TLEM
True Light Educational Ministry
Then
you will
know the Truth and the Truth will set you free ( John
8:32)
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WHAT
ABOUT HOROSCOPES?
The
Horoscope is a map of the heavens at the moment of the birth of a person or of
any specific time thereafter. By plotting the position of the stars and
planets at the exact time of a person's birth, astrologers claim they can
predict the future of that person. The main claim is that everything in the
heavens is correlated to everything on earth; thus at birth we are stamped
with the corresponding pattern in the sky. This stamp determines one's
character and ultimately, his destiny.
Horoscopes
are big business. In the U.S. over 2,000 newspapers carry daily horoscopes.
Estimates of American believers in astrology range from 32 million up to
one-half of the population. The astrology business grosses several hundred
million dollars a year.
What
should our attitude be toward astrology? Should we read the newspaper
horoscopes on the assumption that it is simply innocent fun? Should we wear
astrological jewelry? Is astrology true? What should we say when someone asks
what our astrological sign is?
Astrology
is popular because it claims to provide important information that people want
to know. This information will: 1) guide them, 2) protect them, 3) bring them
success, 4) predict their future, 5) help them understand themselves.
The
earliest form of astrology was connected with the worship of the stars (Tsabaistism).
The stars were consulted and viewed as having power over man because they were
assumed to be gods. The practice was used to predict the future of a nation.
This ancient form of planetary worship is probably the reason God destroyed
the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11: 1-9).
Natal
astrology, which is the mapping of the heavens at the time of birth, was
originally practiced by kings. Alexander the Great brought it back to Greece
after his conquests. In 130 A.D. Ptolemy redesigned the art to apply to
everyone. He finalized the zodiac and the method of casting horoscopes by
positions of the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn at the
time of a person's birth.
The
zodiac is the imaginary belt in the sky across which the planets move in their
orbits. It is based on observable constellations. The zodiac is divided into
twelve houses with 30 degrees in each house. By using the zodiac, the exact
position of the sun, moon and planets can be calculated. The calendar year is
broken down into twelve sections, with dates for each house. These are used
when asked what your sign is.
There
are some rather difficult problems with astrology that you should be aware of.
First the original mapping is based on the assumption that the earth was the
center of the universe. The planets, sun, and moon all circled the earth and
focused their powers on earth to determine the destiny of every human being.
Obviously the earth is not the center of the universe. Three planets are not
included in Ptolemy's horoscope calculations.
Second,
since the originator of the horoscope assumed the earth was flat, the point of
the zodiac cannot be seen above 60 degrees latitude. Thus no horoscope can be
drawn for people living in Alaska, Northern Canada, Finland, Siberia, etc. Are
we to believe that these people escape the supposed influence of the zodiac or
that the influence does not really exist?
Next, we
have confusion and problems in modern astrology. Most modern astrologers do
not agree even in reading the same person's horoscope. They do not even agree
as to when the age of Aquarius begins.
To draw
a proper horoscope, astrologers must obtain a fix from the day spring begins.
This is called the vernal equinox. They originally assumed this equinox was
fixed and never varied. They were unaware of the backward movement of the
equinox (wobble of the earth) of one degree every 72 years. Due to this
backward rotation, most of us must move one sign back in the zodiac. Therefore
we all are reading the wrong signs.
Then
astrologers are faced with their records of faulty predictions. They claim
that people born under the same sign will have similar traits. Yet careful
studies of the records does not support this concept. A further careful study
of their other predictions also demonstrates them equally faulty. Even
Nostrodamus' supposed ability to predict the future demonstrates how
inaccurate he was. While most of his predictions were so vague they could
occur at almost any time, some did give more dated information. Venice, Italy,
for example, never became a great power in 1792. Nor did the Catholic clergy
have a downfall in 1609, as he predicted.
Finally,
what do the Scriptures teach about astrology? Astrology as previously stated
is supposed to tell the future. This is clearly a form of divination. God
condemns divination as evil and as an abomination to Him and says it leads to
contact with evil spirits called demons (Deut. 18:9-13; 1 Cor. 10:20). Daniel
answers the question of astrology and horoscopes for us in Daniel 2:27-28.
"Only God can reveal the secrets." Daniel and his three companions
were found to be 10 times better than all the astrologers in the king's realm
(Dan. 1:20). That wisdom resulted from their strong faith in believing and
following God's word. Isaiah 47: 12-15 very clearly states that the
astrologers cannot save themselves, let alone help you. Scripture teaches that
we should put our faith in God, not in astrology.
How
should we respond as Christians when someone asks what our sign is? Most
Christians have never thought of taking this opportunity to witness. When
asked your sign try answering "The CROSS." If they say, "No,
your other sign.", answer "The DOVE." It will give you an
opportunity to state what you believe and stand for. Take your stand for
JESUS.
For
Additional Information Contact
True
Light Educational Ministry
P.O. Box
310
Shirley,
NY 11967
Telephone
(631) 395-4646
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