X-Files

xxii. 13 ghosts

The Black Zodiac appears in the film ‘Thirteen Ghosts’ and is the dark opposite of the normal Zodiac. Much like its celestial counterpart, the Black Zodiac is divided into twelve arcane signs. These signs represent twelve earthbound ghosts required to gain access to the Ocularis Infernum, which is Latin for the Eye of Hell. Once opened, the user is given the power to see everything in the past and future, heaven and hell, the blessed and the damned. To open the Ocularis Infernum, Basileus's Machine was designed. Besides the twelve standard ghosts, the Black Zodiac is also comprised of a thirteenth ghost; the Broken Heart. This spirit is the final ingredient needed in order to fully activate Basileus's Machine since they willingly sacrifice themselves out of an act of pure love instead of anguish.

THE FIRST BORN SON

Billy Michaels was a bratty little boy who loved pretending to be a cowboy. One day, a neighbor kid challenged Billy to a duel. Unfortunately, Billy’s toy gun was no match for the real steel-tipped arrow the neighbor used, which he shot through the back of Billy’s head causing his death. In comparison to the rest of the ghosts, Billy is a mild threat and doesn’t attack anyone. He simply says, “I want to play.”

THE TORSO

Jimmy “The Gambler” Gambino was a successful gambler in the early 1900s. He would spend his days at the track instead of attending school, and his nights gambling in run-down bars. Eventually, Jimmy opened a booking business, though he was unable to make his payoffs due to compulsive gambling and quickly developed a reputation for never turning down a bet. Soon after, Jimmy caught the eye of mobster and “mad man” Larry “Finger” Vatelo, who bet quite heftily against him on a boxing match. Jimmy agreed to the terms and unknowingly sealed his fate. After losing the bet, Larry and his gang cut Jimmy into pieces and wrapped his dismantled body in cellophane. His remains were then dumped into the ocean.

THE BOUND WOMAN