Who has never taken a quick glance at the horoscope section in the newspaper? “It’s just for fun, I don’t really believe it!” defend those caught in the act of astral curiosity. And yet, 50% of the French claim to believe in their zodiac sign (according to a Sofres survey). Audrey, a sociology student, admits to being one of them: “I listen to my horoscope on the radio every morning. But I don’t take it literally, and I don’t think about it two hours later.” Not everyone takes astrology so lightly. It’s publicly known that French Presidents have taken to consulting the greatest astrologers to illuminate their careers. They are not the only ones: many people in power rely on the stars. “Very high-ranking people…”, confides Jossia, an astrologer in Aix-en-Provence. These “people” remain unnamed; consultations are ultra-confidential.
Many business leaders turn to astrologers for their professional choices. This is called astro-consulting. “I help my clients with the organization of their business. I advise them on choosing a partner. I achieve very good results; clients are delighted and contact me again. Some are very loyal, and I have been advising them for 16 years,” explains Jossia. Such effective results that some CEOs can’t do without it. “I know a client in real estate who consults me for just about anything,” says astrologer François Villée, founder of the Academy of Astrology in Nice. He had the astrological charts of all his associates and employees done.
The skills of astrologers don’t stop there. Some offer assistance in employee recruitment. “According to the study of a person’s astrological chart, I highlight their psychological tendencies, adaptability, and professional skills,” reads Jossia’s website. She insists that she’s simply giving her opinion: “I am not the business leader. They ask me what I think about a person, and I do it. But it is in no way up to me to decide.” How can we know what influence this opinion can have on an employer? “I wasn’t aware of this kind of recruitment method,” says Sophie, who is job hunting. There are already numerous hiring discriminations: racial, gender, physical… If, in addition, there’s astrological discrimination now, we’ll never get out of it!”
Companies aren’t the only ones keenly interested in astrology. A scientist has delved into the question. Professor Henri Broch, head of the laboratory for the study of paranormal phenomena at the University of Sofia Antipolis, claims that the zodiac is misaligned. Indeed, there are currently 12 zodiac signs, while the sun passes through 13 constellations in a year! Astrologers have seemingly forgotten to include one sign: Ophiuchus. This means that someone born in August is likely not a Leo. Jossia explains, “there will always be astrology detractors.” When this detractor is called “Science,” it’s problematic. Particularly for some bosses who might be disappointed: hiring a Taurus who turns out to be a Virgo could leave them feeling deceived.
There are even more worrying cases. François Villée recounts: “a juvenile court judge used my services to find the escape route in delinquents’ astrological charts. The escape route is an individual’s function. Everyone has one. I would then indicate in which domain the delinquent would thrive.” When astrology so intertwines with our lives, it’s no longer “just” for fun.
