During my sermon on 1 Samuel 28, I pointed out that in his desperation for guidance, Saul consulted a medium. He did this despite knowing that God had clearly prohibited any sort of practice involving divination, sorcery, fortune-telling, interpreting omens, and inquiring of the dead (Deut. 18:9-12). God viewed these abominable practices as spiritual adultery, saying,
I will also turn against those who commit spiritual prostitution by putting their trust in mediums or in those who consult the spirits of the dead. I will cut them off from the community. So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the Lord your God. (Lev. 20:6-7 NLT).
While most people in Western society don’t consult mediums, many look to the stars for guidance. According to a 2022 poll by YouGovAmerica, more than one-quarter of Americans (27%) — including 37% of adults under 30 — believe in astrology, i.e., that the position of the stars and planets influence people’s lives. Only 10% of atheists believe that the stars and planets influence behavior, whereas 31% of Catholics and 22% of Protestants do!
According to the American Federation of Astrologers, as many as 70 million Americans read their horoscopes daily. A horoscope is a diagram of the heavens, showing the relative position of planets and the signs of the zodiac and is used for predicting events in a person’s life.
Scripture teaches that the stars, along with the sun and moon, were “signs to mark the seasons, days, and years” (Gen. 1:14 NLT), not for predicting the future. The lights in the sky are also directional “signs” (indicators) to help humans travel about the globe, not to navigate their lives.
Years ago, my father wrote a poem as a biblical corrective for Christians who consult the horoscope. In light of the above statistics, this “remedial rhyme” is as timely and relevant as ever, which is why I am printing it here.
Signs of the Zodiac
Fundamental faith has fled
From some Christians, it is said.
They have found a “higher hope,”
Called the Living Horoscope.
For a Christian, that’s absurd –
We should trust the Living Word.
Ne’er should fervent faith fall back
To the signs of Zodiac.
Of what comfort in a crisis
Is the constellation Pisces?
Can we claim that “God be for us,”
Trusting all the time in Taurus?
Same with Aries and Aquarius,
Libra, Leo, Sagittarius.
Eyes of faith should always see
Past the stars of Gemini.
Virgo, Scorpio, and Cancer
Cannot Christians call to answer;
Heav’nly hearts should not be torn
‘Tween our God and Capricorn!
Learn the lesson in these lines:
Study not the stars and signs;
He who would be truly wise
Searches Scripture, not the skies.
Note: For more information about what the Bible says about astrology and the zodiac, watch the following video (less than 5 minutes) or read the transcript at GotQuestions.org.