Issues
Horoscopes
Horoscopes provide predictions and advice based on the relationships of the planets to the signs of the zodiac. They are given without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, God's written Word, or prayer to the living all-knowing God.
If God used stars to guide the shepherds and wise men . . .? (Matthew 2:1-2)
Some have said that these wise men might have been astrologers belonging to the same order as those in Daniel's day. (Daniel 1:20; 2:2; 4:7; 5:7)
Why would God give special revelation to astrologers?
These men probably were not astrologers in the sense that we think of them today. Magi can mean two things: those who study the stars, or sorcerers, who practice magical arts - ie. the occult. These Magi were probably men who studied the stars who also happened to be searching for wisdom and meaning. They symbolize the non-Jewish world and all who search for ultimate truth. By including this story in his account, Matthew shows that God's salvation is intended for Gentiles as well as Jews. I believe the star was used by God practically, as a point of reference to direct the Magi and the shepherds to the Christ child, much as a star can guide a ship at sea in the night.
What does God say about astrology? Can we obtain guidance from the stars today?
Only if you want to resign yourself to superstitious fate instead of trusting God. Although Jesus did say that heavenly signs might indicate the dawning of prophetic events, (Matthew 24:29-30) the Bible warns us against turning to the stars for guidance. Deuteronomy 4:19 says "And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars - all the heavenly array - do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshipping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven." And in Isaiah 47:13-15 we find, "All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame. Here are no coals to warm anyone; here is no fire to sit by. That is all they can do for you - these you have labored with and trafficked with since childhood. Each of them goes on in his error; there is not one that can save you."
As beautiful as the stars, sun, moon, planets are, they can bring us no guidance. Our guidance does not come from the created, but from the Creator. Romans 1:18-32 Paul speaks about God's wrath against mankind for a number of reasons. In verse 25 he says, "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen"
John 16:13 tells us, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. . ." If you have received Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you have the Spirit of God living in you. Why not put down that morning paper with its horoscope, pick up his Word and let him be your guide?