Tarots, horoscopes, and palm readings: What does the Bible say about divination
In today's world, tarots, horoscopes, and palm readings have gained immense popularity.
People pay for these services to unveil their fortunes. Meanwhile, social media is abuzz with tarot readers openly practicing and sharing their insights.
Undoubtedly, such practices fall under the category of divination
While it is widely practiced, a debate persists within the Christian community on whether these practices are permissible or prohibited according to the teachings of the Bible.
The article aims to explore the Bible's stance on divination, shedding light on its views about tarots, horoscopes, and palm readings.
What is divination
Divination is a fascinating and deeply rooted cultural practice that can be found in various forms around the world.
It serves multiple purposes, ranging from gaining insight into current situations to attempting to predict future outcomes.
Some even believe that divination has the power to influence and change the destinies of those involved.
One interesting aspect of divination is how it often draws inspiration from the natural world and its elements.
For instance, some methods involve using tangible objects like tea leaves, bones, nuts, or water to interpret signs and symbols.
On the other hand, some practices use non-natural components, such as cards and other tools, to uncover hidden meanings.
Furthermore, divination can take on a more intimate form by manifesting within and through the human body.
Practices like spirit possession, meditation, and dreams are believed to be channels through which insights from the spiritual realm can be accessed.
However, it's worth noting that divination is not always a structured and deliberate process.
Some forms of divination occur spontaneously, like interpreting the movements of birds to glean messages or omens from the natural world.
What the Bible says about divination
You now have a general understanding of divination and its diverse practices.
However, what does the Bible have to say?
Here are several meanings of divination according to God’s Word.
Divination means “from gods” but it is not from God
The Bible makes it clear that while divination may derive its name from the notion of being "from gods," it does not originate from the one true God.
Instead, it opens the door to the involvement of other spirits and entities that may lead people astray.
Divination is deceptive
The Bible also warns against the deceptive nature of divination.
Such practices can lead individuals away from the truth and foster reliance on false predictions. As a result, it can distort their understanding of God's will.
Divination is a dangerous practice
Engaging in divination is not only deceptive but also dangerous, as it can open doors to spiritual forces that seek to harm and manipulate.
In Leviticus 20:6, the Bible underscores the severity of such practices:
"I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people."
A biblical example of divination
As Luke traveled with Paul and Silas to Philippi, they encountered a sorceress who practiced divination. This encounter sheds light on the biblical stance on such practices and how the apostles dealt with the situation.
Encounter with the sorceress
In Acts 16:16-18, Luke recounts the story of the encounter with the sorceress.
She was a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and earned her masters a considerable income through fortune-telling. This spirit enabled her to predict the future and offer supposed insights into people's lives.
The sorceress came from the city of Philippi, and when she encountered Paul and Silas, she began to follow them, loudly proclaiming their identity as "servants of the Most High God."
While her words were true, her intentions were not aligned with the message of the Gospel.
Standing firm
Paul, being filled with the Holy Spirit, discerned the true nature of her spirit and addressed it.
In verse 18, he commanded the spirit to come out of her, which it did. This event not only demonstrated the power of the Holy Spirit over deceptive forces.
It also highlighted the apostles' stance against divination.
An argument in favor of divination
The Bible condemns the act of divination. Still, some individuals argue in its favor by pointing to the gift of prophecy and the practices of divination found among the Israelites, including figures like Abraham and Moses.
According to them, one example of divination used in ancient Israel was the Urim and Thummim, which were special objects used by the high priest to seek God's guidance on certain matters.
Urim and Thummim, possibly stones or some form of sacred lots, were believed to reveal God's will in decision-making processes.
Moreover, the Bible mentions prophets who served as messengers of God, gifted with the ability to hear His voice and receive visions. Examples of such prophets include Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, among others.
While the Bible does acknowledge the existence of genuine prophets and their ability to receive divine messages, it also warns against false prophets and deceptive practices.
In Matthew 7:15, Jesus cautions,
"Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves."
The said false prophets may have various motivations, including seeking personal gain, deceiving others, or promoting their own agendas rather than conveying God's true message.
Common divination practices you should avoid
Since the Bible has warned you against engaging in divination, it is crucial to be cautious and avoid common practices associated with it.
Some of these are the following.
Tarots
Tarot cards are used in divination to gain insights into a person's past, present, and future.
The reader interprets the cards drawn by the seeker to provide guidance and predictions.
You may often encounter tarot readings being practiced on social media platforms, in friend groups seeking entertainment, or even in certain businesses that offer spiritual services.
To avoid the allure of tarot readings, remember the Bible's warning in Leviticus 19:31,
"Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God."
Horoscopes
Horoscopes are astrological predictions based on the position of celestial bodies at the time of a person's birth.
Many people check their horoscopes in newspapers, magazines, or online platforms to gain insights into their day, week, or year ahead.
However, according to the Bible in Isaiah 47:13-14, seeking guidance through astrological signs is futile, as it states,
"All the counsel you have received has only worn you out... let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you."
Palm reading
Palm reading, or palmistry, involves examining the lines and features of a person's hand to provide character analysis and future predictions.
While you might encounter this practice at psychic fairs or in certain cultural contexts, the Bible advises against divination through such means.
Remember the words of Isaiah 44:25,
"I foiled the signs of false prophets and make fools of diviners."
Ouija board
The Ouija board is a board game used as a tool for communicating with spirits by moving a planchette to spell out messages.
You might find people using the Ouija board in a quest to connect with the supernatural.
However, Deuteronomy 18:10-12 cautions,
"Let no one be found among you who... consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord."
Crystal gazing
Crystal gazing involves using a crystal ball or other reflective surfaces to see visions or receive messages from the spirit world.
While this practice is often associated with fortune-tellers and psychics, the Bible instead encourages you to rely on God's word and pray for guidance.
As Psalm 119:105 says,
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
Only seek God
As you navigate through life seeking knowledge and guidance, turn to God through prayer and meditation rather than engaging in divination practices.
Remember, in His presence, you will find the answers you seek, for the Lord promises to guide and direct those who seek Him with sincerity and faith (Psalm 25:9).
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