Jewish Astrology vs. Horoscope Myths: How the Hebrew Zodiac Reveals Your Soul, but Not Your Fate

When I was a child, we used to laugh at the gloomy horoscopes printed in the weekend newspapers of the 1990s. I remember it vividly — the paper would arrive, and we’d flip straight to that so-called “prophetic” section, amused by its “precise” forecasts down to the hour, talk of a “black moon on Saturday afternoon,” and all sorts of strange star and planet talk. We treated it all as nonsense and laughed.

But there are certainly those who take it seriously — and that’s where the danger lies. Thirty years later, I understand that this false belief system can actually shape people’s lives in destructive ways.

When someone reads an astrological forecast from an unreliable, non-Jewish source, they can easily fall into a trap, and believe that they cannot change their destiny.

The idea that everyone born under the same sign will experience the same thing at the same moment — while ignoring God and the power of repentance, prayer, and free will, is what truly seals fates. 

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What Helped Two Sisters Finally Understand Each Other

Counselor Yael Zuzut explains: “It’s human nature to be curious about what others say about us — whether we believe it or not. In truth, God gave people many different tools for self-awareness and personal growth. One of these tools is the study of the zodiac as understood through Judaism.”

When asked how she came to work with the Jewish zodiac, Yael smiles and shares a childhood story: “I always knew that when I had a task to do, I wanted it done yesterday. My sister, on the other hand, always postponed things. We didn’t always understand each other — until I learned that, according to Judaism, our basic temperaments differ because of the spiritual elements tied to our zodiac signs. She was born under Aquarius, and I’m a Leo. Once we realized this, everything clicked. We started meeting halfway — I learned not everything must be done right now, and she made an effort to finish tasks earlier. Understanding our spiritual roots helped us find harmony.”

The Mohel or the Murderer: The Child Born Under Mars

On one hand, each person has innate traits connected to their zodiac sign, but on the other, Judaism teaches that humans can change their fate through teshuvah (repentance), tefillah (prayer), and tzedakah (charity).

Yael explains: “At first glance, Jewish sources seem contradictory. The Talmud says, ‘There is no mazal (fate) for Israel,’ yet also, ‘One born under Mars will be a shedder of blood.’ 

The key is to understand the difference between fate and personality. Regarding future destiny — Israel stands above the stars. For example, Rabbi Akiva’s daughter was fated to die on her wedding day, yet she lived because she performed an act of kindness, giving charity to a poor man. Regarding character traits however, as the Vilna Gaon explains, you can’t change the essence, only direct it. A child born with the energy of Mars — fiery and impulsive, can channel that drive into positive paths, by becoming a mohel (ritual circumciser) or shochet (kosher slaughterer) rather than, Heaven forbid, a murderer. This is the essence of the verse, ‘Train a child according to his way.’”

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Understanding a Child’s Soul Through the Jewish Zodiac

Many people find that their Hebrew zodiac sign differs from their Gregorian one — which is right? “According to Rabbi Saadia Gaon,” says Yael, “the zodiac is determined by the solar cycle, not the lunar one. Therefore, the correct sign aligns with the Gregorian date, since the constellations are fixed by the sun’s movement.”

The Zodiac as a Tool for Connection — Not Superstition

“Jewish astrology is the exact opposite of false mysticism,” Yael stresses. “It’s a tool for better communication, understanding, and harmony.When I was a kindergarten teacher, I used to check each child’s zodiac sign. It helped me understand their emotional needs. For instance, Libra children crave independence, while Cancer kids may pretend they don’t need affection but long for it deeply. Learning this through the lens of Jewish wisdom allowed me to reach each child’s soul — and, in turn, my own.”

What to Do with a Stubborn Husband

Used wisely, the zodiac can improve self-understanding, marriage, and parenting. “In relationships,” says Yael, “even the best-matched couples need to work on understanding each other’s differences. Instead of trying to ‘change’ a partner, look at whether a behavior stems from their inherent traits. If so, you can’t erase it, but you can guide it positively. For example, a man who seems stubborn can use that same persistence to achieve long-term goals. It’s the same trait, just redirected toward good.”

Is There a “Best” Zodiac Sign?

“No,” Yael laughs. “One woman says, ‘I can’t handle his indifference,’ while another calls it ‘calmness’ and wishes she had it. Good or bad depends on how we use our traits. Anyone who channels their characteristics to the highest level, is a person with a good mazal.”

"If you feel disconnected from the description of your sign, that’s part of the beauty,” Yael concludes. “Judaism teaches that each of us is here to grow beyond our natural limits. When we stop seeing differences as threats and start viewing them as opportunities for growth, we fulfill the Creator’s purpose — to challenge and elevate us. Everything and everyone around us is exactly as it should be, perfectly designed for our growth.”

The Jewish understanding of the zodiac isn’t about predicting your fate, but about unlocking your potential. When viewed through Torah wisdom, the stars don’t control you — they simply reveal who you were destined to become.