by Ram ben Ze'ev
Throughout history, humanity has sought to understand the universe and its influences. From the earliest times, people have looked to the stars, searching for meaning and guidance. This search gave rise to astrology—a system that attempts to interpret celestial movements to predict the future. However, within the Jewish tradition, astrology is seen as a misplacement of trust, diverting from the recognition of G-D’s divine influence.
The Twelve Tribes: A Divinely Ordained System
The system of the twelve tribes of Israel originates from the twelve sons of Yaakov (יעקב), each forming a unique tribe with its own characteristics, symbols, and roles within the nation of Israel. This structure is first introduced in Bereishit (בראשית), when Yaakov blesses his sons, describing their future roles and destinies.
Later in Bemidbar (במדבר), the tribes are arranged around the Mishkan (משכן), each in a designated position with a specific banner, symbolising divine order. This arrangement reflects a spiritual framework that acknowledges G-D’s direct involvement in the destiny of His people. The twelve tribes are not just about lineage; they are connected to cosmic elements, seasons, and even the twelve months of the year, but always within the context of G-D’s divine plan.
Divine Guidance vs. Celestial Predictions
The Torah explicitly commands against consulting astrologers or those who practice divination. In Devarim (דברים) 18:9-14, G-D warns:
"When you come into the land that the L-RD your G-D is giving you, you shall not learn to do like the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, a diviner of divinations, an astrologer (me'onen, מעונן), a sorcerer, a charmer, one who consults a ghost or familiar spirit, or one who inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is an abomination to the L-RD, and because of these abominations, the L-RD your G-D is driving them out from before you. You shall be blameless before the L-RD your G-D. For these nations, which you are dispossessing, listen to astrologers (me'onenim, מעוננים) and diviners, but as for you, the L-RD your G-D has not permitted you to do so."
This passage makes it clear that engaging in astrology and similar practices is considered a form of rebellion against G-D's guidance. The Torah emphasises that Israel’s future is not to be found in the stars but in the commandments and promises of G-D. The twelve tribes are an example of this divine guidance, representing G-D's hand in history rather than human interpretation of the heavens.
Astrology: An Attempt to Control the Future
Astrology, with its origins in ancient Babylon, became a way for people to gain a sense of control over the uncertainties of life. By observing celestial bodies, astrologers sought to predict events and determine personal fates. Over time, astrology developed into a formalised system in Hellenistic Greece, later influencing Roman thought and European traditions. However, this system placed the future in the "hands" of the stars—a direct contrast to the Jewish understanding of Divine providence.
From a Jewish perspective, astrology is seen as removing the Divine influence, appealing to those who do not believe in G-D's active role in the universe. This perspective contrasts sharply with the historical Tribes’ system, which places the future firmly under G-D's control. By following astrology, individuals rely on created entities rather than the Creator, leading them away from the path of faith.
Jewish Mysticism and the Twelve Tribes
While Jewish tradition acknowledges cosmic patterns and celestial elements, it does so in a way that always points back to G-D’s design. In the Holy Zohar (הזוהר הקדוש) and other Kabbalistic texts, the twelve tribes are connected to cosmic elements, reflecting G-D's order in creation. Each tribe corresponds to different months and even specific constellations, but these associations are never about predicting individual fates. Instead, they serve to highlight G-D’s involvement in the natural world.
The twelve tribes of Israel, rooted in the covenant with Avraham (אברהם), Yitzchak (יצחק), and Yaakov (יעקב), predate the formal development of astrology in ancient Babylon by centuries. Unlike astrology, which emerged as an attempt to predict human fate through celestial bodies, the twelve tribes represent a divinely guided order that places power solely in G-D’s hands. This reinforces the importance of trust (bitachon, בטחון) and faith (emunah, אמונה) in G-D's plan, rather than relying on celestial predictions. The twelve stones on the High Priest’s breastplate (Choshen, חושן) each represented a tribe, serving as a direct line of communication with G-D during the service in the Beit HaMikdash (בית המקדש). This sacred connection is distinct from astrology's attempt to harness cosmic power for personal or predictive purposes.
Conclusion: Trusting in G-D’s Guidance
The rejection of astrology is rooted in a fundamental trust in G-D's guidance. The twelve tribes of Israel are not merely a historical framework but a testament to the Divine plan. By following the commandments and seeking G-D’s guidance through prayer and Torah study, the Jewish people maintain a connection to a system that predates and supersedes astrology.
Astrology’s appeal lies in its promise of control, a concept that resonates with those who do not believe in a Divine Creator. However, for those who follow the historical and Divinely ordained system of the twelve tribes, the future is not in the stars but in the hands of G-D—a reality that requires faith, trust, and adherence to the Torah’s commandments. As the Torah commands, Israel is to avoid the practices of astrologers and diviners, remaining steadfast in their faith that G-D, not the stars, guides the destiny of His people.
###
Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited, SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue