Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
-Jeremiah 10:2
Nations of the world have their own diverse cultural practices that molded their own society. Their traditions may have no significance on other people's lives but it may somehow affect the beliefs of those who encountered them. One best example, are those people who worshiped the ancient Egyptian deities. The Greeks during their reign on Egypt for centuries, adopted some of their gods and made even their own counterparts. Eventually, the Romans who greatly admired the Greek culture adopted their gods. They also made their own myths that were parallel to some Greek legends and even created their own pantheon of gods.
In general, people of ancient civilization were greatly astonished by the heavenly bodies that they even erected temples for worship. The Mayan, for example, were men of intellect. Their priests were one of the world's earliest known astronomers and astrologers. They have been studying the constellations, eclipses, equinoxes, solstices, seasons and even created their own systematic calendars that can predict future astronomical events. Their fascination and in-depth knowledge on heavenly bodies, however, led them to pagan worship of the sun. Worst from this, they even practiced human sacrifices just to pleased their gods.
Aside from worship of the heavenly bodies, God also forbids his people to go after those who practiced astrology. As it was written: "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch (Deuteronomy 18:10)." It is as abomination to the Lord to see his children consulting their fate to the stars and movement of heavenly bodies. Instead of seeking God's will and asking for his mercy, these people would rather put their trust on predictions of pure heresy. Therefore, God commanded the people of Israel, even from the days of Moses that they should not associate themselves with the neighboring pagan nations. For God knows that their peculiar practices will lure the hearts of his people away from the truth and his love.
