Hey…what’s your sign? I’m a Libra. You know what THAT means…? Absolutely nothing!

Anyone acquainted with the signs of the zodiac will know the 12 signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. The Ford Taurus is not one of the 12. And the song by the Fifth Dimension titled “The Age of Aquarius” left many of us baffled about the moon being in the seventh house, Jupiter aligning with Mars, and something about peace. Of course that was the 60s and people were having many strange visions then. (i.e. check lyrics for “White Rabbit”)

Supposedly, the 12 zodiac signs reveal each of our “strengths and weaknesses, specific traits, desires and attitude towards life and people.” Followers of this claim that by studying the position of planets, and the sun and the moon on the ecliptic at the moment of birth, your personality design will be revealed—including your flaws and fears.

Some have even chosen their mates in life based on these zodiac revelations. The website zodiac.com states,

“Two people whose zodiac signs are highly compatible will get along very easily because they are on the same wavelength. But, people whose zodiac signs are less compatible will need to be more patient and tactful in order to achieve a happy and harmonious relationship.”

My guess is you’ll find just as many unhappy couples regardless of their zodiac match.

The serious astrology believer will be checking out their daily horoscope (or as I prefer to call it, their “horror-scope”) to determine whether it will be a good day at work, to buy a house, or to invest in the Trump bitcoin plan. (I’m not sure it’s ever a good day to buy bitcoins, but that’s me.)

There was a time somewhere in my teenage years when I looked at those newspaper daily horoscopes. I think they were put out by a woman named Jeane Dixon. Her daily column offered insights from the stars. And I’m not talking Hollywood. Although many in that clan get pretty jazzed announcing and comparing their “signs” on talk shows and in interviews.

I bring this subject up because Pew Research recently published a survey completed in 2024 that claims “30% of Americans Consult Astrology, Tarot Cards or Fortune Tellers.” Those who confess to such say it’s really just for fun rather than on whether or not to buy bitcoin.

The Pew survey revealed that 27% of Christians believe in astrology! A slightly larger percentage (30%) of our populace believe in horoscopes or other forms of fortune-telling, and seek it at least once a year.

Pew Research also found these rather startling results.

“Younger adults—and especially younger women—are more likely to believe in astrology and to consult astrology or horoscopes. For example, 43% of women ages 18 to 49 say they believe in astrology. That compares with 27% of women ages 50 and older, 20% of men ages 18 to 49, and 16% of men who are 50 and older.”

Of those surveyed, the bulk claim to consult horoscopes for fun. A smaller percentage cite “helpful insights” or “inspiration” as their motivation. Thankfully, no one appears to select their church home based on their horoscopes.

Is this playful innocence? Before I check my ouija board, (just KIDDING) I refer you to the Bible. First, there are several scriptural references to celestial bodies including Orion, the Bear (Ursa Major), and “the crooked serpent.” Also the star group Pleiades.

Constellations have been tracked for millennia. Egyptians and Greeks knew of the zodiac. Some believe the constellation Leo may be a celestial depiction of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Bottom line, we learn from the Bible in Genesis 1:14 that stars, the sun, and moon were established for “signs” and “seasons.” Studying these in astronomy can give us a greater appreciation of our Creator.

Astrology is another matter. Astrology used for divination is forbidden in Scripture. (See Deuteronomy 18:10-14). What was true for Israel is true for us. We must not worship or serve the “host of heaven” (Deuteronomy 4:19). The prophet Daniel put to shame the “royal astrologers” of his day.

It’s been many many moons since I last read my horoscope. I now use only fortune cookies. (Laugh, please) Rather, I believe that following that zodiac horoscope stuff can be a real spiritual killer.

Get your daily “marching orders” from the Word of Life instead!