Wow?!? - Romanian witches could face fines for bad predictions

Lauren Strapagiel  February 8, 2011 – 1:53 pm

Romanian witches are predicting some added job pressure in their futures.

If passed, a new bill would have witches and fortune tellers fined or even imprisoned if their predictions don’t come true. They would also require permits to practice their trade and have to provide customers with receipts.

Queen Witch Bratara Buzea, who says she inherited her abilities from her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, said blame for incorrect predictions shouldn’t lie with the seers.

“They can’t condemn witches, they should condemn the cards,” she told Associated Press.

“What about when the client gives false details about themselves? We can’t be blamed for that.”

Last month Romania passed a law requiring witches, fortunetellers and astrologers to pay income tax like other self-employed professionals. Witches opposed to the tax cursed government officials by throwing poisonous mandrake into the Danube River.

However some welcomed the recognition of their centuries-old profession.

Witch Melissa Minca told The Associated Press she was “happy that we are legal,” before chanting a spell to call for a good harvest, clutching a jar of charmed river water, a sprig of mistletoe and a candle.