to astrology for guidance instead of relying on God, it becomes a form of idolatry, which the Bible warns against. However, simply knowing about zodiac signs or seeing them as entertainment without taking them seriously is not necessarily sinful. 

The key factor is whether astrology affects one’s faith, decisions, or relationship with God. If it leads to dependency on cosmic forces rather than seeking wisdom through prayer and scripture, then it becomes spiritually harmful.

What Does the Bible Say About Stars

The Bible describes stars as part of God’s creation, showing His power and greatness. It teaches that God made the stars and knows each one by name, emphasizing His control over everything in the universe. Stars are not divine, but they serve a purpose in marking time, seasons, and as a reflection of God’s handiwork.

Sometimes, the Bible uses stars as symbols of guidance and wisdom. One of the most well-known examples is the Star of Bethlehem, which led the wise men to Jesus. This shows that God can use stars to fulfill His plans, but people should not rely on them for direction in life.

Stars are also used to represent people, especially those who live wisely and help others find truth. The Bible compares faithful and righteous individuals to shining stars, symbolizing their lasting impact.

In some parts of the Bible, stars are mentioned in prophecies and visions, often signaling important events. They can represent change, divine messages, or reminders of God’s authority over creation.

Is Astrology Divination

Yes, astrology is considered a form of divination because it seeks to predict future events and gain hidden knowledge through celestial bodies. Divination refers to practices that attempt to uncover unknown information or foresee the future through supernatural or mystical means. Since astrology interprets the positions of stars and planets to predict personality traits, relationships, and future events, it falls under this category.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, divination is “the practice of determining the hidden significance or cause of events, sometimes foretelling the future, by various natural, psychological, and other techniques.” Astrology fits this definition because it assumes that celestial movements influence human lives and destinies.

Merriam-Webster defines astrology as "the divination of the supposed influences of the stars and planets on human affairs and terrestrial events by their positions and aspects." Historically, astrology was widely used in ancient cultures, including Babylon, Egypt, Greece, and China, where it was linked to religious and spiritual practices. 

Furthermore, Wikipedia’s entry on divination recognizes astrology as one of the oldest forms of divination, similar to tarot reading, palmistry, and other predictive practices. While some modern interpretations of astrology focus on self-reflection rather than prediction, its roots remain in the divinatory tradition. 

Many religious perspectives, including Christianity, discourage divination because it relies on cosmic forces rather than divine guidance. The Bible specifically warns against practices that seek supernatural knowledge apart from God.

Bible Verse About Astrology

The Bible doesn’t mention astronomy by name, but it gives insights about it through its verses, often using stars as symbols of God’s power, guidance, and creation. 

1. Stars as Part of God’s Creation

The Bible teaches that God created the stars and controls their movements. They serve as a reflection of His power, not as deities or forces that dictate human life.

• Genesis 1:16 – "God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars."
• Psalm 147:4 – "He determines the number of the stars; He gives to all of them their names."

These verses emphasize that God alone holds authority over the universe, not the stars or their positions.

2. Stars as Signs but Not for Worship

While stars mark seasons and reflect God’s creation, the Bible warns against worshipping them or seeking guidance from them.

• Deuteronomy 4:19 – "Beware not to lift up your eyes to heaven and see the sun and the moon and the stars, and be drawn away and worship them."
• Jeremiah 10:2 – "Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them."

These verses warn against astrology, urging people to place their trust in God rather than celestial signs.

3. Stars as Symbols of Divine Guidance

At times, the Bible uses stars to represent God’s guidance and direction. The most famous example is the Star of Bethlehem, which led the Magi to Jesus.

• Matthew 2:2 – "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him."

This demonstrates that God can use stars for His purposes, but they are never a substitute for His direct guidance.

4. Stars as Symbols of Believers and Righteousness

The Bible also uses stars as metaphors for wisdom, righteousness, and eternal reward.

• Daniel 12:3 – "Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above, and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."

This verse suggests that those who lead others to faith will shine eternally, just as stars illuminate the night sky.

5. God’s Sovereignty Over the Stars and Constellations

The Bible acknowledges the existence of constellations and affirms that God is the one who set them in place.

• Job 38:31-33 – "Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loose the cords of Orion? Can you lead forth the Mazzaroth in their season, or can you guide the Bear with its children?"
• Isaiah 40:26 – "Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name."

These verses highlight that while constellations exist, they are under God’s control, not mystical forces that influence human fate.

6. Prophetic and Apocalyptic References to Stars

Stars are also mentioned in prophecies and end-times events, signifying major spiritual and cosmic shifts.

• Joel 2:31 – "The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes."
• Matthew 24:29 – "Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven."

These verses describe celestial disturbances as signs of divine intervention, particularly in prophetic and apocalyptic contexts.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that stars are part of God’s creation, placed in the sky to show His power and order. They serve as reminders of His greatness, not as forces that control human life. While stars can mark time and seasons, the Bible warns against using them for guidance or worship. Instead, people are encouraged to trust God’s wisdom and direction rather than looking to the stars for answers.

Ultimately, the Bible presents stars as a beautiful part of creation, but they should never replace faith in God. Instead of looking to the stars for meaning, people are encouraged to seek wisdom, trust in God’s plan, and focus on their spiritual journey.