Pharaoh works closely with his astrologers and magicians in Parshat Va’era. What is the Jewish view of these practitioners?
The Rambam feels strongly that astrology and magic are nonsense and lies, with no power whatsoever. In contrast, Ramban and other Rishonim maintain that astrology is a tool through which G-d rules the world. He Himself, of course, is not subordinate to it. He is free to do whatever He wants, and change anything that might be predetermined by the stars.
Given this debate, is it permissible according to Jewish law, for us to seek the advice of an astrologer, or to allow the daily horoscope to guide our decisions?
The Ramban asserts that following one’s horoscope is permitted and does not fall into the category of the Torah prohibitions of magic and divination. If a person’s horoscope predicts that something bad will happen to him, he should respond by praying to G-d for mercy and performing many mitzvot. This is because a person’s actions can change what is predicted by the stars. Nevertheless, if a person’s horoscope predicts that a certain day would not be a good time for him to undertake a certain activity, he should avoid doing it, as it is not appropriate for him to defy his horoscope and rely on a miracle.
In contrast, Rambam maintains that someone who plans his activities based on astrology is not only transgressing, but is even subject to lashes.
The Meiri is one of the rationalists among the Rishonim, but he takes a more moderate position than the Rambam. What is forbidden is to relate to the stars as having power independent of G-d. But they do have an effect, the same way that the sun does when it produces light and heat. Accordingly, there is nothing fundamentally wrong with taking a horoscope into account when planning one’s day. The Meiri sees it as the equivalent of a person who wants bright light for an activity, so he plans it for the middle of the day, when the sun is at its maximum strength.
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