What Did Jesus Say About Astrology? His Teachings And Actions

By Alex Assoune Apr 24, 2025

Astrology has captivated humanity for thousands of years. From ancient Babylon to modern smartphone apps, people have looked to the stars for answers about personality, fate, and the future. But for those who follow the teachings of Jesus, a key question arises: What did Jesus say about astrology?

Surprisingly, the Gospels contain no direct quote from Jesus endorsing or condemning astrology. However, by examining His teachings, the cultural context of His time, and the broader message of the New Testament, we can clearly understand how Jesus viewed the role of signs, the heavens, and where true guidance comes from.

1. Astrology in Jesus’ Time: A Common Practice

Astrology was well-known in the Greco-Roman world during Jesus’ lifetime. The Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans all practiced forms of astrology. The movements of stars and planets were believed to influence politics, agriculture, and personal destinies.

In Jewish society, however, astrology was viewed with suspicion. Based on the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets, Jews were warned against relying on divination, omens, and star-gazing. The Torah made it clear that such practices were associated with paganism.

Jesus was born into this context—a devout Jewish culture shaped by a strict belief in monotheism and divine guidance from God alone.

2. Jesus and the Magi: The Star of Bethlehem

One of the most intriguing moments in the New Testament involving astrology is the story of the Magi:

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem… Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’”
— Matthew 2:1–2 (NIV)

The Magi were likely astrologers or priestly scholars from Persia or Babylon. They interpreted a celestial sign as a message that a great king had been born.

But here's the key: Jesus never commented on their astrology. The Gospel doesn't praise or condemn their method of finding Him. Instead, God used a sign they would recognize to guide them toward Jesus Himself. Once they arrived, they bowed in worship—not to the star—but to the Savior.

This moment does not affirm astrology as a valid spiritual tool. Rather, it illustrates how God can reach people where they are, using their language or symbols, to draw them toward truth.

3. Jesus' Focus: Faith, Not Signs

Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently discouraged the demand for signs from heaven. When religious leaders asked Him to prove Himself with a celestial sign, He rebuked them:

“A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.”
— Matthew 12:39 (NIV)

In this context, the “sign” they wanted wasn’t an astrological one, but a miraculous display—still, the principle applies. Jesus emphasized faith over spectacle. He refused to satisfy curiosity about supernatural signs and repeatedly pointed people toward repentance, trust, and a personal relationship with God.

4. Jesus Taught That God Alone Knows the Future

Astrology assumes that future events can be known—sometimes even controlled—by observing the stars. But Jesus made it clear that only God knows the future, especially when it comes to ultimate events like His return.

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
— Mark 13:32 (NIV)

This directly contradicts the basic premise of astrology: that cosmic movements can reveal future events. Jesus taught that true knowledge comes from God, not the heavens. He even denied knowing the timing of future events, showing humility and complete dependence on the Father.

5. Jesus Taught That God Guides His People Directly

Jesus often used the metaphor of light to describe divine truth and guidance—not starlight, but the light of God’s word and His own teachings.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
— John 8:12 (NIV)

Instead of teaching people to follow planetary paths or star charts, Jesus called them to follow Him. He offered Himself as the source of truth, direction, and purpose. In contrast, astrology promotes guidance based on the stars, which is inconsistent with the way Jesus taught people to discern God’s will.

6. Jesus Condemned Religious Hypocrisy, Not Superstition Directly

Although Jesus didn’t speak directly against astrology, He did challenge religious leaders for leading people astray and replacing God’s truth with human traditions.

“They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.”
— Matthew 15:9 (NIV)

While this is not a direct rebuke of astrology, it reflects a theme that applies: whenever human systems (including astrology) take the place of trusting God, Jesus called people back to truth. Whether it’s religious legalism or mystical speculation, Jesus’ message was the same—follow God, not human invention.

7. Jesus Warned About Deception

In His teachings about the end times, Jesus warned His followers to beware of deception and false signs:

“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
— Matthew 24:24 (NIV)

While not specifically about astrology, this serves as a caution against spiritual systems that promise secret knowledge or hidden truths. Jesus did not want His followers chasing after every sign—they were to remain grounded in His words and teachings.

8. Jesus Elevated Relationship Over Ritual

Astrology often appeals to people looking for structure, insight, or personal meaning. But Jesus constantly emphasized relationship over ritual.

He healed on the Sabbath, forgave sinners, and welcomed outsiders—not because they followed the right patterns, but because they trusted Him. Jesus shattered the idea that divine favor comes through systems or cycles. He taught that salvation and guidance come through personal faith, not patterns in the stars.

9. No Endorsement of Astrology by Jesus’ Disciples Either

The New Testament letters, written by those closest to Jesus, also never endorse astrology. Instead, they consistently warn against pagan practices and occult methods of seeking knowledge.

“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”
— 1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy… rather than on Christ.”
— Colossians 2:8 (NIV)

Early Christians were encouraged to seek wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit—not astrology or cosmic forces.

Final Thoughts: What Did Jesus Say About Astrology?

While Jesus never directly mentioned astrology, His teachings and actions speak volumes:

He warned against seeking signs instead of seeking God.
He taught that only the Father knows the future.
He called people to follow Him, not the stars.
He emphasized truth, relationship, and the Spirit over rituals or systems.

Astrology, with its dependence on cosmic patterns, simply does not fit within the message of Christ. It assumes the stars have power over our lives. Jesus taught that only God does.

In a world still fascinated by horoscopes and birth charts, the words of Jesus invite us to a better way—not to follow the stars, but to follow the Creator of the stars.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
— Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

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