Do the stars fascinate you? They certainly thrill Patrick Moore, famous for his programme 'Stars at Night'. He is an astronomer for whom the scientific study of the heavens is a fascinating subject, and his interest in and knowledge of the planets, stars, and the different galaxies made his late night programme very popular. However other people find the stars of absorbing interest for other reasons: those who see in the stars a means of obtaining information not otherwise available. 'Astrology' (the interpretation of the heavens) sounds very similar to 'astronomy' (Patrick Moore's variety) but it is in essence quite different.

Astrologers, i.e. those who believe in and study the hidden (occult) influence of the stars on human affairs, use the study of heavenly bodies and their positions relative to calendar dates and seasons, to foresee, predict, or find out by magic things unknown.

A very well known system is the use of the zodiac which means 'circle of animals' and is a convenient way of dividing the sun's path; and twelve groupings of stars. Western astrology uses the vernal equinox.

From the study of the zodiac a horoscope (chart of the heavens)can be drawn showing the relative positions of the planets at a particular instant of time, e.g. the moment of a person's birth. The significance of these relative positions and the resulting influence upon the person's destiny, fortunes and personality can then be predicted and calculated or interpreted.

There are of course influences upon the earth from celestial bodies. These are measurable and can be scientifically explained. The sun and moon produce tidal effects by their gravitational pull. Animals hibernate on an annual rhythm, man's sleeping and awaking is to a 24-hour cycle, and flowers open and close at different times of the day. These are real rhythms in creation which may be measured by reference to the physical movements of certain heavenly bodies.

But does this influence go beyond the physical influences? Astrologers claim that it does. Many wonderful claims are made by its adepts and followers about its results and effectiveness, though not everyone takes it so seriously. Most people in fact read their stars/horoscopes in newspapers and magazines merely out of curiosity or for 'a bit of a giggle'. Others do go into it more deeply, especially those of college -age who are seeking to discover their place and role within a universal or cosmic order. They do not wish to rely on general horoscopes, and so consult an astrologer, or have their own personal horoscopes cast in order to find out a great deal more detail. Yet others go beyond this and believe most fervently in astrology and the stars. They believe in it as a religion and see their destiny affected by it. Many of them become involved in the promotion of astrology, the casting of horoscopes for themselves or others (a very complicated process) and the writing of literature.

But when and where did this science' begin? It seems that it was probably about 2000 BC in the north west of India. (Babylon also has a very early tradition of astrology). Towers called 'ziggurats' such as the one built at Babel which is mentioned in Genesis 11, apparently were astrological observatories with temples at the top for star worship.

Good and bad omens were used to foretell the future, and astrology grew out of the idea of using the positions of stars relative to birth dates to interpret life. The earliest form of reference system was the NAKSHATRAS which traces the sun's path through the stars in an annual revolution using individual and groups of stars which formed a circle in the heavens, near which the sun, moon and planets were seen. So astrology has an impressively ancient pedigree. But does that fact make it a valid form of guidance? Do roots in antiquity make a practice right? Do amazing results necessarily prove that a belief is right? The important thing is, how does God view astrological divination?

God's attitude can be found in the Bible, but some people claim that the Bible supports astrology. Therefore we need to examine carefully such claims.

i) In Genesis 1: 14 we read, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years'. Some people have seen this as indicating astrological signs. However in Jeremiah 10..2 God specifically indicates that people should not take notice of the signs of the heavens or fear them, as was common practice. To claim that they were created for such an astrological purpose is therefore unacceptable. This verse can betaken more naturally to mean the construction of calendars as a secondary function to the provision of 1 i g ht (see verses 15- 1 8 also).

ii) Others have seen a connection between the seven days or stages of Creation and the seven visible planets, with the planets ruling the week day order, (the planetary week). The use of the same numbers does not prove any such connection and there is no cause-effect related evidence to link these two facts.

iii) A similar connection has been seen between the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve signs of the zodiac. In a series of twelve blessings it is not surprising that some of the topics also occur among the characteristics of the zodiacal signs. This can happen purely by chance, and is not convincing proof of a real connection.

iv) The 'sweet influences' of the Pleiades, a group of stars, and the 'dominion' of the heavens, quoted from Job38:31-33, are often cited as astrological influences. When read in context, it seems that it could more properly betaken to mean the natural influences on the weather.

v) 'Stargazing is mentioned in the Bible!' Yes, certainly it is - with warnings against doing it and a clear denial of its ability to help! Isaiah 47:13-15, Jeremiah 2:10. God did not condone recourse to such means of guidance by those who claimed to follow and obey Him.

vi) Joseph's dream about the sun, moon and eleven stars (Gen.37:9-11) has been seen as supporting astrology, in that the dream was a revelation of future events. However the context, and comparison with his other dream about wheat sheaves, shows that they were used only as symbols. (They represented the members of Joseph's family). The real heavenly bodies have other purposes entirely - see note (i).

vii) The book of Revelation. This book is full of symbolism and has been interpreted in many different ways. However the whole tenor of Scripture is against the acceptance of an astrological interpretation.

viii) The Star of Bethlehem. Some people have claimed that the story of the star which led the Magi (wise men) to Bethlehem, (Matt.2:1-12) shows that Jesus' birth was foretold astrologically and therefore that this sets God's seal of approval on astrology. The use of the name Magi indicates that they were scholar astrologers. These wise men had understood the appearance of the star to mean that a king of the Jews had been born, v2. We are not told whether this interpretation came to them by a revelation from God or from their own traditions. (We have no indication as to whether they were familiar with the Old Testament prohibitions on astrology and divination.)

What was the star? A nova? A comet? A special star supernaturally given by God? We do know that towards the end of 2 BC Jupiter was stationary among the stars and just before dawn stood due south of Jerusalem i.e. over Bethlehem. Was this what the Maji saw? (Nobody knows for certain). We do know that it was no ordinary star. It seems to have disappeared at some point, and then reappeared (v9), and it actually moved and then stopped. 'It went on before them, until it came and stood over the place where the Child was'. There is still some uncertainty about the exact season and year of Christ's birth which is usually placed between 7 BC and 4 BC.

Giving a meaning to the star may have been, to the wise men, an astrological idea. Hence 'astrology' was part but not all of the means by which God led them. He also used the Old Testament Scriptures and a dream. But the fact God used a star to reveal something does not imply that he approved of astrology. The Bible in fact frequently shows God turning practices and behaviour of which He does not approve to serve his own purposes. For instance; (a) Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery - a very wrong thing to do, bit God turned it to bring good to the whole family. (b) Balaam was a diviner who read omens - but God gave him a very specific prophetic message about the people of Israel which came true. (c)The sailors who travelled with Jonah cast lots to discover who was bringing trouble on them. They did not know or serve Jonah's God, but the lot did tell the truth; Jonah's disobedience was the reason for the storm. (d) Caiaph as the high priest was a prime mover in the condemnation and death of an innocent man yet God caused him to speak prophetically on one occasion. (e) The ultimate example of God turning wicked actions to good is of course the death of Christ on the cross.

In the same way, God met the wise men where they were, and their understanding of the sign was correct. But this does not define His attitude to astrology: we must look for that elsewhere in the Bible in the teaching on guidance.

Are there any forms of guidance prohibited in the Bible? Several verses in the Old Testament are specific about God's attitude. Deut 18: 10 'Let no one be found among you ... who practises divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord...'This is not the only place; there are many other references to God's attitude to interpreting omens and any kind of divination, see Lev. 19:26, Jer. 27:9, Lev. 20:27, Lev. 19:31, Lev. 20:6,1 Chron. 10: 13, Zech. 10:2, Micah 5.12, Acts 19:18.

Why should this be so? Basically it is because Satan and his host of fallen angels and demons have been, and are, waging war against God, Christ, His angels and Church. Satan wishes to promote anything that will be harmful to humans and prevent them from entering into a right relationship with God through Christ. Satan of course gives predictions which he then makes come true to deceive some, and disguises himself as an angel of light. (1 Tim. 4:1, 2 Cor. 11:14). He uses astrology as one of these means. It may appear as 'harmless', 'successful' means of obtaining knowledge but in fact it cuts the person off from the true god, and forms a link with the devil himself. It is a violation of the very first commandment - 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve'. Matt 4:10.

But God created mankind and does wish to communicate with them, and guide them in their earthly lives. So how does He do this? What are the ways by which God reveals His purposes and plans to men? Lt seems that for very special events angels are often sent to communicate God's will. This is outstandingly, but not uniquely seen in the Christmas story. See also: Dan 8:11, Gen 22:10-16, Rev 22:9). God sometimes chooses to reveal things through visions or dreams, for example to Joseph, Solomon, and Peter to name a few. (Matt. 1:20, 1 Kings 3:5-9, Acts 10: 120 etc.) The people of Israel were guided by pillars of fire and cloud which indicated the timing and direction of their journeying, and signs in the heavens are promised as the return of Christ to the earth draws near. Luke 24:25, Joel 2:30-3l.) The Bible warns against false signs and wonders in the end times also. (2 Thess 2:9-10, Matt 24:24-26,)

Before the first coming of Christ, the sacred lot was used, also the Urim and Thummim which were part of the vestments of the High Priest. But it seems that their use disappeared with the coming of the Holy Spirit and the abolition of the High Priesthood.

God spoke most significantly to mankind through His son Jesus (Heb. 1: 1, John 1:18, Isa. 9:6.) After His death, resurrection and ascension He sent the Holy Spirit to continue the ministry of revealing God's will and truth to the world. (John 16:7-15.) The Holy Spirit may guide iii several ways, He may speak directive to a person's spirit, (1 Cor. 2:6-16, Rom 8:14-16.) or He may reveal things to prophets and apostles who then speak to God's people. (Acts 10: 10- 11, 1 1:27-29.) He had of course similarly spoken through the Old Testament prophets (2 Pet. 3:2, Eph. 3:5).

Any revelation, guidance, or message received in such a way must be tested by the Scripture. If it does not agree with the Bible, it is fake, spurious and not from the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1: 16-21, 2 Tim. 3:16-17, Rom. 16:25-27.) The Scriptures reveal God's will, but distorting them to make them fit, lead to a sad fate. (2 Pet. 3:18.)

What more can one say? God wishes to reveal Himself to us, to guide us and help us. He has given His Holy Spirit, the Bible, and men of God to help us know Him and His ways. Why then resort to astrology which He forbids, or use it to interpret His word? As the prophet Isaiah said, 'Should not a person enquire of their God?' (Isa. 8:19.)