Law and Magic Blog

Who's Ophiuchus?

The flap over the new zodiac continues. In a Sunday (Feb. 13) New York Times article, Vincent Mallozzi notes that at least one couple waited to confirm it should be together until one of them transformed (magicially) from being a Capricorn (not fated) to a Sagittarius (fated) according to the new chart. According to one of the couple, "For 15 years...every tarot reader had produced the Knight of Wands, meaning that the person I was supposed to hook up with was a Sagittarius.'” Because of that, apparently he had held off committing to this person, even though he was attracted. "“`It didn’t make too much sense," said his partner. But now, with confirmation from the new chart, "Our relationship feels a lot more fated." Hmmm.

According to astronomer Parke Kunkle, the new zodiac, like the old zodiac, is nothing really new. Or fated.

"Astronomers have known about this since about 130 B.C., Kunkle told The Associated Press Friday in his office at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College, his phone ringing constantly, as it had since the article came out. (One person had even demanded: "Give me my sign back.") This is not new news. Almost every astronomy class talks about it. New news or old, most people had never heard it before. And one of the more fascinating elements of the story was talk of a new sign altogether. By the reckoning of Kunkle and other astronomers, astrologers are not only a month off in their zodiac signs, but they are neglecting a 13th constellation, Ophiuchus (Ooh-FEE-yew-kus) the Serpent Bearer, for those born from Nov. 30 to Dec. 17."

Mr. Mallozzi quotes a lawyer-astrologer from New Jersey who says the change shouldn't worry those attached to their signs, since Western Astrologers don't use the constellations. So no one should be concerned. "Kathy Biehl, a lawyer and astrologer in Jefferson Township, N.J., said Earth’s wobbly orbit was a problem for astrologers as far back as 1,800 years ago. Some of them at the time devised a new zodiac based on the seasons and the relationship between the sun and Earth. "`The Western zodiac does not use the constellations,' she insisted. “And as a result, no one’s astrological sign has changed.'"

Still, some people are miffed about the change in their birth signs. Maybe they could sue for IIED. I can foresee the old Zodiac class action brought against, oh dear, whom? Those astronomers who didn't notify us (since 130 B.C., no less)? Just kidding. It's Monday.

The Continuing Popularity of Astrology

Speaking of astrology, Carroll Righter was an attorney who became convinced that astrology had merit and decided to pursue practicing astrology fulltime. I came across this article from Time magazine dated 1969 discussing the then burgeoning interest in the field. Little seems to have changed, at least with regard to astrology's adherents. People still read their horoscopes and buy books about the field. And don't we love our fortune cookie inserts! If I didn't get mine, I'd think my cookie was defective. And as we've already noted, the PRC government's choice of date for the Beijing Olympics was guided at least in part by astrology.

Lawyer Astrologers

Christopher Warnock, a University of Michigan Law School trained attorney, also practices astrology. According to his biography page, he has appeared on the "Critical Eye", and been written up in the Washington Times. I couldn't get access to that article, but I did find an article about him by Joel Chineson called The Zodiac Lawyer, published in Legal Times (March 25, 2002). Check out one particular page from Mr. Warnock's website here, on which he explains some of the benefits of "horary and electional techniques to advise on legal matters." Here's an excerpt.

"As an attorney with close to a decade in civil practice I am uniquely qualified as an astrologer to use traditional horary and electional techniques to advise on legal matters.

In addition, as an attorney any legal advice I give or legal question that I answer is privileged. A non-lawyer astrologer can be subpoened and ordered to testify on any matter on which they have consulted.

By choosing an astrologically appropriate time to start your case or file pleadings you can help ensure success in the vitally important area of civil litigation."