Recently, I chanced upon a horror movie titled “Tarot”, which mainly describes how a group of friends decided to use an ancient tarot deck to predict their future, only to realise that the deck was cursed. One by one, they started succumbing to the fate predicted by their tarot reading, until they managed to lift the witch’s curse at the very end. While watching this movie, my pragmatic mind kept ringing many alarm bells - Why are they even playing with an ancient tarot deck when there are so many red flags (warning signs)? None of this would have happened if they did not do their tarot readings. Why do the victims of horror films always take the worst possible action? Most importantly, I was befuddled by one thought - Why were so many people interested in tarot reading, or even their own star sign?
In today’s world, astrology, tarot reading, and the study of zodiac signs have gained considerable popularity. Many people turn to the stars for guidance, relying on horoscopes or tarot card readings to predict the future and find direction in their lives. But what does the Bible say about these practices? Is there any alignment with the Bible, or should we be cautious about these sources of guidance? Let’s explore what the Scripture teaches and how Christians should approach these topics in light of their faith.
The Bible on Astrology and Zodiac Signs
Astrology, the belief that the positions of stars and planets influence human affairs, can be traced back to ancient civilizations. From the Babylonians and their celestial omens, to the Ancient Egyptians and their planetary deities, to the Greeks and their horoscopes and medicine, and even closer to home, Ancient China and the art of Feng Shui. Today, zodiac signs are often used as a way to gain insight into personality traits or to predict future events. However, the Bible warns against relying on these practices for direction.
Isaiah 47:13-14 (NKJV): "You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators Stand up and save you From what shall come upon you. Behold, they shall be as stubble; The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by, Nor a fire to sit before!"
In this passage, God addressed the people of Babylon who were involved in astrology and various forms of divination. The message is clear: those who rely on astrology and similar practices will ultimately face destruction, as these practices are powerless to help them in the face of God’s judgment. The Bible does not condone using the stars for guidance or for making decisions about one’s life.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (NKJV): "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you."
Furthermore, this passage from the Old Testament lists various occult practices, including astrology and fortune-telling, as abominations to the Lord. These practices are to be avoided, as they are a form of seeking power and knowledge from sources other than God.
The Bible on Tarot Reading
Tarot reading, like astrology, is a form of divination. Tarot cards are believed to provide insight into the future or hidden aspects of one’s life. However, the Bible strictly prohibits engaging in divination or seeking supernatural guidance outside of God's will.
Leviticus 19:31 (NKJV): "Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God."
God commands His people not to seek out mediums, spirits, or any form of divination. Tarot reading falls into this category, as it attempts to access hidden knowledge and guidance through supernatural means that are not aligned with God's will.
Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV): "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
Sorcery, or pharmakeia in the Greek, refers to the practice of magic or divination, which includes practices like tarot reading. Paul warns that those who engage in such acts will not inherit the kingdom of God. Tarot reading, along with other forms of divination, is incompatible with the Christian faith.
The Bible on the Stars
The Bible acknowledges the creation of the stars and their role in the universe, but it does not suggest that they should be worshipped or used to predict the future. In fact, the Bible emphasises that God is the Creator of the stars, and that our trust should be placed in Him alone.
Genesis 1:14-18 (NKJV): "Then God said, 'Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth'; and it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good."
The stars were created by God to give light and mark time, not to be worshipped or used as guides for personal decisions. While they serve a purpose in God’s created order, they are not meant to be sources of wisdom for human life decisions.
What Should Christians Do?
As Christians, we are called to trust in God alone for direction and guidance. The Bible encourages us to seek God’s wisdom through prayer, the study of His Word, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, rather than relying on astrology, tarot readings, or other forms of divination.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
Instead of looking to the stars or tarot cards for answers, Christians are called to place their trust in the Lord. He is the one who guides our steps and directs our lives. God promises to lead those who acknowledge Him in all their ways.
James 1:5 (NKJV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
Also, when we need guidance, God invites us to ask Him for wisdom. He is faithful to provide it, and His wisdom far surpasses anything that can be obtained through astrology or tarot reading.
Conclusion
The practice of seeking guidance through astrology, zodiac signs, and tarot reading is rooted in the desire to understand the future or to gain insight into personal affairs. After all, it is human nature to want to know what happens in the future so that we can prepare for it. However, as Christians, we are called to trust in God and His Word for our direction in life. The Bible clearly warns against engaging in practices like astrology and tarot, as they are rooted in divination and seek knowledge apart from God.
As we walk in faith, we should remember that the stars, the universe, and even our personal lives are all under God’s control. He is the Creator of all things and the Sustainer of all life. Our faith is to be grounded in Him, not in the signs of the zodiac or the cards of a tarot deck. When we face uncertainty, we can turn to God in prayer, trusting that He will direct our paths according to His perfect will.
Let us commit to living a life that seeks God first in all things, relying on His wisdom and understanding, and rejecting the deceptive allure of practices that seek to replace His guidance with something less. The stars may shine in the heavens, but it is the light of Christ that should guide us in all things. Amen.
Ask Yourself:
What were some ancient civilisations that used Astrology and what for?
What should Christians do in a world where more people are interested in Zodiac, Star Signs and Tarot Reading?
Want to know more about the Bible and what it says about our future? Speak to any of our Church members or any Bible class teachers and we are more than willing to help you find this answer!
Suggested Answers:
The Ancient Babylonians used astrology to predict celestial omens; the Ancient Egyptians used astrology to worship planetary deities like Ra; the Greeks used astrology for their horoscopes and medicine, and even closer to home, ancient China used astrology and incorporated it into the Chinese art of feng shui.
Christians should never give up faith in God and always put their trust in Him.
FYI (How Tarot Reading Works)
Tarot is a form of divination that uses a deck of 78 cards, each with its own symbolism and meaning. The deck is divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana (22 cards that represent significant life events or spiritual lessons) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards that reflect everyday situations and emotions).
In a typical tarot reading, a person shuffles the deck while focusing on a question or situation, then selects a series of cards. These cards are laid out in a spread, with each position having a specific meaning depending on the question or intention. The reader then interprets the cards based on their symbolism, the positions in the spread, and the question at hand. The meanings of the cards can be positive, negative, or neutral, and are often interpreted in relation to one another to provide guidance or insight into a person's life, challenges, or decisions.
Tarot readings are often used to explore emotional issues, gain clarity on choices, or gain insight into future possibilities, though the accuracy and effectiveness of tarot readings are a matter of belief and personal perspective.