Italy: Recession Gloom sparks Astrology Boom As Italy is struggling to cope with its worst recession since the Second World War, a new study by the European Consumers Association reveals that Italians are increasingly relying on astrologers and fortune tellers rather than bankers to get advice in financial matters. With unemployment and worry about the state of the economy on the rise, the annual budget for magical remedies is touching 6 billion euros, says the study that has been carried out in cooperation with Telefono Antiplagio, a voluntary service that collects reports from victims of con artists. It’s roaring business for the estimated 20,000 wizards in the country, who make their living out of the widespread superstition and gullibility of their fellow citizens. According to the study, each day more than 30,000 Italians – 53 per cent of them women - shed away money for occult services. The usual fees being some 50 euros, prices are going up to about 600 euros. The poor and under-developed south is the most superstitious part of the country, but the wealthy northern and central regions are spending most generously on occultist financial advice. The Lombardy including Italy’s financial capital Milan tops the list with 90 million euro per year, closely followed by Lazio, the region around Rome. |