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astrology blended with original thinking

and a special revelation from God. In troth,


their claims are over a century old, the
earliest tmceable work being that of a Miss
Florence Rolleston, of Keswick, England.
A BIBLICAL ANALYSIS OF RELIGIOUS AND SECULAR MEDIA Her study of the ancient names of over a
hundred principal stars led to the publish-
SPECIAL REPORT ing in 1863 of her findings in the form of
notes under the title, Mazzaroth: or, the
THE GOSPEL IN THE ZODIAC Constellations.
The ancient names of those stars-
A BIBLICAL ANALYSIS names such as Prince, He Shall Be Exalted,
By Albert James Dager The Redeemer, He Who Comes to Suffer,
and the like-seem to indicate that God
s time draws to a close man's ORIGINS gave them their names. Although many of

A search for life's meaning is taking


him on a frenzied foray into ancient
wisdom and occult philosophy. It's as if he
There are several recent books which, to
Ihose unfamiliar wilh the antiquity of Ihe
"Gospel in IheZodiac" Iheory,seem to offer
the names are not quite so easy to place in
the "Gospel" category, it would be only
reasonable to assume that God did name
the stars. After all, He created them. But
senses an innate trulh which he thinks can original insight into anew, and fascinating
only be discovered by going back to his subject. Some lack any semblance of there is a difference between the stars and
origins-as if with Ihe passing of Ihe cen- documentation as to Ihe origins of Ihe Iheory. the constellations of the Zodiac.
turies he has lost touch with eternal trolhs This has resulted in many readers assuming Rolleston's concept gained wider
essential to his spiritual popularity with the
life and happiness. release in 1884 ofJoseph
Perhaps that's why A. Seiss's book, The
many of today's Chris- Gospel in the Stars. Al-
tians feel a need to prove most a decade later, in
the veracity of Ihe Gospel 1893, Ethelbert (E.W.)
by some means outside Bullinger sought to
God's Word. Many at- popularize the theory
tempt to glean diamonds further with his book,
of hidden trolh from Ihe The Witness of the Stars,
gravel pit of occult which is still available in
Iheory. An example of a 1967 edition published
this penchant for rushing by Kregel Publications
in where angels fear to based in Grand Rapids,
tread is the Iheory that I Michigan.
call "The Gospel in the Bullinger, a 19th-cen-
Zodiac." tory Anglican clergyman
This theory is based and descendant of Swiss
on the tenuous assump- Reformer 1. Heinrich
tion that the Zodiac was Bullinger, did give credit
originally designed by to Miss Rolleston for her
God as a witness of His labors in providing him
plan of redemption, and with ancient astronomi-
was later corrupted by cal facts and the names
occult science into an in- and signification of those
strument of divination hundred or more prin-
(lhe predicting of the fu- cipal stars. But he also
ture and/or Ihe determin- clearly stated, "...for
ing of personality tmits their interpretation I am
based on Ihe positions of alone responsible. "1
Ihe heavenly bodies). It was from learning
The-Gospel-in-the-Zodiac theory is that the authors discovered this "truth" the names of those
nolhing new; it is a century-old "wind of themselves-independently of others- some one hundred principal stars that Seiss
doctrine" which seems to be enjoying new through diligent study of Ihe Scriptures and and Bullinger drew the conclusion that the
popularity among many of today's Chris- certain ancient records pertaining to the Zodiac was also an invention of God. Yet
tians. It may seem harmless enough, but names of Ihe stars and constellations. because some one hundred out of over ten
every theory Ihat touches upon God's plan At best, some contain a cursory refer- thousand stars visible to Ihe naked eye
of redemption carries with it the possibility ence to and a bibliography of Ihe earlier possess names Ihat seem to relate to Ihe
of leading souls into spiritual error. The works of alhers; some don't even contain Redemption is hardly reason to suppose
more fantastic the theory the stronger Ihe a bibliography. This could easily lead Ihe !hat the Zodiac is also God's invention.
danger-and, unfortunately, the more like- reader to assume that Ihe aulhor has a The individual stars are not necessarily
ly it is to be followed. unique understanding of astronomy and related to the concept of constellations.
Lacking any solid evidence that the MISAPPLIED SCRIPTURES By extension, then, it was from the
names of the stars have any direct relation E.W. Bullinger(IS37 - 1913) begins his vanity of man's imagination that the pagan
to the Zodiac, the proponents of the thesis with a unique interpretation of deities pictured in the Zodiac were con-
"Gospel in the Zodiac" theory have at- Romans1:19-20: ceived. Romans 1:21-23 is an accurate
tempted to build their case on conjecture. Because thai which may be known of description of the Zodiac wherein we find
In so doing they have-with all good inten- God is manifest in them; for God hath imaginative portrayals of men and women,
tions, I'm sure-melded God's truth with shewed it unto them. animals, insects, and even mythological
pagan myth, traceable to Babylon. For the invisible things afhimfrom concoctions. As we shall see, the "Gospel
Bullinger, in fact, believed that the the creation a/the world are clearly seen, in the Zodiac" theory insists on ascribing
Tower of Babel was an attempt to preserve being understood by the things that are to these imaginary creatures the various
the heavenly record. The sin, he felt, was made, even the ends afthe world. attributes of the Godhead. These applica-
not in the building of the tower, but rather (Romans 10:IS is cross-referenced to tions go far beyond those which God has
in not dispersingoverthe earth. This seems Psalms 19:1-6which refers to the heavens made in His Word through imagery such
somewhat ridiculous in light of God's declaring the glory of God.) Regarding as "the Lamb of God," "the Lion of the
Word which clearly shows that the reason these verses, Bullinger asks, tribe of Judah," and so forth.
God scattered humanity was so that they It wasn't out of biblical imagery but out
But how was God known? How were
couldn't complete the project (Genesis His 'invisible things,' i.e., His plans, His of nature worship that astrology was born and
I I: 1-9). Had man not attempted to develop purposes. and His counsels. known since the Zodiac implemented, as far back as the
his occult science God would not have had the creation of the world?There is only one Babylonian civilization. Such creatures as
to confuse his language. In any case, answer. and that is THE HEAVENS! This the winged horse Pegasus, the half-men- -
whether the Tower of Babel was based is settled from Ps.xix., thefIrstpartof which
half-animals Centaurus and Sagittarius-
upon truth or not, building of it was con- is occupied with the Revelation of God
trary to God's will. Why then, in an attempt written in the Heavens, and the latter part
and others in the Zodiac--are clearly inven-
to "prove" what cannot be proven, should with the Revelation of God written in the tions of man's imagination, which God's
Christians rebuild that Tower in men's Word.' [Emphasis Bullinger's.] Word declares is only evil continually
hearts through this theory? Though apparently utilizing his theory in (Genesis 6:5). To ascribe In these fanatic
Current proponents of the Gospel-in- an honest attempt to verify the Gospel, Bul- "creatures" the exclusive attributes of God
linger erred by assuming that ..them" in and Christ merely confmns the wickedness
the-Zodiac theory are taking advantage of
the fact that the sensational attracts. Yet no Romans 1:19 ( that which may be known of man's venerated imagination.
other such works being extant prior to of God is manifest in them...") is a pronoun Genesis 6:5 ("And God saw that the
those of Rolleston, Seiss and Bullinger (at for "the stars," The previous verse, Romans wickedness of man was great in the earth,
least as far as we have been able to deter- I:IS, reveals that "them" refers not to the and that every imagination of the thoughts
mine), we may assume that some of these stars, but rather to ungodly men. Verses 18 of his heart was only evil continually")
current authors are capitalizing on these and 19 together comprise a single thought: applies to everyone, not just those in
people's labors while failing to credit For the wrath of God is revealedfrom Noah's time. Nor does it apply exclusively
them, or at least give adequate recognition heaven against all ungodliness and un- to those whose imaginative fantasies have
to their labors. righteousness of men, who hold the truth gained notoriety. Man is still the same sin-
It seems that some writers (or copiers) in unrighteousness; ful creature today that he was from the fall
are reluctant to credit those from whose Because thai which may be known of of Adam. Therefore, even the best of God's
labors they obtain income and prestige. I'm God is manifest in them; for God hath people are capable of the most vile imagin-
sorry to say that such practices are not shewed it unto them. ings if not submitted to the control of the
uncommon in the Church. Also, the "invisible things" of God in Holy Spirit.
This dishonesty exists in the Church Romans I :20, are not"His plans, Hispurposes, I poiot this out so that our readers will
primarily for two reasons besides the and His counsels," as Bullinger claimed,' but not be inclined to think any less of Bul-
egotism that seeks the acclaim of men: I) rather they are, as verse 20 continues, God's linger or his modem-day counterparts. If
Christians who produce honest, original "eternal power and Godhead." anything we might blame their indiscre-
labor are either deceased, or are reluctant The entire context of the first chapter of tions on zealousness clouded by a lack of
to sue those who steal their works; 2) Romans deals with men rejecting the wisdom,
Christians who plagiarize others' works know ledge of their Creator and worshiping
assume that no one should complain if the THE SIGNS OF ISRAEL'S TRIBES
the creation. In fact, one of the great sins of
truth (or at least what they assume is the Building on an erroneous interpretation
mankind (which is dangerously close to
truth) gets out by any means. (Of course, applying to the "Gospel in the Zodiac" of certain Scriptures, Bullinger sought to
the plagiarizers copyright their works.) teachers) is recorded in that same first confirm his theory by ascribing to the
This gives reason to question the chapter of Romans, verses 21-23: figures of the Zodiac attributes of Christ
veracity of the hypothesis to which today's and other biblical personalities. While he
Because that, when they knew God,
proponents of the Gospel-in-the-Zodiac claimed that man perverted the divinely
theyglorifiedhim not as God. neitherwere
theory lay claim. If we can't trust their thanJrful;but became vain in their imagina- inspired Zodiac by applying other inter-
integrity how can we trust their teachings? tions,andtheirfoolishheartwasdarkened. pretations, he failed to realize the pos-
For this reason we will ignore the current Professing themselves to be wise, sibility that those same people could have
works, and will use as our primary source they becamefools, changed some or all of the original figures,
of reference what I believe to be the most And changed the glory of the uncor- and/or added or subtracted others. Some-
comprehensive and the most readily avail- ruptible God in/o an image made like to how he managed to apply to every figure,
able of the earliest writings, Bullinger's corruptible man, and to birds, andfour. no matter how fantastic, some analogy to a
The Witness of the Stars. footed beasts, and creeping things. portion of the Scriptures.

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Bullinger says of the signs of the originated with God are futile. The fact is The Constellations in Virgo
Zodiac,"lt is more than probable that each that the Zodiac is an instrument of occult Coma-Mother with a chlld: Repre-
of the Twelve Tribes [ofIsrael] bore one of divination, and any association with it may sents the Virgin Mary and Jesus.
them on its standard.'" Without any open the door to demonic activity. Coma's full name is Coma Berenices,
specific scriptural justification, he assumes As much as Bullinger and his modem or "Berenice's Hair." It is a relatively
that the placement of the tribes around the counterparts attempt to distinguish be- modem constellation having been named
camp as recorded in Numbers Two fol- tween "their" (i.e., Rolleston 's) theory and after Berenice, a third-century B.C. Egyp-
lowed in the order of the Zodiac. Based on astrology, those who are young in the faith tian queen who dedicated her hair to Venus
this assumption he determined which sign or are naive because they lack under- in gratitude for the safe return of her hus-
applied to which tribe: "If the Lion (Leo) standing may be led by this theory into band from war.'
were appropriated to Judah, then the other astrology. Nowhere in God's Word are we This constellation is often pictured as a
three would be thus fixed, and would be the told that we may look anywhere but to the woman holding a wig and, because of its
same four that equally divide the Zodiac at Scriptures (rightly divided by the Holy fairly recent origin, complicates Bullinger's
its four cardinal points.'" Thus Bullinger Spirit) for understanding God's purposes. theory. If tltis constellation was unknown, or
attributed the Zodiacal signs to the tribes in All scripture is given by inspirationof called by another name at the time the Lord
the following manner: God, and is pro{t/able for doctrine, for supposedly gave his "revelation" to early
East: Issachar (Cancer), Judah (Leo), reproof,for correction,for instruction in man, how did Bullinger manage to fit it in as
Zebulon (Virgo); righteousness:
a part of that "revelation"?
South: Simeon (Pisces), Reuben that the man of God may be perfect, The picture of a woman with a child in
(Aquarius), Gad (Aries); throughlyfurnished unJo all good works her lap is common to many idolatrous cul-
West: Ephraim and Manasseh (Taurus), (II Timothy 3:16-17).
tures. The Madonna of the Renaissance era
Benjamin (Gemini): In light of this great truth, we need was the result of attempts to "Christianize"
North: Asher (Sagittarius), Dan (Scor- nothing else. The dangers of the "Gospel the Egyptian goddess Isis, who is often
pio), Naphtali (Capricorn). in the Zodiac" theory far outweigh any pictured with the baby god Osiris in her lap.
In the center of the camp, represented potential good. The purpose of such an image has always
by Libra, Bullinger placed Levi, who had been to glorify the mother figure rather
THESIGNS OF THEZODIAC
no standard (or banner). than the child. In Roman Catholicism, the
Let's take a look now at this "Gospel in
Bullinger's reasoning is vague, though the Zodiac" as espoused by Bullinger and Madonna Mary is the Co-redemptrix of
not entirely implausible. However,lacking salvation. If the Zodiac were of God, it
his disciples. As we deal with the figures
any historical evidence or definite scrip- seems the constellation Coma would su-
in the Zodiac and their names, we'll see
tural reference, the "Gospel in the Zodiac" persede Virgo since Virgo is a repre.
how arbitrary they are, being capable of
theory is just that-a theory. having just about any meaning applied to sentation of the virgin alone, without
Be that as it may, we must address this them according to one's fancy. Since Bul- Christ. But in the Zodiac Virgo is
issue on both its strengths and weaknesses. linger is the principal source of current predominant, and Coma a smaller constel-
If it has any merit at all it is that it might commentaries on the meanings of the lation among others within Virgo's en-
convince a few people who are into astrol- names of the constellations and stars, we'll virons. This is more in keeping with the
ogy thattheir use of the Zodiac is a perver- pagan tradition of giving preeminence to
begin each examination with a paraphrase
sion of one of God's instruments of of his application of the symbolism (in female deities: the "Queen of Heaven" of
revelation. On the other hand, it could easi- italics), followed by a commentary. Babyl;m, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and vir-
1yblur the truth with error and cause Chris- tually every major idolatrous culture. This
tians who are weak in the faith to become VIRGO - THEVIRGIN was Ashtoreth, the goddess of the
involved in astrology. Virgo represents Mary, the virgin
Zidonians for whom Solomon built a
mother of Jesus. temple, bringing God's chastisement (I
In fact, a woman I know personally,
after hearing Dr. D. James Kennedy extol Kings II:S, 33; II Kings 23:13).
the virtues of this theory on a national Centaurus-The Centaur: Repre-
Christian television network, became con- sents the two natures of Christ, divine and
vinced that she is "a Scorpio," possessing human.
certain character traits as defined in astrol- In this ludicrous analogy utilizing a
ogy. No doubt she isn't the only one so half-man-half-horse picturization, God is
affected by the promotion of this theory in represented as a man, and man is repre-
the Church. To become taken in by it sented as an animal. This coincides, in a
would, at the least, result in a terrible waste roundabout way, with the pagan
of time. and may even result in Christians evolutionists' belief that man is just a high-
looking to the stars and reading horoscopes ly evolved animal, and God is just a highly
rather than the Scriptures for knowledge. evolved man.
Perhaps it won't be long before zodiacal Oootes-A man brandishing a spear:
charms are sold in Christian bookstores. (in some depictions he carries a sickle in
This isn't so far fctched. One world- the other hand.) Represenrs Christ coming
famous "evangelist" has publicly stated on to rule.
Christian television that he has a stone lion in More appropriately, Bootes represents
his yard because hc' s "a Leo.'" Although a virgin did play a part in some barbarian about to wreak havoc. Ac-
Considering that the earliest historical God's plan of redemption, virgins also play tually, there is some confusion about the
records of the Zodiac have been traced to a significant part in almost every idolatrous meaning of Bootes. Most tables of the con-
Babylon, any attempts to prove it religion. stellations refer to him as a herdsman rather

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than a ruler per se. But in order to make and the veracity of Bullinger's theory suf- does intersect with the head of the scor-
Bootes fit Bu]hnger' s generallheme for the fers greatly. pion, and the tail of the scorpion appears to
constellations of Virgo, it is more con- Lupus or Victim a-The Wolf or curl toward the man's other foot, though
venient if Bootes is the ruler that was to Victim: Represents Christ slain by His not in close proximity. But again, the scor-
come from the seed of the woman, rather own hand. pion is not a biblical symbol for SaUln. So
than a shepherd. A legitimate question arises: where is here, too, the analogy breaks down.
In fact, we'll discover as we go along the typology in Scripture that equates Serpens-The Serpent In
that Bulhnger' s arbitrary assigning of con- Christ with a wolf? Were the victim of Ophiucbus' Hands: Represents Satan
stellations to the twelve principal charac- CenUlurus a lamb there might be cause for struggling with Chrisl for the Crown (the
ters of the Zodiac is not always as such conjecture. But the wolf is a vicious Corona Borealis).
represented in the sky charts. For insUlnce, animal of prey. ]n fact, in Scripture, wolves This is by far the most plausible of
he assigned CenUlurus to Virgo, while con- symbolize Satan's emissaries (Mauhew Bullinger's analogies for the struggle be-
necting Lupus, the Wolf or Victim which 7:15,10:]6; Luke 10:3; Acts 20:29; etc.). tween Christ and Satan. But in occult
is attached to Centaurus, to Libra. The In one ancient Zodiac, that of the Egyp- theory the serpent also represents the "life
Southern Cross, which is beneath Cen- tian province ofDenderah, Victima "is pic- force" which, in this pictorialization, could
UlUruS,he also assigned to Libra in order to tured as a htlIe child with its finger on its be reaching for higher expression through
justify his hypothesis. hps, and He is called Sura, a lamb.'" In spiritual evolution.
LIBRA -THE SCALES other pictures, according to Bullinger, the
child has the horn of a goat on one side of
Hercules-The Migbty Man: Repre-
sents Christ, the mighty vanquisher.
Libra represents the Redeemer's Aton-
ing Work; or The Price deficient balanced his head." This, Bullinger believes, is Holding an upraised club in one hand
by the Price which covers. evidence that the victim represents the and, in some depictions (not seen here), a
Lamb of God. However, this depiction is a three-headed serpent growing from a
rare exception to the common depiction of branch in the other, the picture of Hercules
this constellation as a wolf. is more consistent with pagan mythology
Corona Borealis-The Crown: Rep- than with Scripture. Most likely the three-
resents the Crown Bestowed. headed serpent among the branches repre-
This constellation is one of the few that sents the multi-headed dragon, Hydra, that
may find some legitimate correlation with Hercules is supposed to have slain as one
the Christian faith. But that is hardly of his "Twelve Labours."
strong enough evidence to support SAGInARIUS - THE ARCHER
Bullinger's theory, especially in the light Sagillarius Represents the Redeemer's
But there is no balance, for we are not of the preponderance of incredulous triumph.
worthy for Christ's blood to be considered analogies attempted on almost all the other
equal payment for us. His mercy and the constellations.
value of His life far outweigh any worth we SCORPIO - THE SCORPION
may have in our own eyes. Christ died for us Scorpio represents the Redeemer's
while we were yet ungodJy (unworthy, un- Conflict with the enemy of God who strikes
profitable, and unsuiUlble)-Romans 5:6. at the heel of Christ.
The Constellations in Libra '.
Crux-The Cross: Represents the
eross ofChrist.
The cross has certainly been adopted by
the Church as a symbol of redemption. But Like Centaurus, Sagittarius is pictured
it's also an imporUlnt pan of pagan sym- as a creature that is half-man and half-
bolism, often connected with nature wor- horse. Bullinger claims Sagittarius is
ship. 7 The cross has been used to represent shown pointing his arrow at the hean of the
the four elements used in making the scorpion. However, his aim is slightly off,
Philosopher's Stone in Alchemy, the four as the line of the planned trajectory of the
major divisions of the human structure The biblical picture is that of a serpent
that bruises the heel of Christ (Genesis arrow would intersect the place where
(bones, muscles, nerves, and arteries), and Scorpio's tail joins his body. I would say
3:]5). While the scorpion is deadly, it isn't
the four elements of man's nature- the same thing about Christ being pictured
spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical.' a serpent. Nor does it belong to the same
family. Serpents are reptiles; scorpions are as half-man, half-horse, as I would about
An interesting aspect of this constella- Centaurus: this is not a biblical picture of
arachnids. Nowhere in Scripture is the
tion is that it is the only one in which the Christ; to equate it with Him is irreverent.
scorpion a symbol of SaUln.
major stars almost perfectly form the pic-
ture it is meant to represent. Yet the forma- The Constellations in Scorpio The Constellations In Sagittarius
tion is not as perfect as one would expect Ophiuchus-The Man Grasping a Lyra- Tbe Harp: Represents Praise
God to make it had He meant it to be Serpent: Represents Christ struggling prepared for the Conqueror.
recognized as a cross. The lransverse anns with Satan for dominion. Maybe yes, maybe no. But Lyra is pic-
are shghtly off-center and tilted. Poor work This is another ofthe few constellations tured in the Zodiac as a lyre comprising the
for a Master Carpenter. whoseinterpreUltionscan be stretched with body of a phoenix, a mythical bird possess-
Add to this the fact that Crux, hke some logic to represent Christ. As Bu1- ing magical powers. How would this fit the
Coma, is a constellation of modem origin, hnger points out, one foot of Ophiuchus Scriptures?
----

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Ara- The Altar: Represents consum- Aquila-The Eagle: Represents the
ingfire prepared for God's enemies. Smitten One falling.
Altars existed in both idolatrous and In the Table of Constellations there is no
biblical culture, So who's to say that this reference to the eagle pictured in AquiJa as
altar is one devoted to God? dying. He is seen as merely an eagle flying.
Drac~ The Dragon: Represents the Bullinger's fanciful account, however, has the
Old Serpent, or the Devil, cast down from Arrow of God piercing the eagle which is
Heaven. supposed to represent Christ Yet if we look at
Another plausible picture from Scrip- the pictures in the Zodiac, we fmd that the
ture, but how much prominence must Satan arrow is pointing away from the eagle, not
be given in this scenario? Besides other toward it Nor has it passed through the body,
symbols attributed to Satan by Bullinger, but merely through the tail (if we want to see
there are four pictures of serpents and it as having passed through the eagle at all).
dragons in the Zodiac. And though there are minor references in
CAPRICORN - THESEA GOAT Scripture likening the acts of God to those of
Capricorn Represents the Goat of eagles, there is no definitive typology of the
Atonement slainfor the Redeemed. eagle as Christ, particularly as Christ dying.
Delphinus-The Dolphin: Represents
the Dead One rising again.
Here Bullinger likens the dolphin to the
risen Christ because dolphins charac-
teristically leap from the water. But the
dolphin also dives back into the water.
Christ rose never to die again. And where
in Scripture is Christ likened to a dolphin?
AQUARIUS. THEWATER BEARER
Aquarius represents Christ pouring
forth the Living Water.
According to Bullinger, the head of this
strange creature represents Christ, and the
body in the form of a fish represents the
people for whom He was slain. This is
pretty farfetched. There is no such symbol
in Scripture, nor did God ever create such
a grotesque creature as Capricorn.
TheConstellations in Capricorn
Sagitta-The Arrow: Represents the
Arrow of God sentforth.
Bullinger claims that Sagitta is not the
arrow of Sagittarius, meant for the enemies We could almost accept this as being a
of God, but is that spoken of in Psalm 38:2, legitimate interpretation were the others
meant to pierce Christ on our behalf: "For not so arbitrary and, in some cases, even
Pisces is pictured as two fishes whose
thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand bizarre.
tails are bound together by a band, one fish
presseth me sore." But the next verses The Constellations in Aquarius looking toward the height of the heavens,
reveal that David's lament in the first por-
Piscis Australis-The Southern Fish: the other at almost a right angle, facing the
tion of Psalm 38 was not part of the mes-
Represents the blessings bestowed. line of the ecliptic (the Sun's path). The
sianic prophecies attributed to other
Psalms, but referred to David himself:
Piscis Australis is pictured as a fish flTst, that looking toward the heights of
upon whom the water of Aquarius flows. heaven, supposedly represents the Church;
There is no soundness in my flesh Bullinger states that this constellation "sets the second supposedly represents the na-
because of thine anger; neither is there
any rest in my bonesbecauseof my sin. forth the simple lruth that the blessings tion of Israel, which was satisfied with
For mine iniquitiesare gone over mine procured by [Christ] will be surely be- earthly blessings. But now we find in
head: as an heavy burden they are too stowed and received by those for whom Bullinger's own argument the best case
heavy for me. My wounds stink and are they are intended."" But where is the against his theory:
corrupt because of my foolishness, Scriptural typology of the redeemed as And here we must maintain that "the
(Psahn 38:3-5) fish? Though Jesus told Peter he would Church," which is "the Body of Chris~"
Christ had no sin or iniquities. Nor was He make him a fisher of men, He was merely was a subject that was never revealed to
foolish. True, He bore our iniquities, but identifying with Peter's profession as a man until it was made known to the
fisherman. More appropriately, the Apostle Paul by a special revelation. The
that's a far cry from what the Psalmist was
Holy Spirit declares (Rom. xvi. 25) that
saying. We know also that it was prophesied redeemed are seen as sheep (John 10:27,
it "was kept secr:et since the world
that God would not allow Jesus' flesh to 21:16-17). began." In Eph. Hi. 9 he declares that it
suffer corruption (psalm 16:10). And His For those who might point out that the "from the beginning of the world hath
body was never diseased as the Psalmist fish symbol "lchthus" represents Christ, it been hid in God"j and in Col.i.26, that it
described his own flesh in 38:7. is nota biblical symbol but one adopted by "hath been hid from ages and from

5
generations, but now is made manifest
His saints." In each scripture which
to scriptural types acceptable for application TAURUS -
THE BULL
to Christ, Cepheus cannol validate Taurus represents Messiah,lhe coming
speaks of it as "now made manifest," or Bullinger's theory in the face of the far Judge of all/he Ear/II.
..
"now made known, it is distinctly stated more numerous unscriptural symbols in
that it was "a mystery," i.e., a secret, and
had, up to that moment. been hidden
the Zodiac.
from mankind, hidden "in God.")) ARiES-THE RAM
Bullinger also states that the Sign of Aries represents the blessings of tire
Pisces has always been interpreted to sym- Redeemed consummated and enjoyed.
bolize Israe1." Yet this is not as inspired by
God, but rather as interpreted by Jewish
Cabalism, which blended the Word of God
with the Egyptian mysteries. But more to
the point, if the Scriptures say that the Where in Scripture is Christ pictured as
mystery of the Church has been hidden in a bull? This is another inconsistency with
God from the beginning, how then can we the Word of God.
suppon the idea that the original Zodiac
The Constellations in Taurus
was God's revelation to early man of His
plan of redemption? How could the Church Orion-The Man of Light: Repre-
The ram is the closest thing to a lamb in senlS light breakingforlh in the Redeemer.
have been a part of that revelation if it was the Zodiac, and Bullinger calls Aries "The
a mystery hid in God until Christ estab- Ram or Lamb."" This sign, among them
Orion is pictured as a man with an
lished His Church just 2,000 years ago? upraised club in one hand and, in somedepic-
all, comes closest to representing Christ.
Certainly God wouldn't have given an er- Yet according to Bullinger's theory that
tions, with the headof a lion in the other. If
roneous interpretation to those to whom He the Zodiac shows the progression of God's Leo (the Lion) represents Christ, as Bullinger
allegedly revealed the "Gospel in the plan of redemption, then Aries is out of stated earlier, then consistency would dictate
Zodiac" at the dawn of man's history. that the lion's head in Orion's hand repre-
order. The ram should symbolize the vic-
The Constellations in Pisces tim slain earlier in the progression, not the sents Christ Were this at the beginning of
Bullinger's Zodiac he could say that Christ
The Band-The Band around the blessing coming later.
was slain by Himself. But the whole theme
fishes' tails: Represents the Redeemed The Constellations in Aries of Taurus rests on Bullinger's supposition
bound. but binding tlreir enemy. Cassiopeia-The Enthroned that at this point the Zodiac speaks of Christ's
This is one of the more preposterous of Woman: Represents the Caplive victory and Second Coming, not of His
BuIlinger' s interpretations. There is no ref- delivered, andwaitingfor her husband, the sacrifice. Where then is the consistency with
erence to the band as a separate constella- Redeemer. the Gospel in Bullinger's interpretation of
tion from Pisces in any tables of the This is obviously an attempt by Bul- this constellation?
constellations. And how is the band seen as linger to associate Cassiopeia with the Eridanus- The River: Represents the
binding the enemy of the Redeemed, un- Church as the Bride of Christ. Cassiopeia River of Wralh breaking forlh for God's
less Bullinger is inferring that Israel (sup- is pictured silting on a throne, yet her bare enemies.
posedl y represented by the other fish) is the breasts are hardly in keeping with the
enemy of the Redeemed? This proves fur- Why is it a river of wrath? Why nol a
modesty that should characterize the Bride river of life? Because, at this point in the
ther that one can make any case he wants of Christ.
if he tries hard enough. "Gospel of the Zodiac," Bullinger has
Perseus-The Breaker or Rescuer: determined (hat judgment is the issue.
A point which seems to have escaped Represenls Chris I delivering His
Bullinger and his modem disciples is that Auriga-The Shepherd: Represents
Redeemed.
the fish he says points toward the heights safetyfor the Redeemed in the Day of Wrath.
Perseus is seen with the wings of Mer-
of the heavens does so onJy if seen from cury on his heels, an upraised sword in one Auriga, supposedJy a Christ figure, is seen
certain latitudes. It might just as easily be hand, and the serpent head of Medusa in holding a he-goat which Bullinger says rep-
seen pointing downward toward the the other. This is another case where the resents God's children. Earlier we found that
horizon from other vantage points on earth. arbitrariness of Bullinger's theory is evi- Bullinger assigned the office of Christ to the
Andromeda-The Chained Woman: dent. How can anyone say Perseus, a pagan head of Capricorn, Ihe goat-headed fish, and
Represents lire Redeemed in Iheir bondage deity, is Christ? the tail he called the peopleofGod. Why isn't
and ajj1icrion. Cetus-The Sea Monster: Represents Auriga holding a fIsh to represent God's
Yet according to the Scriptures, once people, instead of a goat?
the Greal Enemy bound.
we are redeemed we are no (onger in Cetus is a fantastic creature which, in GEMINI- THE TWINS
bondage (Galatians 4; 1-9). Afflicted, yes; some depictions, has the head of a Gemini represents Messiah's reign as
and beset with heresies that threatcn to grotesque kind of unicorn, front paws like Prince
destroy the purity of our faith by blending a dog's, and a taillike a fish. Cetus is nOt
every form of paganism with Christianity.
~pe:c/
bound as Bullinger would have us think,
Cepheus-The King: Represents lhe but looks rather comfortable in his
Redeemer coming to rule. dominance of his portion of the sky. And
Afler seeing Jesus reprcsented as any why does nolthe tail like thaI of a fish
number of animals and even mythical crea- represent the Redeemed as in the case of
tures, at least we can find no fault in Capricorn? The least we could expect from
BuIlingcr's representation of Him as a God would be consistency in assigning His
king. But despite a king being one of few symbolism.

6
The Twins are seen by Bullinger as Crater-The Cup: Represents the cup
representing the two natures of Christ: God of divine wrath poured out upon the Ser-
and man. Very nice, but again, totally ar- pent.
bitrary. Earlier, he said Centaurus repre- Very imaginative, but the cup is not
sents the two natures of Christ. The Greeks seen being poured out upon Hydra. Noth-
called The Twins Apollo and Hercules; the ing comes fonh from the cup, as is the case
Romans called them Castor and Pollux. with Aquarius's urn. And it would seem
These pagan gods bear not even the more fitting that, if Crater were pouring out
remotest similarity to Christ's two natures. God's wrath upon Satan it would be upon
The Constellations in Gemini his head, not his tail. If anything, Crater is
Lepus-The Hare: Represents the about to pour out upon Corvus.
Enemy trodden under foot. Corvus-The Raven: The Birds of
Prey devouring the Serpent.
Because The Hare is situated near the
feet of Orion, Bullinger assumes that Lepus Corvus does indeed ride the back of
is Satan. He quotes Aratus, a third-century Hydra. But what does this prove in light of
B.C. Greek poet, who wrote, "Below the many serious inconsistencies pre-
Orion's feet, the Hare is chased eternally." viously pointed out?
But is the hare being chased by Orion, or by ARBITRARY SYMBOLISM
Canis Major (The Dog), whose front paws As we've seen, the designations at-
extend toward the tail of Lepus? Does the tributed by Bullinger to the Zodiac are
proximity of constellations necessarily purely arbitrary. There is no conclusive
mean they are connected in any particular historical or scriptural evidence to suppon
way? Except for Bullinger's theory this is the "Gospel in the Zodiac" theory.
not even considered. And where in Scrip- No knowledgeable person would dis-
ture does the hare represent Satan, trodden pute the fact that some pagan myths are
under foot or otherwise? perversions of truth relative to Christ. But
Canis Major-The Dog: Represents most are not such perversions; they have
Christ as Sirius, the coming glorious Prince. nothing whatsoever to do with the person,
Bullinger states that in the Persians' work or character of Christ. Yet it doesn't
astronomical planisphere Canis Major is take much effort to see in those myths what
pictured as a wolf, and in the Hebrew is the we want to see if it helps justify an other-
same. Just as in his interpretation of Lupus wise untenable position.
(The Walt) in Libra, Bullinger pictures Now obviously no one-ancient or
Christ as an unclean animal-a scavenger modern--could simply look at the sky and
and vicious by nature. Even the most docile see the symbolism represented in the
of dogs are so because they've been bred Zodiac. As Bullinger rightly admits, "The
to be that way. Left alone they are figures themselves are perfectly arbitrary.
dangerous. Is it not an insult to Jesus to There is nothing in the groups of stars to
picture Him as a dog or wolf? ..
.. even suggest the figures.""
Canis Minor-The Second Dog: Rep- This being the case, the figures had to
resents the Exalted Redeemer. be handed down from generation to
The same argument for picturing Christ generation in order to be understood by
as a dog in Canis Major must apply to those far removed from their origins. But
Canis Minor. was the original Zodiac inspired by God
CANCER-THE CRAB and later pervened by men? Or has it al-
Cancer represents Messiah's ways been the product of pagan myth, al-
Redeemed Possessions heldfast. Here is one of the allegorical symbols beit partially or wholly predicated upon a
t' .. we may accept as consistent with Scrip- perversion of truth? Bullinger believed the
ture: Jesus as the Lion of the tribe of Judah former.
(Revelation 5:5). That is, we may accept it For more than two thousand five
were this whole theory true-which it hundredyears the world was without a
isn't. written revelation from God. The ques-
The Constellations in Leo tion is. Did God leave Himself without a
witness? The question is answered very
Hydra-The Serpent: Represents the positively by the writtenWord that He
Old Serpent destroyed. didnot.18
Completing the Zodiac, according to It's at this point that Bullinger gives his
Bullinger, is the sign of Leo which, in its erroneous interpretations of Romans 1:19-
The crab is not the one held, but the one constellations, records the final destruction 20 and 10: 18, which I commented on in the
who holds. This being the case, then Can- of Satan. Hydra, the serpent, represents early portion of this writing. Evidently he
cer must represent Christ. Is a crab a Satan in Bullinger's theory. This is forgot that God did preserve the revelation
suitable picture of Christ? I have no less a plausible according to Scriptural sym- of His truth, to the degree He wished it
problem with this than with His being seen bolism, but Hydra is really a mythical known, through His prophets and the
as a dog, or as any other figure other than water-monster,not a serpentper set patriarchs who lived during the period

7
from Adam to Christ. That is clear from the In Romans 16:25-26, Paul tells us that gift from God to all who will receive it and
written Word. What is not in the Word is the Gospel was a "mystery, which was kept act upon it. When faith is tested, those who
any record of God assigning to the Zodiac secret since the world began, But now is need proof seldom stand.
symbols of His plan of Redemption. made manifest, and by the scriptures of the God's !ruth cannot be validated except by
Though Bullinger's theory is brilliantly prophets, according to the commandment the faith He gives through the Holy Spirit.
stated, pointing out the Scripture's references of the everlasting God, made known to all Certain empirical facts learned through ar-
to certain of the stars and constellations by nations for the obedience of the faith." In chaeology, geography, and history may
their asttological names, the basis for his other words, the only revelation of the prove certain points which validate what we
argument is found wanting. Wrote Bullinger. complete Gospel is Scripture. already know by faith. (And, in fact, science
After the Revelation came to be writ- But if the "Gospel in the Zodiac" theory has provided ample empirical evidence for
ten down in the Scriptures, there was not is true, then either early man already had the !ruth and reliability of God's Word.) Yet
the same need for the preservation of the the complete revelation, or that revelation even conclusive evidence of the !ruth often
Heavenly Volume. And after the nations must have been only for the benefit of the fails to conven the skeptics. That being the
had lost the original meaning of the pic- spiritual powers. In that case, certainly case, can we expect unsupported theories like
tures, they invented a meaning out of the Satan would have known of the mystery of the "Gospel in the Zodiac" to convince them?
vain imagination of the thoughts of their Redemption and would have taken steps to Whatever one may choose to believe,
hearts.19 the fact remains that the only revelation
prevent the crucifixion. Yet Scripture tells
To read Bullinger and his contemporary us that had Satan's servants, "the princes upon which we may reliably base our belief
counterparts who have capitalized on this of this world," known that plan they would is the Bible. The pyramids are crumbling;
theory, one would think that the complete not have crucified the Lord of Glory (I the stars are ever changing their positions.
testament of Christ, including His death Corinthians 2:8). But God's Word has stood the test of time.
and Second Coming, was clearly porlrayed Another malter which is important to We should not, therefore, look to the
in the Zodiac. Were this true, it seems there consider is the progression of the Zodiac.
Zodiac for truth, Jest we be deceived into
would certainly be some record of the Irue thinking it holds some special revelation
The popular beginning today is with Aries
interpretation up to the time of the Gospels. (The Ram). But Bullinger felt that his for our personal lives. The temptation to
But even the Old Testament saints did not revelation proved that the beginning must
identify with some "sign" may well lead
have a clear picture of God's plan of be in Virgo (the Virgin). He points to the
some onto the path to destruction.1I1
Redemption. Only after Christ had risen Sphinx, having the head of a woman and NOTES
from the dead and ascended on high was the body of a lion, as representing the LE.W. Bullinger, The Wi/nesso/the Stars (Grand
the full revelation given by the Holy Spirit completion from the beginning to the en- Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1967), p. iv.
to the writers of the New Testament books. 2. Ibid., p. 1.
ding of the Zodiac.'" Yet if Bullinger was
3. Ibid.,
The fact is that the pagan interpretations correct, and God established Virgo as the 4. Ibid., p. 17.
of the Zodiac are the only ones of which beginning of His revelation in the Zodiac, 5. Rex Humbard, Trinity Broadcasting Co.,
any legitimate records exist, and they the question remains why His new year, as Praisathon, circa January, 1986.
predate the Gospels by at least two given in Exodus 12:2, always begins not 6. EncyclopaediIJ
..
Britannica, 9th ed., s.v.
thousand years. "Berenice.
when Virgo is in prominence, but when 7. Manley Palmer Hall, TM SUTet Teachings of
These are the most significant points in Aries is in prominence. The Jewish New All Ages: An Encyclopaedic Philosophy; Being
the whole matter. If the stars proclaim the Year still begins with the month Abib, an/nlerpretation of the Secret Teachings con.
entire Gospel as clearly 3S this theory which corresponds to the Julian calendar's cealed within the Rituals, Allegories and
Mysteries of all Ages, 13th ed. reduced fac-
makes them seem to do, why didn't the Old March-April timing, two weeks before
simile (Los Angeles: The Theosophical Re-
Testament prophets understand fully the Passover. ii:earch Society, Inc., 1962), p. CLXXXII.
plan of Redemption? Again, the arbitrariness of the "Gospel 8. Ibid.
Until it was clearly proclaimed by the in the Zodiac" theory is evident. 9. The Wi/nessofthe Stars, p. 51.
to. Ibid.
Apostles after Christ's Resurrection, the
11. Thomas Bulfinch, Bul[im:h's Age of Fable or
mystery of God's redemptive plan was just CONCLUSION
BeautiesofMyth%gy (New York: David
thac a mystery. Even the learned scholars of In their attempts to validate the Gospel, McKoy, 1898),p. 178.
Israel, both righteous and unrighteous, did some people chase after any fantasy that 12. The Witness of the Slars, p. 89.
will bolster their faith. Unable to believe 13,Ibid., p. 94.
not understand what they were witnessing in
without seeing, they Iry to see something 14. Ibid., p. 96.
the unfolding of God's plan for the earth.
15. Ibid., p. 104.
Thus, conlrary to Bullinger's claim, that doesn't exist. But the Gospel doesn't 16.Ibid., p. ISO.
God did leave the world without a com- need to be validated by any means other 17.Ibid., p. 17.
plete witness until the fullness of time had than the results we see in our own lives 18.Ibid.,p.1.
come. Not that His people were not given through the working of the Holy Spirit. I 9.Ibid.. p. 22.
When anyone tries to substitute sight for 20.Ibid., p. 20.
a partial understanding of His plan of Pictures of the astrological signs were
Redemption. But that understanding was faith they end up confusing the issue and
reproduced from the woodcuts of Albrecht
somewhat clouded by the lack of revela- building their house on sand. D""'0471-1528),
tions yet to come. God doesn't reveal His While Christians chase after every spec-
plans to just anyone, but only to His chosen tacular theory and promise of secret
saints, and then through them to the world:
The secret things belong unto the
Lordour God: bUllhosethings which are
knowledge to prove to themselves that the
Gospel is !rue, they are wasting precious time
that could be better spent in service to God
dk Media
A BIBLICAL ANAL YSI$ OF REUGCUS
Spotlight
&. SECUlAR MEDIA

revealed belong unto us and to our hased upon genuine faith. And !rue faith- Copyrlght@1987, 1992 Media Spotlight
children/or ever, that we may do all the from which springs all acceptable service to P.O. Box290. Redmond. Wa 98073-0290
God-<loes not need proof. Rather, faith is a Additional copies available on request.
words of this low (Deuteronomy 29:29)

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