from Dianne Eppler Adams
Astrology, it seems, is only now coming out of the "dark ages." While most other intellectual and scientific fields rode a wave of advancement at the time of the 18th century Enlightenment, Astrology was reduced to a place of ridicule as a form of chicanery. Science and religion, if they could not agree on anything else, at least agreed that Astrology had no merit. Interesting that such unity should exist between them, while in every other way science and religion have been adversaries.
The fact that science and religion are now beginning to find some areas of agreement and the fact that Astrology is also finding renewed interest is no coincidence. It is due, I believe, to the important role Astrology plays in the understanding of life on Earth. Astrology, in its holistic approach to the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual cycles of life, is a bridge between the science of the physical world and the religion of the spiritual world. I want to explore the religious basis of Astrology. Since in many parts of the world some form of Astrology is well accepted (e.g., Iraq, Iran, India, Tibet), let’s focus on the predominant religions of the Western world, Christianity and Judaism.
Beginning our search for the religious basis of Astrology, we begin at the first book, first chapter of the Bible, the sacred text for Christians and Jews. In Genesis 1:14, the 4th day of creation is described: "And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be signs (my emphasis) and for seasons and for days and years.’" Before man was created, God set the heavenly bodies in the sky "for signs" or for guidance. The planets do not cause us to do things or control us but instead reveal the wisdom of the Divine Intelligence that created both man and the heavenly bodies, as "signs."
Psalms 19:1-2 could not be a clearer celebration of the magnificence of the heavens and the wonder of their message and meaning: "The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge." It is the "speech" and the "knowledge" that Astrologers are interpreting when you get a reading.
Matthew, recording the significance of Jesus’ birth, wrote of the astrologers, also known as wise men (from present day Iraq), who came to worship Jesus when he was born. They had been studying the heavens and "came to Jerusalem saying, ‘Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him’" (Matthew 2:1-2). Astrology played an important role in announcing Jesus’ birth and proving his divinity. In fact, Jesus himself, when describing his return, indicated that "there will be signs in sun and moon and stars…" (Luke 21:25).
Some Christians condemn Astrology as false prophesy, yet Paul urged in I Thessalonians 5:20-22: "do not despise prophesying, but test everything, hold fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil." In truth, Astrology is no more false prophesy than the weather report. Like the weatherman, an Astrologer can suggest what the "physical, emotional, intellectual or spiritual weather" may be like in the coming months. But free will always reigns supreme. The ability to read "the signs in sun and moon and stars" gives insight into timing of cycles, since it is written that "for everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven" (Ecc 3:1). This understanding enhances mankind’s ability to exercise wisdom with his free will, to prepare for challenging times, and to seek balance during times of success and opportunity.
Clearly, God created Astrology for mankind. It enhances free will and assists in our ability to read "the signs" that he has created for our evolving understanding of our life and purpose on Earth.
