Good! I don’t think anyone should believe in astrology simply because someone else tells you to. In fact I don’t think you should take any belief system at face value. Consider it, test it, and use your own judgement to find out what’s true for you.
There may be many reasons why people are skeptical of astrology, but I believe the two mains reasons are:
- Personal religious conflict
- Lack of experience with real astrology
Many people are raised with religious beliefs that frown upon using any other source besides that system’s scripture/sacred book for finding insight. However, upon closer examination it seems that we as humans are always reading into “signs,” looking to others, or even tossing a coin for help in making decisions. Each night millions of people listen to the weather report and based on those predications will alter their choice of clothing, planned activities, and even if they’ll leave the house or not based on what the weatherman says!
I choose to believe that our universe, like us, was wonderfully created and the energy that flows through the stars, the sky, and seasons also flows through us. I don’t believe that the universe is a sterile and cold system void of intelligence but that it’s pulsing with life and constantly communicating with every other part of itself, including us!
Here are a few online resources that explain astrological references in the Bible:
- http://www.librarising.com/spirituality/bible.html
- http://www.near-death.com/experiences/origen13.html
The other reason folks can be skeptical is simply lack of experience with what I call “real astrology.” The first experience many of us have with astrology is through the sun-sign columns in the newspaper. I’m often asked how these can accurately describe the signs; the answer is “they can’t!” One’s horoscope must take into account not only the Sun, but the Moon and the rest of the planets, the signs and houses they’re found in, and the aspects among the planets in order to get an accurate, meaningful, and practical assessment of the personality and soul’s purpose. Do judge astrology’s validity in your life, but do it only after you’ve experienced real astrology- not a simple sun-sign column.
This implies that you get an astrology reading with a professional astrologer- and not someone you meet under a neon sign! As a client you have every right to ask the astrologer how long he or she has been studying, if they have gained certification through the large, national astrology organizations, and to provide testimonials. For ethical reasons, astrologers can’t share references as this violates the privacy of our clients.
Finally, if you are skeptical, or beyond skeptical, you can still benefit from astrology by using it simply as a springboard to help you recognize your own unique patterns. I don’t want to convince you or change your mind, but I would encourage you to make your own decision based on your own personal experience with a real astrology reading.