President Nelson Quoted Doctrine and Covenants 121: 28-31 where it says that nothing shall be withheld..the footnotes clarify this is including bounds set to the sun, moon, and stars, set times, appointed times, days, months, and years. The Prophet Joseph Smith also talked about the Sign of the Son of Man being called a comet, planet, etc and downplayed by the world. As I've delved into scripture, I've discovered countless writings about God's signs in the sun, moon, stars, and, as Joseph Smith clarifies, even comets. This discovery piqued my interest in programs like Stellarium, which allow us to track the names and positions of minor planets—or asteroids—at any given time. With promises of new signs and wonders in the last days, it seems feasible that God could use these modern tools to display His power over every detail of the universe.
The question that has occupied my thoughts since I first encountered this possibility nine months ago, when I saw Virgo (often seen as a symbol of the church or bride of christ) depicted with a comet named "Child" in the birth place and other scripture themed named comets in that region, is whether this is a glimpse of God's hand in the universe. Scriptures teach us that ALL THINGS TESTIFY OF JESUS CHRIST, and every aspect of existence reflects the creation and glory of God. Viewing these phenomena as celestial art or symbols seems fitting. Ive always found it curious that the big dipper, sun moon and stars are displayed on the salt lake and Nauvoo temples. Each of us can discern, as with all symbols, how much of it reflects God's signs versus our own interpretations.
If the idea of God's involvement in celestial events causes hesitation, it may be due to the historical misuse of astrology, which may claim elevation above God or determination of our choices. Its prudent to remember in these explorations that signs follow and confirm truth and principles we know by the spirit to be true through scriptures, prophets and apostles, of the church of jesus christ of latter day saint. At its best, these signs reinforce our testimonies within the bounds of doctrine. At its simplest, they serve as beautiful celestial art that enriches our remembrance of scriptural stories and binds this faith closer to our everyday lives. So to be clear I do not claim perfect interpretation- but join me as we explore this idea. And prepare to be surprised by a series of 7 planetary depictions in the sky that seem to be perfectly timed to mimic the likeness of events on the Earth down to the intimate detail.