What Does the Bible Say About Astrology?

The Bible consistently opposes astrology as a forbidden form of divination. Deuteronomy 18:10–14 explicitly prohibits divination and groups it with abominations, while Jeremiah 10:2 warns against fearing signs in the heavens as other nations do. Though Genesis 1:14 describes stars serving as markers for seasons and timekeeping, Scripture distinguishes this practical purpose from predicting individual destinies. Isaiah 47:13–14 pronounces judgment on astrologers, and Daniel’s accounts show Babylonian stargazers failing to interpret divine mysteries. The Bible directs believers to seek wisdom through prayer and Scripture rather than celestial patterns, maintaining that God alone holds sovereign knowledge of the future and human destiny.

Key Takeaways

• The Bible forbids divination and astrology, grouping them with detestable practices in Deuteronomy 18:10–14.
• Stars were created for signs, seasons, and timekeeping, not for predicting individual destinies (Genesis 1:14–15).
• Scripture shows astrologers consistently failing to reveal mysteries that only God can disclose (Daniel 2:27–28, 5:7–9).
• Astrology contradicts God’s sovereignty by claiming stars influence human destiny rather than divine providence.
• Christians should seek wisdom from God through prayer and Scripture, not horoscopes or zodiac signs (James 1:5).

What Does the Bible Say About Astrology?

The Bible’s position on astrology emerges through multiple passages that distinguish between the legitimate purposes of celestial bodies and their misuse for divination.

Genesis 1:14 states that God created stars for signs, seasons, days, and years—practical timekeeping rather than fortune-telling.

Scripture repeatedly forbids astrology as divination, grouping it with practices labeled abominations in Deuteronomy 18:10-14.

Jeremiah 10:2 specifically warns against learning the ways of nations who fear signs in the heavens.

The biblical record shows astrologers failing at critical moments, as in Daniel 5:7-9, where Babylonian stargazers could not interpret divine writing.

In Daniel 2:27-28, Daniel explicitly told the king that wise men, enchanters, magicians, and astrologers could not reveal mysteries, asserting that only God reveals what is hidden.

God expressly pronounced judgment against astrologers in Isaiah 47:13-14, condemning those who claim to predict the future through the stars.

Instead, Scripture directs believers to seek wisdom from God through prayer, as James 1:5 encourages, and to rely on biblical guidance rather than celestial interpretations for life decisions.

The Bible also emphasizes that God is fundamentally spirit, transcending any attempt to be read or controlled through the heavens.

Can Christians Read Horoscopes or Follow Zodiac Signs?

Many Christians wonder whether casually reading horoscopes or identifying with zodiac signs constitutes genuine engagement with astrology or merely harmless entertainment.

Reading horoscopes or identifying with zodiac signs is not harmless entertainment but genuine engagement with prohibited divination practices.

Biblical texts offer clear guidance on this question. Deuteronomy 18:10-14 expressly forbids divination, and horoscopes represent a subset of this condemned practice.

The underlying issue involves sovereignty: astrology claims stars influence human destiny, contradicting Christianity’s teaching that life’s events stem from God’s will and human choices. James 1:5 directs believers to seek wisdom from God rather than celestial patterns. Reading scripture regularly is a modest time investment that can be sustained by daily habits 70-80 hours.

Even casual engagement with horoscopes can undermine personal accountability to God and indicate discontent with biblical Christianity. Isaiah 47:13-14 rebukes those who consult star-gazers for predictions, portraying such practices as both forbidden and futile.

While Genesis 1:14-15 indicates God created stars for signs and seasons, this purpose differs fundamentally from using them to predict individual destinies or guide personal decisions.

Scripture serves as the primary source of truth, according to 2 Timothy 3:16, suggesting Christians should turn to the Bible for teaching and correction rather than zodiac-based guidance.