Astrologers, "the contemplators of the heavens" (Is. 47:13) for astrological purposes.
In Daniel, the word translated "astrologer" throughout the book, "ashshaph," is different, and does not imply any connection with the heavens, but rather refers to "sorcerers" or "enchanters," as we read with reference to Babylon in Is. 47:9, 12, where a multitude of spells and enchantments are spoken of.
Together with the Babylonian astrologers of v. 13 mentions stargazers, who may have been engaged in forecasting events based on the altered positions of the planets in relation to the stars.
Added to this are "those who predict [you] every month," who probably deduced their predictions from the moon. Also related to Babylon we have the term soothsayer, "gezar", "divide, determine fate or destiny" through any intended way of predicting events.
Meaning of ASTROLOGER
In Daniel, the word translated "astrologer" throughout the book, "ashshaph," is different, and does not imply any connection with the heavens, but rather refers to "sorcerers" or "enchanters," as we read with reference to Babylon in Is. 47:9, 12, where a multitude of spells and enchantments are spoken of.
