Ivanishko noted that many fortune-tellers and sorcerers in Russia register as individual entrepreneurs, while some practice without official registration.
“There is a significant increase in the activity of magicians, psychics, and fortune-tellers. The surge in interest in magical services began in Russia in 2022, after the start of the special military operation. People were looking for protective charms for soldiers and even ordered rituals for the death of enemies. Some, who consider themselves believers, turned to priests asking for prayers for the death of the opponent, but were refused, as the church does not engage in such matters,” he explained.
After being refused at the church, according to the expert, these people turned to esoteric practitioners in St. Petersburg and Moscow.
“Magicians readily agreed for a small fee to cast curses and conduct death rituals. In their practice, they sometimes use symbolism related to Satanism, which is already subject to legal proceedings. The decision of the Supreme Court of Russia to recognize Satanism as an extremist movement may partially apply to esoteric practitioners. It is necessary to fight against those who use satanic attributes, but we should not punish everyone indiscriminately,” Ivanishko added.
The expert also expressed the opinion that there is a need for a law that would prohibit the advertising of occult and magical services.
He noted that this bill is being introduced in the State Duma for the eleventh time.
