Judaism and Astrology

Astrology is built on several foundational assumptions:

· Stars and celestial bodies have an effect on events on Earth.

· Every person is under the influence of the zodiac signs.

· By knowing the paths and current positions of the stars, one can determine the success or failure of an individual or a group.

· The people of Israel are a nation like any other.

Let us examine these foundational assumptions in the light of Judaism. Interestingly, this science dates back to the time of Abraham our forefather (about 2000 years after the creation of the world!). We find in the words of the Sages that Abraham was knowledgeable in this discipline. And so the Midrash tells that Abraham saw in the stars that he would not have children. Hashem told him, "Go out from your astrology," and indeed, Abram did have offspring with the birth of Isaac. This indicates that this science was already known and widespread.

It should be noted that this is clear and unequivocal evidence of a created and overseen world. If all of reality were random, with each star reaching its position through a big bang or a series of smaller explosions without design, how could we deduce future events from their positions? No astrologer can provide me with the winning lottery number... This cannot be done. One might predict economic trends, like saying "this week there will be general excitement in the country," or a significant event, as we find with Moses our teacher.

The Midrash indicates that Pharaoh's astrologers saw that Israel's savior would be punished by water. How, what, and when? They did not know. Pharaoh, wanting to cover all bases, interpreted this to mean that the unidentified savior would be punished by water. He said if you throw all of Israel's infants into the Nile, you might preempt the threat! Ancient Egypt excelled, among other things, in astrology and magic. Moreover, the magicians are mentioned in Pharaoh's dream, and he summoned all the Egyptian magicians and wise men (Genesis 41:8), who contacted the dead supernaturally. Again, in the Book of Exodus, when Moses and Aaron are sent to Pharaoh, and they perform the wonders before him, their staff turns into serpents. Pharaoh, too, calls upon the wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians replicate these feats with their spells (Exodus 7:11), with each casting their staff to turn into serpents, yet Aaron's staff swallowed theirs (Exodus 7:12). They could transform the staff into a snake.

Pharaoh mocked them, saying, "Are you bringing straw to Efraim? Isn't all of Egypt filled with spells and sorcerers? What is your advantage?" At any rate, this science and these powers were very developed in Egypt. [Today, we do not recognize this, as their power and ability have been removed since prophecy ceased in Israel.] The Midrash also states that these magicians had the ability to prevent slaves from escaping Egypt and more.

Astrology was also very advanced, and Pharaoh himself tells Moses, once he understands that he cannot prevent the people from leaving, "May Hashem be with you if I send you and your children away. See that evil is before you" (Exodus 10:10). Rashi cites a Midrash saying there is a star named Ra'ah (evil), which Pharaoh saw in his astrology rising against them in the desert as a sign of blood and slaughter. When Israel sinned with the Golden Calf and Hashem sought to kill them, Moses prayed (Exodus 32), "Why should Egypt say, 'With evil intent did He bring them out to kill them in the mountains?'" This is the "evil before you" that Pharaoh warned about. Immediately, Hashem relented, and the blood was transformed into the blood of circumcision, as Joshua had them circumcised, saying (Joshua 5), "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt," for they would say they saw blood over Israel in the desert.

Recognizing that the timing is wrong and they might die because the Ra'ah star is against them, Hashem changes their fate. Indeed, the blood was revealed but not as calamity assumed by Pharaoh, but as the blood of circumcision. This science is very murky and cannot be relied upon. True, blood was seen, but it turned into the blood of circumcision. Each star follows a designed and precise path, but it fulfills the will of its Creator; it has nothing of its own. Therefore, those who inquire of it cannot know clear truths, for this knowledge was not given to them. Astrologers knew the birth date of Israel's savior, and to hedge against it, he ordered that all newborns be cast into the Nile, including Egyptian children. However, as known, this plan was ineffective, and Moses, despite all of Pharaoh's efforts, did indeed lead the people to the land promised to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Numbers). As stated, this knowledge is blurred; knowing that the savior is affected by water, the information is so lacking that nothing can be done with it... But there is something else, the well-known saying in the Midrash, "There is no mazal (fate) for Israel." The true meaning is that the people of Israel are not under the dominion of the stars because they are exalted above them! Therefore, astrology has no power to affect the course of the people. This is sourced in the words of the Torah, "For these nations which you shall dispossess, listen to astrologers and diviners, but as for you, Hashem your God has not appointed such for you" (Deuteronomy 18:14).

In other words, they are under the dominion of the stars and zodiacs. But for the people of Israel, Hashem changes the entire nature of the world. And this is further discussed in various commentaries including Ramban and Sforno. Therefore, the commandment "Be wholehearted with Hashem your God" (Deuteronomy 18:13) is given, which Rashi explains: "Walk with Him wholeheartedly, and expect Him, and do not inquire after the future. Rather, everything that comes upon you accept wholeheartedly. Thus shall you be with Him and among His portion." Recognizing that everything is from Him grants tranquility and peace in one's heart, even if matters don't always align with one's desires. Superstitions like a black cat, the number 13, and others were never significant because the people belonged to Hashem.

In conclusion, the following can be said:

· Astrology does not provide clear knowledge; it will always remain murky and ambiguous.

· The people of Israel are above the stars and zodiacs.

· Mazal can be changed through the accumulation of merit, prayer, charity, and good deeds.

· Astrology is evidence of a Creator, a designer, and director.