The Zodiac

Who knows what prompted that first student to step over the bronze zodiac relief of the floor of the Gold Star Hall in the Memorial Union? But for more than 70 years, subsequent students have done likewise, understanding that to step on the zodiac is to ensure that they will flunk their next exam. (It should be noted that staff, faculty, and alumni members also detour the enchanted circle, indicating the solemn belief that bad luck may befall more than just test-takers.) The bad luck can be dissipated by throwing a coin into the Fountain of the Four Seasons directly outside the door, but most students don’t want to risk it.

This site is co-sponsored by the ISU Alumni Association and the University Archives, ISU Library.