Astrology

by Johnny McCulloch

If you check your local newspaper, you will almost certainly find an astrology column, that claims to predict what will happen that day to those who read what is written under their sign. Those addicted to it would rather forego their breakfast than not read their horoscope.
Astrology is a type of fortune telling. It is based on the premise that a person's entire life is controlled by the position of the stars in the heavens at the moment of birth. But you scof no one could take such seriously."
The disturbing fact is that astroiogy is being practiced by more and more people each year. It is estimated that over twenty million people in the United States alone never make a move until they consult their horoscope. The horoscope is cast or predicted by the astrologer, who figures backward te the appearance of the sky at the time of a person's birth. From this ana the position of the sun, moon and planets, he predicts whether the person can expect good or bad luck.
But, the addict to this strange persuasion says, the stars and planets were put there for a purpose, for the Bible says, "on the fourth day of creation, and God said let there be lights in the firmanent of heaven to divide the night and day; and let them be for signs, and for seasons and for days and years."
True ancient people used them to tell time, and tell when the seasons changed, and as certain constellations appeared they know it was a safe time to plant.
The first astrologers made predictions for a whole country, a comet or new star meant disaster, or war or something equally awful, and due to the nature of the times, some such usually happened. They made their predictions in general language, and in that way often seemed right more often than wrong. One old astrologer told his pupils, "Always predict disaster, it is certain to come."
In the natural progression of things it wasn't long before people demanded individual horoscopes.
Astronomers, often tried to make horoscopes. Galileo the great scientist tried his hand, and failed miserably, and immediately gave it up. A colleague of his investigated astrology, and concluded, "Astrology is only a dreadful superstition."
And that is exactly what it has become, because it contibutes to the growth of irrational fears and frightening beliefs that confuse people about what God would have them do. In my experience those who follow witchcraft, fortune telling, astrology and such usually leave Christ and the Church far behind.

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