Astrology

From Lights of Guidance (uncategorized)

Astronomy is a Science, Astrology is Not

"Astronomy is a science, astrology does not come under the same category, but we should be patient with people who believe in it, and gradually wean them away from reliance on such things."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, dated December 24, 1941, to an individual believer: Ibid., in Lights of Guidance, no. 1746)

Planets and stars have no spiritual effect, but parts of universe are closely connected having material effects

"The planets and stars have no spiritual effect in the earthly world, but the parts of the universe which are in endless space are closely connected with each other. This connection produces material effects."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablet to Ella Goodall Cooper: Daily Lessons Received at Akka, p. 85, 1976 ed., in Lights of Guidance, no. 1761)

Non-Sensical Pseudo-Science

"Yes, the Guardian considers 'astrology', which is a pseudo-science, as for the most part 'non-sensical', as it is mostly made up of superstitious beliefs and practices."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, dated July 10, 1939, to an individual believer: Ibid., in Lights of Guidance, no. 1747)

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."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, dated January 15, 1951, to an individual believer: Ibid., in Lights of Guidance, no. 1748)

Influence of the Stars and Planets

"Concerning your question as to the influence of the stars and planets on the life of a believer: Such ideas should be entirely dissociated from the Teachings. The passage on p. 133 of the 'Gleanings' bears no reference whatsoever to this matter.

"As to illness or poverty: Such calamities may be either irrevocable or, and it is often the case, they may be avoided. There is no reference in the Teachings as to whether the stars have any influence on healing such diseases. These astrological ideas are for the most part sheer superstitions."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, July 17, 1937: Spiritualism, Reincarnation and Related Subjects, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1750)

Friends to be encouraged not to waste time on astrology though cannot be forbidden

"The friends should be encouraged not to waste time on such things as astrology etc., which you mention. They cannot be forbidden to do so. The exercise of our free will to choose to do the right things is much more important."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian, dated July 30, 1956, to an individual believer: Bahá'í News, No. 230, p. 1, April 1950, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1749)

The Teachings should not be confused with astrology, though individuals interested may believe in them and make inferences from them

"...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."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, December 26, 1928: Ibid., in Lights of Guidance, no. 1751)

Astrology not needed by the believers in any way

"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 a letter dated June 25, 1950 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer: Spiritualism, Psychic Phenomena and Related Subjects, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1752)

See also

• Astronomy