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Is Astrology Occult or Entertainment?

HOROSCOPES: TO READ OR NOT TO READ

By Marcia Montenegro, former professional licensed astrologer who practiced astrology for over 8 years; former President of the Metropolitan Astrological Society, former Chairperson of the Atlanta Board of Astrology Examiners; former teacher of astrology for over 5 years

[This article first appeared in "Christian Events Journal," August/September 1994, and has been slightly modified for this site.]

Have you ever glanced over at the horoscope column in a newspaper or magazine just for "fun" or out of curiosity? Do you even deliberately look for it each day? As you do so, maybe you say things like, "I don't take this seriously," "it's just like reading the funnies," "I know a lot of people who do this," or perhaps "I don't really believe in astrology so it's okay." Or maybe you are really looking for guidance.
The word "horoscope," which comes from the Greek and means, "watcher of the hour," was first coined in an ancient, declining Greece that began to tolerate astrology after long resisting it. Horoscopes, as innocuous as they may appear, are not just products of the imagination. The authors of these columns are usually astrologers; some are psychics. Astrologers have purposely studied what they believe to be the meanings of the planets, the zodiac signs, and other astrological data. Along with this information, they consider the present positions of planets (and the sun and moon), and how they interact with the sun signs of Aries, Taurus, Gemini, etc., in order to give horoscope advice. Since the moon changes signs every 2.5 days, its position is a key element in the forecasting.
Astrological philosophy is based on the occult worldview that asserts "as above, so below." According to this view, everything in the universe is one and is connected; therefore, the patterns of the planets reflect our lives on earth. As a former astrologer, I can tell you that although many astrologers scorn horoscope columns as "pop" astrology of little value, the astrological worldview is essential even to the writing of a horoscope. When you read such a column, you are in a subtle way either accepting that worldview or assigning some kind of value to it.
The belief that the patterns and movements of the planets, sun and moon reflect our lives is contradictory to the view of a living, omniscient God who created the heavenly bodies to reflect and proclaim His glory, not ours. Astrology also is often intertwined with the teaching that since we are all connected to the universe by a force or energy (which is sometimes considered to be divine or to be God), then everything in the universe is one and therefore, there is no true distinction between man and nature; this is called monism (all is one and one is all). Identifying God as one with the universe is pantheism (God is all, all is God) or is sometimes panentheism (God is contained within the universe), and is totally at odds with the belief in a Creator who created the world out of nothing and is distinct from His creation. God is present in the world and transcends it, but He is distinct from it.
Since astrology is an occult practice of divination severely condemned in God's word, even horoscope columns are rooted in the occult. They may be marketed in trendy magazines with the latest slang, but this packaging is deceptive. If you take reading horoscopes lightly or "in fun," you are denying that the occult is forbidden or possibly dangerous. As someone who was involved in this and related areas for a number of years, I can attest to the dangers inherent in these practices. In the Deuteronomy passage, God warns us against divination, sorcery, spiritism and interpreting omens; such systems are not from Him. To read horoscopes is to take God's word lightly and is trifling with the occult.
The very roots of astrology are in ancient paganism and worship of the planets as gods, making astrology a true form of "fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness " (Ephesians 5:11). Most astrologers are involved in other forms of occultism and New Age practices such as tarot cards, numerology, belief in reincarnation, having spirit guides, Eastern meditation practices, and so forth. Thus, reading horoscopes (as well as consulting an astrologer) is to be receptive to something coming from this kind of spiritual worldview.
Being an occult art, astrology is connected to the paranormal powers of the occult. This paranormal effect manifested for me when I would concentrate on a chart in preparation for a reading or during the session with the client: I would feel a distinct energy flowing between the chart and myself. I called it "tuning into the chart." I usually felt guided through the chart, and seemed to know where to go in the chart for information and which information was relevant for the client. I also experienced psychic "flashes" which came to my mind in words or pictures. I usually thought this guidance was coming from one of my spirit guides or that I was tapping into a psychic data bank. Surprisingly, direct clues from the client distracted rather than helped me; I preferred not to know anything about the client other than their birthdate, birthplace, and time of birth, information that was needed to compute the chart. I often recorded charts on tapes for absent clients whom I had never met, and this was sometimes easier than having the clients physically present. I learned from talking to other astrologers that they shared these experiences. The longer I practiced astrology, the stronger the guidance and psychic flashes. I realize now that this information and "guidance" comes from demonic sources much the same way a medium or psychic receives some of their data, and it was accurate enough to "hook" clients into coming back and recommending me to friends, as well as validating astrology for my own benefit.
If you are reading this as a Christian, please take God's word to heart and do not consult horoscopes, even in fun. It's easy to get in the habit of reading them. If by coincidence a horoscope forecast is right one day, you would become even more curious and captivated, and actually might get interested enough in astrology to consult an astrologer.
If you are reading this as a non-Christian, or even as someone who practices astrology, please realize that I am not attacking you or astrologers. This is about the practice of astrology and what God has to say about it; it is not about being "against" anyone. Please keep an open mind, and consider whether it is the Creator who should be consulted rather than a divinatory practice using the Creator's creation. God reveals Himself as Creator in nature and in the design of the universe, and in the fact everyone has a conscience, automatically knowing there is a right and wrong. But the fullest revelation of God came in His son, Jesus Christ, who suffered on the cross the penalty for our sins, who bodily resurrected the third day, and who will come again to judge the living and the dead. We also have God's revelation in His word, the 66 books of the Bible.

Divination and looking to creation or psychic powers

"There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer." Deuteronomy 18.10
Then they made their sons and their daughters pass through the fire, and practiced divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him. 2 Kings 17.17
When they say to you, "Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter," should not a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?" Isaiah 8.19
You are wearied with your many counsels; let them stand forth and save you, those who divide the heavens, who gaze at the stars, who at the new moons make known what shall come upon you. Behold, they are like stubble; the fire consumes them; they cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame. Isaiah 47.13-14a
They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator. Romans 1.25

The heavens and God

LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Psalm 8.1
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Psalm 19.1

Jesus

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." John 1.45
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. Hebrews 1.1-2
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11.25-26

The Dangers of Astrology -- Part One by Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon (from Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs, Harvest House, 1996)

The Dangers of Astrology -- Part One
by Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon
(from Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs, Harvest House, 1996)

There are dangers from astrology besides those associated with spiritism and other occult practices.

1 Science writer Lawrence E. Jerome states, "How much physical and psychological damage such false astrological practices and advice cause cannot even be estimated.

"2 Bart Bok, a former president of the prestigious American Astronomical Society, has observed that, "The study and ready availability of astrological predictions can exert an insidious influence on a person’s personal judgment.

"3 Indeed, if a billion people trust in the false advice of astrology in some degree, one can hardly hazard a guess at the overall personal cost around the world. Even some astrologers confess that practitioners are liable to the characteristic hazards of the trade. These kinds of hazards do not make for a trusting relationship between astrologer and client but further complicate an already potentially dangerous situation.
Leading astrologer Tracy Marks discusses the following potential problems between the astrologer and his client. A little imagination here will reveal how each one can produce harm to the client:

• the astrologer may experience himself as superior to the client.
• the astrologer may encourage the dependency of his clients.
• the astrologer may give clients what they appear to want rather than what they really need.
• astrologers may pass their own values and ideas under the cloak of astrological authority.
• the astrologers’ "own sense of powerlessness" may lead them to "disempower [their] clients, imparting deterministic [fatalistic attitudes."
• the astrologers’ own fears concerning certain planets and signs may influence their interpretation and "result in [their] imparting pronouncements which could become destructively self-fulfilling prophecies."
• astrologers may speak in astrological jargon the client cannot understand and use mystical language authoritatively to create "the illusion that [they] are imparting high truths, when indeed [they] may be saying little of significance."
• astrologers may "speak in vague, ungrounded generalities.

"4

Marks observes that even "most professional astrologers are guilty on occasion of at least several of the above inadequacies….
"5 In addition, she admits that astrologers may react more to the chart than to the client; may become egotistical; may devalue the client; and can draw hasty conclusions.

6
Astrological predictions or advice can cause people to do things they would otherwise never have done, and sometimes this has led to tragedy. Given the right circumstances, a particular chart interpretation and its potentially powerful influence upon a person could even lead to criminal acts. In order to help fulfill or forestall what a person believes is the cosmic influence or destiny upon himself or another. For example, a chart reveals that a company will fail, so the president embezzles funds for his own security; or that a child may be born mentally retarded, so there is an abortion.
German theologian and occult expert Dr. Kurt Koch observes that, "Astrology has been responsible for a number of suicides and murders.

"7 He cites examples in his books concerning the effects of the suggestive nature of astrology. For example, a woman murdered her own son because an astrologer predicted he would lead a life of mental illness. The shattered mother went to jail, but the astrologer went free.8 Dr. Sherman Kanagy, a physics professor at Purdue University observes, "In ancient times women whose babies were born under the sign of Scorpio would often kill their babies by drowning because of the evil significance.

"9
Remember that astrologers are: 
1) unlicensed and unregulated, 
2) require little or no education, 
3) can become a "professional" astrologer overnight, 
4) are occultists who characteristically reject absolute moral values, and 
5) often use their powers over others in a manipulative and authoritarian manner. If the practices of such people force them into demonic collaboration, what kind of answers are clients getting from astrological counseling? In considering the clients of astrologers, we will see additional reasons for concern.

The Clients of Astrologers
What kind of person seeks out an astrologer? We can determine from the statements of astrologers themselves that some and perhaps many clients are those for whom astrology will be most destructive.
Clients lack values. For example, astrological counselor Stephen Arroyo observes, "Many people who request astrological assistance are suffering from a lack of values...."10
Clients are easily duped or deceived. Astrologer Jane Evans observes, "I have known too many people to whom self-deception was second nature.

"11
Clients are looking for the astrologer to make their decisions for them. This is a problem that is almost universally admitted among astrologers. Some attempt to help such clients become more independent, but others willingly become their "gurus," and enjoy the fact that their client will make no decision without first consulting their "wisdom….

"12
It is the ability of astrologers to justify a person’s selfish tendencies that caused Dr. John Warwick Montgomery to give the following warning: "The very elasticity of astrological interpretation is its most dangerous characteristic where people desperately desire a shortcut to self knowledge and solutions to their problems, and where the answers are ambiguous, they inevitably choose according to self-interest. Thus the floodgates are opened to the reinforcement of evil tendencies.... It should not be regarded as strange that astrology has so frequently been used to guide evil farther along the path it has already taken.

"13
Because astrologers reject any absolute standard of morality, they prefer a "situation ethics" approach where moral decisions are determined largely by the whim and preference of the astrologer or client. Astrologer Alan Oken observes, "No Path is the Truth Path, for in the Absolute there is not Truthfulness or Falsehood, no right and no wrong, no yes and no no.

"14 Even the Alexandrian astronomer and "father" of astrology, Ptolemy (2nd C.A.D.) confessed, "Many of its practitioners are in it for gain rather than truth or wisdom, and pretend to know more than the facts permit.

"15 Another astrologer testifies, "The preoccupation with self is really in the interest of evolution.... In modern astrology we seek confirmation of our personal importance.

"16
Evil Uses
Astrologers admit astrology can be used for either "good" or evil purposes. Leading astrologer Sydney Omarr states, "Astrology is there, to be used for the good—or the evil (Hitler!).

"17 Just as there is both black and white witchcraft, one astrology text observes, "There is white and black astrology.…

"18 Leading astrologer Nicholas deVore confesses that "astrology has often been used to unworthy ends.

"19
Adolph Hitler, the ancient Aztecs and their human sacrifices, the modern serial killer known as the Zodiac killer, modern witches and Satanists, have used astrology for evil purposes. All realized that astrology’s power may be used malevolently. For whatever reasons, these people decided to choose evil. This is the point. The astrologer is free to choose. Perhaps the most cunning deception here is when, like Hitler, the astrologer uses his craft for evil while thinking he is using it for the good.

Morality and Sex
In the astrologer’s view, morality is often determined by one’s subjective or "higher" state of consciousness, not by what one believes or does. Obedience to God would be (perhaps) moral for one person and immoral for another. As one guru who endorses astrology states, "I would like to say to you: obedience [to God] is the greatest sin," and "I teach you disobedience.... The devil did a tremendous service to humanity.

"20 But most astrologers are not very concerned with morality in the first place. In fact, many of them believe that moral judgments themselves are the real evil.

21 Their job, as astrologers, is simply to validate the client’s own views, whatever they are.

22
One reason astrology is popular is because it permits us to explain our own failures and evils, or whatever we do not like in ourselves, as the fault of the stars. Here is an attractive escape from personal responsibility.

23 Astrologers may say that "Saturn did it," or that "the stars weren’t auspicious." Virtually anything can be rationalized, any sin or evil, because "What happens to us is what needs to happen to us.
"24
But if there is any place in which astrology promotes sin, it is the area of sexual behavior.
25 In an era of AIDS and dozens of other sexually transmitted diseases, this is of no small concern.
26 Astrologer Jeff Green provides an illustration. Here is the case of a woman who was deeply troubled by her sexual immorality. What did she discover through astrological counseling? She realized that she was free to enjoy sexual affairs without guilt by making them "spiritual," even a divine activity. On what basis? Simply because Pluto was in the eighth house in Leo, the south node was in the seventh house in opposition to Mars, and Pisces was in the second house.
27
Astrologers also observe chart indicators for bisexuality, homosexuality, lesbianism, sexual sadism, and transexualism.
28 Since such activities are "indicated," perhaps the one who desires to pursue them will have them justified in his own mind. And the one who does not desire them may live in worry or fear over the possibility, perhaps until he gives in to his astrological "destiny." We can only wonder what an impressionable teenager would think if he went to an astrologer and discovered such "indicators" in his chart. What if he or she were confused about sexuality, especially in an age of gross experimentation and so-called sexual enlightenment?
Consider the advice to a client by Maxine Bell, a famous astrologer to Hollywood’s homosexual community: "He didn’t come to me for help, he came to me to find out when his next affair was due. He was just finishing up one [affair] and after two nights of being alone he was desperate, so he wondered what his prospects were for a new affair. I gave him the rundown on when the next affair would be likely. Whenever transiting Mars goes over the fifth house that starts things going.
"29
Many astrologers believe that homosexuality is as much a part of a person’s "destiny pattern" as their birth or death. Maxine Bell states, "If they were homosexuals as they closed their last life and had no desire to quit or reform, them they come back as a homosexual and they have their own karma they bring with them.
"30 "I have no wish to change, only to help," says Edith Randall, a celebrated Hollywood astrologer. Her 60,000 astrological readings over the years include "a sizable slice of the homosexual community.

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