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How does Judaism view astrology given the prohibition against idolatry? The Ramchal's framework explains that stars serve as divinely-created conduits transmitting spiritual forces to the physical world, but Jews can transcend astrological influence through their direct relationship with God. This explains both why we say 'mazal tov' and the principle 'Ein mazal l'Yisrael.'
Rabbi Zweig teaches a fascinating chapter from the Ramchal's Derech HaShem (ה׳) about the Torah (תורה)'s perspective on astrology. He begins by acknowledging that while newspaper horoscopes seem unreliable, Judaism recognizes a genuine spiritual concept of astrology that deserves serious study. The Ramchal explains that all physical phenomena are rooted in transcendent spiritual forces that descend through various levels until they manifest in our material world. The stars and planets were created specifically as mediums for this spiritual-to-physical transmission process. Through their movements, cycles, and interrelationships, influences from the spiritual realm are transmitted to their physical counterparts. This system governs not only the initial creation of all things, but also their ongoing maintenance and all events that occur in the world - including life, wealth, wisdom, and children.
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Derech HaShem - Chapter on Astrology, page 163-167
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