When it comes to astrology, rationalists and scientists debate that it’s unsubstantiated. Followers of Abrahamic religions see it as divination and idolatry, and frown upon the thought. Though I understand the unsubstantiated part, I never understood why astrology as a whole, was seen as divination and idolatry in Abrahamic religions.

Before I continue, I would like to clarify that I have been a Christian from birth. I have gone through tribulations, and am still strong in my faith. As Christians, we are indoctrinated with the belief that it is taboo to rely on any other sort of guidance other than the Holy Trinity. But why? As Pentecostal Christians, we seek “gifts” from the Holy Trinity with the purpose of helping others and ourselves. How is it any different from using astrology for the same purpose?

In the Bible, it is stated that God communicates with us through various means (Hebrews 1:1). Some examples: Speaking through a burning bush (Exodus 3); a thick cloud (Exodus 19:9); in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12); the Holy Spirit communicates with people through dreams, visions, words of knowledge and prophecies (Joel 2:28 & 1 Corinthians 12:1-11). If communication via these means were possible, then why not astrology?

In the Bible, astrology was frowned upon because people used it for fortune-telling instead of relying on God. This branch of astrology is known as ‘mundane astrology’, used to predict world events, natural disasters and political outcomes. There is another branch known as ‘natal astrology’, which focuses on an individual’s birth charts to provide insights into their personality, strengths, weaknesses, and life path. What if this one was used together with Christianity, for guidance, self-growth, as well as to help others?

I went through abuse, painful life lessons, battled anxiety and suicidal thoughts, and chanced upon ‘light and shadow work’ / ‘inner child healing’, which I used together with my religion to work on self-healing. It was through this self-healing that I spiritually awakened and stumbled unto natal astrology alongside my religion. It was through natal astrology and spiritual guidance that I realized how everything was connected in the spiritual realm. To clarify, I received spiritual guidance from elders who had strong Pentecostal Christian background, with “gifts” of the Holy Spirit: visions, words of knowledge, and prophecies. It was through cross-referencing of Christian- and non-Christian events that made me realize how everything is related. If anything, my Christian faith is going strong; I am still using natal astrology to understand myself and others more, as well as to work on my flaws.

Through spiritual awakening, I became an empath and came to realize that my life purpose is to observe and guide people when necessary. Speaking of one’s life purpose, I also came to realize that there is no such thing as ‘free will’ regardless of religion. When one is chosen by a higher divine power, there is no ‘free will’ to escape your divine duty / purpose because you will eventually be led back to ultimately complete your life’s mission. (A biblical example: Jonah and the whale)

Disclaimer: I am not questioning the Abrahamic teachings; I only hope that people will open their minds, think and question, instead of blindly following a religion and its teachings out of fear instilled by others without proper explanation and understanding. With this, I end the discussion of my thoughts on the matter of astrology, religion and free will.

Fun fact for Christians who don’t believe in karma and universal retribution: the Bible basically rephrases those terms and their definitions. Biblical references: Exodus (15:6, 15:9-10, 15:12, 21:23-25), Numbers 35:19, Deuteronomy (24:16, 32:35 & 43), 1 Samuel 24:12, Job 4:8, Psalms (7:16, 28:4, 94:1), Proverbs (11:27, 20:22, 26:27), Isaiah (1:24, 35:4), Ezekiel 25:17, Nahum 1:2, Matthew 26:52, mans 12:19, Hebrews (9:27, 10:30).