Doesn’t this fall in with the Church and State separations for some? Philly Cracks Down on Psychics for Profit . . .

They never saw it coming. City inspectors shut down more than a dozen psychics, astrologers and tarot-card readers after learning about a decades-old state law that bans fortune telling for profit. Inspectors did not make arrests or issue fines, "but they will if these people try to return to work," said Dominic E. Verdi, deputy commissioner of the city Department of Licenses and Inspections. Verdi said the law, on the books for more than 30 years, makes fortunetelling "for gain or lucre" a third-degree misdemeanor.  Police alerted his department to the law a few days ago, Verdi said. "I was surprised," he said.  He said inspectors have closed 16 shops since Tuesday and he expected them to close more.

The thing is . . . the law is on the books and so must be enforced until it is lifted.  However, some say it inteferes with constitutional protections to livelihood as well as religious protections (for those who use a spritual twist to their work).  Folks who prophecy and ask for donations within a Christian context are not being prosecuted nor are those who predict stock share prices for profit.  One man’s fortunetelling and all that.

Yes, many of these folks are scammers, but others act as friendly ears or surrogate councellers to their clients and do so in an above-board fashion.  Some of the Tarot readers do NOT "predict" the future but do general readings have also been closed down as part of this.

Strange news indeed . . . particulary when you note that some states allow Astrology but require a license granted via a State Licensing Exam.