Astrology in the new testament

A fascinating topic!

While astrology is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, there are some interesting connections and allusions that can be explored. Here are a few examples:

  1. The Star of Bethlehem: The Gospel of Matthew (2:1-12) describes a star that appeared in the sky, guiding the Magi (Wise Men) to Jesus' birthplace. This event has been interpreted in various ways, including as a celestial sign or a miraculous event. Some have linked it to the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, which occurred around the time of Jesus' birth, while others see it as a supernatural phenomenon.
  2. The Zodiac and Jesus' Life: Some scholars have noticed that Jesus' life and teachings seem to be reflected in the zodiac, with his birth and death coinciding with specific astrological events. For example, Jesus was born during the sign of Pisces, which is associated with fish, and his crucifixion occurred during the sign of Scorpio, which is associated with the scorpion. This has led some to speculate about the possible connections between Jesus' life and the zodiac.
  3. The Sign of the Son of Man: In the Gospel of Matthew (24:30), Jesus describes the sign of the Son of Man, which will appear in the sky before his return. This sign is often interpreted as a reference to a celestial event, such as a comet or a supernova, that will serve as a warning to humanity of Jesus' imminent return.
  4. The Connection between Jesus and the Planets: Some early Christian writers, such as Origen and Justin Martyr, saw connections between Jesus and the planets. For example, they believed that Jesus was born under the sign of Pisces, which was associated with the fish, and that his crucifixion occurred during the sign of Scorpio, which was associated with the scorpion. This has led some to speculate about the possible connections between Jesus' life and the planets.
  5. The Use of Astrological Imagery: The New Testament contains several passages that use astrological imagery to describe spiritual realities. For example, the Book of Revelation (12:1-4) describes a woman (Israel) giving birth to a male child (Jesus), who is then taken up to heaven, accompanied by a dragon (Satan). This passage has been interpreted as a reference to the mythological story of the goddess Isis and her son Horus, which was popular in ancient Egypt.

It's important to note that while these connections and allusions are intriguing, they do not necessarily imply that the New Testament authors were practicing astrology or believed in its predictive power. Instead, they may have been using astrological imagery and symbolism to convey spiritual truths and to connect Jesus' life and teachings to the broader cultural and religious context of the ancient world.