ASTROLOGY, HOROSCOPES AND FORTUNE TELLING

“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”  – Deuteronomy 4:19 (NIV).

The first characteristic of the occult is the disclosure or communication of information unavailable to humans through normal means. This would involve things like horoscopes, fortune-telling, psychic hotlines, and tarot cards. That knowledge comes from somewhere but it is not from God.

Think about astrology and horoscopes. Astrology is the ancient belief that a person’s destiny can be found in the pattern of the stars and planets at the time of one’s birth. The “horoscope” is the chart that attempts to describe that destiny.

The purpose of a horoscope is to gain insight into a person’s character and foretell the future. The basic belief of astrology is that planets and stars exert an influence on our lives. Those with special knowledge—astrologers—can predict events in a person’s life.

The temptation throughout history has been to make more of the stars than there is – to see in them something mystical, something magical, something supernatural.  Even to the point of using them for divination, or to get guidance as a supernatural source. And that is what astrology and horoscopes are about. This isn’t about astronomy, which is the scientific study of the stars, or even God’s use of the stars in His own workings and miracles, such as leading the wise men to the baby Jesus. We’re talking about astrology, which is the attempt to use them for some kind of hidden knowledge in a supernatural form.

Then there is fortune telling using tarot cards, numerology, palm readings, and tea leaves.  The reality is God alone knows the future.  Nobody else has that kind of power. Not even Satan. God and Satan are not on equal footing. Satan is a fallen angel, created by God. He is neither all-powerful nor all-knowing. And in Isaiah, we read these words: “I am the Lord, the Creator of all things. I alone stretched out the heavens…I make fools of fortunetellers and frustrate the predictions of astrologers” (Isaiah 44:24-25, GNT). 

In the occult, you’re purposefully attempting to make contact with a force or power other than God. This is why in Deuteronomy, the Bible says: “Let no one be found among you who…practices divination or…interprets omens,…Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12, NIV).

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you treat the idea of the occult?
2. Why do you think the occult is so dangerous to the believer? 
3. What can we do to ensure we stay away from the occult?