Astrology, the study of celestial bodies' movements and positions to interpret human affairs and natural phenomena, is a practice that has been present since ancient times. The Bible addresses astrology and related practices, often in a cautionary or prohibitive manner, emphasizing reliance on God rather than celestial interpretations.

Old Testament References

1. Deuteronomy 4:19 · "When you look to the heavens and see the sun and moon and stars—all the host of heaven—do not be enticed to bow down and worship what the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven." This verse warns against the worship of celestial bodies, a practice often associated with astrology, urging the Israelites to remain faithful to God.

2. Isaiah 47:13-14 · "You are wearied by your many counselors; let them stand up now and save you—those who divide the heavens and gaze at the stars, who predict by the new moons what will happen to you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame." Here, the prophet Isaiah mocks the futility of astrologers and their inability to save Babylon from impending judgment, highlighting the impotence of relying on astrology.

3. Jeremiah 10:2 · "This is what the LORD says: 'Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them.'" The prophet Jeremiah advises against adopting the astrological practices of surrounding nations, emphasizing trust in God over fear of celestial signs.

4. Daniel 2:27-28 · "Daniel answered the king, 'No wise man, enchanter, magician, or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.'" Daniel contrasts the limitations of astrologers and magicians with the omniscience of God, who alone can reveal true mysteries.

New Testament References

1. Acts 7:42-43 · "But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: 'Did you bring Me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? You have taken up the tabernacle of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore, I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.'" Stephen, in his speech, recounts Israel's idolatry, including the worship of celestial bodies, as a reason for divine judgment.

2. Galatians 4:9-10 · "But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!" Paul warns the Galatians against returning to practices that enslave, which may include astrological observances.

General Observations

Throughout Scripture, astrology is often associated with idolatry and false reliance. The Bible consistently points believers towards trust in God rather than in the stars or celestial phenomena. The practice of astrology is depicted as futile and powerless in the face of God's sovereignty and wisdom. Believers are encouraged to seek guidance and revelation from God, who alone holds the mysteries of the universe.Isaiah 47:13
You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you from these things that shall come on you.
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Jeremiah 10:1,2
Hear you the word which the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel:
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Daniel 1:20
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
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Daniel 2:27
Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king has demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, show to the king;
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Daniel 4:7
Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known to me the interpretation thereof.
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Daniel 5:7
The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spoke, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whoever shall read this writing, and show me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
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The Writings of St. Augustin.
... he shook the superstitions of astrology and magic ... Religious-Theological works of
a general nature (in part ... in the interpretation of the Scriptures according to ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter iv the writings of st.htm

The divine institutes
... XVII.--That Astrology, Soothsaying, and Similar Arts are ... Works of Christ are Proved
from the Scriptures. ... Descending from Heaven to the General Judgment, and of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lactantius/the divine institutes/

The Book of Enoch
... of mechanical arts, sorcery, and astrology; and while ... were thoroughly acquainted
with the Scriptures in the ... The general introduction, which is contained in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of enoch.htm

section iv.
... If there be any truth in Astrology, I may ... is accomplished; and the last and general
fever may ... conceive: for unspeakable mysteries in the Scriptures are often ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section iv.htm

Footnotes
... was also sub principal, Physiology, Geography, Astrology, and Chronology ... in a Report
to the General Assembly, to ... it the best collection of scriptures he knows ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

Homiletical.
... On general education it is said, [605] "The acquisition ... discovery of the Egyptians,
or of astrology, the favourite ... is in harmony with the Scriptures, what is ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iv homiletical.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Astrology, among Christians, [153]21. ... 975]59; in respect of their general characters
impossible ... Judgment, Future, infidel doubts concerning, answered, [978]323 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Book I.
... logic"geometry also, and astronomy, astrology, arithmetic, music ... wickedness, like
faults in general, admit of ... wisdom and understand the Scriptures." And again ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book i.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... on earth, which are given in a general statement or ... Hence His people cry concerning
it, "Remember, O Lord ... our best judgment and compare other Scriptures, so as ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

The Epistle of St. James
... the heavenly lights, as the prevalent astrology ascribed the ... he now deals vividly
with the general temptations of ... as they expounded the scriptures or exhorted ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm

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