Religious historians also agree that the Magi (wise men) were learned in religion, diplomacy, literature, divination, esoteric wisdom, magical practices and the zodiac.ДЄs for the nature of the Star of Bethlehem, views abound, from the purely natural to the mystical. Prospective students had to be вЂњyoung men without any physical defect,вЂќ as well as вЂњhandsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the kingвЂ™s palace.вЂќ Once admitted, they were taught вЂњthe language and the literature of the BabyloniansвЂќ and received вЂњa daily amount of food and wine from the kingвЂ™s table.вЂќ After three years, вЂњthey were to enter the kingвЂ™s serviceвЂќ (Daniel chapters 1вЂ“3). The entrance exam alone would exclude many of us.

The biblical book Daniel details what their exceptional education entailed. Their counterparts in neighboring Babylonia likely were persons such as the sage Daniel who, although Jewish, rose to become a diplomat and trusted counselor to successive Babylonian kings. Religious scholars generally agree that the history of the Magi can be traced back to an elite priestly class in the royal courts of the Medes and Persians, centuries before the time of Christ, and that their religion included belief in the advent of a savior. Were the Magi astrologers, astronomers or some combination of the two? What starry indications, if any, motivated them to allocate time, money and effort to travel hundreds of miles from the East by desert caravan to Jerusalem to search for the Christ child? Were they following the stars, as many presume? Or some other natural phenomenon? Perhaps it was a supernatural sign seen only by the Magi? And what is the religious meaning of the Star made famous by the Gospel of Matthew and still the subject of speculation today? But even after two millennia of scholarly research, questions remain. After turning to Christ and becoming a Christian, I lost interest in astrology, but since becoming a minister I still get asked about the nature and meaning of the Star and the Magi who followed it. If I were still an astrologer, you can be certain I would be advising my clients to take advantage of the good vibrations. The last time these two planets shone so brightly to the naked eye was 800 years ago, in 1226. The two giants may also be seen nearing theirВ closest proximity night after night in the weeks leading up to it, and then moving away from it for many days afterward. 21, the winter solstice, has only added to the mystery. That the two planets will be at their closest and brightest on Dec. Most of the buzz has arisen from the fact that this is an exceptionally rare extra-close conjunction of the two giants, pulsing in the night sky with enough combined light to impress even the most uninterested. Astrologers are counseling clients to use to their advantage the energies of what they call вЂњthe great conjunction.вЂќ Social media outlets have millions imagining that this is the return of the Star of Bethlehem in the story of the Magi. Amateur astronomers are manning their expensive telescopes taking once-in-a-lifetime photos.

(OPINION) Stargazing into the western sky this December has captured the interest of millions, as news stories of every kind highlight the appearance of a rare conjunction appearance together of our two largest planets, Jupiter and Saturn. This piece reflects the views of the author and does not necessarily represent those of Religion Unplugged, its staff and contributors. Religion Unplugged believes in a diversity of well-reasoned and well-researched opinions.

Magi astrology peter