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Question Title	Posted By	Question Date
horoscope on homily	James	Saturday, January 3, 2009
Question: Hi, Peace and good health. I went to Mass this morning Solemnity of the Epiphany. In the wording of the Gospel, the Magi was termed 'astrologers.' When the priest was doing his homily, he told us that astrology was based on the position of stars, then he began to cite zodiac signs and horoscope, I just couldn't remember his exact words now but as far as I can understand, he said that they are true. He even cites the example of how the phases of the moon affects the seawater (high and low tide) and said that the position of the stars affects the human mind. Now, as far as I believe our Faith forbids horoscope and numbers it among superstious beliefs, that's why I began to have doubts and even be tempted. Can you please enlighten me. God bless+ James
Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM Dear James: It is true that the Magi were astrologers. In those days, and up to early modern times, the science of astronomy and astrology were interlinked. Your pastor is grossly negligent and irresponsible, however, to suggest that astrology is "true", if that is what he did. In fact, this is the grave sin of scandal if anyone takes up astrology because of his words. Astrology is divination, which is an abomination before God and a grave sin. The Catechism states: Divination and magic 2115 God can reveal the future to his prophets or to other saints. Still, a sound Christian attitude consists in putting oneself confidently into the hands of Providence for whatever concerns the future, and giving up all unhealthy curiosity about it. Improvidence, however, can constitute a lack of responsibility. 2116 All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to "unveil" the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone. 2117 All practices of magic or sorcery, by which one attempts to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one's service and have a supernatural power over others - even if this were for the sake of restoring their health - are gravely contrary to the virtue of religion. These practices are even more to be condemned when accompanied by the intention of harming someone, or when they have recourse to the intervention of demons. Wearing charms is also reprehensible. Spiritism often implies divination or magical practices; the Church for her part warns the faithful against it. Recourse to so-called traditional cures does not justify either the invocation of evil powers or the exploitation of another's credulity. I would advise talking with the Pastor to find out exactly what he said, and what he meant. If he did suggest that Astrology is true, then show him this passage in the Catechism. If he refuses to repent of this opinion that astrology is ok, then I would write a letter to the bishop. God Bless, Bro. Ignatius Mary For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.

Question Title

Posted By

Question Date

horoscope on homily

James

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Question:

Hi,

Peace and good health. I went to Mass this morning Solemnity of the Epiphany. In the wording of the Gospel, the Magi was termed 'astrologers.' When the priest was doing his homily, he told us that astrology was based on the position of stars, then he began to cite zodiac signs and horoscope, I just couldn't remember his exact words now but as far as I can understand, he said that they are true. He even cites the example of how the phases of the moon affects the seawater (high and low tide) and said that the position of the stars affects the human mind. Now, as far as I believe our Faith forbids horoscope and numbers it among superstious beliefs, that's why I began to have doubts and even be tempted. Can you please enlighten me.

God bless+
James

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear James:

It is true that the Magi were astrologers. In those days, and up to early modern times, the science of astronomy and astrology were interlinked.

Your pastor is grossly negligent and irresponsible, however, to suggest that astrology is "true", if that is what he did. In fact, this is the grave sin of scandal if anyone takes up astrology because of his words.

Astrology is divination, which is an abomination before God and a grave sin. The Catechism states:

Divination and magic
2115 God can reveal the future to his prophets or to other saints. Still, a sound Christian attitude consists in putting oneself confidently into the hands of Providence for whatever concerns the future, and giving up all unhealthy curiosity about it. Improvidence, however, can constitute a lack of responsibility.
2116 All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to "unveil" the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.
2117 All practices of magic or sorcery, by which one attempts to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one's service and have a supernatural power over others - even if this were for the sake of restoring their health - are gravely contrary to the virtue of religion. These practices are even more to be condemned when accompanied by the intention of harming someone, or when they have recourse to the intervention of demons. Wearing charms is also reprehensible. Spiritism often implies divination or magical practices; the Church for her part warns the faithful against it. Recourse to so-called traditional cures does not justify either the invocation of evil powers or the exploitation of another's credulity.

I would advise talking with the Pastor to find out exactly what he said, and what he meant. If he did suggest that Astrology is true, then show him this passage in the Catechism. If he refuses to repent of this opinion that astrology is ok, then I would write a letter to the bishop.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.