The need to stay away from fortune-telling and witchcraft can be summed up in this sentence: “Astrologers lie, even if they tell the truth”.
Predicting and knowing what the future holds for us has been and remains one of the most tempting thoughts for the human soul. As a result, clairvoyance and witchcraft accompanied many civilizations. And the words of fortune-tellers and soothsayers were taken into account in most decisions. Even those related to self-determination. And it remains a matter of interest to this day.
Fortune-telling or “astrology” is known as an innate curiosity and desire in humans. As a result of the individual’s sense of curiosity about the future. Astrology arose because of the sense of security it gives and the ability to reduce fear of the unknown in one way or another, even if it is considered temporary or deceptive.
The idea of seeing the future in a cup of coffee, figuring out how compatible someone is from the letter order of their name, or knowing our own and other people’s traits just by knowing their date of birth can seem charming and fun.
People have relied on fortune-telling in determining important matters. Including the time of a river flooding, the time of its drying, and the eruption of volcanoes. In addition to the quality of crops, and the cure for diseases that they believed were the work of evil spirits entering the human body. And a means for establishing rituals to address and worship God.¹
The phenomenon of fortune-telling and witchcraft is very widespread in our current era. As it is surrounded by a kind of sanctity and secrecy. Despite its different designations and methods. Hearing the morning horoscopes and knowing what events they will reveal and predict has become a daily morning habit. And a necessity for some before doing any work. Even life and fateful issues. Such as choosing a life partner. This has become dependent on the compatibility of the horoscopes of the two parties. And the point of view of astrologers in the matter.
It is highly noticeable that television channels invite astrologers and clairvoyants to meet with them on most social occasions. In order to take their advice and predictions on crucial issues. And it does not end here; having the media platforms buzzing with their statements and ideas.
Given the prevailing and difficult conditions that people suffer from. Resorting to a fortune teller or astrologer is desirable. Due to its convenience and their belief that its results will be hearing comforting predictions. That may make the person happy and stress-free. Since women in our societies live under difficult circumstances. And expectations that predetermine their choices and arrange their lives. They will, for sure, be more inclined to these matters. A woman needs to hear that everything will be fine. And that may lead her to seek astrology and witchcraft as the solution to her problems.²
These fortune-tellers -regardless of how their names differ- have a popular and mass base that believes in them and their ideas. They constitute a critical focus that may contribute to the spread of false negative rumors and thoughts. This has been proven by various events. In the event of the February 6th, 2023 earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey. They constituted a negative factor in intimidating the population when they spread incorrect rumors. Most of their statements were devoid of any scientific or factual basis. Its goal was to reach the masses and increase their fame only, regardless of the results.
The large spread of such phenomena threatens societies and tackling. Such phenomena come by adopting science, knowledge, and awareness to protect ourselves from drowning in these thoughts and false rumors. This has a direct relationship with the psychological state and the way societies think, compelling us to draw more attention to this issue in order to prompt people to think positively, come up with logical solutions (regardless of the circumstances), and find safety in their actions and words and not from the sayings of the astrologer.³
The culture of linking astrology with astronomy spread and the astrologer was considered a specialist in the study of space and celestial bodies. However, there are fundamental differences between the two concepts. Astronomy is the science that studies bodies, planets, and space. It divides the sky into 12 astronomical constellations, which are the constellations known to all of us.
Consequently, the birth of children on a specific day of the year makes them a special zodiac sign within this period, as it is determined according to the position of specific star groups around the sun. However, it completely denies the existence of a relationship between the zodiac sign and specific characteristics possessed by those born to this sign. It also denies the idea of the effects of any planet entering this astral group and its reflection, good or bad, on those born in these placements. Not to mention that the astronomer’s studies extend to the study of chemistry, quantum physics, and relativistic theories. Therefore, their statements are based on scientific and accurate experiments.⁴
In conclusion, we have to draw attention to the need to stay away from the words of fortune-tellers and not to rely on clairvoyance and witchcraft in our daily lives given the negative effects it may have on us. It is also better to ensure the authenticity of our sources of information carefully, away from heresies and rumors.
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References:
[1] Almada
[2] Alwatan News
[3] Aljazeera
[4] Mawdoo3