Article January 1, 2000 ISSUE

Guided by the stars?

Whitney Woodruff Moody

I remember back in high school I used to buy magazines that had horoscopes at the back. I remember turning to them almost immediately to find out how I would fare in the coming month. Would I have a happy or sad month? Good or bad month? Would I meet the right guy?

While I don't think I ever took them very seriously, I still was hooked. I had to look to see how my life was going to turn out based on the stars and their movements.

Later on, in my early working years, I remember listening to the radio and hearing morning DJs tell us what color to wear based on the position of the stars. There were also predictions for the 12 astrological signs about the overall outcome of the day.

As I've thought about it since, I realize the need to take more care about what I accept into my thought. As innocent as horoscopes may seem, I know from some news reports and books I've read that there are many people who not only take them seriously but make important decisions, and even direct their whole lives, according to astrology.

And, unfortunately, horoscopes predict both good and bad.

So, what about finding something to guide your life by that is a sure thing? Something you can count on. What about the laws of God?

In the Bible, in the very first chapter , it says that God created the earth, the heavens, man, woman, and beast — that He saw all that He made and that it was good. Period. No room for anything else but good.

There are also lots of instances in the Bible showing God's power. The Israelites, for instance, got safely across the Red Sea. Jesus stilled hurricane-like winds. He healed multitudes. All of those actions were based on tangible, fixed laws. Spiritual laws that apply to everything. Encompass everything. They're the laws of God, who is good.

In the Bible it says that we can trust God with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding — that He will guide us in every step of our lives. Another quote I like says, “The planets have no more power over man than over his Maker, since God governs the universe; but man, reflecting God's power, has dominion over all the earth and its hosts” (Science and Health, p. 102 ).

Sometimes I still buy magazines that have horoscopes in them. But if I'm tempted to look at the horoscopes, I stop. If I accept that stars can give me a good or bad day, I'm adding to the world's belief in the control of planets and stars. Yeah, maybe I do it innocently, but what about my neighbor? Am I helping him or her to believe in stars, or in God? Instead, I remind myself that God is in control not only of my life but of everyone's life. And that's a law to count on.

Whitney Woodruff Moody
Boston, Massachusetts, USA

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