Astrology, horoscopes, and zodiac signs

[MindNight]

I have read indeed in the catechism that astrology and divination are forbidden. The question is, why though? Is it because it is superstition, or demonic, or both?

 

[Usige]

Its about wanting power over those things that are rightly God’s to command. In the catechism 2116 we read:

All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to “unveil” the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.

It also is contrary to loving God because it puts trust in created things (stars, psychics, etc.) rather than in providence.

 

[Dorothy]

I have read indeed in the catechism that astrology and divination are forbidden. The question is, why though? Is it because it is superstition, or demonic, or both?

If we looked to those things we would be seeking information in the wrong places. God is infinitely perfect and is always there for us. We need to trust Him alone.

And, yes, we can open the door to demonic influence by trusting these things that the Lord told us are forbidden. We need to obey and love Him alone.

 

[Linusthe2nd]

I have read indeed in the catechism that astrology and divination are forbidden. The question is, why though? Is it because it is superstition, or demonic, or both?

You have one God. By partaking of superstitious activities you are giving praise to Satan, you are placing him begore God and that is a grave sin.

Linus2nd

 

[Stillsosola]

it might sound extreme but astrology and fortune telling open up the door to the occult that is why the bible and mother church warn us against such things even horoscopes are very spiritually dangerous and can lead to demonic oppression and possesion and believe me when I say that horoscopes opened up the world of the occult to me by the grace of god I have ended my santa muerte fortune telling days but the residual effects of this sin linger on I recommend that no one even read the horoscopes just to be safe

 

[MindNight]

it might sound extreme but astrology and fortune telling open up the door to the occult that is why the bible and mother church warn us against such things even horoscopes are very spiritually dangerous and can lead to demonic oppression and possesion and believe me when I say that horoscopes opened up the world of the occult to me by the grace of god I have ended my santa muerte fortune telling days but the residual effects of this sin linger on I recommend that no one even read the horoscopes just to be safe

I’m just a bit confused how exactly reading horoscopes may oppress you, in what way? Sorry for replying late.

 

[Dorothy]

I’m just a bit confused how exactly reading horoscopes may oppress you, in what way? Sorry for replying late.

Because one’s curiosity about such things leads away from the Lord, from whom all good things come.
We were told in Sacred Scripture not to do these things! It is rebellion.

 

[MindNight]

Because one’s curiosity about such things leads away from the Lord, from whom all good things come.
We were told in Sacred Scripture not to do these things! It is rebellion.

Ok fair enough, I understand. But what Stillsosola was using as words were specifically “opression” and “possession”. So of course I get your point, but what I think Stillsosola was getting at (may he or she correct if I’m wrong) is the demonic aspect of it, that you can get “possessed” and “oppressed” merely by reading about horoscopes. So I am simply wondering what he specifically meant by that, how exactly can you get “possessed” or oppressed for example? Perhaps you can elaborate on his point (since right now he/she is offline). I know from previous replies now that astrology/horoscopes are superstition, but can they be demonic as well…?

 

[Dorothy]

Ok fair enough, I understand. But what Stillsosola was using as words were specifically “opression” and “possession”. So of course I get your point, but what I think Stillsosola was getting at (may he or she correct if I’m wrong) is the demonic aspect of it, that you can get “possessed” and “oppressed” merely by reading about horoscopes. So I am simply wondering what he specifically meant by that, how exactly can you get “possessed” or oppressed for example? Perhaps you can elaborate on his point (since right now he/she is offline). I know from previous replies now that astrology/horoscopes are superstition, but can they be demonic as well…?

Yes, they can be demonic as well. People are drawn in to the esoteric sounding words and take it more and more seriously. There are other occult “traps” as well…tarot cards, visiting psychics, ouija boards, etc. There are testimonies, many of them, given by people who spent years of misery until they realized their sin. When they began their journey away from the Lord it seemed exciting and fruitful, but that was the “bait”.

All we need is Jesus! He is the way, the truth, and the life.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

I have read indeed in the catechism that astrology and divination are forbidden. The question is, why though? Is it because it is superstition, or demonic, or both?

Good for you for reading the catechism. But the Bible itself condemns these things. They are pagan and come from false gods and demons. If you research the history you will see they go beyond just greek theology and gods but back to Babylonian times.

I know that people like to just do these things for fun and think they are harmless but you need to really understand what you are actually saying and doing when you give these things even the credibility of your curiosity.

The idea that fate of being born in a certain month affects your choices, personality, or anything else flies in the face of God himself and breaks the very first commandment.

On a logical note. I have never understood why people put any stock into such things. We know now that you are you from your conception. So if you really want to be accurate go back 9-10 months. That should be your “sign”
What of those born by surgery months early. Do doctors really have the power to change your fate by the day they schedule your birth?

Bottom line, why is it that some people just do not think God is enough?

 

[Stillsosola]

I’m just a bit confused how exactly reading horoscopes may oppress you, in what way? Sorry for replying late.

Sorry as well for my late reply I personally have had bad experiences with horoscopes they started as an innocent childhood practice and eventually led me very far from God, it wasnt until later on that I found out that such seemingly innocent things can lead some of us from the Lord people like me who are hyper sensitive to the demonic or the occult and to be honest I refrain from reading them just to guard myself from further demonic assaults

 

[Deus_tecum]

My nephew in 2nd grade displayed some knowledge about birth zodiac signs and so forth. He said he learned it in school, and he goes to a Catholic school. Of course at his age the context in which something is taught often escapes him. He did not seem preoccupied with it so I looked no further into it.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

My nephew in 2nd grade displayed some knowledge about birth zodiac signs and so forth. He said he learned it in school, and he goes to a Catholic school. Of course at his age the context in which something is taught often escapes him. He did not seem preoccupied with it so I looked no further into it.

We home school so it is a different context but we also have covered the zodiac at young ages. It comes up in science curriculum and even history and culture. It comes up on trips to the planetarium. We frame it as based on false gods and pagan religions.

 

[Skadi]

I have read indeed in the catechism that astrology and divination are forbidden. The question is, why though? Is it because it is superstition, or demonic, or both?

There are two answers to that ive heard from Catholics,

1. That its is seeking control over things.
2. It shows a lack of faith in god.

The first is ridiculous as astrology is not about controlling anything. It is the reading of nature (specifically the stars and other space bodies) to divine information.

As for the second one, well you could wonder why god would put such information in the heavens if he didn’t want us to learn from it, but i guess that depends on ones view of god. Either way the bible bans it so i don’t see how a christian could justify doing it themselves.

 

[Deus_tecum]

We home school so it is a different context but we also have covered the zodiac at young ages. It comes up in science curriculum and even history and culture. It comes up on trips to the planetarium. We frame it as based on false gods and pagan religions.

That makes sense. They are going to come into contact with the info and should know what it is. Knowledge is power. I’ve had kids ask about the horoscopes in the newspaper. It’s a good opportunity to teach them that it is superstitious hogwash. I am reminded of a college class where the professor had an “astrologist” come in and do a “personal” reading for each student. The students were asked their opinion about their reading. They all thought the reading touched on important points in their lives and they could see how their reading was specifically about them and therefore must be true. They were then asked to pass their reading to the student on their right. They then discovered that each student had the exact same “personal” horoscope reading.

 

[FRLBJ]

So how does astrology come up in science courses? What does it have to do with science?
I think it would come up in catechism courses under the First Commandment.
Reading horoscopes and such can open you up to the influence of demon spirits. So, duh, a Christian is not going to place himself in the near occasion of sin by reading the horoscopes, talking about them, referring to the signs except to inform someone about their danger and certainly not teach one’s children about them until they are old enough. You could say they are Satan’s ‘anti-sacramentals’.

I have always refused to subscribe to newspapers because of presence of the horoscopes. It is spiritual pollution in the home.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

So how does astrology come up in science courses? What does it have to do with science?
I think it would come up in catechism courses under the First Commandment.
Reading horoscopes and such can open you up to the influence of demon spirits. So, duh, a Christian is not going to place himself in the near occasion of sin by reading the horoscopes, talking about them, referring to the signs except to inform someone about their danger and certainly not teach one’s children about them until they are old enough. You could say they are Satan’s ‘anti-sacramentals’.

I have always refused to subscribe to newspapers because of presence of the horoscopes. It is spiritual pollution in the home.

I have always refused to subscribe to newspapers because of presence of the horoscopes. It is spiritual pollution in the home.

Some would apply even more so to the internet.

It comes up in science when discussing astronomy and the constellations. It comes up in social studies when discussing other cultures and religions.
What is nice about homeschooling is that we can discuss these things in a Catholic setting. And we can even incorporate theology into things like science because we can talk about what the Church and the Bible say about such things.

 

[gigi_mvn]

There is this awesome article I have read (Warning: it does contain foul language) by Maddox called Astrology is Bull…, Astrology is Bull…, Astrology is Bull… It is a great modern refute (in a crude manner) against Astrology/Horoscopes/Zodiac Signs.
Not too sure of the author’s religious stance, but I have not come across anything written by him Anti-Catholic.

WARNING, the article does contain FOUL language. Reader’s discretion is advised:

thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=astrology

 

[Dorothy]

I am sure there are articles written on the subject that does not have foul language.

 

[Emese]

Its about wanting power over those things that are rightly God’s to command. In the catechism 2116 we read:

It also is contrary to loving God because it puts trust in created things (stars, psychics, etc.) rather than in providence.

I don’t fully understand the reasoning
First of all to my knowledge astrology has nothing to do with psychics, mediums, or fortune tellers of any sort. Secondly it does not put trust into created things such as stars, rather it is just using the starts, planets as a system of symbols to better understand or explain one’s traits, talents, motives, or to give advice, etc. One doesn’t put trust into the “art of astrology” any more than into for example the art of medicine. We also trust doctors, psychologists, counsellors…or alternative health partitioners or astrologers, but that does not mean that we don’t trust God. IMHO.