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Sources:

-Tenny, Merrill C., ed. Pictorial Bible Dictionary. Nashville: The Southwestern Company, 1968, Page 501.

-Religion for Breakfast: The 3 Wise Men: Ancient Magicians?

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<<< Instead of the religious leaders bringing valuable gifts in reverence to the holy Child, a group of foreign heathens, demonic practitioners of astrology and magic, sought Him out. >>>

That seems a little misguided. It is far more likely to have been educated men from Persia who were students of Daniel, whose influence on two kingdoms (Babylon and Medo-Persia) were significant and covered almost 100 years. Many Jews remained behind even after the decree of Cyrus. These also could all have been Jewish scholars, who living outside of Israel, still read the Word and noted the signs.

They would have studied the stars, but not the corrupted pagan version that exists, but the original meaning given by God.

Psalm 19:1-6 (AMP)
1 THE HEAVENS declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork.
2 Day after day pours forth speech, and night after night shows forth knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor spoken word [from the stars]; their voice is not heard.
4 Yet their voice [in evidence] goes out through all the earth, their sayings to the end of the world. Of the heavens has God made a tent for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; and it rejoices as a strong man to run his course.
6 Its going forth is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the ends of it; and nothing [yes, no one] is hidden from the heat of it.

They would have recognized the new star, and made the connection to the prophecies, including this one.

Numbers 24:17 (AMP)
17 I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but He is not near. A star (Star) shall come forth out of Jacob, and a scepter (Scepter) shall rise out of Israel and shall crush all the corners of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth [Moab’s sons of tumult].

There likely were many more than 3, as even three and their servants would not have disturbed Herod and “all of Jerusalem.” This was a very large entourage, the nobility from the East. And though only three gifts were offered, it was more than enough to cover the cost of moving the family to Egypt.

They were welcomed by Mary & Joseph at the house where they were staying, and worshiped the child. (Matthew 2:11)

Compare how John the Baptist addresses the religious leaders in chapter 3.

Hebrews 11:6 (AMP)
6 But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].

The wise men sought Jesus for the right reasons. We do them a great disservice by assuming wrong motives, or demon worship. The entire focus of Matthew is declaring the Kingdom of Heaven, and the King to the Jewish people. This includes Jews living abroad.

Understanding God’s original purpose of the stars is critical to what is written above.

Witness Of The Stars - E.W. Bullinger 1893 is an outstanding work and a must have for any Bible student. Its readily available for free online.

Bullinger acknowledges - The Gospel in the Stars or Primeval Astronomy by Joseph A. Seiss 1884.

Knowing God’s original plan for the stars will make this story, and many more passages in God’s Word, come alive.