The term "Zodiac" refers to a band of the sky divided into twelve sections, each associated with a constellation and corresponding to a specific time of the year. These constellations are often linked to astrological signs, which have been used throughout history in various cultures to predict events and interpret human behavior. While the Zodiac itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the constellations and celestial bodies are referenced in several passages, often highlighting God's sovereignty over creation.

Biblical References to Celestial Bodies

The Bible acknowledges the existence of celestial bodies and their role in marking time and seasons. In Genesis 1:14-18 , God creates the "lights in the expanse of the sky to distinguish between the day and the night, and to mark the seasons and days and years." This passage underscores the divine purpose behind the creation of celestial bodies, emphasizing their role in the natural order established by God.

In Job 9:9 , the constellations are mentioned: "He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south." Similarly, Job 38:31-32 asks, "Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loosen the belt of Orion? Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear with its cubs?" These verses highlight God's control over the heavens, illustrating His power and authority over the universe.

Astrology and Divination

The practice of astrology, which involves interpreting the influence of the stars and planets on human affairs, is distinct from the mere acknowledgment of celestial bodies. The Bible consistently warns against divination and seeking guidance from the stars. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , God commands the Israelites: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, casts spells, or consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD."

Isaiah 47:13-14 also addresses the futility of relying on astrologers: "You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you—your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame."

God's Sovereignty Over Creation

The Bible emphasizes that God alone is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Psalm 19:1 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." This verse reflects the belief that the heavens, including the constellations, are a testament to God's majesty and creative power.

In the New Testament, Colossians 1:16-17 affirms the preeminence of Christ in creation: "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." This passage reinforces the idea that all of creation, including the celestial bodies, is under the authority of Christ.

Conclusion

While the Zodiac and its associated practices are not endorsed in the Bible, the Scriptures acknowledge the existence of celestial bodies and affirm God's ultimate authority over them. The Bible warns against the use of astrology and divination, urging believers to trust in God's sovereignty and seek His guidance rather than relying on the stars.Deuteronomy 4:19
And lest you lift up your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, should be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD your God has divided to all nations under the whole heaven.
Topicalbible.org

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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Amos 5:8
Seek him that makes the seven stars and Orion, and turns the shadow of death into the morning, and makes the day dark with night: that calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out on the face of the earth: The LORD is his name:
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Genesis 1:14
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
Topicalbible.org

4208. mazzaloth -- constellations, perhaps signs of the zodiac
... mazzaloth. 4209 . constellations, perhaps signs of the zodiac. Transliteration:
mazzaloth Phonetic Spelling: (maz-zaw-law') Short Definition: constellations. ...
/hebrew/4208.htm - 6k

4216. mazzaroth -- perhaps a constellation
... Mazzoroth. Apparently from nazar in the sense of distinction; some noted constellation
(only in the plural), perhaps collectively, the zodiac -- Mazzoroth. ...
/hebrew/4216.htm - 6k

The Doctrine of Mathematicians not Wholly to be Despised, when ...
... Doctrine of Mathematicians Not Wholly to Be Despised, When They are Concerned About
the Knowledge of the Stars; The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac Mythical Names. ...
/.../chapter xiv the doctrine of mathematicians.htm

The Perat?? Derive their System from the Astrologers; this Proved ...
... Book V. Chapter VIII."The Perat?? Derive Their System from the Astrologers; This
Proved by a Statement of the Astrological Theories of the Zodiac; Hence the ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter viii the peratae derive their.htm

Arguments from the Novelty of Fate and Generation; that Golden Age ...
... If the sun, driving through the circles and passing along the signs of the Zodiac
in his annual periods, accomplishes the changes and turnings of the seasons ...
/.../chapter xv arguments from the novelty.htm

System of the Astrologers; Sidereal Influence;
... But they say that the stars are attended as if by satellites when they are in the
midst of other stars, in continuity with the signs of the Zodiac; as if, when ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter i system of the astrologers.htm

Further Astronomic Calculations.
... He takes the perimeter of the Zodiac at 447,310,000 stadii; so that it follows that
a straight line from the centre of the Earth to the most outward ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter ix further astronomic calculations.htm

The Creation of Luminous Bodies.
... When the planets cross in the signs of the Zodiac, certain figures formed by their
meeting give birth to certain destinies, and others produce different ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily vi the creation of.htm

Appendix
... The first month of the year, and the first sign of the Zodiac referred to this
sacrifice, called 'the Sacrifice of Bel.' It is to Accad, and not to Phoenicia ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/appendix.htm

Fragments of the Books on Arithmetic.
... Eudemus [1219] relates in his Astrologies that OEnopides [1220] found out the
circle of the zodiac and the cycle [1221] of the great year. ...
/.../the paschal canon of anatolius of alexandria/fragments of the books on.htm

The Mystic Meaning of the Tabernacle and Its Furniture.
... And the name cherubim meant "much knowledge." But both together have twelve wings,
and by the zodiac and time, which moves on it, point out the world of sense. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vi the mystic meaning of.htm

The Fourth vision "In Heaven"
... Here we have the earliest reference to the twelve signs of the Zodiac. ... The division
of the Zodiac into twelve signs in one of very great significance... ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fourth vision in heaven.htm

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