Zodiac Signs in Judaism: Does Judaism Believe in Astrology? 10 Fascinating Facts
Does my zodiac sign determine my future? Can I influence my destiny? Everything you wanted to know about Judaism's perspective on astrology.
- יונתן הלוי
- פורסם י"ז אדר ב' התשע"ט
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1. The zodiac signs are mentioned in the Book of Creation, which is part of our tradition from Abraham. It explains that the signs are twelve forms that Hashem created in the world since creation.
2. Even though it is said that Israel is above the stars, it's not absolute in early commentaries. Some wrote that Israel does have a sign, but through great merit and prayers, they can change it.
3. Although Jewish tradition acknowledges the stars, Jewish law prohibits acting solely based on what astrology indicates. Since the Creator of the stars is Hashem, He determined that Israel is above these signs. Therefore, even if a bad outcome seems predestined, through prayer to Hashem, it is clear that He can transform any influence for good. Thus, we do not act based strictly on astrology but according to the Torah's law that applies in all situations.
This is why we find the custom among Jews to always say "mazal tov"; a Jew never worries about bad luck.
4. Astrology is not idolatry, but 99.9% of those practicing it today don't understand it. The wisdom known to the Sages is hardly existent today.
Rabbi Zamir Cohen, in a short and fundamental lecture, touches on this fascinating point: Are the people of Israel truly always above the stars? Does astrology have an influence? Watch:
5. Thousands of years ago, people from the ancient world engaged in studying celestial bodies to understand human destiny and character. Astrology served as a central guiding force in the lives of many, including kings and rulers.
What is astrology? How reliable is it? What is Judaism's stance on astrology? Is our future predetermined? Can we influence our destiny? Watch Rabbi Zamir Cohen's captivating lecture to get answers to these questions:
6. In the Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Shabbat (K'fith Khaf Samech) discusses whether Israel is bound to a sign or not. It states: "... Rabbi Yochanan said 'There is no sign for Israel,' and Rabbi Yochanan continues, as it's written (Jeremiah 10), 'Thus says Hashem, do not learn the way of the nations, and do not be dismayed at the signs of the heavens, because the nations are dismayed at them.' They are dismayed; not Israel. And Rav also holds that there is no sign for Israel, as Rav Yehuda said in the name of Rav: How do we know there's no sign for Israel? As it's written (Genesis 15), 'And He brought him outside...' Abraham said to Hashem: 'Master of the Universe, my household member shall inherit me.' He said to him: 'No, your descendant shall inherit you.' Abraham protested: 'But what I see in my astrology shows otherwise.' Hashem said to him: 'Abandon your astrological calculations, for Israel is not bound by astrology.'"
What is a sign? Where is it located? Where does it sometimes 'disappear'? Why do some people seem to be chased by luck, while luck escapes others? Do the Jewish people have a connection to luck? Get all the answers in Rabbi Fanger’s wonderful lecture. Watch:
7. An interesting and surprising point is found here in the Jerusalem Talmud, Tractate Rosh Hashanah (Part 3, Halacha 8), regarding a person's zodiac on their birthday. It is said: "Rabbi Yehuda ben Levi says: 'Amalek was an astrologer. What would he do? He would station people on their birthday, meaning a person doesn't fall quickly on their birthdate because his sign dominates and assists him. So Moses mixed up the star signs.'"
The "Karben Edah" explains that Amalek stationed people to fight Israel on their birthday, a day when their zodiac sign is powerful and helps them, so Moses mixed up the astrological signs so the sign wouldn't prevail on that day.
8. In the Book of the Twelve Signs (attributed to Kabbalists), it is written that the month in which one is born positively influences them.
Rabbi Eliyahu Amar provides a surprising answer to the question: Does Judaism place significance on our birthdate? Watch
9. Those born in the month of Nisan are Aries. Rabbi Fanger explains the strength of the month and what makes those under the Aries sign unique:
Those born in the month of Iyar are Taurus. Rabbi Fanger explains the strength of the month and what makes those under the Taurus sign unique:
Those born in the month of Sivan are Gemini. Rabbi Fanger explains the strength of the month and what makes those under the Gemini sign unique:
Those born in the month of Tammuz are Cancer. Rabbi Fanger explains the strength of the month and what makes those under the Cancer sign unique:
Those born in the month of Av are Leo. Rabbi Fanger explains the strength of the month and what makes those under the Leo sign unique:
Those born in the month of Elul are Virgo. Rabbi Fanger explains the strength of the month and what makes those under the Virgo sign unique:
Those born in the month of Tishrei are Libra. Rabbi Fanger explains the strength of the month and what makes those under the Libra sign unique:
Those born in the month of Cheshvan are Scorpio. Rabbi Fanger explains the strength of the month and what makes those under the Scorpio sign unique:
Those born in the month of Kislev are Sagittarius. Rabbi Fanger explains the strength of the month and what makes those under the Sagittarius sign unique:
Those born in the month of Tevet are Capricorn. Rabbi Fanger explains the strength of the month and what makes those under the Capricorn sign unique:
Those born in the month of Shevat are Aquarius. Rabbi Fanger explains the strength of the month and what makes those under the Aquarius sign unique:
Those born in the month of Adar are Pisces. Rabbi Fanger explains the strength of the month and what makes those under the Pisces sign unique:
10. In summary, according to the perspective of the Jewish Torah, one should not seek to predict the future through unconventional means. As Ramban writes in the Book of Commandments 'You shall be wholehearted with Hashem your God,' do not seek to predict the future or the hidden, but follow the Torah's guidance. Hence, regarding astrology, even if we assume there is some truth in it, it should not dictate our actions nor be considered unchangeable. We know that through prayer, repentance, and good deeds, a Jew can change everything, and that is the power of a Jew to change the nature of reality, as the Talmud states in the end of Tractate Shabbat, 'There is no sign for Israel.'
The Jewish Astrology section contains a selection of lectures, articles, and enlightening writings on destiny and signs. Click here to enter the section.
