I miss the peace I got from astrology
Question:
Good day!
I wonder about your insight into what the Bible says about spiritual practices. Before I was a Christian, I was interested in many things, such as astrology, following moon cycles, manifestation, chakra healing, etc. I don’t practice these things anymore, but ever since I stopped, I have had no peace and feel anxious all the time. I sometimes get peace when I read the Bible, but most times it's not knowing what will happen next that causes me to be anxious.
Astrology appears to help you with knowing where to direct your energy in certain areas of your life. Without being too descriptive, having your fourth house in a certain sign means that you should behave like this in your home life, and that would make things flow better. Because it’s so unique to you, you would recognize how your natural behaviors adapt to this. So, say you were very bold in that area (by looking at your chart). It will help you be bold, and it will feel very natural. With Christianity, I’m noticing that you don’t have that peace of mind doing what you’re doing, and it creates more problems because you’re disconnected. I tried to make that as straightforward as possible.
Also, because of cultural differences, my community doesn’t understand my struggles. Practicing things like astrology and moon cycles gave me a good grip on what to do with my time and setting intentions throughout the year. It is very personalized, and I thought it helped before. I know that's not true, but I don’t have peace. I have blessings in my life for which I’m grateful. Still, I recognize nothing empowering to steward me properly, and that connects with a visual learner with a vivid imagination. Please help!
Answer:
People have long sought guidance from anywhere but the true source of knowledge. This is one reason various practices are condemned. "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD; and because of these detestable things the LORD your God will drive them out before you" (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Despite their claims, they do not know the future. "You are wearied with your many counsels; let now the astrologers, those who prophesy by the stars, those who predict by the new moons, stand up and save you from what will come upon you. Behold, they have become like stubble, fire burns them; they cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame; there will be no coal to warm by nor a fire to sit before!" (Isaiah 47:13-14). Thus, astrology is a form of lying -- to yourself and others. They are popular because those who practice it tell people what they want to hear.
If you want goals, look to God's teachings to find things to improve and set goals for yourself. Perhaps I'll decide that this year, I will connect better with the shut-ins in the congregation. Next year, I'll work on making visitors feel more welcome. Or, I'll set a goal of inviting each family over for a meal during the year. There are thousands of things to be done to improve my life and the lives of my neighbors and brethren. You don't need fake guidance; you need a desire to serve.
"Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" (I John 5:1-5).
