
613 Mitzvot
Negative Mitzvah 32
Not to practice Astrology
The practice that is prohibited in this mitzvah is
(onan) in Hebrew. It means to observe the stars and planets for opportune times
to do something. We should not use astrology to foretell the future. Another
ancient method of onan was observing clouds and foretelling the future
on the basis of the shape of clouds. This is why the Targum translates onan
as "augury by the clouds."
Onan differs from nachash (acting on basis of omens), because nachash is concerned good omens, while onan is concerned with good omens (Saadia). The Talmud Bavli says concerning this practice, "According to Rabbi Akiva, these are people who determine the times, saying, 'Such-and-such a time is good to begin a venture.' The [other] Sages say, however, that this refers to those who "catch the eyes" [i.e., they deceive by creating optical illusions]." Therefore performing "magic" tricks by means of illusion is prohibited by this mitzvah.
On the other hand, we must not confuse astrology with astronomy. Astronomy, is the scientific study of the stars, the solar system, planets, and the many galaxies. Such study while keeping YHVH in mind, helps us to appreciate the beauty of creation.
Astrology, however says, that the movement of stars and planets affect our lives. The movement and function of the many suns and planets are determined and designed by YHVH, their creator. They do not act on their own, nor do they have any power over us. Our lives are in the hands of YHVH.
Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 10:2
Thus says YHVH, "Don’t learn the way of the nations, and
don’t be dismayed at the signs of the sky; for the nations
are dismayed at them.
Astrology is a practice common among the idolatrous nations.
Devarim (Deuteronomy) 4:19
and lest you lift up your eyes to the sky, and when you see the sun and the
moon and the stars, even all the army of the sky, you are drawn away and worship
them, and serve them, which YHVH your Elohim has allotted to all the peoples
under the whole sky.
2 Melakhim (Kings) 23:5
He put down the idolatrous kohanim, whom the kings of Yehudah had ordained to
burn incense in the high places in the cities of Yehudah, and in the places
round about Yerushalayim; those also who burned incense to Ba’al,
to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the army of the
sky.
When we think that the heavenly bodies have control over our lives, we are attributing qualities that only belong to YHVH, and therefore we are worshiping them rather than YHVH.
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 47:13
You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels: let now the astrologers,
the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you from the
things that shall come on you.
There is no real help in these things.
But rather we see the real purpose of the heavenly bodies.....
Tehillim (Psalms) 89:37
It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven.
Selah.
We see that they do bear witness to something... But what do they bear witness to?
Tehillim (Psalms) 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Psalms 50:6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God [is] judge himself. Selah.
They reveal HIS glory and HIS righteousness.