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What's Wrong With
Reading My Horoscope?
Christian thoughts on every day parenting.
by Donna Shepherd
All materials copyrighted
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Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.
-- Psalm 119:104 nlt
As a young girl, I remember seeing horoscope columns in the popular teen magazines. Sometimes my sister and I would read them in the
newspaper and laugh at the predictions. We never took them seriously. Many people think it’s innocent fun to read their horoscopes.
But millions of people take astrology very seriously. They study their astrological signs to understand themselves, and even plan the
future according to the stars.
Astrology is one of the practices forbidden by God. Witchcraft, sorcery, and any other ways used to try to predict the future connect
human spirits with what’s called ‘familiar spirits’ or demons. In Deuteronomy 18:10-14, God forbade the nation of Israel to consult
sorcerers and fortunetellers. Today this would include horoscopes, palm readers, tarot cards, crystal balls, tealeaves, numerology,
sorcery, and any other means people use to try to predict the future. God’s mandate has not changed. In Revelation 21:8, we learn the
final destination of all those who practice such things. “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral,
sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (nkjv).
I did a search on a popular Internet shopping site using the word "zodiac." Did you know you could buy onesies for your baby with the
astrological signs embroidered into the material? Or that you can buy dolls and stuffed animals according to your child’s "sign"? When
you buy a toy with an occult symbol or let your children watch cartoons about casting spells, you allow your children to be desensitized
to the occult. The spiritual world is just as real as our physical world, and demonic power drives anything to do with the occult.
In Acts 16, the apostle Paul told of a girl who had a spirit of divination. Her masters made a lot of money using her powers. But when
Paul commanded the spirit to come out in the Name of Jesus, it had to obey. The Spirit of God, greater than any spirit, liberated the
girl. Paul used the name of the One who set her free with His own blood on the cross of Calvary. That same Name sets us free today.
At times, I think we all would like to know what the future holds. God wisely withholds this information knowing it would be too much
for us to comprehend and handle. Instead, we must trust God that He has all of our days in His plan, and is working for our good
(Romans 8:28). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s
trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34 nlt).
When you pick up a magazine or newspaper, do you turn to the horoscope column first? Parents, consider the effect that these ideas may
have on the young and impressionable minds of your children. Do not seek signs from the stars. Seek the One Who created the stars!
BUSY Parents Tip
Instead of reading your horoscope, read the Bible, which is the source of all truth. Turn to God's word for your guidance and for
wisdom to raise your children in His ways. Have nothing to do with the occult, in any way shape, or form.
About The Author:
Donna J. Shepherd is the author of Topsy Turvy Land
and a contributing author to Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms.
From bird watching to the Beatitudes, her writing touches the heart with wisdom and humor while feeding the mind with
daily portions of God's Word. Read more of her writing at Donna J. Shepherd.
Information provided in this column is for entertainment purposes only.
The information in this column is not meant to be taken as legal, medical, or professional advice.
Read legal disclaimer.
* This column is available for your publication, for a F-E-E.
This column may NOT be reprinted without monetary compensation and written permission from the author.
For reprint rights or comments/questions about this article, please contact the author.
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