The Magi and Astrology in the Nativity Story
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In episode 519 of the podcast I’m joined by astrologer Reverend Lindsay Turner to discuss the story of the Magi, the birth of Jesus, and the astrology surrounding the Nativity story.
We explore the celebration of Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day, and analyze the Gospel of Matthew’s account of the astrologers from the East who followed a star to Bethlehem.
We discuss the distinction between approaching the Nativity as a historical event versus a literary narrative, and how the author of Matthew partially used the story of the Magi to legitimize Jesus as a king in the 1st century. We also look at technical astrological terms found in the Greek text, such as anatole or “at its rising,” and how this relates to Hellenistic astrology.
We also talk about the relationship between early Christianity and astrology, including the non-canonical Acts of Paul and Thecla, the liturgical seasons aligning with the Zodiac, and how modern Christians can reconcile their faith with astr…