Division VI. Consumer Protection

Chapter 17.44
ASTROLOGY AND THE OCCULT

Sections:

17.44.010    Prohibited arts designated – Acceptance of fee declared misdemeanor.

17.44.020    Forbidden actions designated – Acceptance of fee declared misdemeanor.

17.44.030    Advertising to perform prohibited services declared misdemeanor.

17.44.040    Provisions not to interfere with practices of organized religious groups.

17.44.010 Prohibited arts designated – Acceptance of fee declared misdemeanor.

Every person who carries on, practices or professes to practice the business or art of astrology, phrenology, life reading, fortunetelling, cartomancy, clairvoyance, clairaudience, crystal gazing, hypnotism, mediumship, mesmerism, oriental mysteries, palmistry, spirit photography, spirit writing, spirit voices, spirit materialization, etherealization, numerology, physiognomy, psychometry, seership, prophecy, augury, divination, magic, or necromancy, or other similar art or business, and demands or receives, directly or indirectly, a fee or reward, or who accepts any donation for the exercise or exhibition of his art therein, or who gives an exhibition thereof at any place where an admission fee, donation, or reward is charged or received, directly or indirectly, or who teaches or gives instruction in any such art or business and demands or receives, directly or indirectly, a fee or reward, or who accepts any donation for such teaching or instruction, is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Prior code § 4270).

17.44.020 Forbidden actions designated – Acceptance of fee declared misdemeanor.

Every person who, by means of occult or psychic powers, faculties or forces, spirits, cards, talismans, charms, potions, magnetism, magnetized articles or substances, oriental mysteries, or any craft or art described in BGMC 17.44.010, or similar art or craft, purports to or does find or restore lost or stolen property; locate oil wells, gold, silver, or other ore, metal, or natural product; restore lost love, friendship, or affection; unite or procure lovers, husbands, wives, lost relatives, or friends; or who by such means gives any counseling or advice whatsoever, and demands or receives, directly or indirectly, a fee or reward, or who accepts any donation therefor, is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Prior code § 4271).

17.44.030 Advertising to perform prohibited services declared misdemeanor.

Every person who advertises by sign, circular, or handbill, or in any newspaper, periodical, magazine, or other publication or publications, or by any other means, that he will do anything which is prohibited by this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Prior code § 4272).

17.44.040 Provisions not to interfere with practices of organized religious groups.

This chapter does not apply to, and it shall not be construed to interfere with, the belief, practices, or usage of an incorporated ecclesiastical governing body or the duly licensed teachers or ministers thereof acting in good faith and without personal fee. (Prior code § 4273).