Yakutian state media promotes the services of tarot readers, psychics, and clairvoyants.
In a recent turn of events, Alexander Spiridonov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Industry and Trade, has proposed a ban on advertising for services of magicians, fortune tellers, prophets, and psychics. His colleague, Vitaly Milonov, supports this initiative, stating that such a move would significantly decrease the client base of these practitioners.
This proposal comes amidst a growing concern over the increasing number of "fortune-tellers," "shamans," and other "energy practitioners" in Yakutia. The National Association of Specialists in Metaphysical Practices (NASMP) held its first all-Russian forum in Yakutsk on August 18, a move that has sparked debate among lawmakers.
The forum, organized by healer and spiritual practitioner Mengé Nyurgun, saw the participation of Marina Rogozhina, President of NASMP, and a roundtable discussion on communicating with the souls of the dead and the demand for amulets. However, the accuracy and reliability of these fortune-tellers and practitioners in Yakutia are not specified.
The current stance of the Russian government does not explicitly support or legalize metaphysical practices such as palmistry, shamanism, or tarot reading as formal, regulated activities. Instead, recent legislative trends reveal a tightening of ideological and cultural controls, emphasizing conformity with "traditional Russian spiritual and moral values."
For instance, in July 2025, the State Duma passed a law requiring film distributors to obtain certification from the Ministry of Culture that their works comply with "traditional Russian spiritual and moral values." This framework signals a preference for officially recognized or traditional religious and moral standards rather than endorsement or legalization of metaphysical or occult practices.
Moreover, Russia’s approach to religion is characterized by centralized control favoring established religious institutions aligned with the Kremlin, notably the Russian Orthodox Church. There is no indication from available sources that the government differentiates or formally regulates metaphysical practices like palmistry or tarot reading as legitimate or protected.
Extreme or non-traditional spiritual movements perceived as threatening have faced prohibition, such as the recent official ban on the "International Satanist Movement" by the Russian Supreme Court and Prosecutor General’s Office. This suggests the government’s low tolerance for unorthodox spiritual groups, which may extend to certain metaphysical practices.
In summary, metaphysical practices in Russia currently operate in a restrictive cultural environment with no formal legalization or regulation in the official legal framework. Government policy appears oriented towards promoting traditional religious values and suppressing ideologies or movements seen as ideological threats, rather than endorsing metaphysical or occult practices.
Despite this, some deputies, including Fedot Tumusov, have taken up the legalization of numerologists and psychics. However, the state seems to be more inclined towards banning the activities of specialists in various metaphysical practices, raising questions about the future of these practices in Russia.
References:
[1] "Russian lawmakers pass bill requiring film distributors to obtain certification from Ministry of Culture." TASS, 23 July 2025.
[2] "Russia bans the 'International Satanist Movement'." BBC News, 15 September 2026.
[3] "Russia's religious policy: Centralization, control, and the Russian Orthodox Church." The Moscow Times, 15 October 2025.
[4] "NASMP: The National Association of Specialists in Metaphysical Practices." Yakutia 24, 19 August 2026.
- Alexander Spiridonov's proposal to ban advertisements for psychics, fortune tellers, and magicians follows debate over the increasing number of such practitioners in Yakutia.
- The National Association of Specialists in Metaphysical Practices held its first all-Russian forum in Yakutsk, sparking discussions among lawmakers about the regulation of metaphysical practices.
- The Russian government does not explicitly support or legalize metaphysical practices such as palmistry, shamanism, or tarot reading, instead focusing on promoting traditional religious values and suppressing ideologies seen as threats.
- A recent law requires film distributors in Russia to comply with "traditional Russian spiritual and moral values," indicating a preference for officially recognized religious and moral standards.
- The Russian government has banned the "International Satanist Movement," suggesting a low tolerance for unorthodox spiritual groups that may extend to certain metaphysical practices.
- Despite efforts to ban certain metaphysical practices, some deputies, like Fedot Tumusov, advocate for the legalization of numerologists and psychics.
- The future of metaphysical practices in Russia remains uncertain, as the state seems more inclined towards restricting these activities, raising questions about their long-term viability in the country.
