Andyman

Hello, I have been studying Bahai and so far I have really liked everything but there was one question that I have. When it comes to Astrology and Divination what does the Bahai Faith teach about it? Is it Against the Teachings? or is it ok? and if so to what extent? Like i have a habit of looking at my horoscope in the morning before work and I have wondered if its against the teachings.

Thank you,
Andrew

Jafar

Hey Andrew,

I don't know what is said specifically about your question, but I'm sure it would be something along these lines:

Scientifically we don't know a lot of things, so just because science cannot prove or disprove something, does not mean it is not real. However, with some thing like astrology, it is certainly not something that we should take too seriously, for the same reason. Everything that we do is limited and prone to mistakes, so as long as you recognize that then I think you're okay. It does not mean it is not real, but it is difficult to know how real it is for sure.

Everything in life has to go through your head first, and if you're like me, your mind and brain is not perfect. Neither is anyone else's, so naturally astrology is not going to be perfect, either. But you can test it, just like science test its own hypothesis. If you find it to work, then why not use it. If it doesn't work, but it fun to read in the morning. Then have fun, but don't bet your house on it!

What do you think?

Jafar

jwiegley

Hi Andyman,

The Writings generally have a policy of "Whatsoever increaseth vision is worthy of consideration." You have to decide whether astrology is simply enlarging your view of the world, or whether you believe it to be a vehicle of truth. As to the latter, it is the Manifestation of God that we look to for Truth, and from His Teachings. There will certainly be days when the two might offer you different forms of guidance.

But when it comes to looking to other things for inspiration, a different point of view, or just a source of new ideas, then there can be little harm if it does not come between you and your Lord.

John

Pollwr

Hello Andyman

I have found this quotation:
Horoscopes

"We should attach no importance to astrology or horoscopes. No exact science is involved, though sometimes some truth seems involved, but the percentage is small."

(Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 516)


(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, dated January 15, 1951 to an individual believer, Ibid,. p. 18)

There seems to be no ban on exploring such things but gentle advice. I have not seen the whole letter that this quotation is taken from.

dlherrmann

For those who have accepted Baha'u'llah as the Messenger of God for this day, His guidance (and through Him, Abdu'l-Baha, the Guardian {Shoghi Effendi} and the House of Justice) is the first and primary source of guidance. It takes precedence over all other sources of guidance. All other information is filtered and influenced by many personal elements of some person. There are times when an individual receives information through dreams, visions and other means, they are also filtered and influenced.

The Baha'i writings are your best bet.

arthra

D.L. Herrmann,

Thanks for your post and welcome to the Forum!

It's pretty clear that such things as astrology are not to be identified with the Cause or supported by the Writings.. A believer though is free on their own to do as they think best.. Here are some quotes related:

"...it is absolutely essential that the teachings should not be confused with the obscure ideas related to numerology and astrology and the like.

Individuals interested in them are free to believe in and credit such ideas and to make any inferences and deductions they desire from them, but under no circumstances are they expected to identify them with the principles and teachings of the Cause. We must at this stage preserve the purity and sanctity of the Bahá'í teachings. I will pray that you may be guided in your efforts, and may succeed in safeguarding and promoting the interests of our beloved Faith."

(Ibid,. December 26, 1928, p. 9)

1752. Numerology Nor Astrology Needed by the Believers

"There is nothing in the teachings which leads us to believe numerology or astrology are needed by the believers to guide them in any way."
(From letter dated June 25, 1950 written on behalf Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; Spiritualism, Psychic Phenomena and Related Subjects, p. 3)

(Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 516)

Greg Newing

Although this is a bit of an old post... There is one writing I have found interesting regarding this topic (although it is not directly related to astrology). I wont post the whole section, but, basically, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explains that the stars do influence humanity. However, not in the way the astrologers of the past have believed.

It is chapter 69 of Some Answered Questions

Here is a link:

Bah' Reference Library - Some Answered Questions, Pages 245-247


Cheers,


Greg



(The spelling of the link to the Baha'i reference library seems to be a bit odd... This was not my intention...)

Andyman

Thax Everyone :-)